Madison Food Guide: The best cheese curds

You haven’t truly lived in Wisconsin until you’ve burned the roof of your mouth on a molten cheese curd and, while it burned into your palate, whispered, “worth it.”

There’s a lot Madison is known for — lakes, bike paths, and college sports. But in this city, few things unite us quite like our deep and unconditional love for cheese curds.

We like them battered, fried, squeaky, spicy, melty — and we like them often, on burgers, in a Bloody Mary garnish, just plain, or with dip. So we asked our loyal readers, “Where do you get the best cheese curds in Madison?” And hundreds of Madisonites chimed in.

Here are the top three spots to get your curd fix in Madison, chosen by people who know good cheese. Whether you’re a lifelong curd connoisseur or not, this list will lead you to deep-fried enlightenment.

Curds from the Curd Girl

3. Curd Girl

Mobile food cart

Who says cheese curds need four walls and a roof? Curd Girl proves that curds taste even better when eaten outside, preferably while standing, smiling, and holding a cold beverage. Despite the fact that Curd Girl is a food cart and not a fancy bistro or swinging bar, these ladies still took third place for their fancy curds and festival flair.

Curd Girl was started by two UW grads who just wanted to make people smile (and feed them cheese, which is basically the same thing). Over a decade later, they’re still at it — and better than ever. This beloved food cart has been curd-slinging since 2012 and has built a fanbase of farmer’s market regulars and concertgoers who are happy to stand in line just to get their fix.

Curd Girl’s curds are made fresh, fried fresh, and served fresh. Their curds are light and airy on the outside, with a crackly crunch and melty magic inside. They use Clock Shadow Creamery cheddar (another Wisconsin favorite), and their batter is deceptively simple — just the right amount of seasoning for a crisp but not greasy finish. They’re served in a paper tray, usually with a side of tangy ranch or spicy sriracha ketchup. And somehow, they taste even better when eaten under the sun or stars.

If you have an upcoming event, you may want to consider booking Curd Girl’s food cart!

2. Craftsman Table & Tap

6712 Frank Lloyd Wright Ave, Middleton, WI

Just a short drive west of downtown Madison sits Craftsman Table & Tap. Don’t let the quiet street or family-friendly vibe fool you — the kitchen here is turning out some of the most creative and crave-worthy curds in Dane County. Craftsman embraces the classic curd… and then levels it up. This place is perfect for both schools of cheese curd fans: those who love tradition and the others who aren’t mad about a little chipotle aioli on the side.

Craftsman’s crafty cooks use Hook’s cheddar (a local legend in cheese circles), beer-battered and fried to golden-brown perfection. They’re slightly tangy, full-bodied, and wrapped in a thinner, crispier shell than some of the heavier downtown options. They serve it with a choice of dipping sauces (ranch, chipotle aioli, or garlic herb), and yes, it’s totally acceptable to ask for all three.

Craftsman’s curds are so good, they’ve inspired a mini fan club. One loyal group of regulars even created “Curd Fridays,” where they meet weekly to split an order before moving on to the rest of the menu. Can we join?

Speaking of the rest of the menu, there are some amazing dishes you have to try if you venture out to Craftsman Table & Tap. First and foremost, you need to try the poutine. Crispy fries are topped with house gravy and, of course, a generous helping of their signature cheese curds. The perfect intro to Canada. Also, the Craftsman Burger is a must-try. It’s served on a brioche bun and topped with Hook’s cheddar, bacon jam, and pickled red onions. 

And also, don’t sleep on Craftsman Table & Tap’s rotating taps. Expect a thoughtful selection of craft brews from across Wisconsin and beyond.

Craftsman Table & Tap feels like a neighborhood gathering space that just happens to have an award-winning kitchen. It’s warm, welcoming, and filled with natural light. This gastropub shines with farmhouse chic. It’s especially great for families, first dates, or people who want great food without fighting for downtown parking.

1. The Old Fashioned

23 N Pinckney St, Madison, WI

Two years in a row. That’s right. For the second straight year, The Old Fashioned has been crowned Madison’s ultimate cheese curd destination. This downtown darling is pure Wisconsin — from the beer list to the supper club-style menu to the cow-themed art. But it’s the curds that steal the show. They’re so iconic, they’ve earned The Old Fashioned a permanent place in the Cheese Curd Hall of Fame (yes, that should be a thing).

The Old Fashioned’s beer-battered cheese curds are the gold standard: locally sourced Wisconsin white cheddar battered in a beer batter blend that’s crisp, light, and never greasy. They arrive at your table with a bubbling hot interior, a golden shell, and just the right amount of salt. And their housemade buttermilk ranch is cool, creamy, and custom-built for curd dunking.

They don’t mess around with novelty curds. No fancy drizzle. No smoked paprika aioli. Just perfect, classic, no-notes curds — exactly how they’re supposed to be.

While you’re there, be sure to give the rest of the menu a little love, because The Old Fashioned has more than just delicious curds. They also have a signature burger topped with soft cheddar, hickory-smoked bacon, and a sunny-side-up egg. Bonus points for ordering it with a side of curds instead of fries. (No judgment — just admiration.) And don’t sleep on the fried walleye sandwich. It’s an underrated meal hiding on the lunch menu. Lightly breaded, flaky, and way too good to keep secret.

Plus, The Old Fashioned is a paragon for Wisconsin brewing. You’ll find more local taps here than probably anywhere else in the city. New Glarus, Karben4, Lake Louie, and other regional rock stars make up the rotating roster.

Walking into The Old Fashioned, you’ll notice it’s generally buzzing but never overwhelming. The service is friendly. The crowd is a mix of tourists, state workers, date-nighters, and lifelong locals. Plus, it’s on the Capitol Square, which means you can eat your curds and then stroll past the rotunda like you’re starring in a cheesy (pun intended) Midwest rom-com.

Fun fact: during Badger game days, The Old Fashioned sells more cheese curds in an hour than most places do in a week. Pro tip: go early or be prepared to wait — curds this good are worth it.

READ MORE: The best cheese shops in Madison, according to our readers