If you’re headed to Camp Randall and want a simple plan for drinks before or after, here’s the easiest move: keep it on Monroe Street. Camp Randall sits on Monroe Street, and Garth’s Brew Bar is also on Monroe Street—so you can keep the night walkable and low-stress. We’re at 1726 Monroe Street (across from Orange Tree Imports and about a block from Trader Joe’s) with a cozy vibe, staff trained to help you pick the right pour, and options for mixed groups—including non-alcoholic nitro coffee and nitro tea on tap.
Quick takeaway
For a clean Camp Randall pre/post plan: arrive early, park once, and do Monroe Street as your “before/after” base. Pre-game, order crisp and low bitterness (or a small flight). Post-game, go cozy and smooth (or celebrate with something new). At Garth’s Brew Bar you’ll find rotating craft beer taps, a big cooler of cans and bottles, and NA options on tap—plus seating that works for dates, small groups, and “we’re just here to decompress” hangs.
Why Monroe Street is the smart choice for Camp Randall days
Camp Randall is on the Monroe Street corridor, which makes Monroe Street a natural anchor for:
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pre-game meetups
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post-game decompression
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“we don’t want to fight downtown traffic” plans
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mixed groups (beer + NA + “I’m just here for the vibe”)
In other words: you can build a great night without making it complicated.
A simple pre-game plan (30–90 minutes)
The pre-game goal isn’t “go big.” It’s start the night right.
Step 1: Show up earlier than you think
Kickoff times vary. The common mistake is arriving too late and turning “pregame” into “panic.”
Step 2: Order like you want to feel good later
Pre-game favorites tend to be:
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crisp + clean
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low bitterness
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refreshing and easy
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smaller pours (a flight or half-pour approach)
One sentence that works every time:
“I’m headed to Camp Randall—what’s your best crisp, low-bitterness pour right now?”
Step 3: Keep it easy on your group
If you’re meeting up with friends, do the “group order”:
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one crisp option
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one low bitterness option
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one wildcard (optional)
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one NA option if someone isn’t drinking
You’ll move faster and everyone feels included.
A simple post-game plan (45–120 minutes)
Post-game is where a bar can actually shine—because you’re not trying to rush anywhere.
Step 1: Choose “cozy” over “chaos”
This is the time for:
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conversation
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one great pour
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“tell me what you liked/didn’t like” tasting help
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snacks or food (carry-in is totally fine here)
Step 2: Order for comfort (and celebration)
Post-game tends to work best with:
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smooth + roasty (cozy, satisfying)
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toasty + malty
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something new if you’re in a celebratory mood
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nitro coffee/tea if you’re pacing, driving, or just done with alcohol
Post-game script:
“We’re in the post-game zone—what’s your coziest pour right now?”
Parking + logistics (make this night easier)
You can usually find:
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parking on Monroe Street
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and parking behind the building off S. Spooner Street
- and neighborhood parking, just one street over from Monroe Street
If you’re coming on a big event day, the cheat code is simply: arrive earlier and expect a little walking.
Why Garth’s Brew Bar works well for Camp Randall days
Here’s what you’re getting at Garth’s Brew Bar that makes game days easier:
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Cicerone Certified Beer Server–trained staff (tell us what you like; we’ll translate)
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Cozy atmosphere with private nooks + communal tables
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Space for 80+ inside plus outdoor seating when weather cooperates
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18 taps (16 beer + 2 NA nitro coffee/tea)
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95+ cans and bottles if you want to browse or grab something to-go
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Carry-in food is welcome, plus simple on-site options
In other words: it’s built for “let’s make this easy” nights.
If you’re looking for bars near Camp Randall, keep it simple: stay on Monroe Street. Camp Randall is on Monroe Street, and Garth’s Brew Bar is on Monroe Street too—making it an easy pre-game or post-game stop without building a complicated itinerary. Pre-game, order crisp and low bitterness (or a small flight) so you feel good later. Post-game, go cozy and smooth—or choose a non-alcoholic nitro coffee or tea if you’re pacing. The best game-day plan is the one that’s calm, walkable, and easy for the whole group.
FAQs
Is Garth’s Brew Bar close to Camp Randall?
Yes — Camp Randall and Garth’s Brew Bar are both on Monroe Street, which makes it a convenient pre/post stop.
What’s the best pre-game drink order?
Crisp + clean and low bitterness is the safest move. If you want variety, do a small flight.
What’s the best post-game drink order?
Go cozy: smooth/roasty or toasty/malty. Or switch to NA nitro coffee/tea if you’re pacing.
Do you have non-alcoholic options?
Yes — nitro cold brew coffee and nitro tea are on tap, plus other NA options may be available.
Is it good for groups?
Yes — there are communal tables and more private seating areas, and the space is designed to be conversation-friendly.
Can we bring food?
Yes — carry-in food is welcome, and there are also simple food options available.
Do you have parking?
There’s usually parking on Monroe Street and behind the building off S. Spooner Street.
What should I say if I don’t know what beer I like?
Tell us one drink you like (coffee, citrus, wine, lemonade) and one thing you want to avoid (usually bitterness). We’ll guide you.
Low-pressure next step
If you want the easiest Camp Randall day order, walk in and say:
“I’m headed to (or coming from) Camp Randall—give me something crisp, low bitterness, and easy.”
We’ll take it from there.