Laura’s guidebook
Food scene
Ogden's North Street Diner
560 North StBlocks from the house! Great brunch.
Only a few blocks away. Used to be the old stomping ground of Oscar Mayer workers and was bought by new owners several years ago who upgraded some things, including a great Fish Fry and good beer menu.
19 locals recommend
Tip Top Tavern
601 North StOnly a few blocks away. Used to be the old stomping ground of Oscar Mayer workers and was bought by new owners several years ago who upgraded some things, including a great Fish Fry and good beer menu.
Dexter's Pub
301 North StNeighborhood spot sports bar that has an exceptional beer list!
Brasserie V
1923 Monroe StBelgian beer bar with fantastic food.
Madison Sourdough
916 Williamson StGreat brunch spot on fun Willy Street!
Great food, great cocktails. We had our wedding food supplied from the company that does the food here, so I'm biased. But I think it's one of the best restaurants in town!
29 locals recommend
Forequarter
Great food, great cocktails. We had our wedding food supplied from the company that does the food here, so I'm biased. But I think it's one of the best restaurants in town!
You've got yourself a great night if you go to Robin Room for a drink across the street before or after!
55 locals recommend
Salvatore's Tomato Pies
912 E Johnson StYou've got yourself a great night if you go to Robin Room for a drink across the street before or after!
Cute ice cream place in the Atwood neighborhood. Also one on State Street.
15 locals recommend
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Co.
2322 Atwood AveCute ice cream place in the Atwood neighborhood. Also one on State Street.
Bars
The North Street Cabaret
610 North StI've never been but heard great things about this jazz bar!
Either here, Robin Room, or Forequarter get my vote for best cocktails in Madison. Also have great small plates.
16 locals recommend
Mint Mark
1929 Winnebago StEither here, Robin Room, or Forequarter get my vote for best cocktails in Madison. Also have great small plates.
Go here for a drink first then hit up Salvatore's across the street for a delightful pizza!
30 locals recommend
The Robin Room
821 East Johnson StreetGo here for a drink first then hit up Salvatore's across the street for a delightful pizza!
Sightseeing
A must for first time Madison goers! One of the biggest farmer's markets around. On the square during summer and fall months on Saturdays until early afternoon.
93 locals recommend
Dane County Farmers Market
3241 Martin Luther King Jr BlvdA must for first time Madison goers! One of the biggest farmer's markets around. On the square during summer and fall months on Saturdays until early afternoon.
Enjoy the view with a beer or some Babcock ice cream from the student union! Overlooks Lake Mendota.
6 locals recommend
Memorial Union Terrace
800 Langdon StreetEnjoy the view with a beer or some Babcock ice cream from the student union! Overlooks Lake Mendota.
Coffee
I'm a Milwaukee native and was therefore very excited when this coffee shop expanding to Madison!
13 locals recommend
Colectivo Coffee - On The Square
25 S Pinckney StI'm a Milwaukee native and was therefore very excited when this coffee shop expanding to Madison!
Johnson Public House
908 E Johnson StGreat coffee and light breakfast/lunch.
Outdoors
Picnic Point
2000 University Bay DrGreat hiking spot that overlooks Lake Mendota at the point.
Cherokee Marsh- North Unit
6098 N Sherman AveLovely hiking spot.