Explore Madison

Madison is one of our favorite cities! Here are a few of our hand-curated recommendations to check out while you’re here! From food food and drink to fun for the whole family.

    • Dane County Farmers’ Market:Truly a “must do!” The Dane County Farmer’s Market is the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the US and features over 150 vendors. It happens every Saturday from 6:00am - 2:00pm on the Capitol Square in Downtown Madison. Don’t miss it! Drew’s pro tip: find the Stella’s Bakery and buy a loaf of their Hot & Spicy Cheese Bread (fresh out of the oven). (Distance from Capitol Square: 0 Miles)

    • State Street: State Street is the heart of Downtown Madison connecting the University of Wisconsin-Madison to the state capitol. The street is closed to cars (but watch out for buses!) and is full of shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars. Definitely worth a morning stroll. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.1 Miles)

    • Olbrich Botanical Gardens: The Olbrich Botanical Gardens features over 16 acres of outdoor display gardens and the stunning Bolz Conservatory, a 50-foot-high glass pyramid housing a tropical climate with birds, a waterfall, and koi pond. Drew’s grandmother has spent hundreds of hours volunteering here. (Distance from Capitol Square: 3.1 Miles)

    • Henry Vilas Zoo: Madison’s very own community zoo. Featuring over 100 hundred different species and free admission! Don’t miss the Arctic Passage! (Distance from Capitol Square: 1.9 Miles)

    • University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum: Known as the birthplace of ecological restoration, the arboretum features over 1,200 acres of protected woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and savannas and 17 miles of walking trails. (Distance from Capitol Square: 3.1 Miles)

    • Madison Children’s Museum: Best-suited for children under ten, the children’s museum features three floors of interactive exhibits including an art studio and “possible-opolis. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.1 Miles)

    • Vitense Golfland: Looking for something to do with kids? Vitense Golfland feature two outdoor and one indoor mini-golf course and many other kid-friendly attractions. (Distance from Capitol Square: 9.2 Miles)

    • Wonderstate Coffee Co: Right on the capitol square (beware on Saturday the line can be brutal). They roast their own beans and make pour over right in front of you. Drew’s brother Brant swears by them. If you need a bean recommendation, make sure to ask him! (Distance from Capitol Square: 0 Miles)

    • Fair Trade Coffee House: Located right on state street, this artful coffeehouse only serves the best fair trade coffee. Beloved by students, this is a fantastic place to find a table or chair and do some work. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.8 Miles)

    • Colectivo Coffee: A Madison staple with several locations around Downtown Madison. They roast their own beans and have spacious cafes. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0 Miles or 0.6 Miles)

    • Bradbury’s Coffee: A buzzing hipster coffee shop. Claimed by some to have the best coffee in the city. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.1 Miles)

    • Marigold Kitchen:Right on the capitol square, Marigold Kitchen is a breakfast and brunch hub of Downtown Madison. Be warned, it is first come first served and there will probably be a line. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.1 Miles)

    • Mickies Dairy Bar: Conveniently located in the shadow of Camp Randall, Mickies Dairy Bar has been a Madison legend since 1946. Because it is not a football Saturday, it will be a little less busy, but only slightly. Don’t miss out on their plate-sized pancakes and of course a hearty Wisconsin milkshake or malt. (Distance from Capitol Square: 1.6 Miles)

    • Monty’s Blue Plate Diner: Situated in a renovated gas station, this 1950s-style diner serves up fantastic breakfast all day every day including extensive vegetarian and vegan options. (Distance from Capitol Square: 2.3 Miles)

    • The Curve: We guarantee you won’t find this hole-in-the-wall classic on any “best of” Madison list. If you’re looking for a greasy spoon, look no further and no farther, there is none better. This place does wonders for a hangover. (Distance from Capitol Square: 1.4 Miles)

    • Fair Oaks Diner: Another top-notch, no-nonsense greasy spoon diner that will cure your hangover like nothing happened. This diner is just a few minutes from Drew’s grandfather’s old appliance store. Drew’s grandfather ate breakfast here almost every morning and it was hard to convince him to go anywhere else. (Distance from Capitol Square: 3.5 Miles)

    • Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry: Yes, that is the name. They’ve been around for 47 years and have arguably the best burgers in the state (ask Drew’s brother Scott about this). They also feature an amazing array of Madison memorabilia. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.8 Miles)

    • The Old Fashioned: Located on the capitol square this is a can’t miss. While you can’t go wrong with their entire menu of Wisconsin classics, their deep fried cheese curds have been voted the best in America. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0 Miles)

    • The Harvey House: Looking for something upscale? The Harvey House is hidden behind Madison’s Historic Train Depot and pays homage to Wisconsin’s supper club scene. Founded by a former sous chef at the French Laundry, this is a true dining experience worth the price tag. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.7 Miles)

    • The Green Owl Cafe: This is Madison’s only exclusively vegetarian and vegan restaurant and is one of Morgan’s favorites. Don’t miss it! (Distance from Capitol Square: 2.0 Miles)

    • Weary Traveler Freehouse: A craft-beer-focused restaurant serving elevated pub food. This is a Madison classic serving menu items such as “Bob’s Bad Breath Burger.” (Distance from Capitol Square: 1.3 Miles)

    • Maharani Indian Restaurant: Located right off of the capitol square, Maharani is a Madison staple. If you’re hungry they offer a lunch buffet that is sure to please your taste buds. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.3 Miles)

    • Buraka: Buraka is a Madison favorite serving Ethiopian food. If you’re looking for something besides “classic” midwestern comfort food, look no further. (Distance from Capitol Square: 1.2 Miles)

    • Parthenon Gyros: Opened in 1972 and situated right on State Street, they offer arguably the best gyro around in their no-frills shop. Has Drew’s dad driven the entire family halfway across Madison just to get there? Who can say. Importantly, they’re open until 10:00pm. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.3 Miles)

    • Ian’s Pizza: Where do you go when everywhere else is closed (including the bars). It’s Ian’s. They’re located on State Street. They sell pizza by the (massive) slice for $4.50 - $5.50. A Madison favorite is the Mac n’ Cheese slice. Plan to go with Morgan and Drew after the wedding after party. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.1 Miles)

    • The UW-Madison Memorial Union Terrace: This is the place to be on a sunny Madison afternoon. Sit in the classic Wisconsin Union chairs and enjoy live music and the sailboats whizzing back and forth. They serve Wisconsin craft beers, and for some reason a New Glarus Spotted Cow just tastes better here. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.8 Miles)

    • Merchant: A great restaurant by day, a fantastic cocktail bar by night. Located just off of the capitol square. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.1 Miles)

    • Young Blood Beer Company: They’ve been brewing up bold beers since 2020. They’ve got a great selection sours if that’s your thing. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.1 Miles)

    • Essen Haus Restaurant and Bar: Looking for something truly midwestern authentic? It’s Essen Haus. This is a Wisconsin take on a German beer hall, that should say it all. Just make sure you order your beer in a boot. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.5 Miles)

    • The Robin Room: Another steadfast for high-quality cocktails. If you’re looking for Wisconsin classics or something new and interesting, this is your spot. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.7 Miles)

    • Wando’s: There is nothing upscale or pretentious about this place. A three-story sports bar that is a favorite of UW-Madison students. If you’re looking to relive your college glory, this is your place. To get the most authentic experience, order a fishbowl. Pro tip, you order by color, not by flavor. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.6 Miles)

    • The Kollege Klub: They’ve been celebrating the Wisconsin Badgers since 1953. A known hang out of Badger athletes. Known to locals as “The KK” (seriously), this bar prides itself on delivering that classic college (er…kollege) nostalgia. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.7 Miles)

    • The Library: In a town where there are more bars than grocery stores, this one is a little bit of a hike. However, makes up for it in sentimental value. What is the best way for a young college student to convince their parents they’re being studious while also enjoying a night out? By going to “The Library” (of course no one you know has ever done this). (Distance from Capitol Square: 1.3 Miles)

    • Double Tap Beercade: Looking for something a little different? Double Tap Beercade has a fantastic selection of both drinks and arcade games. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.3 Miles)

    • Babcock Dairy Store: UW-Madison houses its own herd of cows on campus. Those cows proudly supply the milk for Babcock Ice Cream. You won’t find fresher ice cream than from the Babcock Dairy Store where the cows are right next door. (Can’t make it there but still want to try Babcock Ice Cream? They serve it in the Wisconsin Memorial Union at the end of State Street). (Distance from Capitol Square: 1.5 Miles)

    • Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream: Located right on State Street, Chocolate Shoppe is a local institution. They’ve been in business for over 50 years. Try their ice cream and you’ll know why. (Distance from Capitol Square: 0.4 Miles)

    • Michael’s Frozen Custard: Stand back ice cream, Wisconsin is the undisputed capital of frozen custard and Michael’s does it the best. Situated in an abandoned gas station with a quintessential soda fountain you won’t regret coming here. (Distance from Capitol Square: 3.7 Miles)

    • Greenbush Bakery: A staple in Madison for donuts and all variety of baked goods. Their apple fritters are top notch. (Distance from Capitol Square: 1.5 Miles)

    • Devil’s Lake State Park: The outdoor hub of central Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake features fantastic hiking and amazing views. If you’re looking for an outdoorsy day out, this is what we recommend. (Distance from Capitol Square: 45 Miles)

    • The Wisconsin Dells: Dubbed “The Waterpark Capital of the World” because it features the highest concentration of indoor and outdoor waterparks per capita. Features waterparks such as Noah’s Ark and the Kalahari. Also has 1950s retro attractions such as the Tommy Bartlett Exploratory. If you’re coming in early and looking for family friendly fun outside of Madison, this is what we recommend. (Distance from Capitol Square: 55 Miles)

    • Wollersheim Winery & Distillery: We’ll be honest, Wisconsin isn’t exactly known for it’s wine. Nonetheless Wollersheim is a Wisconsin classic, founded in 1847. They’ve got ample space to spend an afternoon in the sun and offer a nice tour. Interestingly, the founder of Wollersheim moved to Sonoma County in California and founded what is now the second oldest winery in California. (Distance from Capitol Square: 25 Miles)

    • House on the Rock/Taliesin: The House on the Rock is one of the strangest pieces of Americana you can find. It features many attractions including an indoor carousel. Taliesin was the home, school, and studio of famed Wisconsin architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Both are located in Spring Green, WI. (Distance from Capitol Square: 50 Miles)