City Cast Madison logo
April 16, 2026

The Neighborhood Bars That Hold Madison Together

City Cast Madison

The Neighborhood Bars That Hold Madison Together

00:00:00
View all City Cast Madison episodes

Madison has no shortage of cocktail bars and dives to satisfy your need to imbibe. But there’s something extra special about those neighborhood bars that foster a deep sense of community and connection with the people they serve. Today, host Bianca Martin talks to bartender and the (unofficial) Queen of Willy Street Colleen Hayes about the bars that keep us coming back time and time again.

🥕 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers.

PLUS, will you be our Neighbor? In case you missed it, we JUST kicked off our spring membership campaign! Join by April 24 to get an exclusive wool felt pennant and access to perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram

📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Madison morning newsletter

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 16th episode:

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
August 26

Cinematheque Fall Season, Madison Movie Roundup, and Our Recent Faves

Did you know City Cast Madison’s Rob Thomas writes about movies on his Substack newsletter? Over on Not That Rob Thomas, Rob writes about...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 25

The Sterling Hall Bombing Rocked Madison

On Aug. 24, 1970, UW-Madison’s Sterling Hall was bombed in protest of the Vietnam War. The explosion killed a physics researcher, injured...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 24

Go With the Flow: Downtown Traffic and Period Products

Do you want to help shape the future of streets downtown? District 2 Alder Will Ochowicz is hosting a public meeting Tuesday to gather in...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 23

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Portland Made Its River Cool — Presented By City Cast Madison

How often are you out in nature in Madison? It’s not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban se...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 21

Goodman Foundation Runs Dry, Fitchburg Looks for Flock Alternatives, and Will UW Freeze Tuition?

After donating $67 million to causes across Madison over the last 15 years, the Goodman Foundation is dissolving at the end of the month....

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 20

Ukraine Fest, Queer Dance Floors, and a Trip to the Public Market

Madison’s fifth annual Ukraine Fest is happening this Saturday, Aug. 22 in Olin Park. The event comes at a time when 100,000 Ukrainian re...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 19

Track F-35 Noise in Real Time

Have you been hearing F-35 jets flying overhead late into the night? For the last two weeks, the Wisconsin Air National Guard has been co...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 18

FTC Investigates Epic, Willy St. Businesses Struggle, and Madison Reddit Solves a Mystery

Are you struggling to make a dinner reservation at a restaurant this week? You’re probably experiencing the influx of people who are in M...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 17

Indigenous Art Across Madison, Wonder Bar’s Future, and Your Hot Takes

The new Teejop Community Art Project is a citywide series of temporary art installations by seven Indigenous artists honoring Madison’s I...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 14

Primary Results Explained, Ruiz Laid to Rest, and Preview of Men’s Shelter

Today, the family of Corey Ruiz will hold a funeral at the Fountain of Life Church, where Rev. Al Sharpton will deliver the eulogy. City...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art