Great Dane has multiple locations in the Madison area, including downtown in the historic former Fess Hotel, on the west side near Hilldale Mall, on the east side anchoring a newer commercial development, and in Fitchburg, just to the south.
Accompanying a fine selection of a dozen or so ales and lagers, the Great Dane also serves great food. My favorite is the Big Ten Burrito, available as a vegetarian option or with chicken. Service is fast and efficient; my food always arrives in a matter of just a few minutes.
As a beer geek, I enjoy some of the subtleties of flavors produced by conditioning and glassware when tasting. There is always something on the beer engine, in a cask, or nitrogen infused. Try one next to a CO2-conditioned brew and enjoy the differences.
All locations have plenty of diversions, including pool, darts, music and myriad TV’s. Wisconsin Badger sporting events are quite the draw as tickets can be scarce. Happy hour features discounts on beer and free popcorn.
Downtown, enjoy the beer garden’s cool shade, breezes and vegetation. The balcony is a fun place to floric in Fitchburg. The back room at Hilldale faces the brewery and is spacious, yet comfy.
A staple in town, Great Dane brews a custom beer for the local minor league baseball team, the Madison Mallards. The finer taprooms throughout Madison also serve a Great Dane brew or two.
Beers
Mallards Ale
Extra Pale Ale
Texas Speed Bump IPA
Old Glory APA
Wooden Ships ESB
Stone of Scone Scotch Ale
Schwartzbier
Black Watch Scotch Ale
Devils Lake Red Lager
O’Juniors Nitro Irish Ale
Sweet Stout
Emerald Isle Stout
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For more about a Madison-area brewery daytrip….