Madison Guidebook

Jordan
Madison Guidebook

Breweries

Madison and the surrounding area have some of the best breweries in the Midwest! Check these out.
Large Waunakee brewery and restaurant.
Octopi Brewing
1131 Uniek Dr
Large Waunakee brewery and restaurant.
7 místní doporučují
Working Draft Beer Company
1129 E Wilson St
7 místní doporučují
Wisconsin's best and most famous microbrewery! You can ONLY get their brews in Wisconsin as they are illegal to export to other states.
52 místní doporučují
New Glarus Brewing Company
2400 WI-69
52 místní doporučují
Wisconsin's best and most famous microbrewery! You can ONLY get their brews in Wisconsin as they are illegal to export to other states.
Large brewery in Verona featuring live outdoor music during the summer.
17 místní doporučují
Wisconsin Brewing Company
1079 American Way
17 místní doporučují
Large brewery in Verona featuring live outdoor music during the summer.
Madison brewery infamous for their extremely hoppy beers and bonkers bottle label art.
11 místní doporučují
Karben4 Brewing
3698 Kinsman Blvd
11 místní doporučují
Madison brewery infamous for their extremely hoppy beers and bonkers bottle label art.
Brewery near Madison College that features gluten-free beers.
ALT Brew
1808 Wright St
Brewery near Madison College that features gluten-free beers.
Not a brewery per se, but they make a mean whiskey.
19 místní doporučují
Old Sugar Distillery
931 E Main St
19 místní doporučují
Not a brewery per se, but they make a mean whiskey.
Specialize in sours. If you're unfamiliar, think "fruity, similar to wine" but still hoppy, malty, and carbonated.
11 místní doporučují
Funk Factory Geuzeria
1602 Gilson St
11 místní doporučují
Specialize in sours. If you're unfamiliar, think "fruity, similar to wine" but still hoppy, malty, and carbonated.
Giant Jones Brewing Company
South Brearly Street
Delta Beer Lab
167 E Badger Rd
Middleton brewery featuring a large outdoor patio area with live music.
17 místní doporučují
Capital Brewery
7734 Terrace Ave
17 místní doporučují
Middleton brewery featuring a large outdoor patio area with live music.
Award-winning brewery with three locations throughout town. East Washington Ave is their newest and largest, Frances St attracts a diverse campus crowd, especially during summer, and their Whitney Way location is filled with incredible kitsch decor straight from the 1950s.
6 místní doporučují
Vintage Brewing Co. Capitol East
803 E Washington Ave
6 místní doporučují
Award-winning brewery with three locations throughout town. East Washington Ave is their newest and largest, Frances St attracts a diverse campus crowd, especially during summer, and their Whitney Way location is filled with incredible kitsch decor straight from the 1950s.
Featuring multiple locations throughout the city, this is the original. Ask for a table in the secret biergarten out back!
30 místní doporučují
The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company
123 E Doty St
30 místní doporučují
Featuring multiple locations throughout the city, this is the original. Ask for a table in the secret biergarten out back!
A nice brewery and restaurant in the Atwood neighborhood.
Starkweather Brewing Company
A nice brewery and restaurant in the Atwood neighborhood.

Arts, Culture, & History

Featuring concert venues, museums, and places of historical interest within the city.
My favorite Madison music venue! Attracts touring acts and local performers of all genres.
23 místní doporučují
Majestic theater
115 King St
23 místní doporučují
My favorite Madison music venue! Attracts touring acts and local performers of all genres.
Large State Street theater that attracts famous bands and comedians.
24 místní doporučují
Orpheum Theater
216 State St
24 místní doporučují
Large State Street theater that attracts famous bands and comedians.
Atwood neighborhood institution that attracts bands, standups, and film festivals.
22 místní doporučují
Barrymore Theatre
2090 Atwood Ave
22 místní doporučují
Atwood neighborhood institution that attracts bands, standups, and film festivals.
Madison's newest and largest concert venue that attracts Grammy-winning acts of all genres.
12 místní doporučují
The Sylvee
25 S Livingston St
12 místní doporučují
Madison's newest and largest concert venue that attracts Grammy-winning acts of all genres.
Small bar and alternative/indie venue.
26 místní doporučují
High Noon Saloon
701 E Washington Ave
26 místní doporučují
Small bar and alternative/indie venue.
Free art museum featuring an extensive collection of Japanese woodblock prints originally owned by internationally famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
73 místní doporučují
Muzeum umění Chazen
800 University Ave
73 místní doporučují
Free art museum featuring an extensive collection of Japanese woodblock prints originally owned by internationally famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Frank Lloyd Wright-designed convention center on Lake Monona. The terrace is open to the public on top and features incredible views of the lake.
58 místní doporučují
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
1 John Nolen Dr
58 místní doporučují
Frank Lloyd Wright-designed convention center on Lake Monona. The terrace is open to the public on top and features incredible views of the lake.
Children's museum with cool science and nature exhibits.
66 místní doporučují
Dětské muzeum v Madisonu
100 N Hamilton St
66 místní doporučují
Children's museum with cool science and nature exhibits.
Veteran's museum on Capitol Square, features exhibits about every war since Wisconsin became a state in 1848.
21 místní doporučují
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
30 W Mifflin St
21 místní doporučují
Veteran's museum on Capitol Square, features exhibits about every war since Wisconsin became a state in 1848.
A university museum featuring a nice collection of fossils.
11 místní doporučují
University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
1215 W Dayton St
11 místní doporučují
A university museum featuring a nice collection of fossils.
Non-campus affiliated art museum.
51 místní doporučují
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
227 State St
51 místní doporučují
Non-campus affiliated art museum.
A museum focusing on Wisconsin's history from the Ice Age to today.
21 místní doporučují
Wisconsin Historical Museum
30 N Carroll St
21 místní doporučují
A museum focusing on Wisconsin's history from the Ice Age to today.
It sounds wild and honestly isn't very exciting to look at, but Elvis Presley stopped a mugging using his Karate skills in the early 1970s only a few blocks from my home. There is a memorial plaque commemorating this weird little slice of Madison history.
Elvis Madison Karate Fight Memorial Plaque
3618 East Washington Avenue
It sounds wild and honestly isn't very exciting to look at, but Elvis Presley stopped a mugging using his Karate skills in the early 1970s only a few blocks from my home. There is a memorial plaque commemorating this weird little slice of Madison history.
This is the arch where Union soldiers left their training facility in Madison to march across town to the train depot at Union Corners where they were then sent to the southern battlefields of the American Civil War.
Camp Randall Memorial Arch
1455 Monroe St
This is the arch where Union soldiers left their training facility in Madison to march across town to the train depot at Union Corners where they were then sent to the southern battlefields of the American Civil War.
Grab a pitcher, enjoy live music, swim, enjoy a sunset at this beautiful lakeside student union.
122 místní doporučují
Memorial Union Terrace
800 Langdon St
122 místní doporučují
Grab a pitcher, enjoy live music, swim, enjoy a sunset at this beautiful lakeside student union.
Gorgeous venue for Broadway plays and prestigious musical acts.
83 místní doporučují
Overture Center for the Arts
201 State St
83 místní doporučují
Gorgeous venue for Broadway plays and prestigious musical acts.

Food & Drinks

Madison has the best food scene for a city it's size anywhere in the United States! These are a few of my favorite restaurants and bars.
Walking distance greasy-spoon diner. Cash only!
Fair Oaks Diner
44 S Fair Oaks Ave
Walking distance greasy-spoon diner. Cash only!
Madison's tastiest BBQ place.
Smoky Jon's #1 BBQ
2310 Packers Ave
Madison's tastiest BBQ place.
Best Mexican food in town!
19 místní doporučují
Taqueria Guadalajara
1033 S Park St
19 místní doporučují
Best Mexican food in town!
Fantastic food and drinks. Get a brandy old-fashioned with a side of cheese curds!
86 místní doporučují
The Old Fashioned
23 N Pinckney St
86 místní doporučují
Fantastic food and drinks. Get a brandy old-fashioned with a side of cheese curds!
Their newest location, this Madison pizza joint has been a campus institution for 30 years.
16 místní doporučují
Ian's Pizza Garver
3241 Garver Green
16 místní doporučují
Their newest location, this Madison pizza joint has been a campus institution for 30 years.
Madison's best pizza place! Try the Thai Pie or Couch Potato.
41 místní doporučují
Glass Nickel Pizza Co. - Madison East
2916 Atwood Ave
41 místní doporučují
Madison's best pizza place! Try the Thai Pie or Couch Potato.
Delicious ramen place just off the Square.
Morris Ramen
106 King St
Delicious ramen place just off the Square.
A nice bar and grill with fantastic prime rib, sandwiches and breakfast. Recently refurbished and with a new patio!
6 místní doporučují
Brothers Three Bar & Grill
614 N Fair Oaks Ave
6 místní doporučují
A nice bar and grill with fantastic prime rib, sandwiches and breakfast. Recently refurbished and with a new patio!
Nice restaurant and tavern with delicious local food and a good tap list.
26 místní doporučují
The Coopers Tavern
20 W Mifflin St
26 místní doporučují
Nice restaurant and tavern with delicious local food and a good tap list.
Indonesian cuisine, we get delivery from here regularly and absolutely love it. Best Pad Thai in town.
7 místní doporučují
Bandung Indonesian Restaurant
600 Williamson St
7 místní doporučují
Indonesian cuisine, we get delivery from here regularly and absolutely love it. Best Pad Thai in town.
Gourmet pizza place and cocktail bar located in a former bank on Capitol Square. Ask the bartenders about going down to the vault, where you can sip cocktails in a massive bank vault converted into a cozy lounge.
27 místní doporučují
Lucille
101 King St
27 místní doporučují
Gourmet pizza place and cocktail bar located in a former bank on Capitol Square. Ask the bartenders about going down to the vault, where you can sip cocktails in a massive bank vault converted into a cozy lounge.
Cool tapas and cocktail lounge.
16 místní doporučují
Mint Mark
1929 Winnebago St
16 místní doporučují
Cool tapas and cocktail lounge.
Fancy brunch spot along Lake Monona.
46 místní doporučují
Sardine
617 Williamson St
46 místní doporučují
Fancy brunch spot along Lake Monona.
Delicious Middle Eastern place.
9 místní doporučují
Banzo
2105 Sherman Ave
9 místní doporučují
Delicious Middle Eastern place.
Breakfast and brunch place. Get here early as it is very popular and tends to get busy.
36 místní doporučují
Monty's Blue Plate Diner
2089 Atwood Ave
36 místní doporučují
Breakfast and brunch place. Get here early as it is very popular and tends to get busy.
Cool cocktail bar.
37 místní doporučují
Alchemy
1980 Atwood Ave
37 místní doporučují
Cool cocktail bar.
Italian restaurant and cocktail lounge.
Bar Corallini
2004 Atwood Ave
Italian restaurant and cocktail lounge.
Madison's oldest bar, features punk bands a few nights a week. Cash only!
37 místní doporučují
Mickey's Tavern
1524 Williamson St
37 místní doporučují
Madison's oldest bar, features punk bands a few nights a week. Cash only!
Madison's most popular Vietnamese and Laotian restaurant. Gets very busy so be prepared to wait a while for a table.
55 místní doporučují
Hạ Long Bay Restaurant
1353 Williamson St
55 místní doporučují
Madison's most popular Vietnamese and Laotian restaurant. Gets very busy so be prepared to wait a while for a table.
A very cool Willy St restaurant that was the gathering place for radicals, socialists, and free thinkers during Madison's heyday in the 1960s.
61 místní doporučují
Weary Traveler Freehouse
1201 Williamson St
61 místní doporučují
A very cool Willy St restaurant that was the gathering place for radicals, socialists, and free thinkers during Madison's heyday in the 1960s.
A cocktail and wine bar located in the penthouse of one of Madison's few skyscrapers. Fantastic views and tasty cocktails, a perfect date night spot.
31 místní doporučují
Eno Vino Downtown
1 N Webster St
31 místní doporučují
A cocktail and wine bar located in the penthouse of one of Madison's few skyscrapers. Fantastic views and tasty cocktails, a perfect date night spot.
Gourmet sushi place.
19 místní doporučují
RED
316 W Washington Ave
19 místní doporučují
Gourmet sushi place.
Gourmet Italian restaurant.
10 místní doporučují
Cento
122 W Mifflin St
10 místní doporučují
Gourmet Italian restaurant.
Fancy gastro-pub, you will want to make a reservation.
56 místní doporučují
Graze
1 S Pinckney St
56 místní doporučují
Fancy gastro-pub, you will want to make a reservation.
New Orleans-style oyster bar featuring live jazz on occasion.
30 místní doporučují
Tempest Oyster Bar
120 E Wilson St
30 místní doporučují
New Orleans-style oyster bar featuring live jazz on occasion.
Great happy hour specials and delicious Italian food.
7 místní doporučují
Paisan's Restaurant
131 W Wilson St
7 místní doporučují
Great happy hour specials and delicious Italian food.
Madison's best steak house and supper club.
39 místní doporučují
Tornado Steak House
116 S Hamilton St
39 místní doporučují
Madison's best steak house and supper club.
Come here for free, all you can drink beer on your birthday or after a game. It attracts a rowdy college crowd.
7 místní doporučují
Nitty Gritty-Madison
223 N Frances St
7 místní doporučují
Come here for free, all you can drink beer on your birthday or after a game. It attracts a rowdy college crowd.
Cocktail and beer bar on the Square, it's definitely a hipster place.
19 místní doporučují
Genna's Lounge
105 W Main St
19 místní doporučují
Cocktail and beer bar on the Square, it's definitely a hipster place.
Summer camp-themed bar on Langdon St on campus, named after the famous dive that Rodney Dangerfield performed at the end of "Back to School", an 80s comedy filmed on the UW campus.
Camp Trippalindee
601 Langdon St
Summer camp-themed bar on Langdon St on campus, named after the famous dive that Rodney Dangerfield performed at the end of "Back to School", an 80s comedy filmed on the UW campus.
Brazilian grill where they bring the meat to your table on sticks and shave it directly onto your plate. Come hungry, this place is expensive but absolutely worth it when you arrive with an empty stomach.
Samba Brazilian Grill
240 W Gilman St
Brazilian grill where they bring the meat to your table on sticks and shave it directly onto your plate. Come hungry, this place is expensive but absolutely worth it when you arrive with an empty stomach.
Campus breakfast institution. Gets EXTREMELY busy, especially on Badger football game day. Cash only!
23 místní doporučují
Mickies Dairy Bar
1511 Monroe St
23 místní doporučují
Campus breakfast institution. Gets EXTREMELY busy, especially on Badger football game day. Cash only!
Cool restaurant overlooking the Dane Co Airport runway. They offer the $100 Burger, a burger and fries plate that includes a 30-minute plane ride around the city. You will want to call for a reservation.
Pat O'Malley's Jet Room
3606 Corben Ct
Cool restaurant overlooking the Dane Co Airport runway. They offer the $100 Burger, a burger and fries plate that includes a 30-minute plane ride around the city. You will want to call for a reservation.
North side brunch spot.
12 místní doporučují
Ogden's North Street Diner
560 North St
12 místní doporučují
North side brunch spot.
Cool beer and cocktail bar. Occasionally featuring live music.
19 místní doporučují
Tip Top Tavern
601 North St
19 místní doporučují
Cool beer and cocktail bar. Occasionally featuring live music.
Delicious brunch place.
34 místní doporučují
Daisy Cafe & Cupcakery
2827 Atwood Ave
34 místní doporučují
Delicious brunch place.
Delicious custard (ice cream but thicker) spot. Locally owned and operated!
17 místní doporučují
Michael's Frozen Custard
2531 Monroe St
17 místní doporučují
Delicious custard (ice cream but thicker) spot. Locally owned and operated!
Best fried chicken in town and a good local tap list as well. Wall murals feature some Madison history as the restaurant used to be the pilot's lounge for the original Madison airport in the 1930s.
11 místní doporučují
Off Broadway Drafthouse
5404 Raywood Rd
11 místní doporučují
Best fried chicken in town and a good local tap list as well. Wall murals feature some Madison history as the restaurant used to be the pilot's lounge for the original Madison airport in the 1930s.
Good food and brews with live music. There is typically a $5-10 cover charge if you are staying for music.
Red Rooster
Good food and brews with live music. There is typically a $5-10 cover charge if you are staying for music.

Entertainment & Activities

Madison's minor league baseball team, you can usually score a smoking deal on Duck Blind seats and get all you can eat/drink. Also great for families in the stands. There is usually a small carnival set up for every game for kids.
9 místní doporučují
Madison Mallards
2920 N Sherman Ave
9 místní doporučují
Madison's minor league baseball team, you can usually score a smoking deal on Duck Blind seats and get all you can eat/drink. Also great for families in the stands. There is usually a small carnival set up for every game for kids.
Very nice free zoo located in the Monroe neighborhood on the near west side of Madison.
101 místní doporučují
Zoo Henryho Vilase
702 S Randall Ave
101 místní doporučují
Very nice free zoo located in the Monroe neighborhood on the near west side of Madison.
Historic football stadium where the Wisconsin Badgers kick other Big Ten teams' butts!
61 místní doporučují
Stadion Camp Randall University of Wisconsin
1440 Monroe St
61 místní doporučují
Historic football stadium where the Wisconsin Badgers kick other Big Ten teams' butts!
Basketball and hockey arena for the Wisconsin Badgers. Also home to concerts, graduations, and UW's massive career fairs.
10 místní doporučují
The Kohl Center
601 West Dayton Street
10 místní doporučují
Basketball and hockey arena for the Wisconsin Badgers. Also home to concerts, graduations, and UW's massive career fairs.
Mini golf, batting cages, driving range, par three course, and a bar and grill.
10 místní doporučují
Vitense Golfland
5501 Schroeder Rd
10 místní doporučují
Mini golf, batting cages, driving range, par three course, and a bar and grill.
A lovely walk around Wisconsin's Capitol Building. Farmers' market on Saturday mornings in Spring, Summer and Fall, definitely check that out! Good selection of restaurants and bars as well.
17 místní doporučují
Capitol Square -South
223 W Main St
17 místní doporučují
A lovely walk around Wisconsin's Capitol Building. Farmers' market on Saturday mornings in Spring, Summer and Fall, definitely check that out! Good selection of restaurants and bars as well.
Madison's only casino featuring slots and virtual poker.
Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison
4002 Evan Acres Rd
Madison's only casino featuring slots and virtual poker.
Nearest golf course to my home, also features an affordable driving range.
Bridges Golf Course
2702 Shopko Dr
Nearest golf course to my home, also features an affordable driving range.
Madison's most popular course.
8 místní doporučují
Odana Hills Golf Course
4635 Odana Rd
8 místní doporučují
Madison's most popular course.
Middleton golf course that is absolutely beautiful and very reasonably priced.
Pleasant View Golf Course
1322 N Pleasant View Rd
Middleton golf course that is absolutely beautiful and very reasonably priced.
The UW's golf course, you will need to reserve a tee time at least a week or two in advance if you want to play this professional-level course that hosts the American Family Classic every year.
6 místní doporučují
University Ridge Golf Course
9002 County Rd PD
6 místní doporučují
The UW's golf course, you will need to reserve a tee time at least a week or two in advance if you want to play this professional-level course that hosts the American Family Classic every year.
Local race track, check their website for events.
Madison International Speedway
1122 Sunrise Rd
Local race track, check their website for events.
A barcade featuring classic 80s and 90s arcade games and a few newer arcade games designed by independent studios. Only midwest spot with a Killer Queen console.
6 místní doporučují
I/O Arcade Bar
924 Williamson St
6 místní doporučují
A barcade featuring classic 80s and 90s arcade games and a few newer arcade games designed by independent studios. Only midwest spot with a Killer Queen console.
Popular Madison gay bar featuring drag shows and dancing.
FIVE Nightclub
5 Applegate Ct
Popular Madison gay bar featuring drag shows and dancing.

Parks & Nature

Gigantic arboretum perfect for hiking, jogging, riding bikes, or a scenic drive.
60 místní doporučují
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
1207 Seminole Highway
60 místní doporučují
Gigantic arboretum perfect for hiking, jogging, riding bikes, or a scenic drive.
Beautiful gardens where you are guaranteed to see the largest Thai Pavilion in the Western Hemisphere and happy couples shooting gorgeous wedding shots. Entry is free for the outdoor portion, the indoor section (open year round) has a $2 admission fee.
138 místní doporučují
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave
138 místní doporučují
Beautiful gardens where you are guaranteed to see the largest Thai Pavilion in the Western Hemisphere and happy couples shooting gorgeous wedding shots. Entry is free for the outdoor portion, the indoor section (open year round) has a $2 admission fee.
Large park on Lake Mendota near downtown.
34 místní doporučují
Park Jamese Madisona
614 E Gorham St
34 místní doporučují
Large park on Lake Mendota near downtown.
A German-style biergarten on Lake Monona, a short walk from Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
20 místní doporučují
The Biergarten at Olbrich Park
3527 Atwood Ave
20 místní doporučují
A German-style biergarten on Lake Monona, a short walk from Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Large park on Lake Mendota that features an ice rink in the winter months.
11 místní doporučují
Tenney Park
402 N Thornton Ave
11 místní doporučují
Large park on Lake Mendota that features an ice rink in the winter months.
A lovely UW garden on the west end of campus. Features a corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum), a gigantic, alien-like plant that smells like death when it blooms.
15 místní doporučují
Allen Centennial Gardens
620 Babcock Dr
15 místní doporučují
A lovely UW garden on the west end of campus. Features a corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum), a gigantic, alien-like plant that smells like death when it blooms.
West side park featuring a gigantic hill that's great for winter sledding.
10 místní doporučují
Park Elver
1250 McKenna Boulevard
10 místní doporučují
West side park featuring a gigantic hill that's great for winter sledding.
Olin Park features the Midwest's largest beer festival, Great Taste of the Midwest, every August and a fantastic Christmas light show in November and December. Fantastic views across the lake of the Capitol Building and downtown as well.
15 místní doporučují
Olin Park
1156 Olin-Turville Ct
15 místní doporučují
Olin Park features the Midwest's largest beer festival, Great Taste of the Midwest, every August and a fantastic Christmas light show in November and December. Fantastic views across the lake of the Capitol Building and downtown as well.
You can rent boats at this park to go for a paddle around Lake Monona.
Brittingham Park
829 W Washington Ave
You can rent boats at this park to go for a paddle around Lake Monona.

Shopping

Features shopping, food court, and a movie theater. Also surrounded by great chain restaurants.
21 místní doporučují
East Towne Mall
89 E Towne Way
21 místní doporučují
Features shopping, food court, and a movie theater. Also surrounded by great chain restaurants.
Madison's ritziest mall.
63 místní doporučují
Hilldale Shopping Center
726 N Midvale Blvd
63 místní doporučují
Madison's ritziest mall.
Monroe St features a large collection of local and boutique shops, perfect if you are looking for a unique gift.
12 místní doporučují
Monroe Street
Monroe Street
12 místní doporučují
Monroe St features a large collection of local and boutique shops, perfect if you are looking for a unique gift.
Madison's west side mall.
48 místní doporučují
West Towne Mall
66 W Towne Mall
48 místní doporučují
Madison's west side mall.
Tons of bars, restaurants, and boutique shops along this campus mainstay.
111 místní doporučují
State Street
State Street
111 místní doporučují
Tons of bars, restaurants, and boutique shops along this campus mainstay.

Essentials

Large grocery store with great selection.
10 místní doporučují
Hy-Vee
3801 E Washington Ave
10 místní doporučují
Large grocery store with great selection.
Fancy grocery store featuring large selection of organic produce.
11 místní doporučují
Metro Market
6010 Cottage Grove Rd
11 místní doporučují
Fancy grocery store featuring large selection of organic produce.
Basic and affordable grocery store.
8 místní doporučují
ALDI
3925 Lien Rd
8 místní doporučují
Basic and affordable grocery store.
I mean, it's a Walmart. They have everything. This is probably the nicest one in Madison.
Walmart Supercenter
4198 Nakoosa Trail
I mean, it's a Walmart. They have everything. This is probably the nicest one in Madison.
East side Target.
6 místní doporučují
Target
4301 Lien Rd
6 místní doporučují
East side Target.
Madison's largest Asian grocery store.
Asian Midway Foods
301 S Park St
Madison's largest Asian grocery store.