Eat Your Way to the Capital
When you first step foot on campus, many freshmen aim to make new friends. There’s no better way to make friends than to bond over amazing food. While my freshman year was limited due to COVID-19, this year I was able to get out to more of the restaurants on my list. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint. So whether you’re looking for places to take family, or just a place to get delicious food with friends, here are some of the places I would instantly recommend.
1. Short stack eatery
If you love breakfast food and don’t mind waiting in line for a little bit, Short Stack is a great place for you. The line can often be down the block (if that’s any indicator to how good it is), but it moves quickly. The inside is super cute, aesthetic and offers unlimited self-serve coffee. I’m normally not a pancake person, but the ones here are the perfect mix of fluffy and filling, and were gone in less than five minutes. Their breakfast potatoes are also beautifully seasoned and delicious. If you love breakfast, Short Stack should be number one on your list.
2. A la brasa
With burritos as big as your face, it’s almost impossible not to love A La Brasa. Just two blocks over from State Street, this family-style Mexican restaurant offers a warm and cozy atmosphere, perfect for those looking to feel at home. This is also the perfect place to go if you want to save money, as the food normally lasts me up to two meals. With incredibly juicy chicken and a nice refreshing hint of cilantro and lime, A La Brasa easily has one of the best burritos in town. There are also frequent deals on spectacular margaritas that come with a unique, housemade spicy rim. If you love Mexican food and eating in a more lowkey spot, this is the place for you.
3. Lucille’s
Just on the other side of the capital sits Lucille’s, a beautifully decorated two story restaurant known for its delectable pizza and pan cookies. Fairy lights fill the first floor bar area where many sit to chat and have drinks. Upstairs is filled with windows that allow you to see far reaching views of Madison. Lucille’s serves pizza with almost any toppings you can imagine, and is wood-fired to perfection. If you still have room left after your pizza, it’s worth sharing a pan brownie or cookie topped with vanilla ice cream. Sometimes you just need pizza and ice cream. Next time you do, give Lucille’s a try.
4. The old fashioned
Situated right across from the capital on the square, The Old Fashioned is a Wisconsin classic that serves not only delicious bar food like french fries and some of the best cheese curds, but also offers a wide variety of salads, sandwiches and barbecue. If you have a big group with many different tastes, this place is likely to satisfy everyone. The staff here is incredibly nice, and the restaurant itself is large with plenty of seating. If you look close enough you can find cute taxidermied animals (if you’re into that kind of thing) scattered about the restaurant. Overall, this is a great place for kids and adults alike, and is a true crowd pleaser.
5. indie coffee
Located on Regent Street, Indie gets overlooked often by students and visitors alike. While Indie has incredible pastries and a full breakfast menu with extravagant options, its coffee is some of the best I have had in my time here. The winter walk was always worth it to get an oat milk chai latte that comforted my soul. While smaller on the inside, Indie has a heated back patio with tables and flowers that make it an intimate and cute spot to spend time with a special person or just yourself. No matter what you get here, you’re sure to leave in a better mood than you came in. Simply the smell of Indie Coffee alone is enough to get me through the day. Indie Coffee also makes a great gift to send home with friends and family that come to visit. If you’re looking for a new fall study spot, look no further than Indie Coffee.
Honorable mentions
1. ancora coffee roasters
I chose not to elaborate on Ancora because I already included Indie, and Ancora already has plenty of hype. However, this hype is deserved as Ancora has delicious and unique coffee drinks, along with creative and addicting breakfast sandwiches and yogurt bowls. Ancora is also a great place to study, seeing as it has plenty of tables and a back area filled with plants and sunlight.
2. tutto
It’s practically impossible to not love pasta, but having tried tons of Italian restaurants myself, I can say for certain that Tutto Pasta is one of my top favorites. The menu has a wide range of pasta dishes and is vegetarian friendly. Tutto’s takes comfort food to a whole new level with its perfectly cooked pasta and deliciously seasoned, decadent sauces. If you’re looking for a warm meal on a depressing winter night, or you just failed a midterm and need a pick me up, Tutto Pasta is the best option.