Most Expensive Pub in the World: The Great Dane Pub at Dane County Regional Airport

             The Great Dane Pub at the Dane County Regional Airport

Arguably, The Great Dane Pub at Madison's Dane County Regional Airport qualifies as the most expensive beer bar/pub in the world. 

In order to get into this pub, you will first need to spend about $150, which is the average (and somewhat low) cost of domestic airfare these days. And don't forget to tack on an additional $5 for a 12 ounce glass of Great Dane suds.

As you might have guessed, the Great Dane Pub is located after the security check point at the Dane County Regional Airport. Prior to September 11th, one could freely gain access to this area even without a ticket. That is no longer the case. However, the good news is that, for those about to fly, they can be peacefully sipping their brews right up to the time of flight departure. That certainly beats trying to hurriedly get through security after gulping down a beer.   

The Great Dane at Madison's airport does not brew beer on the premises, and thus its distinction as a pub only. However, one can still obtain some good regular and seasonal beers, such as the Landmark Lite, Verrickte Stadt German Pils (made with the Hallertau Mittefruh hop and pilsner malt), Crop Circle Wheat (containing over 60% wheat malt, German yeast and hops), Old Glory American Pale Ale (hopped five times with American Cascade hops), and Stone of Scone Scotch Ale. 

There are also some tasty vittles served, such as Wingra Wings by the Dozen, Nakomo Nachos, Beer Bread (baked with Landmark Lite and Emerald Isle Stout), and of course, Beer-Battered Cheese Curds (what else would you expect?). Sandwiches and burgers include the Classic Reuben, California Turkey Club, The Pub Burger (topped with your choice of cheese), and The Dane Burger (topped with a cheese and artichoke dip). There are some pizzas, salads, and soups too. The menu may not be vast, but it does sustain one through a beer or two (or three).

The Great Dane Pub is joined by the Great Dane Pub & Brewery in downtown Madison, another brewpub in Madison's Hilldale Mall, and yet another brewpub in Fitchburg. Until 2008, the presence of this many chain breweries in one city posed a problem. There is a post-Prohibition law on the Madison city books which states that breweries producing more than 4,000 barrels of beer per year can sell that beer in a maximum of two locations within the city. As a result, The Great Dane had to lobby for over a year to allow its newest Hilldale brewpub to serve its own craft beer. Several steps were taken in order to comply with the city's law, including the placement of the airport's Great Dane Pub under the ownership and operation of SSP America. The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company does hold a licensing agreement with SSP America, however.

So, the next time you are flying through Madison, be sure to check out The Great Dane Pub for a brewski or two. And, of course, for some genuine fried Wisconsin cheese curds as well.