Not drinking tonight? You can still have a great “bar stop” on Monroe Street. Garth’s Brew Bar has non-alcoholic options on tap—including nitro cold brew coffee and nitro tea—and a welcoming vibe that works for mixed groups (some drinking, some not). We’re located at 1726 Monroe Street, across from Orange Tree Imports and about a block from Trader Joe’s, so it’s an easy stop whether you’re out for a stroll, a date, or meeting friends.
Quick takeaway
If you want non-alcoholic drinks on Monroe Street in Madison, Garth’s Brew Bar is a simple answer: nitro cold brew coffee and nitro tea on tap, plus additional NA options depending on what’s stocked that week. You’ll get the same bar experience—cozy seating, community nights, and a beertender who can guide you—without needing alcohol to make it feel like “a night out.”
The NA goal: still feels like a treat
A lot of non-alcoholic options fail because they feel like compromise.
Our approach is different: choose NA like you’d choose beer—by texture and flavor.
On tap: nitro = creamy, smooth, satisfying
We keep two non-alcoholic nitro options on tap:
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Nitro cold brew coffee
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Nitro tea
Nitro matters because it changes the mouthfeel. It makes a drink feel fuller, smoother, and more “special”—the same reason people love nitro stouts.
If you’re not drinking alcohol, you don’t need “something to hold.” You need something that still feels intentional. Nitro does that.
How to order NA like a pro (without being weird about it)
You don’t have to say “I’m sober” or explain anything. Just order the same way you would with beer: by vibe.
Try these easy scripts
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“I want something creamy and rich — what’s the move?”
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“I want something crisp and refreshing — nitro tea or something else?”
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“I want something coffee-forward but not too heavy.”
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“I want something zero-proof that still feels like a treat.”
If you’re with a group that’s drinking, you can also say:
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“I’m not drinking tonight—help me match what they’re doing so I’m not left out.”
That’s normal here.
Recommendation logic: “If you like X, try Y”
Use this to pick the right NA direction fast:
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If you like stouts / creamy beers / dessert vibes → try nitro cold brew coffee
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If you like crisp lagers / refreshing beers / bright flavors → try nitro tea
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If you like a mid-afternoon pick-me-up → go coffee
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If you like something lighter for conversation → go tea
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If you’re not sure → start with tea, then switch to coffee if you want more body
And if you want an NA option that isn’t coffee/tea, just ask what’s available in the moment—packaged inventory rotates, so what’s in stock can change. We do our best to carry stouts, sours, IPAs, and pilsners–all non-alcoholic!
“Sober-curious” doesn’t have to mean “stay home”
One of the best parts of a neighborhood bar is the feeling of being around people without needing a reason.
You can stop in for:
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A quick nitro pour after errands
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A meet-up with friends (even if you’re the DD)
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A low-key date where you want to talk more than you want to party
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Trivia / game nights without the “I guess I’m just drinking water” vibe
The point is: you still get the atmosphere. The drink just matches your night.
You don’t need alcohol to have a great stop on Monroe Street. At Garth’s Brew Bar in Madison, you can order non-alcoholic drinks that still feel like a “real bar pour,” including nitro cold brew coffee and nitro tea on tap and craft NA beer options. The experience stays the same—cozy seating, friendly service, and a space built for conversation—so mixed groups can hang out without splitting up. If you tell your beertender what flavors you want (rich and creamy, or crisp and refreshing), they’ll point you to the right NA option in seconds.
FAQs
Do you have non-alcoholic options on tap?
Yes — we have nitro cold brew coffee and nitro tea on tap.
Is this a good spot if I’m the designated driver?
Yes. You can still enjoy a “bar stop” without feeling like you’re missing the experience.
What should I order if I like dark beer or creamy drinks?
Start with nitro cold brew coffee (rich, smooth, and satisfying). Or grab a NA porter from our reach-in beer cooler.
What should I order if I like crisp, refreshing drinks?
Start with nitro tea (lighter, bright, and refreshing). Or grab a NA pilsner from our reach-in beer cooler.
Do you have NA options besides coffee and tea?
Packaged inventory rotates. Ask what’s available when you’re in.
Can mixed groups (some drinking, some not) still have fun here?
Yes — that’s one of the easiest use cases for the space.
Is it still worth coming if I’m not drinking?
Absolutely. The vibe, seating, and events are built for hanging out—not just drinking.
What’s the easiest way to order NA without overexplaining?
Say: “I’m not drinking tonight—what NA option would you recommend if I want something (crisp / creamy / refreshing / rich)?”
Low-pressure next step
Next time you’re in, try this:
“I’m not drinking tonight—can you point me to the NA option that feels most like a treat?”
No speech required. Just a good pour.