If you’ve lived in Madison for more than five minutes, you probably have a "Dane story." Maybe it was a first date in the courtyard downtown or a rowdy night at the pool tables in Fitchburg. But for a long time, the Great Dane Hilldale WI was the anchor of the near west side. It was that reliable, sprawling spot where you could get a solid burger, a pint of Crop Circle Wheat, and actually find a seat on a Tuesday night.
Then things changed.
The announcement hit in late 2025 like a ton of bricks for the regulars: the Hilldale location was closing its doors in November. It felt weird. Hilldale is booming, right? With the high-end Apple Store just a stone's throw away and the constant buzz of shoppers, it seemed like the last place a Madison institution would vanish from. But the reality of the "restaurant landscape"—which is basically code for "everything got way more expensive and people’s habits shifted"—caught up with the pub.
The Weird Truth About Why Great Dane Hilldale WI Mattered
Most people saw the Great Dane as just another chain-style brewpub. That's a mistake. While it had that polished, reliable feel, the Hilldale spot had a specific vibe that the other locations couldn't quite replicate.
💡 You might also like: Max and Mara Shoes: Why This Brand Is Taking Over Your Social Feed
It was the "suburban-lite" version of the downtown original. You got the same Peck’s Pilsner and the same legendary cheese curds, but without the nightmare of searching for parking on the Square during a Badger game. It was accessible. It was easy.
Honestly, the space itself was massive. We’re talking over 4,000 square feet just for the billiards lounge. It was one of the few places in that part of town where you didn't feel like you were sitting on top of the person at the next table. And the patios? Absolute gold. The Hilldale location actually featured Madison’s only outdoor pool table for a long time. There was something kind of surreal about sinking the eight-ball while the sun set over a parking lot full of Teslas and minivans.
Why the Closing Wasn't Actually a Surprise
If you look at the news archives from September 15, 2025, the company was pretty transparent. Citing "falling revenues" and a shift in how people shop and eat at Hilldale, they decided to pull the plug.
The mall has become increasingly "boutique." It’s fancy now. The Great Dane, with its hearty Scotch Ale and heavy wood interiors, started to feel like a relic of an older Madison. It was a 2006 solution in a 2026 world. Revenue at that specific pub just wasn't keeping pace with the skyrocketing costs of operating in such a high-traffic retail district.
But don't get it twisted—the company isn't going anywhere. They’re still killing it downtown, in Fitchburg, and on the East Side. They even opened a brewery in Japan, which is just wild to think about. It seems they’ve traded the Hilldale mall for international expansion and a tighter focus on their most profitable local roots.
What Actually Made the Menu "Great" (and What Didn't)
Let’s be real about the food. You don't go to the Dane for a Michelin-star experience. You go because you want something that tastes exactly the same every time you order it.
The Chicken Pot Pie was the undisputed heavyweight champion. It’s a massive, flaky-crust beast that could easily feed two people if you aren't feeling particularly greedy. Then there was the New London Bridge Fish Fry. Using haddock battered in their own Peck’s Pilsner, it was a Friday staple for half the West Side.
- The Hits: The Pub Burger (classic, no-nonsense), Old Glory Cheese Curds (squeaky and salty), and the Westvleteren-style seasonal ales that the Hilldale brewer used to geek out over.
- The Misses: Some people on Reddit used to complain about the beer lines or the "sterile" crowd, but honestly, that’s just Madison being Madison. You’re always going to have critics when you’re the biggest name in town.
- The Surprises: The Harvest Bowl was actually a sleeper hit for vegans. In a place that feels like a temple to beef and beer, having a grain bowl with beets, quinoa, and edamame that didn't taste like cardboard was a minor miracle.
The Community Gap Left Behind
The Great Dane Hilldale WI wasn't just a place to drink; it was a community hub. Every Tuesday night, the place would fill up for "Geeks Who Drink" trivia. You’d see groups of grad students competing against middle-aged couples who had lived in the neighborhood since the 80s.
🔗 Read more: Why the New York Paupers Cemetery on Hart Island is Finally Opening Up
They did a lot for the city too. From "Adopt-a-Family" fundraisers to supporting local arts, the owners—Eliot Butler and Rob LoBreglio—actually cared about being "good neighbors." When a place like that closes, you don't just lose a kitchen; you lose a sponsor for the local kids' soccer team and a venue for the "Service Industry Night" crowd to decompress.
Life After the Dane: What to Do Now
So, the Hilldale location is gone. If you were a regular, you’re probably looking for a new "local."
If you want that specific Great Dane experience, the Fitchburg location is your best bet for a similar "neighborhood" feel with easy parking. It’s got a great upstairs dining area and that same familiar menu.
If you’re sticking to the Hilldale area and need a craft beer fix, you’re mostly looking at higher-end spots now. It’s a different vibe—more polished, less "pubby."
Actionable Steps for the "Post-Hilldale" Era
- Visit the East Side or Fitchburg: If you have gift cards or loyalty points, they are still perfectly valid at the other Madison locations. Don't let them gather dust.
- Follow the Brewers: Keep an eye on where the Hilldale brewing staff lands. Often, the talent moves to other local microbreweries in the Madison area, and you might find your favorite seasonal stout popping up under a different name.
- Explore the "New" Hilldale: The space vacated by the Dane will likely be carved up into smaller, more "modern" retail or dining spots. It won't be the same, but that’s the nature of the city.
- Support the Remaining Brewpubs: Madison’s beer scene is crowded. If you want your favorite spots to stay open, you actually have to go there—not just when your parents are in town, but on a random Tuesday.
The Great Dane Hilldale WI had a solid twenty-year run. It saw the mall transform from a sleepy outdoor center into a high-end destination. While it’s the end of an era for the Price Place address, the "Dane" remains a fundamental part of Wisconsin’s beer identity.