Things To Do
Working Draft Beer Company
This is Allison and Billy’s favorite craft brewery in Madison! There is very limited food options here just FYI
Public Parking Bar
If you’re looking for an innovative and enticing cocktail, check out this new place. Named one of the “9 Best New Bars” in the nation by Bon Appetite Magazine. Pairs well Molten Monkey pizza next door!
The Robin Room
The predecessor of Public Parking in Allison’s mind, the Robin Room is a hidden gem with cocktails galore. The menu is a book divided by spirit bases and they feature some cocktails on draught. The space is quite limited there and it gets busy after 10:00pm.
The Old Fashioned
A Wisconsin classic! Billy and I actually went on our first date here. Sample the local fair in this casual yet cozy Madison staple. Take note, the cheese curds are consistently ranked the best in the area. No reservations so grab a drink at the bar if it’s busy.
Turn Key Supper Club
The “supper club” is a unique dining and social experience with a menu that features American classics that are also nostalgic. Turn Key is a modern take on a traditional supper club with great food, drink, and atmosphere.
Ahan
Ahan is one of Allison’s favorite restaurants in Madison. Its menu is influenced by Laotian cuisine but offers various other Asian dishes. The Willy Street neighborhood also offers a number of fantastic ethnic restaurants if you are in the mood to travel with your tastebuds.
Vintage Brewing Co. Capitol East
There are several area locations of Vintage, but this one down town is probably the largest. Vintage is a classic American style pub/brewhouse. A more casual atmosphere where you can get a burger/sandwich/mac n cheese with a beer made in house.
The Coopers Tavern
This is Allison’s favorite restaurant in Madison with a simple menu of pub foods and some rotating specials. It features a wide array of beers on draught with many international options.
Ivory Room Piano Bar
Piano bar! This busy bar charges a nightly cover fee but in return you get to watch a live pianist play any variety of contemporary music. They take suggestions and sometimes have two “dueling pianos” playing at once. The bar gets very busy after 10:00pm
Dane County Farmer’s Market
Held every Saturday morning from 6:15 around the capitol square, the Dane County Farmer’s Market is bustling with vendors, visitors, musicians, and activists. Enjoy a slow paced stroll around the square and try some free samples. You can never go wrong with some locally produced squeaky cheese curds! **UPDATE. Due to Art Fair on the Square, on Saturday, July 11 the Farmer’s Market will move to Breese Stevens Field (917 E Mifflin Street)
Concerts on the Square
If you happen to be in town a few days early, we highly recommend going to watch the Concerts on the Square. They take place seasonally on Wednesday evenings at 7pm and are a free al fresco concert put on by Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. Bring a picnic blanket, some snacks, and some wine to enjoy while listening to the thematically arranged show.
Comedy on State
If you are here for an extra night or two, we cannot recommend this place enough. The club features a wide range of comedians from locals to well known names and has been praised by famous comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld. Even if you have no idea who you are seeing, rest assured that we have been here many times and never had a bad time. FYI there is a two drink minimum at the shows so keep that in mind.
Forward Madison Game
Enjoy the local soccer/football team’s match at Breese Steven’s Field. Whether Madison wins or loses, these games are a blast! Forward Madison FC’s mascot is a pink flamingo hailing from an annual practical joke played by students at the University of Wisconsin in which they pepper Bascom Hill with pink lawn flamingos.
New Glarus Brewing Company
Located 30 minutes southwest of Madison lies New Glarus, WI. Famous for only selling their products within the state of Wisconsin, this brewery attracts a lot of visitors on a craft beer pilgrimage. Their flagship brew is called Spotted Cow which is wheaty, easy-going, and omnipresent throughout Wisconsin. Despite only selling their beer within the state, they are the 15th largest craft brewery in the United States. The small town of New Glarus is also worth a stroll though as it boasts a “little Switzerland” motif.