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Bustling with columns of coeds attired in so much North Face regalia it would put an Everest expedition to shame, Madison's State Street is the University of Wisconsin's social hub. This promenade from campus to the Capital building is home to an array of head shops, restaurants, book stores and, of course, bars. State Street Brats, a generations-old fixture, has served up sausages and suds to UW students for more than 50 years. With its prominent corner location and distinctive Germanic exterior, Brats is a college sports bar with an old-time flare: perfect for a student body big on history and bigger on Badger sports.
The Scene
Brats' roomy, two-floor interior certainly falls short of accommodating the nearly 29,000 undergraduates at UW, but during Badger games, crowds swell to find seats within eyeshot of the action. Upstairs, two 10-foot televisions equipped with stadium seating offer the perfect altar for Madison's holiest of masses. "On game day, you need to be here early, or you'll be standing around like a schmuck," says junior economics major Ally. As its slogan ("The Brat Fulfills All") suggests, State Street Brats is not the place for the heart-healthy. Brats of all types, colors and casings are available, along with Wisconsin staples like chili and fried cheese curds. But fret not, vegetarians; a meal could be made of the condiments at the brat bar alone.
Girls at the Bar
"There are two types of girls at Madison," says education senior Erica. "Coasters [those ladies hailing from our nation's two coasts] and Midwest girls. Brats is where the Midwest girls come." And come they do. Donning their favorite Badger flare, these comely country girls make us realize that as good as Alando Tucker looks in a Badger jersey, a foxy farmer's daughter looks a whole lot better with #42 across her chest. "You can't beat a girl in red," muses education junior Alex. No arguments here.
When to Go
"Brats is always busy," says Carly, an English sophomore, "but during Badger games, it's out of this world." Undergrads turn Brats' spacious layout into a frenzied sea of scarlet when their squad is in action.
Dress Code
At Brats, red is definitely the new black. But if it's not game day, standard sports-bar apparel will do. Leave the striped shirts at home, gents.
At the Bar
Wisconsin is known for one drink and one drink only: that sublime elixir of barley, hops and yeast known to the layman as "beer." Equipped with an impressive array of local draft selections, Brats offers a draft for all seasons, commingling traditional Wisconsin favorites like Leinenkugel's and Pabst Blue Ribbon with more singular brews like New Glarus Spotted Cow Ale and Stevens Point Special Lager. Seasonal selections, like Capital's Fest and Oktoberfest, round out the options. "We're beer drinkers here," advises history junior Tanya. "Get used to it."
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Hours: Open Daily, 11 a.m. to late
Where It's At:
603 State Street, Madison, Wisconsin
Phone:
608-255-5544 
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