Claire & Brendan
Things To Do
Hottest Madison Restaurants
Here is an actual list of what's cool in Madison right now by people who know what they are talking about.
State Street
The heart of campus town in Madison, the State Street area is home to quirky vintage stores, hippy emporiums, possibly the only surviving used CD stores in America, and many student bars.
The Old Fashioned
Upscale Wisconsin bar food + brandy old-fashions (the unofficial state drink).
Friday night fish fry
If you want an authentic upper-midwestern experience, you should go to a fish fry. Here is some person's detailed analysis of the Madison fish fry scene.
Dane County Farmers' Market
America's largest "producers-only farmers market," this takes over Capitol Square on Saturday mornings and features 100+ vendors. Enjoy all the venison beef sticks, artisanal cheese curds, and sugary treats your heart desires.
A Room of One’s Own
The one-and-only feminist bookstore where Claire was radicalized as a youth.
The Statehouse
Located in the Edgewood Hotel, a good spot for a bougie brunch and the best lake views.
Tipsy Cow
A charming triangular bar/restaurant with lots of local beer options.
Memorial Union Terrace
The famous UW-Madison terrace is closed in October, but you can still walk along the lake shore. Grab a pitcher at Der Rathskeller bar and pretend you are Liz Blomquist and Allen Miller circa 1984. (Or I guess any UW student circa now?)
Babcock Hall Dairy Store
In the Memorial Union. Made by actual UW dairy students, this famous ice cream is somehow subtly different and better than all other ice cream? Even if you do not care much about ice cream, you should go and eat this ice cream.
National Mustard Museum
This exists. Worth the drive to Middleton? Depends on how much you like mustard and silly things.
The Village Green Bar & Grill
If you happen to be in Middleton and want to visit an authentic Wisconsin dive, this is a family favorite.
Tornado Steak House
Steaks and cocktails straight outta Mad Men.
Ian's Pizza on State
Good pizza and good politics.
Williamson Street
Seems like there is some weird and cool stuff around here.
The Century House- Gifts
The swankiest minimalist contemporary Nordic design that is probably too cool for your home.
Burnie's Rock Shop
FOR ALL YOUR ROCK COLLECTING AND POWER CRYSTAL NEEDS.
Bandung Indonesian Restaurant
FOR ALL YOUR WEST JAVANESE FOOD CRAVINGS.
Mount Horeb
If you'd like to explore small town Wisconsin, we like to hang out in Mt. Horeb. Ignore the creepy troll statues and visit its many antique stores, Duluth Trading Company's flagship store, The Grumpy Troll bar, and Brix Cidery.
Taliesin
Frank Lloyd Wright's personal estate. They have tours, a nice visitors center, and beautiful views of Wisconsin's geologically unique Driftless Area.
One Barrel Brewing Company
Local microbrewery.
University of Wisconsin Madison Arboretum
Beautiful trails for running and hiking.
Henry Vilas Zoo
It's free!
Devil's Lake State Park
COOL GEOLOGY AND HIKING.
Blain's Farm & Fleet
Farm and Fleet is a midwestern store chain that is like Walmart for farmers. It is the best store in the entire world and has literally every thing you have ever wanted, and also a ridiculous bulk candy section.
Fleet Farm Oconomowoc
Not to be confused with Farm and Fleet, Fleet Farm is an apparently totally separate chain that is weirdly EXACLY the same as Farm and Fleet, right down to the bulk candy. This is a MYSTERIOUS WISCONSIN MYSTERY that we need your help to solve. If you're driving in from the Milwaukee airport, this location is a great stop along the way.