“Everyday M&K’s Guide to Madison” is our answer to the many questions we get in our inbox on a daily basis. Our hometown of Madison is a vibrant city that boasts a unique blend of small-town charm with big-city amenities. We love Madison and often get questions about things to do and places to eat.
Madison is a city that has it all, natural beauty, cultural richness, and a vibrant social scene. If you’re here to work, study, play, or already call Madison home, you will fall in love with this gem of a city. We can’t wait for you to check out our guide and hear what you think of our favs and where we should try next! With a lot of thought and input from our team, here is Everyday M & K’s guide to Madison!
No discussion of Madison would be complete without mentioning the city’s food and drink scene. From farm-to-table restaurants to craft breweries to farmers’ markets, Madison has a reputation for being a foodie’s paradise. If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or a fancy dinner, you are sure to find something to satisfy your cravings! We have created a list of our favorites for you!
Check out our date night blog post for more suggestions!
Grab your girl friends or you main squeeze,
Here are our faves for a night out in Madison
Bar Corallini
Bar Corallini offers an array of hand crafted Italian dishes with amazing drink pairings for you to enjoy. And most importantly, a good cannoli has been found in the Midwest! Their gluten free and vegan friendly menu is delicious as well.
Camp Trippalindee
This rooftop restaurant above the Graduate Hotel has one of the best views in Madison. Overlooking State Street and Lake Mendota, you can cozy up to an outdoor fireplace with a S’more kit, cheese curds, and a cocktail. Welcome to the good life.
Everly
Everly is California-inspired with a really great aesthetic and vibe! They offer everything from salads and bowls to gluten-free fish fries on Fridays. They also have fun cocktails and outdoor space when the weather cooperates!
Harvey House
With a spot on “The Restaurant List” from The New York Times, make sure to get your reservations ahead of time! Harvey House is absolutely beautiful, the staff is great, and the food is amazing. Highly recommend the wedge salad and the twice baked potato! The drinks are some of the best in town as well!
Nattspil
A cozy eclectic date night option that’s a little off the beaten path. The Three Cup Chicken or Tofu is one of the best plates in Madison and a great price of $17!
Sardine
A hip bistro with creative French fare and a lively bar in a former warehouse with Lake Monona views.
Tornado Room
Whether you are visiting Wisconsin or are from here, Tornado Room is a must for a Supper Club destination. The ambiance is true to the Supper Club motif, the steaks are some of the best you will find, and don’t forget to complete your meal with an Old Fashioned. The question is… are you getting an Old Fashioned Sweet or Sour?
Weary Traveler Freehouse
Bad Breath Burger, West of the Andes Sandwich, plus board games in a vintage cozy setting? Yes please, the drinks, the atmosphere makes Weary a Madison staple that you will not regret.
Looking for good kid options?
Melissa & Katie have you covered!
bartaco
You know this is a favorite of Everyday M & K for their diverse menu and scrumptious margaritas! Try ordering a variety of tasty tacos and snacks to share with the table. This is also a great spot if you have any food allergies- their crispy fish taco is GF!
The Biergarten at Olbrich Park
The Biergarten has one of the best locations in Madison, they have a limited menu of pretzels, brats, and drinks. Outside food is allowed to enjoy at their picnic tables. Pack a picnic or charcuterie board to enjoy with family and friends on the banks of Lake Monona. There is ample space for kids to play, a large sandbox, and a public beach for swimming. This never disappoints as an outing with the family.
Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry
Doty’s has been in Madison since 1974, slinging some of the best cheeseburgers in the Midwest. I mean, they have been deemed the Wisconsin’s Hamburger Headquarters! Don’t forget to get a side of the English Garlic Sauce for your fries (pro hack).
Greenbush Bar
Simple parlor with Christmas lights for Sicilian-style pizza & pasta, plus wine & spirits. The Greenbush Bar is located in the basement of the historic Italian Workman’s Club building on Regent Street. Dedicated to using as many local and organic ingredients as possible, their pizza is absolutely delicious.
Ians Pizza
A Madison classic – and favorite of mine in college, Ians is a must if you’re into mac & cheese pizza! They sell pizza by the slice and have really great salads too! Always a huge hit with the kids!
Lucille
Across from the Capital, Lucille’s has amazing deep dish pizza great for the family. Don’t forget to save room for the skillet cookie for dessert! The ambiance is beautiful and makes a night out with the family feel fun and a little bit fancy. Gluten free and vegan options available!
Pizza Brutta
This is a favorite stop for our family. Great service and delicious wood-fired pizzas created from house made mozzarella and local ingredients. Order a few pizzas to share with the family. Located on Monroe Street, Pizza Brutta is a cozy family-friendly restaurant or great for take out as well.
Short Stack Eatery
Breakfast all day long? Sign me up! Short Stack is open Tuesday-Sunday serving up some of the best breakfast food Madison has to offer. They have great gluten free and vegan options too! Feeling daring? Order the blind special. Want a breakfast sandwich that screams Madison? Go for a Stella’s Hot Spicy Cheese bread bun loaded up with plenty of local vendor goodies.
No guide is complete without dessert stops!
Bloom Bake Shop
One of the best spots to grab a baked good or breakfast sandwich. Bloom has an AMAZING selection of gluten free and vegan items which are prepared in a separate kitchen. The orange donuts and GF biscuit breakfast sandwiches are our favorites!
Chocolate Shoppe
I grew up getting ice cream as the Chocolate Shoppe that used to be located in Hilldale. We now take our kids to the one on Monroe Street. My absolute favorite is the rhubarb crumble. We love the outdoor seating in the summer and the fun murals to take pictures in front of!
Ice Cream Social
A fun stop that started in the owner’s kitchen during the pandemic, this ice cream shop found its permanent home in 2022 on the westside of Madison. They have the best unique ice cream flavors and is always a treat for our family! The entire shop is gluten free (hello GF waffle cones) and they always offer one vegan option.
Greenbush Bakery
The Sour Cream Old Fashioned Donuts from Greenbush are a Madison classic. It is a Madison staple that offers a variety of donuts – tip: grab a dozen for the morning or to enjoy on your car ride home.
Monona Bait & Ice Cream
A cute little shop-inside-a-house, nestled in the community of Monona. Park your boat in the slip at Schulter Beach on Lake Monona and grab a scoop of Babcock Hall ice cream. There is a wonderful beach, park and restroom shelter all together in one location. A perfect summertime destination!
Madison’s bar selections do not disappoint! Here are M & K’s faves
The Boneyard
It’s a dog park AND a biergarten. Need we say more? Live music, trivia, dog parties, breed meetups, and special events. The Boneyard is the perfect place for you and your pup to safely socialize and make new friends. Come enjoy a beverage with your best friend!
Eno Vino
First, there is no denying the views of the Capital are some of the best from Eno Vino. Their cocktails are delightful and the menu is tapas style that you can easily enjoy as a snack or dinner.
Garth’s Brew Bar
Craft beer lovers unite! Located on Monroe street, this bar invites those looking for a connecting space with friends. They host trivia nights on Tuesday, encourage board games, or just enjoy a rousing night of chatter. Check out their events for tastings, food truck visits, and trainings. Pro tip: bring in Pizza Brutta from across the street to enjoy with your craft beer of choice.
Gib’s
Gib’s is a Cocktail Bar in Madison, Wisconsin. This gem of a bar is a craft cocktail bar built into a two-story Victorian house in the Willy Street neighborhood. They offer inventive craft cocktails, unique snacks, and craft cocktail classes!
Le Tigre
Want to try a Madison legend? Le Tigre is an all cash, hole in the strip mall bar, that was featured in The Tiger King because of it’s unique décor and vibe. It’s a Madison must for residents and a great spot to take visiting friends. Oh, and they have free popcorn!
Leopolds
Recently opened Book Bar Cafe, this hits all of my favorite things, good drinks, books, and cozy ambiance. Need a place to gather a small group? They have a basement that’s great for book club or any small gatherings!
Lola’s
We recently discovered Lola’s on the east side of Madison and instantly fell in LOVE! Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge is a “Wisconsin fancy” Midwestern spin on the HiFi bar. A HiFi love letter to the low brow, if you will. High end sound and finishes mixed with quality food and cocktails, with a no frills attitude, plenty of canned beer, and a vibe that we hope fills your soul with the warmth of home. She’s a vibe…
Muskellounge & Sporting Club
On the edge of Madison and Monona, Muskellounge is a great spot for a classic beer, local taps, and craft cocktails (rotating monthly), including a range of seasonal slushies! Sporting an up-north fishing vibe, this bar has a relaxed atmosphere with weekly live music and a full array of parlor games. Shufflepuck anyone?
Prost!
German Beer House on East Washington is a great stop for a good beer and a giant pretzel. The staff has a lot of knowledge regarding the beers on tap and are happy to talk through the very thorough beer list. A little taste of Oktoberfest right here in Madison.
Robinia Courtyard
An outdoor cocktail lounge on the Eastside with brick walls, greenery, and twinkle lights that creates a welcoming and dreamy night out! Make sure to check out their website for live music and outdoor movie events throughout the summer months.
Sun, snow, cold, and heat…there is always something to do in Madison.
Betty Lou Cruise
There are several public cruises available to sign up for or you can book a private cruise if that fits your fancy. They offer food, drinks, and sights of Madison landmarks from Lake Monona.
Boulders Climbing Gym
With 2 locations, one downtown and one on the East side of Madison, it’s a great spot for something to do especially in the winter. It’s for beginners and seasoned climbers alike. If you are bringing kids, the East side location is more suited for families!
Capital Boat Club Rentals
Boating hack for you, Capitol Boat Club provides the most affordable way to boat without the hassle of boat ownership. You will be able to explore the lakes of Madison with your with friends, colleagues, clients, or family. Check out our experience!
Chazen Museum of Art
For those who prefer the artistic side of things, the Chazen is a free art museum on the UW campus. Plan your visit to the art museum and close the afternoon at the Memorial Union just a short walk away.
Madison Children’s Museum
We have all taken our kids here as they have grown up and it’s always a favorite! From a huge slide and play area, to arts and crafts, and a rooftop area with animals, it has it all.
Dane County Farmers Market
The Dane County Farmers Market is one of the best in the country. On any Saturday morning during the summer, grab a coffee, your favorite produce bag, and peruse the vendors around the state capital. It’s the chef’s kiss experience in Madison. It does get busy though – so if you’re not into crowds, the earlier you get there, the better! Oh, and don’t miss the fried cheese sample (it’s the best!!) on the block closest to Lake Monona, near the corner of Starbucks!
Garver Feed Mill
Garver is an indoor event space that hosts several different events, fairs, and markets. They are the home to various tenants serving food, ice cream, spas, and shops. It’s a great place to bring the family to walk around, see the beautiful space, and grab a slice of Ian’s pizza.
Hilldale Mall
Need some retail therapy? Hilldale is the place to visit. There is a great selection of shopping places, such as Lululemon, Anthropology, Levi’s, and more. And their food selection is almost as good as their stores, Dumpling Haus, Amara, bartaco, are all high on the list of favorite spots to enjoy a drink and meal.
Madison Ski Show
The Mad-City Ski Team is made up of a group of dedicated volunteers that perform free water ski shows for the Madison community throughout the summer and compete in regional and national water ski show tournaments. Check out our adventure last summer that we did with our families!
Mallards
Another summer favorite of ours, are the Mallard’s baseball games. Enjoy the game or the activities at the ballpark that cater to little kids.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
If there is one place I’m most thankful for in Madison, it’s Olbrich Gardens. In the summer, their extensive grounds are beautiful to walk through, post up to read a book, or bring the kids to explore a real life idyllic Secret Garden.
In the winter, the Conservatory serves as a warm, balmy dome filled with all kinds of plants, birds and fish and creates a much needed escape. Bring a book, find a bench, and feel your body absorb the goodness. Have the kids with you? Do a scavenger hunt to find plants, birds, etc., or have them sketch some of their favorite plants they discover.
UW Badger Sporting Events
Madison is home to the Wisconsin Badgers whatever sport season it is, try to go see Bucky on game day. Check out a game at Camp Randall, which is continuously named one of the best stadiums in college football. Attend a Women’s Volleyball game hosted at the historic Field House. Or visit the Kohl Center for a great time whether it’s Basketball or Hockey. Not a sports fan? The UW Band is always a treat to see. Go Bucky and On Wisconsin!
University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
This is a great indoor activity with the kiddo. They have so much to explore such as rocks you can touch from a time when there were volcanoes in Wisconsin. After that, stand under the tusks of a mastodon while imagining yourself in the Ice Age!
UW Memorial Union
If the sun is out, that means a visit to the Union is always a welcomed activity. Don’t count the Union out during winter, they host several events to enjoy during the cold months too. It’s the heartbeat of UW Madison campus and a great place to sit back and enjoy the view. It is one of our favorite spots in the summer! It’s also dog friendly!
Madison is home to great parks!
There are so many great parks to choose from, which is your favorite? We would love to know!
Elver – Is the destination for winter because it has THE sledding hill in Madison. When the sun and warmth finally show up for summer, get your suits on go to play at splash pad and playground.
Tenney Park – Picturesque park with bridges, ponds, and channel leading to the locks to Lake Mendota. Want to experience a winter fairy tale? Grab your ice skates to glide across the frozen ponds.
UW Arboretum – Perfect for a stroll through the beautiful vegetation, family photos, or take advantage of the many trails.
Vilas – Right next to the free Henry Vilas Zoo, the park has a great jungle gym, picnic area, and a public beach for swimming.
Wingra – Offers paddle board, canoe, and paddle boat rentals right off of Monroe Street. Pack a picnic or pick up food from nearby restaurants.
We love Madison and hope you do too! We would love to hear if you try any of our favorites and any recommendations from you! Cheers!
—
