Joey G's Restaurant and Nightclub

Joey G's is a fun find in downtown Madison. It feels a lot different than the town's vibe. A huge mural of rockers (including Jimi Hendrix and Steven Tyler) deck the wall opposite the bar in the dining room. The night we were there, a middle-aged guitar played guitar and sang -- he did some covers of classic-rock songs, some original music, all of it pleasant. The music was loud enough to give the place a cool nightlife feel, but not so loud that you couldn't have a conversation with your dining partner, and the service was fast and friendly. We ordered the fried-chicken dinner special, and it was amazing. The chicken came hot, crispy, perfectly cooked and seasoned. The grilled veggies served alongside were a healthy complement to the meal (and patrons can have as much chicken as they'd like, all for $9.99). Otherwise, the menu lists standard pub grub and some steaks and salads. Dessert options include derby pie, a favorite here along the Kentucky border, and a fried banana-cheesecake option that would have been more tempting if we hadn't filled up on chicken. It's definitely worth a visit for dinner or drinks.