The Argus
The Menu: an
inside review on the late-night munchies that will make you come back sober.
The Atmosphere:
the beers, the board games and the people.
The Origin of the Argus: A
complete history of one of Madison’s oldest commerical buildings.
The Menu
The Origin
T
he Argus Building, home of Argus Bar Grille, is one of the oldest commercial buildings still standing in Madison. It was built between 1844 and 1847 and was the original home to a local weekly newspaper, the Wisconsin Argus.
Argus owner Rick Brahmer knows the bar business. Having bought his first bar at age 20, he knows the value of a good atmosphere. The Argus attracts a diverse crowd, including professionals and local politians for lunch and the second-shift workforce for his late night menu. Even U.S. Representative Tammy Baldwin has stopped in for a bite to eat.
“
When you walk through the door you walk into my living room. And you’re welcome here. We try to make it as a comfortable space and as enjoyable as possible... Nobody’s going to have a bad time here.
”
The Argus building has survived two instances of remodeling. The first, undertaken by the previous owner George Heilmann in 1891, included a two-year expansion that designed the building in the Romanesque Revival style. With Heilmann as owner, the Argus Building was home of a bakery, candy store, restaurant and saloon.
-Rick Brahmer, Argus Owner
Menu Highlights Appetizers
antipasto: an assortment of meats and cheeses, Greek olives, tomatoes, pepperoncini and bread (fresh veggies can be substituted for meats) 7.75
The most recent renovation was completed in the early 1990s. Authentic storefronts and interiors were restored so as to remain true to the historic building’s roots.
Salads
allen’s melee: blackened chicken breast, our Veggie Mix, bacon, avocado, dried cherries, apple, red onion, tomatoes, bleu cheese dressing 8.75
Sandwiches
mad town cheese steak: roast beef, grilled onions, peppers and mushrooms smothered with muenster 6.75 You can tuna piano: tuna salad (white albacore tuna, mayo, onions, pickles, celery), romaine, tomatoes on bread of your choice. 6.25
Wraps
ou’s on tour: hummus, cucumber, red onion, tomatoes 6.00
From the grille
jim’s cookin’ up cajun: blackened chicken breast, remoulade sauce, romaine, tomatoes. 6.75
Burgers
southwest burger: salsa, cheddar, raw onion, romaine, tomatoes. 6.00
T
The Atmosphere
he Argus prides itself on its beer selection. With 12 beers on tap (and all but one being locally brewed), the Argus represents the local beer sentiment in Madison.
“It’s actually kind of cool that Madison has quality product as far as local breweries go,” Owner Rick Brahmer said. “They’re outstanding. And that’s kind of where the trend is going now and it works for us. We prefer to do as much local as we can.” The Argus maintains an inviting feel: one area of the bar includes couches and board games for patrons to enjoy. “I like the argus because of the overall feeling,” said patron Cassie Jurenci. “Its the kind of laid-back place where you can go, hang out with friends and enjoy a good beer.”