25 Essential Madison Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Madison.
Vintage Spirits & Grill
Wisconsin
Bar & grill with a retro vibe with a big craft beer list including house brews & an outdoor patio.
Sardine
Wisconsin
Hip bistro with creative French fare & a lively bar in a former warehouse with Lake Monona views.
RED
Wisconsin
Sleek eatery serving creative sushi rolls & grilled Japanese fare in modern environs.
North and South Seafood & Smokehouse
Madison, Wisconsin
Seafood eatery & bar with daily chalkboard specials & a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Pizza Brutta
Madison, Wisconsin
Casual spot for wood-fired, Neapolitan pies created from housemade mozzarella & local ingredients.
Oakcrest Tavern
Madison, Wisconsin
Modest, old-school eatery serving up a menu of classic American eats, such as burgers & fries.
Naples 15
Madison, Wisconsin
Wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas & classic Italian mains served in a warm trattoria with a patio.
Players Sports Bar & Grill
Madison, Wisconsin
Decked out in Green Bay Packers colors, this cheery sports bar boasts American grub & happy hours.
Rosati's Pizza
Madison, Wisconsin
Italian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.
Monty's Blue Plate Diner
Madison, Wisconsin
1950s-style diner serving comfort food plus vegetarian & vegan options in a renovated gas station.
Heritage Tavern
Madison, Wisconsin
Upscale New American fare for dinner & weekend brunch served in a classy space with old-world flair.
Thai Basil
Madison, Wisconsin
Humble strip-mall counter serve offering Thai specialties for carryout or delivery.
Vintage Brewing Co. Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Casual option for house beers, sodas & American tavern eats served in retro digs with visible vats.
Ian’s Pizza Madison | Frances Street
Madison, Wisconsin
Wisconsin-born chain known for its creative pizzas including its signature mac 'n' cheese pie.
Weary Traveler Freehouse
Madison, Wisconsin
A beer-focused bar, elevated pub food & brunch plus board games in a vintage, hodgepodge setting.
Gino's Italian Deli
Madison, Wisconsin
Cheerful Italian deli & grocer specializing in pastas & subs to go, with a small dining area.
El Grito Taqueria
Madison, Wisconsin
Upscale mobile food trailer offering a variety of meat & veggie tacos served on paper plates.
Original Pancake House
Madison, Wisconsin
Signature pancakes & other American breakfast classics all day in a casual setting.
Camp Cantina
Madison, Wisconsin
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails. Popular for.
Blue Moon Bar & Grill
Madison, Wisconsin
Relaxed, 2-level art deco bar with signature burgers & cheese curds plus a jukebox & billiards.
Ian’s Pizza Madison | State Street
Madison, Wisconsin
Wisconsin-born chain known for its creative pizzas including its signature mac 'n' cheese pie.
Lucille
Madison, Wisconsin
Vintage, industrial-chic tavern with 3 floors serving wood-fired & steel-pan pizzas, plus cocktails.
Delaney's Steak Seafood Wine
Madison, Wisconsin
Long-running white-tablecloth steakhouse with traditional fare, including seafood, plus many wines.
Tornado Steak House
Madison, Wisconsin
Old-school steakhouse with a rustic, supper-club vibe serving classic chops, seafood & cocktails.
Taj Indian Cuisine & Bar
Madison, Wisconsin
Service options: Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Sports. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.