Rod’s – Madison, Wisconsin Rod’s wasn’t just a bar—it was the gay bar in Madison for decades. Opened in 1979, it became a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, a place where drag shows, dance nights, and pool tables brought everyone together under one roof. Known for its friendly dive-bar vibe and “everyone knows your name” energy, Rod’s stood as both a safe haven and a celebration spot for generations of queer locals and travelers.
