As reported by the Isthmus, the city’s Alcohol Density Plan (ALDO) will be renewed for two more years. In essence, it does not allow any new bars in the downtown area (restaurants are okay).

I’m not in favor of this plan because it stifles competition (and thus, business). In fact, I agree with Mary Carbine, executive director of the downtown Business Improvement District, who notes that ALDO prevents entertainment venues from opening.

Binge drinking is a societal challenge that won’t be curbed simply by reducing the number of bars, as ALDO attempts to do. For example, people will still have access to liquor stores, house parties, tailgates, sporting events, etc.

I live downtown and think we could actually use more bars. One reason is because drink prices are so inflated in this city with all the students, and more competition may help drive those down. Plus, I haven’t seen rampant drunkeness week after week, as supporters of reducing the density seemingly want you to believe. 

What do you think? Are the number of bars downtown just right, too few or too many? Will ALDO reduce binge drinking?

Monday was a seemingly big day for restaurant news, as I received press releases about the opening of the Tipsy Cow and the moving of Buffalo Wild Wings downtown.

Regarding the former, it’s going to be another craft beer bar. This will make the second time the owners have copied what’s already on the Capitol Square, as they opened King & Mane after Coopers Tavern opened (both are gastropubs), and now they are copying Coopers again in the beer aspect. Still, I have high hopes.

I’ve had a lot of fond memories of the BW3s on State Street, especially from drinking the Buffalo Zoos (imagine a Wando’s Fish Bowl in a 22-oz glass). They are having some specials until they close later this month, then they’re reopening at University Square.

Announcing the Tipsy Cow

Madison, WI – Adding to downtown’s diverse restaurant and bar scene, Patrick O’Halloran and Michael Banas (co-owners of Lombardino’s Restaurant), along with Sue Kirton, are proud to present their newest venture, the Tipsy Cow, opening May 23, 2011 at 102 King Street.

The Tipsy Cow is a craft beer bar at heart while also following in the Wisconsin corner tavern tradition. With house beers from Left Hand and New Glarus having a permanent spot, the tap and bottle selection at the Tipsy Cow will be ever-changing, as they will be Madison’s go-to bar for some of the best and most interesting micro-brews from around the country.

To accompany these fine brews, chefs Patrick O’Halloran and Robert Kulow have crafted a menu that will please foodies and beer enthusiasts alike. Using high-quality, simple ingredients, the menu is a straight-forward approach to tavern dining. Here, traditional fare such as burgers and fries are given new life with simple touches. Menu highlights include white truffle fries, Spotted Cow-battered onion rings and the spicy slaw dog. These innovative dishes are enhanced by local ingredients including Usinger’s sausages from Milwaukee, Nueske’s bacon from Wittenberg and Whitetail Country Meats ham from Hayward.

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FIRST BUFFALO WILD WINGS® IN WISCONSIN – STATE STREET IN MADISON – CELEBRATING MAY 21 CLOSING WITH PARTIES, RETRO PRICES

New, Bigger Location Opening Late Summer on University Ave.

MADISON, Wis. (May 6, 2011) – On Dec. 3, 1993, the nation’s tenth and Wisconsin’s first Buffalo Wild Wings® opened its doors at 529 State Street. The Madison fixture will be closing its doors for good on May 21 to make way for a bigger, better location steps away at 789 University Ave.

The popular Madison hangout, which opened just in time for the Badgers to beat Michigan State in the legendary Tokyo game, is saying thanks for 17 great years with big parties and 1993 retro prices. On Tuesdays May 10 and May 17, wings will be just 25 cents, and during its last week, drink specials all day long will rolled back to prices featured during happy hour in 1993.

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