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The fab 40: Madison restaurants where we love to eat

Dec 12, 2018

Madison is a dining-obsessed town, with many restaurants and types of food to choose from. Sometimes, the choices can be overwhelming. We decided to make it more manageable, compiling a group of 40 local restaurants worth getting to know -- depending on what type of food you're in the mood for. Here are some ideas to whet your appetite, broken down by category.

For burgers: Dotty Dumpling's Dowry

For burgers: Dotty Dumpling's Dowry — Back in the day, Dotty Dumpling's Dowry was one of the more colorful things about Madison, mainly due to its owner, founder and "Hamburger King" Jeff Stanley. Its Fairchild Street spot was its most famous, but Stanley had to leave it in 2001 to make way for the Overture Center. The restaurant is now operated by Stanley's daughter near the Kohl Center.
Location: 317 N. Frances St.
Phone: 608-259-0000
Website: www.dottydumplingsdowry.com
Hours: Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

For burgers: The Nitty Gritty

For burgers: The Nitty Gritty — Known as Madison's official birthday place, it's one of the longest-operating restaurants in Madison, at 50 years. You can have an enjoyable evening at the Nitty with burgers, shakes, brats and more. The restaurant also has Sun Prairie and Middleton locations.
Location: 223 N. Frances St.
Phone: 608-251-2521
Website: www.thegritty.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to midnight

For burgers: The Plaza Tavern

For burgers: The Plaza Tavern — The Plazaburger, a quarter-pound hamburger, has been the tavern's signature item since the creation of the burger and secret sauce in 1964. It's so good that it was featured in George Motz's book, "Hamburger America: One Man's Cross-Country Odyssey to Find the Best Burgers in the Nation."
Location: 319 N Henry St.
Phone: 608-255-6592
Website: www.theplazatavern.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

For burgers: Graze

For burgers: Graze — When executive chef and co-owner Tory Miller created the Graze Burger, he wanted to make a burger that was a step above the rest. The burger uses Wisconsin-raised meat, along with Swiss cheese from Mineral Point and red wine caramelized onion to elevate the eating experience.
Location: 1 S. Pinckney St.
Phone: 608-251-2700
Website: www.grazemadison.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For burgers: Harmony Bar

For burgers: Harmony Bar — This landmark tavern is a reliable bet for burgers, especially with its best-known and loved veggie burger, the walnut burger. The menu has a selection of burgers, specialty pizzas and other bar foods.
Location: 2201 Atwood Ave.
Phone: 608-249-4333
Website: www.harmonybarandgrill.com
Grill hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight (9 p.m. on band nights); Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For Italian: Lombardino's

For Italian: Lombardino's — Lombardino’s serves authentic Italian cuisine, including its staple spaghetti Bolognese. With fresh, local and imported Italian ingredients, owners Patrick O’Halloran and Michael Banas create genuine Italian comfort food.
Location: 2500 university Ave.
Phone: 608-238-1922
Website: www.lombardinos.com
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For Italian: Paisan's

For Italian: Paisan's — Another long-time restaurant in Madison (about 67 years), Paisan’s is a great place for large groups because of the roomy space and great service. The menu items are quite similar to its sister restaurant Porta Bella, which means the food at both places is exceptional.
Location: 131 W. Wilson St.
Website: www.paisansrest.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily.

For Italian: Cento

For Italian: Cento — With a dinner menu divided into six sections, Cento brings contemporary Italian to Madison. The menu features different pastas, meats and drinks to make you want one of everything. The excellent menu is complemented by a refined yet comfortable ambiance.
Location: 122 W. Mifflin St.
Phone: 608-284-9378
Website: www.centomadison.com
Dinner: Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight; and Sunday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For Italian: Fraboni's Italian Specialties and Delicatessen

For Italian: Fraboni's Italian Specialties and Delicatessen — This Italian deli's original Italian sub has been part of the menu since the 1970s, with ingredients that have never changed.
Location: 108 Owen Road, Monona.
Phone: 608-222-6632
Website: www.frabonisdeli.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For Italian: Salvatore's Tomato Pies

For Italian: Salvatore's Tomato Pies — It’s come a long way since its inception in 2011, but the pizza is still the star. These tomato pies are pizzas made in reverse, with the tomato sauce on top of the cheese. The flavor combinations are so good, they’ll stick in your head for a while.
Location: 912 E. Johnson St. (There is also a Sun Prairie location.)
Phone: 608-238-6040
Website: www.salvatorestomatopies.com
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For Mexican: Taqueria Guadalajara

For Mexican: Taqueria Guadalajara — Taqueria Guadalajara is known for its tacos al pastor, which translates to shepherd’s tacos. This traditional dish is made with pork and a blend of pineapple slices, lime, garlic, cilantro, oregano, salt and two other secret ingredients.
Location: 1033 S. Park St.
Phone: 608-250-1824
Website: www.lataqueriaguadalajara.com
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For Mexican: Gloria's

For Mexican: Gloria's — Gloria's is well known for its great tacos, margaritas and casual atmosphere. It has a large drink menu, featuring specials like the “luxury margarita,” and a menu that boasts “the best tamales in town.”
Location: 610 Junction Road
Phone: 608-203-9222
Website: gloriasmexicanrestaurant.com
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For Mexican: Tex Tubb's Taco Palace

For Mexican: Tex Tubb's Taco Palace — For great fish tacos, head to Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace. With its cheap, frozen margaritas, it’s perfect for a quick bite. The restaurant also hosts live acoustic music.
Location: 2009 Atwood Ave.
Phone: 608-242-1800
Website: www.textubbstacos.com
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For Mexican: La Hacienda

For Mexican: La Hacienda — In business since 1996, La Hacienda is one of Madison’s most established Mexican restaurants. Everyone who has ever taken Spanish as a second language wants to fight over the correct pronunciation of La Hacienda. While most people want to say it as two distinct words, it’s actually pronounced “Lacienda.”
Location: 515 S Park St.
Phone: 608-255-8227
Website: None
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 a.m.

For Mexican: Blue Agave

For Mexican: Blue Agave — There are many reasons to come to Blue Agave, from its incredible guacamole that’s prepared tableside to the chic lofted lounge area. Co-owner Jose Mata lives out his father’s dream of owning a restaurant in Madison with flair.
Location: 117 S. Butler St.
Phone: 608-467-7733
Website: blueagavemadison.com
Hours: Monday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

For kid-friendly fare: Pizza Brutta

For kid-friendly fare: Pizza Brutta — Pizza Brutta is known for its strict Neapolitan-style pizza, an Italian-style pizza made with mozzarella and fresh tomatoes. The wood-fired pizzas are always fresh and quick.
Location: 1805 Monroe St.
Phone: 608-257-2120
Website: www.pizzabrutta.com
Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For kid-friendly food: Pat O'Malley's Jet Room

For kid-friendly food: Pat O'Malley's Jet Room — The Jet Room is perfect for anyone who likes eating with a view. The kids can enjoy a meal while they watch planes arrive and depart from the Wisconsin Aviation building. The Jet Room also has a special $100 burger certificate, which includes a 30-minute scenic plane ride for two around Madison and dining credit.
Location: 3606 Corben Court
Phone: 608-268-5010
Website: www.jetroomrestaurant.com
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For kid-friendly fare: Ian's Pizza

For kid-friendly fare: Ian's Pizza — As Madison’s most popular pizza place, Ian’s is a classic and favorite choice among kids. Ian's is best known for its Mac n' Cheese pizza.
Locations: 100 State St. and 319 N Frances St.
Phone: 608-257-9248
Website: www.ianspizza.com
Hours for State Street location: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Hours for Frances Street location: Daily from 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

For kid-friendly fare: Zuzu Cafe

For kid-friendly fare: Zuzu Cafe — This neighborhood gathering place near Vilas Zoo offers unusually good, creative food, including Mediterranean fare. It’s a big draw in the summer with a wonderful patio and a sandbox for the kids.
Location: 1336 Drake St.
Phone: 608-260-9898
Website: www.facebook.com/ZuZu.Cafe.in.Madison/
Hours: Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For kid-friendly fare: Yola's Cafe

For kid-friendly fare: Yola's Cafe — Yola’s Cafe opened in 2009 on the Far West Side with a mission of providing breakfast, lunch and an oasis of calm in the busy lives of its customers. Owner Lance Ratze used to work at Crema Cafe and Yola's is a tribute to his grandmother and her cooking. (Grandma's waffle iron is pictured here.)
Location: 494 Commerce Drive
Phone: 608-827-5800
Website: www.yolascafe.com
Hours: Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For supper-club fare: The Old Fashioned

For supper-club fare: The Old Fashioned — The Old Fashioned offers a new spin on Wisconsin’s favorite restaurant type: the supper club. The restaurant not only offers the state’s most famous cocktail, its namesake, but puts out a stellar fish fry, along with beer, brats and cheese curds.
Location: 23 N Pinckney St.
Phone: 608-310-4545
Website: www.theoldfashioned.com
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For supper club fare: Kavanaugh's Esquire Club

For supper club fare: Kavanaugh's Esquire Club — At this venerable North Side supper club, it can take 45 minutes to get a table for its Friday night family-style fish fry. But there's generally immediate seating in its windowless basement, where the long tables are reminiscent of a church basement fish fry.
Location: 1025 N. Sherman Ave.
Website: www.kavanaughsesquire.club
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

For supper-club fare: Smoky's Club

For supper-club fare: Smoky's Club — As a supper club that dates back to 1953, Smoky’s is an upscale steakhouse, with steak so tender it can be cut with a butter knife. Not only is the meat tender, but it has excellent flavor. There's a good reason why Smoky's has been around for 65 years.
Location: 3005 University Ave.
Phone: 608-233-2120
Website: www.smokysclub.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

For supper-club fare: Toby's Supper Club

For supper-club fare: Toby's Supper Club — Toby’s Supper Club has been family owned for more than 40 years, with many claiming it has the city’s best fish fry. The restaurant is also known for its frog legs and hash brown potatoes.
Location: 3717 S. Dutch Mill Road
Phone: 608-222-6913
Website: www.tobyssupperclub.com
Lunch: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner: Monday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Supper club fare: Avenue Club

Supper club fare: Avenue Club — Avenue Club, once the Avenue Bar, is now owned by the Food Fight Restaurant Group. The restaurant is a modernized supper club with a menu full of classic and updated cocktails.
Location: 1128 E. Washington Ave.
Phone: 608-257-6877
Website: www.avenueclubmadison.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., kitchen closes at 10 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., kitchen closes at 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For global fare: Mirch Masala

For global fare: Mirch Masala — Mirch Masala moved to a new location in 2014, to the delight of its loyal customers. This gem of an Indian restaurant is tucked away on State Street and offers a daily lunch buffet, as well as a variety of dinner options.
Location: 449 State St.
Phone: 608-665-3667
Hours: Daily 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For global fare: Miko Poké

For global fare: Miko Poké — Miko Poke was Madison’s first poke restaurant, with many others following its lead. Customers can customize their poke bowls, which are essentially deconstructed sushi.
Location: 2701 Monroe St., Suite 250
Phone: 608-416-5241
Website: www.mikopoke.com
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For global fare: Himal Chuli

For global fare: Himal Chuli — This well-loved State Street mainstay serves Nepalese food in a warm, cozy, casual setting. The tarkari, a traditional vegetable stew and staple of a Nepalese diet, will never let you down.
Location: 318 State St.
Phone: 608-251-9225
Website: www.himalchulimadison.com
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For global fare: Essen Haus

For global fare: Essen Haus — Location: 514 E Wilson St.
Madison’s most enduring German restaurant and beer hall. Its daily Oktoberfest atmosphere is enhanced by the monthly Stein Club, where membership entitles you to a free, 2-liter glass of beer in the shape of a boot on your birthday, among many other perks.
Phone: 608-255-4674
Website: essen-haus.com
Hours: Sunday and Wednesday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 3 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

For global fare: Buraka

For global fare: Buraka — Buraka is Madison’s only African restaurant now. This East African spot has a delicious menu that features traditional Ethiopian food including the popular dorowot and vegetarian peanut stew.
Location: 1210 Williamson St.
Phone: 608-286-1448.
Website: www.buraka-madison.com
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

For fine dining: Forequarter

For fine dining: Forequarter — This understated restaurant may not have a sign or awning announcing its presence, but the food more than makes up for that. Along with its impressive vegetable dishes, Forequarter also has a diverse meat menu.
Location: 708 1/4 E. Johnson St.
Phone: 608-609-4714
Website: www.forequartermadison.com
Dinner: Monday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Late night: Thursday through Saturday, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

For fine dining: Heritage Tavern

For fine dining: Heritage Tavern — Chef Dan Fox takes farm to table to a new level with his Heritage Tavern. The menu changes frequently and includes global inspirations. Fox is also known for raising heritage pigs, and one of the restaurant's best known items is its family-style char sui heritage pork shoulder and tuna.
Location: 131 E. Mifflin St.
Phone: 608-283-9500
Website: www.heritagetavern.com
Dinner: Monday through Saturday, 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Late night: Tuesday through Thursday, 10 p.m. until midnight; Friday and Saturday, 10 p.m. until 1 a.m.

For fine dining: A Pig in a Fur Coat

For fine dining: A Pig in a Fur Coat — A Pig in a Fur Coat features some of the most creative and exquisite meals in Madison. With an extensive menu with daring dishes such as the pork tripe, it’s sure to be an interesting dining experience.
Location: 940 Williamson St.
Phone: 608-316-3300
Website: www.apiginafurcoat.com
Dinner: Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

For fine dining: Harvest

For fine dining: Harvest — For almost 20 years, Harvest has been one of Madison’s top fine dining restaurants, using local and organic ingredients. Its focus is on seasonality rather than on a specific cuisine. Owner Tami Lax is a disciple of Odessa Piper, L’Etoile’s founder, and she worked at L’Etoile as chef de cuisine and forager.
Location: 21 N. Pinckney St.
Phone: 608-255-6075
Website: www.harvest-restaurant.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

For fine dining: L'Etoile

For fine dining: L'Etoile — For more than four decades, L'Etoile has been leading the Madison culinary scene, serving farm-to-table meals before it became de rigueur. L'Etoile is seen as a special occasion restaurants.
Location: 1 S. Pinckney St.
Phone: 608-251-0500
Website: www.letoile-restaurant.com
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, opens at 5:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, opens at 5 p.m.

For a romantic meal: Estrellón

For a romantic meal: Estrellón — Award-winning L’Etoile chef Tory Miller brings impressive Spanish-inspired tapas to Estrellón. The restaurant's tapas menu is extensive, and there’s also an equally long dinner menu available that features vegetables, seafood and meat.
Location: 313 W. Johnson St.
Phone: 608-251-2111
Website: www.estrellonrestaurant.com
Dinner: Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For a romantic meal: Fresco

For a romantic meal: Fresco — Fresco is known for its elegant dining experience and lovely Madison view. Perched on top of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art on State Street, its ever-changing menu features a wide range of meats and pastas.
Location: 227 State St.
Phone: 608-663-7374
Website: www.frescomadison.com
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For a romantic meal: Porta Bella

For a romantic meal: Porta Bella — Porta Bella is an indoor and outdoor sister restaurant to Paisan’s. The often overlooked European-style courtyard is a campus oasis. The dinners are unbeatable, with its Porta salad, vegetarian pesto pizza and sangria.
Location: 425 N. Frances St.
Phone: 608-256-3186
Website: www.portabellarest.com
Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

For a romantic meal: Quivey's Grove

For a romantic meal: Quivey's Grove — Quivey's Grove is two restaurants in one. It’s beloved for its historic stone house and its more casual Stable Grill, and good luck getting a seat for its famous Friday fish fry. The stone house is an Italianate fieldstone mansion with eighteen-inch thick walls. The original stone stable dates to 1855.
Location: 6261 Nesbitt Road
Phone: 608-273-4900
Website: www.quiveysgrove.com
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For a romantic meal: Tempest Oyster Bar

For a romantic meal: Tempest Oyster Bar — Tempest Oyster Bar is probably one of the most overlooked fine dining establishments in Madison. Treat yourself to the smoke stack starter made with white fish salad, lox, trout, caviar and horseradish cream.
Location: 120 E. Wilson St.
Phone: 608-258-1443
Website: tempestoysterbar.com
Hours: Dinner served daily, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; happy hour Monday-Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; late night happy hour, Friday-Saturday, 10 p.m.