Smallish place in a quiet neighboorhood. Street parking. 90% of their beers are in the fridge. Lots of local stuff here, sixers and bombers. Prices are decent and the service was good. Picked up some New glarus.

The getting a parking spot is a pain but otherwise they have a crowded but OK selection.

These guys are awesome. Some reall hop heads and beer lovers. You’re definitely among your own at Star. Great selection and a very knowledgable staff. Another piece of my Madison holy trinity of beer.

Small liquor store that was impossible to get in and out of due to traffic. Both employees seemed knowledgeable about their beer, however due to a limited selection of singles I only came out with one bottle. Pretty much a trimmed down version of what you might find at Woodman’s or Riley’s.

Star is one of my favorite places to stop when I’m in Madison. This is particularly due to the store’s manager, Erin, who searches for beer for me and is willing to hold beers until I can come to town. This is the kind of service that keeps me coming back again and again. The selection is a little smaller than other stores in town and the pricing is even a little above what some others charge but when a store has a policy of going the extra mile for you, you tend give them as much business as you can. Wanna see what I’m talking about, call for yourself, when you’re planning on coming to town.

Ok store, but small selection. They do have some singles though, which is a plus. Calling them on the phone is also always a plus. The beer guy who always seems to answer is friendly and knowledgeable.

One of the things I love about Madison is all of the tiny little corner grocery stores and liquor stores with cool little selections -- each a little different from the other. At Star I found Festina Lente, Lake Louie stuff, a couple of interesting Belgians I hadn’t had. Just down the street from the Wily St. Co-op, which doesn’t seel alcohol but is worth a stop for food. UPDATE early July 2004; I suspect this place changed ownership or management since last I visited; selection has dropped way off, with only a handful of singles and nothing you can’t get elsewhere. Not worth a visit anymore as it is, sadly.

Not the largest selection in town (lack of Belgians), but some rarities and a tendency to carry some hard to find examples. Usually has the full Bell’s line in stock (only place I could find Third Coast Old Ale in stock). They have a few staff members who are very knowledgeable and excited to talk beer. Adam, their beer manager, is very knowledgable and has sophistocated taste in beer.