We asked our readers to tell us their favorite Madison bars and restaurants. Here’s what they said.
Madison, a city known for its vibrant food scene, is home to an array of places to eat that cater to every palate. But when it comes to identifying the crème de la crème, the task can seem daunting. That’s why we scoured the city, consulted with locals, and tallied votes from our readers to bring you the definitive list of the best restaurants in Madison.
Thousands of Madison locals told us their favorites across a dozen categories. From mouthwatering steaks to the finest old fashioned you’ll ever sip, these establishments are culinary experiences waiting for you. So let’s dive into the flavors, stories, and unique charm of these beloved Madison restaurants.
The Best Overall Restaurants in Madison
Nestled along the serene waterfront of Lake Monona, Sardine effortlessly blends French cuisine with Madison’s easygoing spirit. This charming bistro offers expansive windows framing idyllic lake views. It invites diners into a world where each meal feels like a mini-vacation, a delightful escape into a realm of gourmet delights. That’s why readers named it the third-best restaurant in town.
READ MORE: The 3 best restaurants in Madison
The Best New Restaurants in Madison
The food scene in Madison is as lively and varied as the city itself, and new choices are constantly popping up. If you’re looking for the best new restaurant in Madison, look no further.
READ MORE: The 2 best new restaurants in Madison
The Best Fish Fry in Madison
If there’s one thing Madisonians take seriously, it’s a fish fry. Friday night in Madison is an event, a tradition, and for many, a beloved weekly ritual. It’s a time when the community comes together, strangers share tables, and that first crispy, golden bite washes away the week’s woes.
READ MORE: The 3 best fish fries in Madison
The Best Pizzas in Madison
Madison has a pizza scene that stands out as a testament to the locals’ discerning taste buds and Wisconsin’s great cheeses. Madison residents take their pizza seriously, and navigating the plethora of pizza parlors can be a daunting task. To simplify the decision-making process, we reached out to our readers to uncover their top choices for the best pizza in Madison. After tallying the votes, we are thrilled to unveil the three best pizza parlors in Madison, as voted by UpNorthNews readers.
READ MORE: The 3 best pizza parlors in Madison
The Best Bratwursts in Madison
With rich German roots, Madison is a city that knows a thing or two about bratwursts. When it comes to finding the best brat the city has to offer, no one knows better than our readers. After a city-wide taste test that set the taste buds of UpNorthNews readers alight, the results are in. We’re thrilled to share with you the places that serve the best bratwurst in Madison and the stories behind these iconic dishes.
READ MORE: The 2 best bratwursts in Madison
The Best Burger in Madison
When the cravings for a juicy, flavor-packed burger hit in Madison, there’s one name that tops the list every time.
READ MORE: The best burger in Madison
The Best Cheese Curds in Madison
If you’re a cheese curd connoisseur, Madison is the place to be. From time-honored traditions to innovative twists, this list has something for everyone in search of the best cheese curds Madison has to offer. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey through the city’s top cheese curd spots, as voted by those who know them best.
READ MORE: The 4 best cheese curds in Madison
The Best Cheese Shops in Madison
Madison, often hailed as a haven for cheese enthusiasts, boasts a multitude of cheese shops that cater to the discerning palates of locals and visitors alike. In a recent poll conducted by UpNorthNews as part of our Madison Food Guide, readers cast their votes to determine the top cheese shop in Madison.
READ MORE: The 2 best cheese shops in Madison
The Best Bar Food in Madison
The food enthusiasts and bar-hopping connoisseurs of Madison have spoken, and we’ve listened! There’s something heartwarming about diving into a plate of comfort food surrounded by the buzzing ambiance of a favorite local tavern. From award-winning cheese curds that melt in your mouth to burgers that redefine indulgence, we’ve got the inside scoop on where to find the most delectable bar food Madison has to offer. So, grab a seat, maybe a napkin or two (things are about to get deliciously messy), and let’s embark on this flavorful adventure together!
READ MORE: 5 Madison bars with great food
The Best Old Fashioned in Madison
There’s something undeniably cozy and heartwarming about walking into a supper club in Madison. It’s like stepping into a nostalgic hug that smells faintly of fried fish and sounds like the clinking of ice cubes in a glass. But if you’re on a quest for the ultimate cocktail experience, then there’s really only one choice.
READ MORE: The best old fashioned in Madison
The Best Brewery in Madison
Madison is home to dozens of buzz-worthy breweries. But which one stands as the city’s best? That’s the question we posed to UpNorthNews readers. Thanks to their enthusiastic responses, the answer is crystal clear.
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