If we had to pick one Madison neighborhood to dine in forever, it’d be the Capitol Square. Independent chefs—not franchises—rule here, unafraid to experiment. Think wild rice arancini for lunch and beer-braised brats with artisanal kraut for dinner. But classic supper clubs also thrive, so if you crave a Friday fish fry with a local lager, you’re set. Plus, where else celebrates cheese curds with an annual festival?
Crostini Sandwiches
$ | (608) 241-4284 | WEBSITE
Sandwiches? Madison has as much of that as we do students who show up with a backpack and appetite. But make them extra generous, loaded with retro diner charm, and served with a healthy dose of arcade game nostalgia, and you’ve got something in a league of its own. Suddenly, you won’t be able to resist skipping your afternoon errands to plop down for lunch inside Crostini Sandwiches, one of those little Northside treasures (aptly named for its crispy bread).
The menu is pretty solid, and even includes some good Italian beef, but go with the steak sandwich—if only to tear into thick cuts of meat, scoop up the fresh fries that’ll inevitably need ketchup, and shovel the whole thing into your mouth. Order some Chicken Pesto Avocado Panini to share heartily with friends and save room for another visit soon, too.
Sbarro
$ | (608) 424-2698 | WEBSITE
No matter the time of day, you’ll find a steady stream of customers heading to the food court. That’s because people flock to this casual pizza spot for slices so satisfying they’ll erase any memory you might have of mediocre mall pizza. Also, every single topping here is fresh and flavorful. Try the sausage on your New York style pie, or the vegetarian option with a side of stromboli.
Grab a seat at one of the tables with a generous portion of spaghetti and you’ll have found yourself a reliable slice of New York in Madison.
State Street Brats
$ | (608) 255-5544 | WEBSITE
State Street Brats is a lively, nostalgic spot that’s a perfect choice for a rowdy (read: loud) Saturday game day, a classic Thursday night out, or a hearty Monday evening meal. The bar menu has some standout dishes that dive deep into Wisconsin territory, like cheese curds described as mini soufflés, flame-grilled burgers, and the famous ribeye steak sandwich with waffle fries, but there’s also the classic red brat on there because, you know, tradition.
If the indoor scene feels too intense, the outdoor patio is charming too, especially if you grab a seat to enjoy the surroundings and a more relaxed vibe.
Grey Market
$$ | (608) 284-9161 | WEBSITE
We’ve heard there’s some pretty great cocktail bars in bigger cities. We’ll get there one day to try them for ourselves, but in the meantime, you can catch us at Grey Market in Madison, which specializes in a similar style of drinks. The cocktails undergo careful preparation by friendly staff, and the result is a delightfully balanced drink paired with things like Hot Beef sandwiches, Italian Grinders, and oysters.
Be prepared to relax, though—if the bar’s lively with its booze claw machine, it can take a few minutes for your generous snack to come out of the kitchen. Order a beer or one of the delicious snacks to keep you company until then. And always get one of the dipping sauces, if available, for the sandwiches.
Papa Johns Pizza
$ | (608) 848-8580 | WEBSITE
Madison’s got a solid roster of pizza joints (see: Ian’s, Glass Nickel), but this delivery-focused chain is somewhere that stands out. They serve pepperoni pizza, cheese pizza, and pepperonchini-topped pies that are perfect for sharing on a game night. It’s not quite a birthday or celebration situation, but it feels a bit more elevated than your usual Friday night Netflix binge with some frozen pizza.
In a stroke of why-didn’t-we-think-of-that genius, the staff handles order issues so smoothly—replacing pizzas without hassle—that you barely notice when a delivery gets delayed by a last-minute online order.
Kung Fu Tea
$ | (608) 819-8809 | WEBSITE
A bubble tea shop that serves delicious drinks in a cozy State Street spot with a wall of post-it notes from customers? That’s Kung Fu Tea, which is actually a perfect idea for a quick stop. The space is clean and welcoming with friendly staff always ready to help, the drinks like the standout slushes are refreshing and tasty, and the vegetarian and vegan-friendly options make it accessible for everyone.
This is also one of the better convenient options in town, especially if you’re looking for something like a $6 slush and a chat with the cheerful staff on a weekday.
Mariner’s Inn
$$ | (608) 246-3120 | WEBSITE
When it comes to fresh seafood in Madison, it seems like the whole entire world wants to duke it out over the fancy new spots. And that’s fine. Because we’ll happily be at Mariner’s Inn savoring the best perch and walleye in town. This older but well-maintained establishment has been satisfying hungry diners with generous portions for decades.
There’s only a handful of tables inside, so if the dining room’s at capacity, place your order at the bar up front and enjoy your feast in the pleasant atmosphere. The attentive staff makes the experience worthwhile, even if you might wait a bit for your Steer Tenderloin or Mariner’s Shrimp. It’s sad to think this place will soon make way for apartments and a marina, so get there while you can.
Pitcher’s Pub
$ | (608) 271-9702 | WEBSITE
The Madison location of Pitcher’s Pub has been serving up that classic Wisconsin bar experience for decades. Now, they’re still going strong with that same nostalgic atmosphere—dimly lit entrance and all—plus plenty of pool tables and dart boards. Come for a game and get one of those strong, affordable drinks, like the unique ‘swamp water’ option, and pay attention to the daily food specials. In typical Pitcher’s Pub friendliness, the staff is attentive and commendable.
The service moves quick, so after you order, find a spot by the bar, munch on those excellent cheese curds, and promptly warn your friends about the competitive darts match you’re about to start. They’re also known for outstanding chicken wings and a notable burger, so look for those while you watch sports or just relax.
FEAST – Artisan Dumpling and Tea House
$$ | (608) 298-7461 | WEBSITE
FEAST is Madison’s premier dumpling destination, and it’s been a standout ever since it arrived on the scene. The concept celebrates artisan dumplings and tea, and the menu delivers with creative takes on classics like soup dumplings, tofu buns, and the celebrated beef taco bao. This is a vibrant sanctuary for dumpling lovers, and a spot that consistently delights for a casual gathering or romantic evening out.
Wando’s
$$ | (833) 998-6305 | WEBSITE
We need more lively college bars with multi-level energy in our life. Enter: Wando’s. They’re holding down the corner near Ian’s Pizza, serving up fishbowl drinks best shared with friends and sandwiches that get a flavor boost from chips and pickle spears. It’s a casual spot and our new go-to for socializing with drinks, catching a DJ set on the top floor, or relaxing on the second level. They’re right in the heart of Madison, so there’s some real UW sports excitement happening here.
The vibe on game days strikes the balance between not too chaotic and not too subdued, and the bouncers are as polite as the staff is friendly.
Johnny Delmonico’s Steakhouse
$$$$ | (608) 230-5800 | WEBSITE
If our diet consisted of the perfectly cooked filet mignon and other classic steakhouse dishes from Johnny Delmonico’s, we’d never consider another restaurant again. This Madison institution offers exceptional service and cuisine with a menu packed with some of the most satisfying and delicious dishes we’ve had lately. There’s the tender Scottish salmon with rice pilaf, the popular pear martini that’s become our new favorite cocktail, and steaks cooked to absolute perfection.
It’s the place for a celebratory, welcoming dinner with a dining room that has a distinct classic steakhouse feel—and feels like a world where traditional elegance meets modern comfort, with easy parking right next door making the whole experience seamless.