If you’re looking for great restaurants while you’re in Madison, well, they’re all around you. Whether you’re traveling to South Central Wisconsin for the first time or you’re a regular visitor, there are plenty of unique dining experiences in our home city. We’d like to offer you a few suggestions. We asked some members of Nordic to offer up their favorite restaurants. Some of them are Madison classics, while others may not be as well known.
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| A view of the bar at Weary Traveler in Madison |
We'll start out with a restaurant on the south side of Madison, not far from Verona.
Quivey's Grove
6261 Nesbit Rd.
A Wisconsin experience, whether doing ribs and fish in the converted stable or dining a little more upscale in the old stone house. It’s not too far from Verona and can handle a crowd. Try the fried pickles.
-Brian Matsuura, Director of Employee Relations
Heading toward downtown Madison, there are plenty of good options on Monroe Street. Here are a couple selections.
Brasserie V
1923 Monroe St.
They have a huge beer menu with a knowledgeable staff. It’s very comfortable with a homey feeling. The food is outstanding with locally sourced ingredients.
-Roni Baron, Billing and Reimbursement Spcialist
If you're downtown, the next few restaurants are near the Capitol Square.
Merchant
121 South Pinckney St.
Excellent food and a well-stocked bar. They pride themselves on the "craft" movement for food and drink. Right off the square, Merchant is a great place to hit if you are wandering around downtown. On the weekends they clear out the dining area and have entertainment, mostly DJs.
-Patrick Olson, Senior IT Administrator
Plaka Taverna
410 East Wilson St.
It doesn't look like much from the outside, but it has one of the nicest outdoor eating experiences in Madison. It also has pretty respectable Greek food and, I've heard, a decent brunch.
-Patrick Olson, Senior IT Administrator
For a more unique experience, you can head just a few blocks east of downtown to Williamson Street. Here in Madison, everyone calls it Willy Street, and it has an eclectic mix of great restaurants.
A Pig in a Fur Coat
940 Williamson St.
It’s a small place with great small plates for sharing. Get the Foie Gras Mousse with the donut under it. It’s worth it.
-Matt Schaefer, General Manager of Business Lines
Weary Traveler
1201 Williamson St.
Incredible food in a warm setting. I love taking out-of-towners there to experience the uniqueness of the Willy Street area.
-Roni Baron, Billing and Reimbursement Spcialist