Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, with its Capitol Square and famous State Street, is known for its local and international restaurants, diverse enough to accommodate any type of diet. Since The Culture Trip last visited Madison’s foodie scene continues to go from strength to strength, with all-American, Italian Asian and home-style eateries making an appearance. Check out these 10 town hotspots.
The Old Fashioned
Restaurant, American, Pub Grub, Beer, Wine, Vegetarian, Fast Food
Courtesy of Old Fashioned
Facing the Capitol, The Old Fashioned’s perfect location makes to easily accessible for both tourists and locals, giving everyone the chance to taste real Wisconsin cuisine. Founded in 2005, The Old Fashioned aims to bring the best of Wisconsin cooking to the heart of Madison. When it comes to dining, the all-American atmosphere and traditionally crafted meal selection varies from The Old Fashioned house burger to the lake perch fish fry. These choices, along with the variety of locally brewed Wisconsin beer and wine, make the Old Fashioned the kind of place that’s hard to resist.
Located across the street from the state’s Capitol, Graze’s location and architecture bring a sense of uniqueness not only to the restaurant itself, but also to its customers, allowing them to enjoy the taste of locally grown ingredients. Inspired by the gastro-pub scene, Graze empowers local farmers by aiming to bring the best quality food for everyone to enjoy. Graze’s menu consists of dishes such as their delicious beef and walnut, their famous fried cheese curds and their interesting combo of chicken with waffles. The variety of its menu makes Graze one of Madison’s must-try restaurants.
Sushi Muramoto
With three different locations around Madison, Sushi Muramoto offers the ultimate Japanese cuisine experience. For the sushi lovers, the Sushi Muramoto menu has a wide selection of sushi rolls to choose from, such as the Spicy Tuna Special, the Tokyo Picnic or the Bumble Bee. Furthermore, Sushi Muramoto extends from sushi rolls to other special Japanese recipes such as crab croquettes, miso marinated black cod and lemongrass stew du mer. With its friendly staff and environment, there is no doubt that Sushi Muramato is worth a try, especially since a professional guide is always available for first-time visitors. Sushi Muramoto, 225 King St, Madison, WI, USA, +1 608 259 1040
Kabul Restaurant
Restaurant, Mediterranean
Considered one of the first Afghan restaurants in town and located in the heart of Madison, Kabul provides a taste of both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. With its new location Kabul’s atmosphere give Madison diners a unique glimpse of Afghan culture and cuisine. Its lunch and dinner menus both provide a wide selection of mouth-watering meals including delicious Nuri’s couscous, lamb curry, and chafik Moroccan lemon chicken. Not only does Kabul offer its speciality kabobs, but it also highly recommends finishing each meal either with Arabic coffee or Afghani tea.
Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace
With a joint bar in addition to a casual and friendly atmosphere, Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace bridges the best of Texan and Mexican cuisine. Tex Hubb’s menu has a wide range of choices. When it comes to their American southwest cooking, the must-try items are the sweet potato enchiladas and the sizzling fajitas. In terms of Mexican dining, any taco combo accompanied with the famous tex tubb sweet potatoes makes Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace the place to be. Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace, 2009 Atwood Avenue, Madison WI, USA, +1 608-242-1800
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After walking up the stairs to enter Madison’s favourite café, you are met with its magic view of the hustle and bustle of State Street from the windows of charming Sunroom Café. The venue’s local and international menu has something for everyone: brunch-aholics are particularly well served, being able to choose from the likes of everything buttermilk pancakes, nova lox scrambler and the much-recommended santa fe frittata. With hot coffees, pastries and crafts ciders on offers, Sunroom really is one of the city’s most charming spots.
DLUX
Popular for its mouth-watering burgers, milkshakes and deep cheese fries, DLUX is located across the street from the Capitol and is surrounded by many important state buildings. Its cosy environment offers customers the chance to enjoy a unique meal at an affordable price. DLUX is not only is a hot spot because of its signature burgers, but also for its happy hours, when everyone can taste its signature appetizers and cocktails at affordable prices.
Alchemy
Since its opening, Alchemy has become a favourite spot for Madison residents. Due to its popularity, the venue is always full at any given time of the day, but the friendly staff will make sure to make room for everyone. Alchemy’s commitment to serve all local and organic ingredients make its sweet potato fries, zaremba burger and maize into must-try items.
The Coopers Tavern
Bar, Contemporary, Irish
The Coopers Tavern is the local place to watch any sport or entertainment events, accompanied with either a local or international beer. The bar’s extensive imported craft beer list makes it the only spot in Madison to offer such variety. Located across the street from the Capitoll, the Coopers Tavern is also known for its menu, which includes much-vaunted du jour soup and the Reuben sandwich. With its welcoming atmosphere, the Coopers Tavern guarantees good quality food and service.
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