If you want an easy Madison date night without planning a whole production, Monroe Street is the move: browse a few local shops, take a short walk nearby to reset your brain, then land somewhere cozy for a drink you actually enjoy. The simplest version ends at Garth’s Brew Bar (1726 Monroe Street)—across from Orange Tree Imports and about a block from Trader Joe’s—where you can finish with a guided beer flight or a non-alcoholic nitro pour, no beer knowledge required, although we’re happy to share ours!
The vibe: simple, local, and conversation-friendly
Monroe Street is perfect for dates because it does half the work for you. You’re walking, noticing things, and naturally talking—without needing a reservation spreadsheet or a “big night” agenda.
This itinerary is built for:
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First dates (low pressure)
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Long-time couples (fresh routine)
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Weeknight resets (short and sweet)
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“Let’s get out of the house” Saturdays
The itinerary (choose-your-own-length)
You can run this in 60 minutes or stretch it into 3+ hours. Pick a version based on your energy.
Option A: The 60–90 minute “we just want to get out”
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Start: Monroe Street browse (20–40 min)
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Pick one shop and actually take your time.
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Reset: a short walk nearby (10–20 min)
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The goal is fresh air, not a workout.
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Finish: Garth’s Brew Bar (30–60 min)
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One pint or a small flight, then home feeling like you “did something.”
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Option B: The 2–3 hour “real date night” loop
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Browse + gift hunt (45–75 min)
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Bonus points if you each pick one small thing for the other.
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Scenic pause (20–40 min)
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Aim for a nearby park/lake loop or green space stroll.
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Beer discovery + hang (60–90 min)
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Make ordering part of the fun: build a flight together. Bonus time? Grab a board game and bond together!
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Option C: The “rainy day” version
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Shop hop (longer indoor browse)
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Skip the walk and pick up something obscure to make back at home (Trader Joe’s)
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Cozy corner at Garth’s Brew Bar. This is where the booth-y seating and warm vibe shines. Leave your Trader Joe’s bag in our fridge if you need.
The best part: ordering can be part of the date
If you’ve ever sat down at a bar and realized you don’t know what to order… good news: that’s actually a great date moment.
At Garth’s Brew Bar, the easiest move is to order by flavor, not beer style.
Date-night ordering logic (quick and foolproof)
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If you want something crisp and easy → ask for “clean and refreshing”
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If you want something juicy and bright → ask for “citrus-forward with softer bitterness”
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If you want something dark but not heavy → ask for “smooth and roasty”
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If you want something tart and fun → ask for “bright and tangy”
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If you’re not drinking alcohol → ask for nitro cold brew coffee or nitro tea on tap or one of our NA beers from the reach-in cooler!
The one-sentence script that always works
“We like ____ and we don’t like ____ — can you build us a flight?”
Our team is Certified Cicerone Beer Server–trained, so “normal language” is welcome here.
A small “Monroe Street” move that makes this date feel thoughtful
Do this and you’ll look like you planned the whole night (even if you didn’t):
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Each of you picks one small item you think the other would like while browsing Monroe Street
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You exchange them at the bar with your first pour
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Congratulations — you just created a tradition
It’s low-cost, personal, and weirdly memorable.
A Monroe Street date night in Madison doesn’t need a big plan. Do one short shop loop, take a quick walk nearby to reset your brain, then end somewhere cozy where ordering is part of the fun. At Garth’s Brew Bar on Monroe Street, you can build a beer flight by flavor—crisp, juicy, rich, or tart—or choose a non-alcoholic nitro coffee or tea and still get the full “bar night” vibe. The best dates aren’t complicated; they’re just shared attention in a better setting.
FAQs
Is Monroe Street good for date night in Madison?
Yes — it’s walkable, local, and built for low-pressure “browse + sip” nights.
What’s an easy first stop on Monroe Street?
A short browse loop near Orange Tree Imports / Trader Joe’s is a simple, natural starting point.
What’s the best drink strategy for a date?
Order by flavor (crisp, juicy, rich, tart) and let the beertender build a flight you’ll both like.
Do you offer non-alcoholic options for date night?
Yes — there are NA options, including nitro coffee and nitro tea on tap.
Is Garth’s Brew Bar good for conversation?
Yes — the space is cozy with private areas and communal tables, so you can match the vibe you want. It’s one of the few bars you can talk at a normal volume and hear each other perfectly. It’s by design.
Do we need to know beer styles to order?
No. Tell us what you like (or don’t like) and we’ll guide you.
Can we keep it short and still make it feel like a “real date”?
Yes — 60–90 minutes is enough for a browse + one drink + a little walk.
Can we bring food?
We support carry-in food, and we also have simple food/snack options on-site.
Low-pressure next step
Next time you’re on Monroe Street, don’t overplan it. Just walk, browse, and then come in and say:
“We want a date-night flight: start crisp, end with something fun.”
We’ll take it from there.