The fair city of Madison, Wisconsin, site of Wing Ding XXV, has 500 restaurants! This does not include the adjacent towns, so it looks like attendees are not going to starve. The dilemma lies in choosing where to eat. I talked to local GWRRA Members, perused Web sites and on-line reviews and talked to restaurant owners to uncover what are hopefully the very best places in town.
Choices range from deli/hamburger hangouts to several up-scale, “special occasion” restaurants, and everything in between. My listing is grouped into categories, so you can pick for your occasion, food choice and budget. All phone numbers are in the 608 area code.
There are a few out-of-town restaurants listed also of special interest to those taking part in two Wing Ding riding events. The “Observation Run” travels out to House on the Rock; the “Cheese Run” takes riders down to the New Glarus area. These rides are self-scheduled (see Wing Ding preliminary schedule on page 50) and lunch can be a pleasant stop along the way.
Everyone loves a bargain, and I discovered that many of the more expensive restaurants offer some of their exotic dinner entrees for half the price at lunchtime. The most notable bargain was the Prime Quarter’s “Split a Steak” offer. Diners can pick any of the steaks to grill and split, but each gets his or her own trimmings—all for just $10.95!
Also, be sure to pick up your free restaurant discount coupon book at registration for Wing Ding in the Alliant Center’s Exhibition Hall lobby.
Finally, I owe a big thank you to GWRRA locals Gary Festge and Bernie Hanson for their many recommendations during preparation of this article.
Special Occasion Restaurants
Ocean Grill
117 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison. 285-2582.
Flying fish, a high definition aquarium and a view into the bustling, innovative kitchen add to the liveliness of this restaurant. The menu contains a number of small plates that are more substantial than most appetizers. Lunch and dinner, $6-$37.
Johnny Delmonicos
130 S. Pinckney, Madison. 257-8325.
Elegance for a very special occasion, or perhaps a dinner to celebrate getting married at Wing Ding? A classy, big-city steak/seafood house with crisp white linen on the tables and dark wood paneling with Art Deco-inspired metallic trim. Dinner, $16-$35.
Louisianne's Etc.
7464 Hubbard Ave., Middleton. 831-1929.
Louisianne’s features a Cajun/Creole menu and is recommended by the owner of the Old Feed Mill as the restaurant her husband chooses for their special occasions.
Restaurants in Historic Buildings
The Stamm House Supper Club
6625 Century Ave., Middleton. 831-5835.
The 134-year-old building offers a cozy atmosphere where a diner can enjoy a meal while being in the midst of some of Dane County’s oldest heritage. Choose from a variety of traditional Midwestern-style dinners. $8-$25.
Quivey's Grove/Stable Grill and Stone House
6261 Nesbitt Road, Madison. 273-4900.
The restaurant and Stable Tap opened May 23, 1980. Constructed of Italianate fieldstone, both buildings are now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Old Feed Mill
114 Cramer Street, Mazomanie. 795-4909 or (888) 345-4909.
The Old Feed Mill’s rich history dates back to 1857 when Mazomanie was platted as a village. In the winter of 1992, Dan and Nancy Viste gazed upon the abandoned, sun-warmed stone mill and saw exciting potential. “Our chef uses the best local products and combines them in new ways, while preserving the heritage of the Wisconsin culinary style.”
Essen Haus German Restaurant/Come Back In
508 E. Wilson Street, Madison. 258-8619
514 E. Wilson St., Madison. 255-4674.
Madison's authentic German Restaurant and drinking hall, Essen Haus, is located in the historic Old Settlement neighborhood. This Madison institution offers old-world tradition of food preparation that knows no short cuts and a friendly staff dressed in dirndles and lederhosen. Authentic German food for reasonable prices with the fun of live oompah music.
Prime Quarter
3520 East Washington Ave., Madison. 244-3520.
Choose your favorite cut of steak and grill it yourself over their live hickory grill. The Prime Quarter offers a solution for many guests who prefer smaller portions—“Split-a-Steak.” Any two guests can order one steak, each visit the salad bar, enjoy a hot baked potato and Texas toast for just $10.95 per person. Patrons 62 and over receive a 10 percent senior discount.
Smokey’s Club
3005 University Ave., Madison 233-1441.
Voted number one steak house in the Midwest. Pan-fried steak.
Dry Bean Saloon Steakhouse
5264 Verona Road, Madison. 274-2326.
A Southwestern atmosphere with live country-western music.
Mariners Inn
5339 Lighthouse Bay Drive. 246-3120.
Steaks and seafood on the lake. Dinner only.
State Bar & Grill
118 State Street, Madison. 294-9988.
A bargain in ambiance and reasonably priced fare. Larry and Tom Schmock are the sons of Leonard "Smoky'' and Janet Schmock whose Smoky's Club, is a Madison institution. One would assume trendy prices as well, but their half-pound hamburger is a mere $4.35, and a cup of homemade soup is $1.75.
Bluephies
2701 Monroe Street, Madison. 231-3663.
Contemporary fun food in an ultra-modern setting. They serve everything from nouvelle Southwestern to old-fashioned comfort food, with a vegetarian tilt. Delicious desserts. Brunch served on Saturday and Sunday. $6-$15.
Pasta per Tutti
2009 Atwood Ave., Madison. 242-1800.
A true neighborhood Italian restaurant. Cosy atmosphere with exposed brick, wood floors and tapestries. Wonderful Italian food, homemade bread and classic desserts. $8-$23. Carry out available.
Luigi’s
102 King Street, Madison. 257-0790.
A charming Italian eatery complete with saltwater aquarium and hand-painted murals. Dine on their patio with a view of the Capitol Square. $3.50-$13.
Josie’s Spaghetti House
906 Regent Street, Madison. 256-5558.
Been around for many years. Recommended by Gary and Bernie.
Imperial Garden Chinese Restaurant
2039 Allen Blvd, Middleton, 238-6445.
Voted the best Chinese restaurant 19 years in a row.
China Buffet
3579 E. Washington Ave., Madison. 241-9978.
Bernie’s choice for Chinese.
Ginza of Tokyo
4802 W. Washington Ave., Madison. 661-8890.
Teppan-style grill, a show in itself.
Monty’s Blue Plate Diner
2089 Atwood Ave., Madison. 244-8505.
A popular neighborhood gathering spot. Try the Tex-Mex breakfasts, unique hamburgers and sandwiches. Daily and nightly specials, $4-$10.
The Avenue Bar
1128 East Washington Ave., Madison. 257-6877.
Recommended by Gary Festge as always crowded, always good food; especially good fish fry.
Old Town Pub
724 S. Gammon Rd., Madison. 276-8589.
Bowl of soup and cornbread mini-loaf/fresh fruit garnish for $5.
Ella’s Deli and Ice Cream Parlor
2902 E. Washington Ave., Madison. 241-5291.
Full menu, but kosher sandwiches and salads. Carousel rides for kids; call for operation times.
Hubbard Ave. Diner
7445 Middleton. 831-6800.
Famous for pie! Homemade biscuits with breakfast. “A great bakery,” according to Bernie Hanson. Ultimate classic diner with an uptown twist. $5-$10. Carry out available.
Oak Crest Tavern
5371 Old Middleton Road, Madison. 233-1243.
Near the University of Wisconsin. General sports bar.
Eldorado Grill
744 Williamson Street, Madison. 280-9378.
Eclectic Western-style interior with a fusion of Mexican, Southern and Southwestern cuisines. Outdoor dining on their patio. $8-$20. Carry out available.
Amy's Cafe
414 W. Gilman St., Madison. 255-8172.
Over 23 years of good food and service. Sandwiches, homemade soups, salads. Amy’s features a “Build Your Own Sandwich” for only $4.95, and is the only restaurant listed that has lunch and dinner entrees under $5. Some lunch specials have a Mediterranean flare, and there is outdoor cafe seating with a view of State Street.
Noodles & Co.
232 State Street, Madison. 257-6393.
Good fast food for downtown shoppers.
Jingles Coliseum Bar
602 E Olin Ave., Madison. 251-2434.
American food, burgers, fish fry, soup/sandwiches. Right next to the Alliant Center.
Upstairs Downstairs Deli
702 N Midvale Blvd., Madison. 238-8853.
Very good, a treat for Bernie and Bruce Hanson when they visit the west side.
Big Mike’s Super Subs
45 locations in the Madison area
“Simply the best bread, the freshest veggies and real meat (not processed—ick!)” Check out their Web site for a store locator for where you are staying—Big Mike’s delivers! This is a fun place, judging by the humor used on their site. Click on the link to What's Happenin' in Madison.” The answer—“Nothing!” www.bigmikesdelivers.com.
Java EsCafe
14 W. Mifflin Street, Madison, 663-9977.
Madison's premier (and only) Internet cafe. Excellent coffees, teas and smoothies. Gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads on the Capitol Square.
Canterbury Booksellers and Ancora Coffee Roasters Cafe
315 West Gorham at State Street, Madison. 258-9911. (800)-838-3855.
What would a college town like Madison be without a world-class coffeehouse? It's the brainchild of Seattle transplants Sue and George Krug, determined to take their hometown obsession to the Midwest.
Cool Beans Coffee Café
1748 Eagan Road, Madison. 244-8414.
Toad Hill Coffee House
4418 Milwaukee Street, Madison. 310-8141.
Bernie Hanson’s “Best Choices”
The Cottage Café
951 Atlas Ave. off of Cottage Grove Road. 221-4815.
A tiny place only the locals know. Breakfast and lunch only.
Esquire Club.
1025 N. Sherman Ave. 249-0193.
Although there are Friday night fish fries all over town (usually cod or perch), this is Bernie’s favorite. Go early or the wait will be two hours. Family style. Regular menu as well.
Fat Jack’s
6207 Monona Drive, Madison. 221-4220.
Not open on Monday. Carry out. Great chicken and rib BBQ. Go early to avoid huge lines. Served family style.
Pedro’s
3555 E. Washington Ave., Madison. 241-8110.
Bernie’s favorite. The only Mexican for her.
Best Bread and Homemade Soups
Panera’s
2627 E. Springs, Madison. 441-7666.
Wonderful homemade bread and great homemade soups. Close to the hotels on East Washington. A division of the St. Louis Bread Company.
The Birthday Day Bar
1021 N. Gammon, Middleton. 833-6489 and 223 N. Frances, Madison. 251-2521.
If your birthday falls during Wing Ding, don’t miss the chance to be pampered.
On The “Cheese Run” Route
New Glarus Hotel Restaurant
100 6th Avenue, New Glarus. (608) 527-5244. (800) 727-9477.
Wienerschnitzel, Kaesechuechli, Kalberwurst and Geschnetzlets are Swiss features of the dinner menu. The famous specialties of the house are Beef Fondue Bourguignonne and Cheese Fondue a la Neufchatel.
Glarner Stube
518 First Street, New Glarus. 527-2216.
Good Swiss and German food.
Chalet Landhaus
801 Highway 69, New Glarus. 527-5234.
The Green Lantern
4412 Siggelkow Road, McFarland. 838-4730.
On a smaller lake on the southeast of Madison. A bit off the Cheese Run route, but recommended by Gary for its moderate prices, unique atmosphere and good food.
On The “Observation Run” to House On The Rock
The Whistle Stop
18 Broadhead, Mazomanie. 795-2414.
A new soup/salad bar restaurant owned by the Old Feed Mill’s Nancy and Dan Viste. Barnum and Bailey circus held their first performance in this renovated building.
Heinie’s Dining and Spirits.
1221 Mills, Black Earth. 767-2501.
Converted from an old butcher shop, this restaurant has meat hooks hanging from the ceiling, old meat lockers and strange sculpture made out of old machines. You can see the log wall of original building through a preserved cutaway.
Rookies Sports bar
10267 Highway 14, Masomanie. 767-5555.
Memorabilia from national and local sport figures. Recommended by Gary Festge for its atmosphere and great food.
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