Guidebook for Madison
Food Scene
Arrive early because Grampa's Pizzeria is a popular dinner locale featuring seasonal delicacies. After you put your name on the list, have a cocktail or two at neighboring Gib's Bar. Tuesday night offers a spectacular date night special.
19 locals recommend
Grampa's Pizzeria
1374 Williamson StArrive early because Grampa's Pizzeria is a popular dinner locale featuring seasonal delicacies. After you put your name on the list, have a cocktail or two at neighboring Gib's Bar. Tuesday night offers a spectacular date night special.
Because brunch needs to happen. And you must try their scones.
33 locals recommend
Lazy Jane's Cafe and Bakery
1358 Williamson StBecause brunch needs to happen. And you must try their scones.
Mickey's is a favorite for weekend brunch. Excellent bloody mary's. Self serve coffee and water the second you walk in the door. Large outdoor patio seating. Also a trendy nighttime bar with live music most evenings.
37 locals recommend
Mickey's Tavern
1524 Williamson StMickey's is a favorite for weekend brunch. Excellent bloody mary's. Self serve coffee and water the second you walk in the door. Large outdoor patio seating. Also a trendy nighttime bar with live music most evenings.
Go-to joint for Thai, Lao + Vietnamese cuisine. Take-out is an excellent option when the wait is too long.
55 locals recommend
Hạ Long Bay Restaurant
1353 Williamson StGo-to joint for Thai, Lao + Vietnamese cuisine. Take-out is an excellent option when the wait is too long.
High end delicacies. Meat heavy. Not suitable for vegans. The duck fat fries are phenomenal.
21 locals recommend
A Pig In A Fur Coat
940 Williamson StHigh end delicacies. Meat heavy. Not suitable for vegans. The duck fat fries are phenomenal.
Best sushi in town. Arrive early or put your name in and grab a cocktail from Merchant while you're waiting.
19 locals recommend
RED
316 W Washington AveBest sushi in town. Arrive early or put your name in and grab a cocktail from Merchant while you're waiting.
Drinks & Nightlife
Gib's
1380 Williamson StHouse turned into hip night spot. Don't skip their house-made ginger beer.
Featuring the best bartenders around. Their craft cocktail menu features seasonal offerings that will make you long to return to Madison.
28 locals recommend
Merchant Madison
121 S Pinckney StFeaturing the best bartenders around. Their craft cocktail menu features seasonal offerings that will make you long to return to Madison.
Hipster scene with local DJ's and no signage. Their three cup tofu is as divine as their ambiance.
23 locals recommend
Natt Spil
211 King StHipster scene with local DJ's and no signage. Their three cup tofu is as divine as their ambiance.
The Terrace is an excellent place to explore by day, enjoying the water scene and Babcock ice cream. By night it may be hard to find an open seat when the sunset is lighting up the sky and the tunes are vibing.
122 locals recommend
Memorial Union Terrace
800 Langdon StThe Terrace is an excellent place to explore by day, enjoying the water scene and Babcock ice cream. By night it may be hard to find an open seat when the sunset is lighting up the sky and the tunes are vibing.
Parks & Nature
B.B. Clarke Beach Park
835 Spaight StYour local swimming hole.
Beautiful grounds to wander in the summer, tropical atrium to explore in the winter.
138 locals recommend
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood AveBeautiful grounds to wander in the summer, tropical atrium to explore in the winter.
Shopping
A downhill stroll from the Capitol building, State St has always been a shopping destination in Madison.
111 locals recommend
State Street
State StreetA downhill stroll from the Capitol building, State St has always been a shopping destination in Madison.
Essentials
Parking may be a challenge, but this gem is only a few blocks from my house. Abundant selection of organic produce, bulk eats, salad and hot bar.
77 locals recommend
Willy Street Co-op—East
1221 Williamson StParking may be a challenge, but this gem is only a few blocks from my house. Abundant selection of organic produce, bulk eats, salad and hot bar.