Guidebook for Madison
Food Scene
Muramoto Hilldale
546 N Midvale BlvdGood sushi, upscale decor, in a "walkable" outdoor mall.
Delicious, authentic, and cheap Mexican food just a 5 minute walk away. Good margaritas too!
Lalo's Mexican Restaurant
5510 University AveDelicious, authentic, and cheap Mexican food just a 5 minute walk away. Good margaritas too!
Imperial Garden West
2039 Allen BlvdBest Chinese restaurant in town
Good cosmopolitan menu, with frequent specials. Can get crowded on Fridays
19 locals recommend
Gates and Brovi
3502 Monroe StGood cosmopolitan menu, with frequent specials. Can get crowded on Fridays
Taste Of India
2623 Monroe StGreat Indian food, with a yummy lunch buffet for only $11.
My favorite restaurant in Madison. Consistently high quality food, with lots of locallly sourced ingredients. On the lake. Lovely zinc bar.
46 locals recommend
Sardine
617 Williamson StMy favorite restaurant in Madison. Consistently high quality food, with lots of locallly sourced ingredients. On the lake. Lovely zinc bar.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. - Hilldale
357 Price PlGood beer and good food
This scottish pub has a view of the state capitol that can't be beat.
26 locals recommend
The Coopers Tavern
20 W Mifflin StThis scottish pub has a view of the state capitol that can't be beat.
Hipster bar a bit east from downtown with all sorts of designer cocktails.
30 locals recommend
The Robin Room
821 East Johnson StreetHipster bar a bit east from downtown with all sorts of designer cocktails.
Sightseeing
The dome that houses the state government and dominates Madison's skyline is a treasure inside with an interior made of marble from around the world and intricate mosaics. Take the elevator and stairways to the top for a 360 view of the city and the lakes!
141 locals recommend
Wisconsin State Capitol
2 E Main St The dome that houses the state government and dominates Madison's skyline is a treasure inside with an interior made of marble from around the world and intricate mosaics. Take the elevator and stairways to the top for a 360 view of the city and the lakes!
A small town settled by swiss and german people with a cute main street. Also home to the New Glarus brewery.
18 locals recommend
New Glarus
A small town settled by swiss and german people with a cute main street. Also home to the New Glarus brewery.
Parks & Nature
The largest natural area within the city limits, Owen Park has lots of hiking trails through forest and prairie.
Owens Conservation Park
6021 Old Sauk RdThe largest natural area within the city limits, Owen Park has lots of hiking trails through forest and prairie.
Natural area great for walking, bird-watching, or looking at their native and ornamental plant gardens. Road that runs through it is good for biking and jogging.
60 locals recommend
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
1207 Seminole HighwayNatural area great for walking, bird-watching, or looking at their native and ornamental plant gardens. Road that runs through it is good for biking and jogging.
Walking trails through forest and wetlands. Good place for birdwatching or a stroll. Paved bike trail passes through part of it.
13 locals recommend
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
4864 Pheasant Branch RdWalking trails through forest and wetlands. Good place for birdwatching or a stroll. Paved bike trail passes through part of it.
Camping, hiking, swimming, paddling in the scenic Baraboo hills, just a 45 minute drive from Madison.
120 locals recommend
Devil's Lake State Park
S5975 Park RdCamping, hiking, swimming, paddling in the scenic Baraboo hills, just a 45 minute drive from Madison.
Essentials
Locally owned and operated co-op specializing in organic and other specialty foods.
25 locals recommend
Willy Street Co-op—West
6825 University AveLocally owned and operated co-op specializing in organic and other specialty foods.
Farmer's market every Wednesday and Saturday at Hilldale Mall. Also the west side farmers market behind the UW Digestive Health clinic on University Avenue, also Weds and Sats.
Hilldale Farmers' Market
702 N Midvale BlvdFarmer's market every Wednesday and Saturday at Hilldale Mall. Also the west side farmers market behind the UW Digestive Health clinic on University Avenue, also Weds and Sats.
Pick 'n Save
3650 University AveThe most economical grocery store for the basics.
Shopping
Metcalfe's Market
726 N Midvale BlvdFull grocery store with everything you need.
A small, locally owned grocery store with a good butcher counter. Get the basics here, very close to home.
Knoche’s Market and Butcher Shop
5372 Old Middleton RdA small, locally owned grocery store with a good butcher counter. Get the basics here, very close to home.
Entertainment & Activities
AMC Madison 6
430 N Midvale BlvdFood, drinks and a movie!
Stoughton Opera House
381 E Main StLive music venue in historic downtown Stoughton
A lovely open air terrace to while away sunny afternoons, have a beer, watch the sailboats, rent a canoe, go swimming, or people watch. Adjacent to the UW student union which also has indoor spaces like the Rathskeller, with good beer and burgers.
122 locals recommend
Memorial Union Terrace
800 Langdon StA lovely open air terrace to while away sunny afternoons, have a beer, watch the sailboats, rent a canoe, go swimming, or people watch. Adjacent to the UW student union which also has indoor spaces like the Rathskeller, with good beer and burgers.
The Kohl Center
601 West Dayton StreetSee UW men's hockey and men's and women's basketball here.