Guidebook for Madison
Food Scene
Great classic diner. They serve large food, so be prepared. If you aren't super hungry, I recommend the breakfast sandwich, made any way you like. Open at 6, closed at 2:30. Closed Mondays.
23 locals recommend
Mickies Dairy Bar
1511 Monroe StGreat classic diner. They serve large food, so be prepared. If you aren't super hungry, I recommend the breakfast sandwich, made any way you like. Open at 6, closed at 2:30. Closed Mondays.
Good pastries, good coffee. And they have wine and beer to drink there or take with. Great if you're looking for cold beer as they've got a great microbrew selection.
10 locals recommend
Barriques - Monroe St.
1825 Monroe StGood pastries, good coffee. And they have wine and beer to drink there or take with. Great if you're looking for cold beer as they've got a great microbrew selection.
Great bar/restaurant. Not cheap, but not terribly expensive. Huge import selection on tap, though they have domestics too if you want something cheaper (which I usually get).
31 locals recommend
Brasserie V
1923 Monroe StGreat bar/restaurant. Not cheap, but not terribly expensive. Huge import selection on tap, though they have domestics too if you want something cheaper (which I usually get).
Essentials
*Super* close, can barely get any closer. Prices aren't too bad and they have almost anything you need. They have a huge frozen pre-made selection. Open at 8AM, close at 9PM every day.
45 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
1810 Monroe St*Super* close, can barely get any closer. Prices aren't too bad and they have almost anything you need. They have a huge frozen pre-made selection. Open at 8AM, close at 9PM every day.
A bit further, but if you're looking for the independent Co-op feel in a grocery store, this is your place. Also happens to sell the best bratwurst I've ever had. Of course not cooked though...
13 locals recommend
Regent Market Co-Op
2136 Regent StA bit further, but if you're looking for the independent Co-op feel in a grocery store, this is your place. Also happens to sell the best bratwurst I've ever had. Of course not cooked though...
Drinks & Nightlife
This place is a hike, but I included it because it has the best microbrew tap selection in Madison. Really, one of the best bars in Madison if you ask me. A hike, but worth it.
13 locals recommend
Mason Lounge
416 S Park StThis place is a hike, but I included it because it has the best microbrew tap selection in Madison. Really, one of the best bars in Madison if you ask me. A hike, but worth it.
Everything Else
Donuts. Great Donuts. If you're into that kind of thing. I sometimes grab an Old Fashioned for a mid-afternoon snack.
13 locals recommend
Greenbush Bakery
1402 Regent StDonuts. Great Donuts. If you're into that kind of thing. I sometimes grab an Old Fashioned for a mid-afternoon snack.