Sometimes being stuck in the college town of Madison gets dull and boring. As many others have, venture out for a meal to get away from the cramped dorm rooms and silent library cages.
1. Bluephies
Many run here for their cookie dough spring rolls, but all of the food at this casual restaurant is enjoyable. Try their special scramblers as well as their cheesy Bluephie sandwich. If you are on a health kick, their kale and spinach salad has an amazing teriyaki dressing and chicken to top it off. Celebrating a birthday? Bring some excitement to your meal and order red velvet cake covered with chocolate chips on the outside.
2. Avenue Club and the Bubble Up Bar
This modern, American-like restaurant offers a variety of meal options. Open for brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks and late night the time of your visit is definitely not limited. They are known for their menu that it suitable to all. Bring your pickiest friend and I hope they will be able to find something they enjoy!
3. Graft
Try a little of everything and plan your next dinner at Graft. Their sizzling mac and cheese will not disappoint. Known for their scallops, this restaurant serves small, medium and large plates that are great to share with friends. This nice, but not too expensive meal will provide you with a more intimate setting. It is always nice to treat yourself!
4. Imperial Gardens
If you’re ever craving Chinese food better than cheap delivery food, head over to Imperial Gardens. It doesn’t involve the shortest travel, however the lazy Susan style sharing is an experience to remember. We all know the feeling of wanting to splurge, so call a cab or an Uber and head here. I can assure you that you will not leave with an empty stomach.
5. Umami Ramen & Dumpling Bar
You may connect this small, cozy restaurant with the food found on a popular State Street food cart. Although remembered for their various fluffy buns, Umami proudly serves a variety of dumplings and ramen based bowls that are perfect to cure the cold Wisconsin weather. What better way to fight the cold weather than with a good meal!
6. Mickies Dairy Bar
This is located closer to campus and definitely worth the visit. Sometimes the line is wrapped around the side of the street, however, the wait is worth enduring. Although their malts and shakes look irresistible, their omelets are a great alternative to pancakes. They are largely portioned and do not disappoint. They can be filled with as many vegetables and cheeses as you would like. I suggest sweet potato fries well done on the side.
7. A Pig in A Fur Coat
A more diverse menu is available here for those who are looking to go out on a limb. This location in specific combines foods not often found on the menus of restaurants on State Street. Have one-person order for the table, and try everything without asking what exactly you are consuming. You will be presently surprised.
8. Monty’s
This laid back diner location is perfect for breakfast the morning after a long night out. Their special chicken noodle soup is unlike you have ever seen before; it is filled with lots of vegetables and noodles. To satisfy your sweet tooth, have a milkshake along side your eggs benedict.
9. Café Porta Alba
Go with a big group of friends to this delicious pizza place. When I went we probably ordered one of each pie and I didn’t regret one calorie of it…until the morning after at least. Their mini pizzas could serve as personal pies, but I suggest going with enough people to try multiple. You can even end off your meal with their Nutella stuffed pizza.
10. 43 North
Many are probably so used to going to Red Sushi, however, this modern bistro is located right next door. This restaurant is owned by the same people as Muramoto, which is another location worthy of trying. They have classic cheese boards, however, the also have fish, meat and vegetable dishes accompanied by fresh ingredients.
I hope after scrolling through these pictures your mouth was left watering. Try all of the places you can before the school year ends and who knows what other hidden restaurants in Madison are worthy of discovering.