THE ADMIRALTY DINING ROOM         666 Wisconsin Avenue (in The Edgewater Hotel) 608-256-9071, Ext. 120

With undoubtedly one of the finest views in town, The Admiralty Room in The Edgewater Hotel provides an elegant setting for dazzling dining, lakeside. Specialties include Steak Diana and Caesar Salad prepared tableside, Beef Wellington, Rack of Lamb, Quail Apricot, Shrimp & Scallops Provencal. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. Reservations recommended. Evening dress code. Lunch Mon.-Sat., 11:30 am-2 pm; dinner Mon.-Sun., 5:30-10 pm; Sunday brunch, 11 am-2 pm. AE, MC, V, DC, CB

	AUSTIN'S SIDEWALK CAFE & PEARL'S NIGHTCLUB (Located in the Crowne Plaza Hotel) 4402 E. Washington Avenue 608-244-4703
AUSTIN'S SIDEWALK CAFE: The open atrium of the restaurant provides the perfect setting to savor each meal of the day. Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner from 6am-11pm. Friday night all you can eat Fish Fry with Jazz Band. PEARL'S NIGHTCLUB: Pearl’s provides all the action of your favorite team with 9 big screen TV’s, dancing to classic rock & live entertainment. Open 11am-2am.

 

BAVARIA FAMILY RESTAURANT 7457 Elmwood Avenue (in the Heart of Historic Middleton) 608-836-6614

This family-owned and operated restaurant serves delicious homemade breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Specialty omelets and crepes are favorites on the new Breakfast menu. Choose from a great selection of salads creations and popular sandwiches for lunch. Comfort food entrees abound on the dinner menu, including Baked Meatloaf, Baby Beef Liver, Schnitzels and Chicken Elegante. Children and Senior Citizen menus, Wine & Beer available. Mon.-Sat., 6 am-9 pm; Sun., 7 am-3 pm. AE, M, V, DIS

THE BLUE MOON BAR & GRILL "Fly Me To The Moon!" 2535 University Avenue 608-233-0441 www.bluemoonbar.com

En Vogue best describes this neighborhood Bar & Grill, built in 1937 and extensively remodeled in 1995. The Blue Moon features Miami Art Deco architecture with 3 levels and an open mezzanine. Chef Doug prepares Blue Plate Specials for lunch and is well known for cooking up the best burgers and sandwiches in town. Enjoy a beer or cocktail over a game of pool or darts, or while watching a game on one of seven screens. Open every day, 11 am-2 am.

 

CAFÉ CONTINENTAL 108 King Street 608-251-4880

Nestled in the heart of the city a short walk from the Capitol Square and Monona Terrace, this chic trattoria offers contemporary European Cuisine with Italian specialties. Reviewers applaud the crab cakes and grilled yellowfin tuna. The menu also boasts one-of-a-kind pasta dishes, gourmet pizzas and flame grilled steaks. Madison’s only ZINC BAR is known for the largest Champagne list in town. Daily specials. Carryout. Reservations recommended. Open daily, 11 am-11 pm. V, MC, AE

CANTERBURY BOOKSELLERS, CAFE, INN 315 West Gorham at State Street 608-258-9911 800-838-3855 www.madisoncanterbury.com

Canterbury, a bookstore for serious browsers, is coupled with a restaurant-cafe which features L’Etoile Bakery’s classic and filled croissants, as well as a full menu of hearty homemade soups, zesty sandwiches, pasta salads, daily quiche, crusty breads, wines, beers, a full spectrum of coffee drinks & tantalizing desserts. (You can sleep over, too, upstairs at enchanting Canterbury Inn—recently lauded by The New York Times!) Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8am-10pm; Friday & Saturday 8am-11pm; Sunday 11am-7pm; Closed Monday. AE, MC, V. Wheelchair accessible.

 

COME BACK IN 508 East Wilson St. 608-258-8619

Cross the border from the Essen Haus to the Come Back In. A comfortable rustic bar serving a large selection of hearty sandwiches and daily specials. Snack on peanuts and popcorn, taste one of our 26 micro and imports on tap or play the jukebox for only 10 cents a song. Join us on Saturday and Sunday for breakfast, fast becoming Madison’s favorite place in the morning. Mon.-Sun. 11 am for lunch, Sat. & Sun. 8 am for breakfast, Mon.-Sun. 4 pm for dinner. V, MC

 

DELANEY'S CHARCOAL STEAKS 449 Grand Canyon Drive 608-833-7337

The award-winning steaks and prime rib served here are not the only reason to dine at this popular restaurant. Jim Delaney purchases choice steer loins and hand cuts the steaks on the premises. Delaney’s is also famous for the salad bar, onion rings, jumbo shrimp and the fresh catch of the day. The dining experience here is further enhanced by the unique design of the restaurant, featuring antique automobile paraphernalia. Open daily; bar opens at 4 pm; dinner is served from 5 pm. AE, MC, V

 

ESSEN HAUS 514 East Wilson St. 608-255-4674

A festive atmosphere awaits you at the Essen Haus, Madison’s authentic German restaurant and trinken halle, located in the historic Old Settlement neighborhood. There are many old world and new world favorites from schnitzels to our most popular prime rib. Voted Madison’s Best bier selection with more than 250 imports from around the world. Banquet facilities available. Open Tues.-Sun. at 3 pm, Dinner served at 4 pm. Closed Mondays. V, MC

 

FYFE'S CORNER BISTRO 1344 East Washington Avenue (Between Hwy. 51 & the Capitol) 608-251-8700

Critics have hailed it as the culinary star of the near east side. Located 10 blocks from the Capitol, Fyfe’s menu features California pastas, fresh seafood, Certified Angus Beef™ & gourmet specialty dishes. Historic brick building with cobblestone floor contributes to a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Circular bar offers an exceptional wine list and appetizers. Lunch, Mon.-Fri., 11 am-2 pm; Dinner daily, 5:30-10 pm; bar opens 4 pm Mon.-Fri., 5 pm Sat. & Sun. Reservations accepted. AE, MC

HO-CHUNK STAND ROCK BUFFET S3214-A Hwy. 12, Baraboo, WI 800-746-2486 www.ho-chunk.com/casinos_hcc_page.htm

Just 45 minutes from Madison, this buffet is located inside Ho-Chunk Casino. Featuring classic midwestern cuisine, sprinkled with delectable “downhome” southern dishes. Reasonably priced all-you-can-eat feast is available for lunch Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., 11 am-4 pm, and dinner 5-10 pm; Weds. lunch 11 am-4 pm and seafood buffet 5-10 pm; Sat. & Sun. breakfast 8-10 am; Sat. lunch and Sun. brunch 11 am-4 pm; Sat. dinner 5-11 pm; Sun. dinner 5-10 pm. While your here stay at the Ho-Chunk Lodge.

 

HOULIHAN'S® 1262 John Q. Hammonds Drive 608-827-0334 www.houlihans.com

Houlihan’s® is an upscale, casual-theme restaurant with a comfortable neighborhood appeal. The friendly waitstaff creates an atmosphere of genuine hospitality. Zesty appetizers, hearty sandwiches, succulent steaks, and mouth-watering desserts accompany the menu favorites that Houlihan’s has been serving for over 30 years. Enjoy the selection of micro-brews or cognac, a cigar at the oak bar, or a frozen margarita on the patio. Custom catering available. AE, MC, V, DIS

IRISH WATERS 702 North Whitney Way (University Avenue at Whitney Way) 608-233-3398

A “Little Bit of Ireland” best describes this happy and hospitable restaurant. Irish Fest every Wednesday features Corned Beef & Cabbage, Irish Stew & Soda Bread. Chef specialties include Dublin Spiced Ribs, Kilkenny Steaks & Drunken Beef Tips plus nightly specials and an all-you-can-eat Friday Fish Fry. Lite and vegetarian meals available. Full bar serves Guinness, Harp & Bass on tap. Ample parking. Continuous service daily, 11 am-11 pm, (Sun., noon-11 pm). MC, V, DIS

IRISHMAN'S BAY 7436 Mineral Point Road 608-833-4262

This Irish-American neighborhood bistro, conveniently located in the heart of the West Towne shopping area, serves daily & nightly Chef Specials featuring seafood, beef and chicken. Dine on homemade soups & chowders, char-broiled & grilled sandwiches in a warm, rich wood setting with a tiered interior and intimate booths. Arrive early for the popular Friday Fish Fry. Enjoy a wide selection of bottled & tap beers in the cozy bar. Open daily, 11 am-11 pm, (Sun., noon-11 pm). MC, V, DIS

 

KABUL RESTAURANT 541 State Street on the State Street Mall 608-256-6322

Madison’s oldest Afghani & Mediterranean restaurant. Owner Ghafoor Zafari’s menu includes entrees prepared with lamb, chicken & seafood and a variety of vegetables. Murgh Kabab, Lamb Sabsi Chalow & Lamb, Chicken & Vegetarian CousCous are richly flavored and aromatic dishes. All meals served with Afghan Bread and soup or salad choice (try the Curry Cucumber dressing). Also serving cocktails, wine & beer. Open daily, serving from 11 am. Parking nearby in ramp. AE, MC, V

 

	NORTHWOODS BAR & NORTHWOODS GRILL (Located in the Holiday Inn East) 3841 E. Washington Avenue 608-244-2484 www.holiday-inn.com/madison-east
NORTHWOODS BAR: Northwood’s Bar is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. Play pool, darts or watch TV. Happy hour prices and complimentary hors d’oeuvres Mon-Fri. Open 4pm-2am. NORTHWOODS GRILL: A relaxed casual atmosphere, serving a variety of cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner from 6:30am-10pm.

OLD FEED MILL 114 Cramer Street, Mazomanie, WI 608-795-4909 www.oldfeedmill.com

An 1857 stone flour mill is now home to this award-winning restaurant, as well as a delightful country store and a working flour mill which produces fresh baked breads daily. Visitors enjoy wonderful food, a tour, shopping and warm hospitality. Bakery, gift shop and deli open Tues.-Thurs., 10 am-8 pm; Fri. & Sat., 10 am-9 pm; Sun., 11 am-5 pm. Lunch, Tues.-Sat., 11 am-2 pm; Dinner, T-Th 4:30-8 pm, Fri. & Sat., 4:30-9 pm; Family-style Sunday Dinner, 11 am-3 pm. MC, V, DIS, AE.

 

OTTO'S 6405 Mineral Point Road 608-274-4044

Otto’s offers the perfect blend of historic charm & fine, contemporary cuisine. Specializing in fresh, creative Mediterranean Cuisine and Certified Black Angus (TM) Steaks. The relaxed and intimate restaurant is located in a renovated 1870s stone farmhouse. Cozy bar on lower level; dining and live jazz outdoors in summer. Bar opens Mon.-Fri. 3:30 pm, Sat. 4:30 pm. Dinner begins at 5 pm, Mon.-Sat. Closed Sun. Group dinners & private parties. AE, MC, V, DIS

 

PEPPINO’S 111 South Hamilton 608-251-9500

Peppino’s in downtown Madison specializes in gourmet Italian cuisine. Owner and chef Peppino Gargano was voted best chef in Madison by the readers of Madison magazine in 1997 and 1998. Peppino’s recently relocated to downtown Madison and offers an extensive wine list to accompany its unique Italian dishes. Peppino’s features weekly menus and reservations are welcomed. Open Monday through Saturday at 5 pm.

 

QUIVEY'S GROVE/STONE HOUSE & STABLE GRILL 6261 Nesbitt Road (2 miles south of Beltline of Verona Road) 608-273-4900

In the Stone House, native cuisine, featuring pheasant, pork, trout, veal and beef, is served in intimate dining rooms within a historic 1855 stone farmhouse. Superb wine list, marvelous desserts, seasonal salads and soups. Reservations suggested. Dinner Tuesday-Saturday 5-9 pm. The Stable Grill offers home cooking and a full selection of microbrews on tap. Relaxed, fun and casual. Lunch Monday-Saturday 11 am-4 pm. Dinner 7 days a week at 4 pm. MC, V

 

SA-BAI THONG THAI CUISINE 2840 University Avenue (in University Station) 608-238-3100

Totally Thai! Sa-Bai Thong is Madison’s first authentic Thai restaurant, owned and operated by Thais. The extensive menu (over 70 entrees) features favorites like Satay with peanut sauce for an appetizer, Tom Ym and Tom Ka soups, Pad Tai noodles, rice and curry dishes, and seafood specialties. Plus daily house specials for lunch and dinner. Serving wine and beer—try a Thai beer. Dine-in or carryout. Free delivery, lunch and dinner. Open Mon.-Sat., 11 am-10 pm; Sun., 5-10 pm. MC, V

 

SMOKY'S 3005 University Avenue 608-233-2120 www.smokysclub.com

Smoky’s has been a family-run business for over 45 years, and famous in the Madison area for succulent steaks cooked to order. Hosts Leonard, Janet, Larry & Tom are committed to serving the finest quality, from steaks and hash browns to soups and seafood. The atmosphere is delightfully tacky, and the cocktails generous. Voted #1 Steakhouse in the the Midwest by Midwest Living magazine. Bar open 4-12 pm. Dinner served 5-10 pm. Closed Tues., Sun. & holidays.

STATE BAR & GRILL 118 State Street 608-294-9988 www.statebarandgrill.com

There is no place like it! Five levels, open mezzanine and wild lighting schemes sets the mood for a great time. An all-American menu is featured, plus Chef Jeffery prepares daily specials and homemade soups. One of Madison’s best breakfasts on Saturdays from 8am-11am. Late night brings a very active bar crowd. Play pool, darts, or watch the game on T.V. This is the place to be and be seen in downtown Madison. Open daily 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

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