Surprisingly the Concourse bar is less expensive than many of the other bars up by the square. Happy hour is 2-6 weekdays. All tap beers are $3, that includes Guinness, Lake Louie Scotch Ale, etc...
CIRC is still a good choice for lunch, but you’ll have better options nearby for dinner. - Read more at: http://www.eatdrinkmadison.com/blog/?p=2799#sthash.SWm0kJwR.dpuf
Catch the route 6 bus into downtown - it's $12+ cheaper than the cab, takes only a bit longer, the drivers are nice/helpful, it comes back, runs late (after 10pm), starts early