Almost every bar off the Capitol will have the unofficial beer of Wisconsin on tap. We promise it won't be hard to find!
This is one of the most hotly debated issues in the city, but our personal favorites are at the Old Fashioned and Cooper's Tavern, both located downtown on the Capitol Square. Try them both!
One of the great things about Madison is the variety and quality of food that the city offers! Here are some of our favorite downtown establishments: - Bradbury's Coffee for delicious espresso and crepes - Tipsy Cow for traditional tavern eats - Lucille for pizza and small plates - Natspill, Little Palace, or Hutong for delicious Chinese fare - Settle Down Tavern for their famous burgers and Friday Fish Fry - Salvatore's for pizza and local brews - Cooper's Tavern for elevated pub fare All of these locations are located directly off the capitol square, but be sure to make a reservation in advance if you can!
The great thing about Madison is the many different areas and corridors within the city, including the University of Wisconsin - Madison, home of the Badgers! The University is tightly nestled within the city's southwest side, and is easily walkable from downtown. When you get on campus -- you'll know it!
Our favorite thing about Madison is its unique geography. The city itself is located on an Isthmus: a strip of land separated by the two lakes, Monona to the south and Mendota to the north. Lake Monona has a beautiful lakefront trail that is easily accessible from multiple points around the city and is perfect for walking or renting bikes. To visit Lake Mendota, we'd recommend visiting James Madison Park and picking up the lakefront walk towards Tenney Park Breakwater marina, which has one of our favorite views of Lake Mendota and the city itself.
You can't go wrong with the east side! Venture down Williamson street or the Capital City Trail to take you to a few of our favorites: cocktails at Gibs, elevated pub food at Weary Traveler Freehouse, beer from Working Draft Beer Company or sandwiches and baked good from Madison Sourdough. If you love thrifting, we recommend you make a stop at Stillgood's as well.