With homemade soups, salad dressings and a unique selection of specialty martinis and drinks, locally owned Hawk’s Bar and Grill offers a simple and relaxed atmosphere amid the bustle of State Street.

Located in the heart of the business district at 425 State St., it is hard to miss Hawk’s large glass windows and inviting outdoor patio. On the inside, the brick walls, open kitchen and colorful modern art provide a classy background that takes your standard bar food to a whole new level.

Though there are not many items on Hawk’s menu below $5, the fresh ingredients and generous portions are well worth the money and the wait — more often than not, it takes longer to get your food than it does to eat it.

But on a cool fall day in Madison, there is nothing better than a cup of homemade soup or Hawk’s Classic burger. The menu offers plenty of other great choices, and all of the restaurant’s specialty sandwiches can be prepared with one of five different marinades — lemon herb, barbecue, Jamaican jerk, Cajun or teriyaki.

The portions are perfect for either lunch or dinner, and the burgers are ground fresh daily — but the best part of stopping in for a meal is Hawk’s seasoned fries. Though they might be easily overlooked with several other tempting side dish choices, Hawk’s fries go unrivaled in the State Street area.

Additionally, Hawk’s bar, like its food, is a step up from the usual college-town hang out. But don’t worry — in addition to 20 wines and several original martini creations ranging from the basic to the extreme, Hawk’s has over 50 beers available to keep those good old Wisconsinites happy.

So if you’re looking for a classy but casual place for a date or a drink, Hawk’s Bar and Grill is it.