Roger “the terrible” Touhy began running the North side Chicago mafia during the prohibition era. He led gambling rings and other illegal activities during that time, but the large part of his business was brewing beer and distilling illegal spirits. The business was so good that he gave his brother Eddie Touhy money to expand their business outside of Chicago. Eddie traveled to Madison where he started Eddie’s Wonder Bar in 1929. Little did Eddie know that he had stumbled on something that would later become famous.

For years Eddie’s Wonder Bar served excellent food and drinks to the Madison public along with many unsavory characters that were looking to get out of Chicago for a little while until the heat was off of their backs. Oscar Hein ran The Wonder Bar for Eddie until three women, Maudie Burgin, Mamie Collier, and Ruby Farringer, purchased The Wonder Bar from Eddie. They again sold the business to Joe, who had managed the business for two years, and Marian Kassak in 1948. Joe sold the restaurant to Dick Whalen in the mid 1970’s. During the 1970’s and 1980’s you could find many of the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department members, doctors, lawyers, and politicians regularly patronizing The Wonder Bar. Throughout the years Eddie’s tradition was kept alive by selling great steaks and seafood.

The years of The Wonder Bar continued until Mr. Whalen sold the business in 1993. Under new ownership the named changed to Madison Cigar Bar, the M.O.B. Roadhouse, and The Bar Next Door. In May of 2009 the named changed again… to the original Wonder Bar that is creating the same atmosphere that people still remember from years ago. The menu has gone back to offering great steaks and seafood, along with a wonderful list of appetizers, and as always great cocktails and service.