The city of Madison boasts many unique restaurants and exciting concert venues, but it can be hard to choose which restaurants and shows to attend. Depending on where you live, here are some recommendations for some amazing grub and entertainment.
For the food-obsessed:
Despite what may be said about Madison as being one of the best college towns, with its bars and Badger games, it is worth noting this city has some amazing spots for food. The close proximity to farmland makes this isthmus a vibrant hub for eats.
The Dane County Farmers Market takes the cake as the best spot to hit for local, in-season fresh foods, and its location on Capitol Square makes it easily accessible for students living on campus near State Street, Langdon Street, downtown or in the Tenney-Lapham area.
UW’s vicinity to downtown Madison makes it easy to visit the show-stopping food trucks at the end of State Street, as well as convenient stops like Forage, Naf Naf Grill, Conrad’s, Estacion Inka, Colectivo, Paul’s Pel’meni, Chen’s Dumpling House, The Globe, Cheba Hut and Himal Chuli.
Capitol Square and the many streets surrounding it offer a smörgåsbord of dine-in restaurants. This area features classic Wisconsin-esque places like Ian’s Pizza, The Old Fashioned, Cooper’s Tavern, Nitty Gritty, Great Dane, Tornado Room and Essen Haus. But the neighborhood has more upscale spots where one might go on a date or make a reservation for a visit from their parents, such as Graze, Cento, Tavernakaya, Heritage Tavern, Rare Steakhouse and Naples 15.
Heading toward Camp Randall, you’ll find the fan favorite Kwik Trip, as well as Mickie’s Dairy Bar, Greenbush Bakery, Pizza Brutta, Bloom Bake Shop, Brasserie V, Sequoia, Everyday Kitchen, La Brioche true food and many more.
For concert-lovers:
Madison might be off the radar when it comes to big-name North American tours, but it is the spot for the independent music scene.
Majestic Theatre, located on King Street just behind the capital, is quite the place for live music. The theater was built at the beginning of the 20th century, and the interior proves just that. It gives a jumping-off-the-rafters feel and makes it the perfect gathering place for indie college kids looking to sardine themselves as close to the stage as possible.
This fall, Majestic Theatre expects visits from Two Feet, Duckwrth, Tai Verdes, Soccer Mommy, Magdalena Bay and TikTok star Brittany Broski.
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Another small venue on its way to the big leagues is High Noon Saloon. The name lives up to itself by feeding into the saloon vibe with a large, rustic interior. One look at this place and you’ll be thinking the “Hoedown Throwdown” is about to bust out any second. Many square dances have definitely been held here.
High Noon Saloon is uptown is located right on East Washington. Smaller local and national acts pay visits to this stop, including the likes of Vista Kicks, Sueco and Madison’s very own Disq.
On to the star of the show — The Sylvee — which is located right off of East Washington on South Livingston. It can hold nearly four times the amount of people as Majestic, and is meant for big-name acts. The lineup is impressive this year, with performances from Wilco, Death Cab For Cutie, Head and the Heart, King Princess, Marcus Mumford and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. The only downside is that it is a little further from campus.
But for those closer to campus, let’s not forget about the shows and open-mics every weekend at Memorial Union’s Der Rathskeller and The Terrace, and at Union South’s The Sett.
