Madison as a college town and small city offers an array of urban destinations that makes you feel like you are in a legitimate metropolis, with the comfort of friendly faces and downtown entertainment. Popular destinations such as State Street, Capitol Square and the Terrace are worth their acclaim, but another destination is often overlooked.
Enter Monroe Street. Even though it is quite a great deal smaller than State Street, do not let the size of Monroe Street fool or dissuade you from exploring all that it has to offer. Despite the fact that Monroe Street can easily be walked in ten brisk minutes, that is not to say that the tiny strip lacks in charm or variation. What’s more is that Monroe Street is a convenient strip to journey to if you live in the Camp Randall area, aka Timbuktu in regards to State Street and Capitol Square proximity. There is no need to go all the way to the other side of town, when you are quite literally right next to some of Madison’s best shopping and dining access.
With a bohemian, creative vibe, there is beauty in the randomness of the Monroe Street restaurants and shops. Along other streets in Madison, the stores are more standard in their assortment and in the type of merchandise they sell. However, Monroe Street defies those norms and offers shoppers and browsers alike the opportunity to go beyond what they normally shop for.
Make sure to stop into Karner Blue Candle, where the candles are all tested to ensure a clean burning, fabulously fragranced flame. Afterwards, I recommend paying special attention to Orange Tree Imports, a store specializing in home products. A vast assortment of bath and beauty products, food, candy, beverages, gifts and even cooking classes are examples of what bestows you if you stop into this lovely shop. I cannot cook to save my life and after browsing through the kitchen supplies at Orange Tree Imports, I actually wanted to learn. That’s how great this store is.
After Orange Tree, make sure to bop into Art Gecko for exotic style jewelry, clothing, and décor and into Rupert Cornelius to find what my best friend and I affectionately call their “famous fuzzy scarves” which conveniently also turn into headpieces!
If you are a book lover, Mystery to Me is a must. In addition to being an independent bookstore specializing in mystery books, Mystery to Me will also sometimes host talks by mystery book authors. During the remaining weeks of this month alone, speakers such as Andrea Potos and the UW-Madison Writers’ Institute are going to be giving talks. Go to them (not a biased book nerd or anything… )!
A journey on Monroe Street is not complete, however, without stopping in at least one restaurant or café. No worries, I have you covered for this too. It really depends on what you are looking for in terms of ambiance and food variety.
If you are looking for a meal and appreciate authentic Italian pizza, Pizza Brutta never disappoints. The pizza is wood-fired and Neopolitan with an assortment of toppings to choose from on their menu, ranging from classic margharita to nostrano and lombardo (my personal favorites). There is also an Irish restaurant called Brocach’s with the saying “Outstanding Food and Fabulous Beer”. How can you go wrong with that? What’s more is that Brocach’s offers an extensive brunch menu with creative choices such as Fat Elvis Waffles and Butternut Squash French Toast Bake. I have never been to Broacach’s, but from friend recommendations and glancing numerous times at the menu, I am impressed and the venue has earned my uttermost attention.
If it’s coffee you are after, you are in luck. Though there are a few Barriques scattered throughout Madison, the one on Monroe Street has the best atmosphere, in my opinion. With large booths, window seats, the buzz of chatter from people of all backgrounds and passions, and an extensive coffee and wine menu, the Barriques on Monroe Street will not disappoint. Definitely make sure to try the almond supreme latte, caramel roll latte, iced coffee (it’s actually not diluded), or a miel.
If you are looking for a more vibrant café scene, try Crescendo. Doubling as an espresso bar and music café, Crescendo is a great coffee shop to try if you are looking to sip an espresso or cappuccino while listening to a live band perform. While Barriques gives off a more scholarly, artistic vibe, Crescendo indulges its guests with a vibe of European trendiness and chic musicality.
While Madison offers a plethora of exciting places for the adventurer, it is important to keep Monroe Street in mind as the next place on to check off on your list of things to do in Madison. Do not be afraid to trek the less ventured path. You will not be sorry.