Get a little oompah in Madtown! Located just five blocks from the Capitol, the Essen Haus caters to whatever the picky eater may desire. Their newly revamped menu (July 2004) has everything from the traditional wiener schnitzel to hamburgers to strawberry-almond salad, spaetzle, lobster and crab cakes.
Come for the food and, like lots of college kids, stay for the incredible beer selection - not to mention the cheap prices. They house over 17 German tap beers and over 200 imports, along with a full bar and a variety of wine.
They're most notoriously known for the "Boot Game". You receive a 2-liter glass shaped boot filled with beer in which you must flick the boot, drink and then pass. If you fail at any of those things, you must drink again. Prosit!
constant specials:
Tuesday-Thursday: $10 boots with a UW-Madison student ID
Tuesday-Thursday: $2.75 1/2 liters
Wednesday: $2 import bottles
Friday and Saturday until 6pm: $2.75 1/2 liters
free polka music every night
never, ever a cover - even on New Year's (even includes a free bottle of champagne, hats and party favors)
www.essen-haus.com