Jennie Justo

Dec22 History Lesson

Queen of the bootleggers

Maggie Ginsberg looks back at the prohibition era in Madison 100 years later.

Maggie Ginsberg looks back at the prohibition era in Madison 100 years later.

Photo of the exterior of Smoky's Club from the side with the iconic sign on the right and the blue sky behind it

Farewell, Smoky's Club

The cast of colorful characters topped even the steaks at Smoky's, which closes on Feb. 28 after 69 years.

For some, a restaurant or bar is made truly special by its patrons and their stories. By that measure, few if any places in Madison can top Smoky’s, which closes on Feb. 28 after 69 years.