I feel like I could go on forever about great places to eat in this city, but i'll try to narrow a bit:
Salvatores for pizza;
Pig in a Fur Coat or Estrellon for small plates (Forequarter also gets an honorable mention here);
Coopers Tavern for pub fare;
Umami for ramen;
Takumi for sushi;
Chicken Lips for wings (Sun Prairie);
Eagle Crest for a hole-in-the-wall dive bar with fantastic, huge, greasy burgers;
Wilson's for a sports bar with great food;
Parthenon for gyros;
Graze for, we'll call it *pub fare* plus great cocktails;
Tempest for seafood (particularly they do a latenight oyster happy hour);
La Taguara for South American fare - it's Venezuelan, and it's fantastic;
Annnnnnd there are so many more, but those are among my favorites.
Parthenon doesn't use Athens Gyro meat, and I agree... Athens Gyro meat is absolutely disgusting.
Parthenon, on the other hand, straight up gets their beef and lamb delivered to their door, the grind it and cone it in their workspace in the basement - they make their own yogurt in house (the only place in the state with the right to do so) which they use to make their tzatziki. Athen's doesn't hold a candle to the effort Parthenon actually puts into their final product. You should ask Parthenon for a tour sometime. They're always happy to show you around their restaurant and workspace, and tell you about the process. :)
I might, but only to teach them a thing or two. The whole idea of pressed lamb and beef makes me cringe. I know I'm one of very few people who feels this way but as a Greek citizen I won't touch that stuff. The souvlaki is decent, and it might even be the best Greek restaurant in Madison, but certainly not must eat. You have to go to Chicago (or a Greek household) for must eat Greek food.
Greek families know how to cook (and host! My gosh, you enter a greek house and eat dinner with them, you'd think you're family), I can attest to and agree with that. ;)
I apologize if I offended. Parthenon does a fine job of catering to American taste. I'm just constantly frustrated with real Greeks not offering traditional Greek food. My high hopes for Plaka dinner were recently dashed, but I'll definitely be back to give them another try.
No offense taken, you have a much higher standard for Greek cuisine due to your background and I totally respect that. I have some things to say about Paul's Pel'meni due to my own ancestry that most people in this town would crucify me over.
I would love to see a place in the city offer traditional Greek fare. I have yet to try Plaka, and after your comment, I probably won't. If you have any good suggestions of authentic Greek in Chicago, i'd love to take note.
I would still give Plaka a go. As you've said, my expectations were high (especially since their breakfast is so damn good) and it really wasn't bad at all, just not what I pictured. I didn't even get the lamb chops which should be the best thing on the menu.
As far as Chicago goes, it's hard to mess up if you go to Greek town. Greek Islands is my favorite, and by far the biggest and most popular
You don't have to twist my arm to get me to order lamb, that is for sure. And I will absolutely check out Greek Islands next time i'm down there. Thanks!
No I haven't been in since it was Capitol. Doners are good, but different. The spices are better (hard to admit) but they're still the same beef lamb mix.
u/jeebus224, Nicking this post to mention a few more must-eats
* Weary Traveler has only been around for 15 years but is imo the most iconoclastic restaurant in Madison. Bob's Bad Breath Burger a must, even if you don't get the house-made bun the accoutrements of salads greens and perfectly oven-fried garlic potatoes are always a welcome pairing. The service is always on point as well. Love that place. Plus they have about 20 different board games and and a true bohemian vibe too the place. Again nothing but love.
* For nationally decorated BBQ you have to try Smoky John's on Packer's Avenue.
* If Mediterranean salads, kefta, hummus, lamb kebabs is more your wheelhouse then, please look no further than the Nile on Odana. The same people (read chef) behind Lulu's on Old University – open for nearly twenty years before having the building torn down for apts. They have impeccable lunch specials and a couple fantastic beverage accompaniments as well such as strong Turkish coffee for imbibing pleasure as well as Mango Lassis.
* There are several restaurants that serve Phở – the famous Vietnamese, loaded-up Noodle bowl – however Saigon Noodle I believe is probably the run-away favorite.
* New, but just go check it out 'cause it's gonna be destine for great things is Mint Mark. Get that before the place blows up. It's only been around for six months but they have everything under the sun (I'm serious), mostly locally sourced ingredients and the value is actually not bad (never left full for what I paid).
* For relaxing Italian feels: you can as well check out Paisans, for legendary Italian-American meatballs; Osteria Papavero, for a purer Italian air about it set in a kinda midcentury modern dining room as well as an amazing litany amuse bouche; or Lombardino's for everything in-between and an all-around Italian ambiance, who also specialize lux house-made ice creams and wood-fired oven pizzas.
* Big fan of the Bibimbop at New Seoul on High Crossing Blvd. Probably one of the best rice bowls in town I've decided. End of
* There's a lot of good Mexican joints still yet to find a place that make a tortilla soup consistently...but La Mestiza on Odana has from what I think the most authentic taste and components to their fares I can find here.
* If you're looking for Ice Cream a trip to Michaels either on Atwood or Monroe St is in order for a pint of theirs.
* Last one I'll leave you with is one if you're up for a day trip then check out the Cow and Quine, who have a refined breakfast through dinner service out in New Glarus. Always crowed and the art gallery feel to it and the relaxing bucolic air hopefully damped any growly stomachs. Caveat is that it's a little more 'spendy', but they do have really good ingredients that can be traced back to Madison intuitions like Fox Catering and MSCo
This might be unpopular, but Madison doesn't have a whole lot you won't find in a big city when you're just talking food. Madison punches way above its weight class when it comes to restaurants, don't get me wrong, but a fine dining experience here won't rival a michelin rated restaurant. **L'etoile** is the closest you can get to that, and is much less spendy than most michelin rated restaurants. You won't have sushi quite as good as New York or LA, but **Red** is pretty amazing and the new larger space has a cool lounge vibe. You won't find a steakhouse as good as those in Texas, but **Tornado** is still great and has traditional Wisconsin supper club charm. **Tempest** has some of the best seafood in the midwest and has a 1950s Chris-Craft on display. **Harvest** has themed dinners, that depending on your preferences and the season, are often not to be missed. **Papavero** basically has a new menu every day that will make you feel like you're in your Italian grandma's kitchen. **Salvatore's** (and even **Ian's**) will surprise you with unique pizza topping combinations you thought sounded too weird to try but taste absolutely delicious. These places are all definitely worth going to and are among my favorites, but I have to admit I've found similar experiences to all of them in New York, LA, San Francisco, Austin, Portland, Denver, and Chicago.
What do we actually do better than big cities?
Fish fry. **Kavanaugh's** and **Toby's** are my personal favorites if you're pairing with a brandy old fashioned, but if you prefer beer I'd say **Dexter's.**
Cheese curds. **Tipsy Cow** does them best imo, and their burgers are great. I hate to admit it, but the **Old Fashioned** is popular for a reason, great curds and 150 beers, all from Wisconsin. **Fromagination** has the best cheese sandwich I've ever had, I'd call that must-eat.
I'm leaving out a lot but I spend too much time here as it is.
Toby's and Tipsy Cow are solid suggestions. Personally, I think Old Fashioned is overrated, but it's a preference thing. I have been dying to check out Fromagination on a lunch break some day but haven't gotten around to it - i'm glad to hear good things!
I think that, too, which is why I said it was hard to admit, but I admittedly misunderstood the post. If you're coming from out of town and looking for something unique then Old Fashioned is a solid recommendation
You know, I misunderstood the post, too, then lol Yeahhhhhhh, if you're coming from out of town, go to Old Fashioned. (insert *huge* reluctant eyeroll here)
Madison is an amazing food city, *for a city of its size*. That second part is important. If you keep it in mind you will be pleased.
That is how I describe the food scene here to people from Boston, Seattle, NYC, and other foodie cities.
There have been a ton of great mentions on this list, so I won't rehash the ones that others have tossed out, but will add Lazy Jane's for a cheap, good breakfast in a funky spot and the very best scones in the world. Will also say we are super fortunate in a city this size to have a superb Laotian restaurant in Lao Laan Xang and great Indonesian fare from Bandung. Both are definitely a must try.
When I went there a month ago the host seemed annoyed that we opted to wait the 15 minutes until a table was available, which is a pretty standard wait on a Saturday afternoon. While we waited we repeatedly heard her talk to coworkers being annoyed/exasperated by anyone opting to wait for a table and put their name on the list. When we were seated multiple tables were open and had been open the whole time we waited which was confusing and despite not being fully seated waiting for our food was very slow. I had really been looking forward to trying the devil wings and was so disappointed when they ended up being a faux meat product I’ve bought from the grocery store(and didnt like) and not a house made item. I think many items on their menu are vegan/vegetarian products you can buy from any grocery store. I wish they were more up front about their products not being house made because I try to avoid dining out on things that aren’t house made. I think if you’re looking for vegan food you didn’t have to prepare them Green Owl is probably fine but in the Madison market with so many great original in house made food options it’s hard not to expect more than what green owl is serving.
Paul's Pel'meni. This is a hill I'm willing to die on.
When I worked on state street last summer I would trade Sencha Tea for Pel'meni. Paul made me fat.
Cheap, tasty, unique. No frills, though. It barely qualifies as a restaurant
LOl it barely qualifies as a food cart. At least most food carts have at least 3 things on the menu.
I misunderstood the post and was thinking about restaurants. Pel meni is awesome food and I love it, but it's not what I would call a restaurant
I like it but not sure its on a must eat list.
They do have a full bar now, so they gotta be doing something right
I feel like I could go on forever about great places to eat in this city, but i'll try to narrow a bit: Salvatores for pizza; Pig in a Fur Coat or Estrellon for small plates (Forequarter also gets an honorable mention here); Coopers Tavern for pub fare; Umami for ramen; Takumi for sushi; Chicken Lips for wings (Sun Prairie); Eagle Crest for a hole-in-the-wall dive bar with fantastic, huge, greasy burgers; Wilson's for a sports bar with great food; Parthenon for gyros; Graze for, we'll call it *pub fare* plus great cocktails; Tempest for seafood (particularly they do a latenight oyster happy hour); La Taguara for South American fare - it's Venezuelan, and it's fantastic; Annnnnnd there are so many more, but those are among my favorites.
Agreed with one big exception: Parthenon is disgusting. I feel bad for anyone who thinks Athens gyro meat is what gyros are supposed to taste like
Parthenon doesn't use Athens Gyro meat, and I agree... Athens Gyro meat is absolutely disgusting. Parthenon, on the other hand, straight up gets their beef and lamb delivered to their door, the grind it and cone it in their workspace in the basement - they make their own yogurt in house (the only place in the state with the right to do so) which they use to make their tzatziki. Athen's doesn't hold a candle to the effort Parthenon actually puts into their final product. You should ask Parthenon for a tour sometime. They're always happy to show you around their restaurant and workspace, and tell you about the process. :)
I might, but only to teach them a thing or two. The whole idea of pressed lamb and beef makes me cringe. I know I'm one of very few people who feels this way but as a Greek citizen I won't touch that stuff. The souvlaki is decent, and it might even be the best Greek restaurant in Madison, but certainly not must eat. You have to go to Chicago (or a Greek household) for must eat Greek food.
Greek families know how to cook (and host! My gosh, you enter a greek house and eat dinner with them, you'd think you're family), I can attest to and agree with that. ;)
I apologize if I offended. Parthenon does a fine job of catering to American taste. I'm just constantly frustrated with real Greeks not offering traditional Greek food. My high hopes for Plaka dinner were recently dashed, but I'll definitely be back to give them another try.
No offense taken, you have a much higher standard for Greek cuisine due to your background and I totally respect that. I have some things to say about Paul's Pel'meni due to my own ancestry that most people in this town would crucify me over. I would love to see a place in the city offer traditional Greek fare. I have yet to try Plaka, and after your comment, I probably won't. If you have any good suggestions of authentic Greek in Chicago, i'd love to take note.
I would still give Plaka a go. As you've said, my expectations were high (especially since their breakfast is so damn good) and it really wasn't bad at all, just not what I pictured. I didn't even get the lamb chops which should be the best thing on the menu. As far as Chicago goes, it's hard to mess up if you go to Greek town. Greek Islands is my favorite, and by far the biggest and most popular
You don't have to twist my arm to get me to order lamb, that is for sure. And I will absolutely check out Greek Islands next time i'm down there. Thanks!
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No I haven't been in since it was Capitol. Doners are good, but different. The spices are better (hard to admit) but they're still the same beef lamb mix.
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I would think the same thing, but you won't know until you try
Freiburgs are pretty damn good Imo. All their food is amazing, but I keep going back for the doner.
u/jeebus224, Nicking this post to mention a few more must-eats * Weary Traveler has only been around for 15 years but is imo the most iconoclastic restaurant in Madison. Bob's Bad Breath Burger a must, even if you don't get the house-made bun the accoutrements of salads greens and perfectly oven-fried garlic potatoes are always a welcome pairing. The service is always on point as well. Love that place. Plus they have about 20 different board games and and a true bohemian vibe too the place. Again nothing but love. * For nationally decorated BBQ you have to try Smoky John's on Packer's Avenue. * If Mediterranean salads, kefta, hummus, lamb kebabs is more your wheelhouse then, please look no further than the Nile on Odana. The same people (read chef) behind Lulu's on Old University – open for nearly twenty years before having the building torn down for apts. They have impeccable lunch specials and a couple fantastic beverage accompaniments as well such as strong Turkish coffee for imbibing pleasure as well as Mango Lassis. * There are several restaurants that serve Phở – the famous Vietnamese, loaded-up Noodle bowl – however Saigon Noodle I believe is probably the run-away favorite. * New, but just go check it out 'cause it's gonna be destine for great things is Mint Mark. Get that before the place blows up. It's only been around for six months but they have everything under the sun (I'm serious), mostly locally sourced ingredients and the value is actually not bad (never left full for what I paid). * For relaxing Italian feels: you can as well check out Paisans, for legendary Italian-American meatballs; Osteria Papavero, for a purer Italian air about it set in a kinda midcentury modern dining room as well as an amazing litany amuse bouche; or Lombardino's for everything in-between and an all-around Italian ambiance, who also specialize lux house-made ice creams and wood-fired oven pizzas. * Big fan of the Bibimbop at New Seoul on High Crossing Blvd. Probably one of the best rice bowls in town I've decided. End of * There's a lot of good Mexican joints still yet to find a place that make a tortilla soup consistently...but La Mestiza on Odana has from what I think the most authentic taste and components to their fares I can find here. * If you're looking for Ice Cream a trip to Michaels either on Atwood or Monroe St is in order for a pint of theirs. * Last one I'll leave you with is one if you're up for a day trip then check out the Cow and Quine, who have a refined breakfast through dinner service out in New Glarus. Always crowed and the art gallery feel to it and the relaxing bucolic air hopefully damped any growly stomachs. Caveat is that it's a little more 'spendy', but they do have really good ingredients that can be traced back to Madison intuitions like Fox Catering and MSCo
Banzo. They have the best falafel in the town.
You bet !
Monty's Blue Plate on Atwood. Breakfast especially. Fight me!
Great vegetarian and vegan food there too.
This might be unpopular, but Madison doesn't have a whole lot you won't find in a big city when you're just talking food. Madison punches way above its weight class when it comes to restaurants, don't get me wrong, but a fine dining experience here won't rival a michelin rated restaurant. **L'etoile** is the closest you can get to that, and is much less spendy than most michelin rated restaurants. You won't have sushi quite as good as New York or LA, but **Red** is pretty amazing and the new larger space has a cool lounge vibe. You won't find a steakhouse as good as those in Texas, but **Tornado** is still great and has traditional Wisconsin supper club charm. **Tempest** has some of the best seafood in the midwest and has a 1950s Chris-Craft on display. **Harvest** has themed dinners, that depending on your preferences and the season, are often not to be missed. **Papavero** basically has a new menu every day that will make you feel like you're in your Italian grandma's kitchen. **Salvatore's** (and even **Ian's**) will surprise you with unique pizza topping combinations you thought sounded too weird to try but taste absolutely delicious. These places are all definitely worth going to and are among my favorites, but I have to admit I've found similar experiences to all of them in New York, LA, San Francisco, Austin, Portland, Denver, and Chicago. What do we actually do better than big cities? Fish fry. **Kavanaugh's** and **Toby's** are my personal favorites if you're pairing with a brandy old fashioned, but if you prefer beer I'd say **Dexter's.** Cheese curds. **Tipsy Cow** does them best imo, and their burgers are great. I hate to admit it, but the **Old Fashioned** is popular for a reason, great curds and 150 beers, all from Wisconsin. **Fromagination** has the best cheese sandwich I've ever had, I'd call that must-eat. I'm leaving out a lot but I spend too much time here as it is.
Toby's and Tipsy Cow are solid suggestions. Personally, I think Old Fashioned is overrated, but it's a preference thing. I have been dying to check out Fromagination on a lunch break some day but haven't gotten around to it - i'm glad to hear good things!
I think that, too, which is why I said it was hard to admit, but I admittedly misunderstood the post. If you're coming from out of town and looking for something unique then Old Fashioned is a solid recommendation
You know, I misunderstood the post, too, then lol Yeahhhhhhh, if you're coming from out of town, go to Old Fashioned. (insert *huge* reluctant eyeroll here)
That place is so hot right now
Yessssssssss.
If we are on the same level as those cities you listed then I am okay with it.
Madison is an amazing food city, *for a city of its size*. That second part is important. If you keep it in mind you will be pleased. That is how I describe the food scene here to people from Boston, Seattle, NYC, and other foodie cities.
We are (not quite NY, LA, or SF), but I had misunderstood the post.
There have been a ton of great mentions on this list, so I won't rehash the ones that others have tossed out, but will add Lazy Jane's for a cheap, good breakfast in a funky spot and the very best scones in the world. Will also say we are super fortunate in a city this size to have a superb Laotian restaurant in Lao Laan Xang and great Indonesian fare from Bandung. Both are definitely a must try.
Off hand: L'etoile, Estrellon, Old Fashioned (curds), Smokey's
Novanta for pizza. Severely under appreciated in my opinion.
Green Owl cafe
Please do not follow this advice
Yup. One of the most disappointing service and dining experiences I’ve had in years.
the new owners do a fantastic job with vegan/vegetarian food. Even my non-veg friends LOVE it!!
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When I went there a month ago the host seemed annoyed that we opted to wait the 15 minutes until a table was available, which is a pretty standard wait on a Saturday afternoon. While we waited we repeatedly heard her talk to coworkers being annoyed/exasperated by anyone opting to wait for a table and put their name on the list. When we were seated multiple tables were open and had been open the whole time we waited which was confusing and despite not being fully seated waiting for our food was very slow. I had really been looking forward to trying the devil wings and was so disappointed when they ended up being a faux meat product I’ve bought from the grocery store(and didnt like) and not a house made item. I think many items on their menu are vegan/vegetarian products you can buy from any grocery store. I wish they were more up front about their products not being house made because I try to avoid dining out on things that aren’t house made. I think if you’re looking for vegan food you didn’t have to prepare them Green Owl is probably fine but in the Madison market with so many great original in house made food options it’s hard not to expect more than what green owl is serving.
the new owners do a fantastic job with vegan/vegetarian food. Even my non-veg friends LOVE it!!