Warm, comfortable and welcoming spot to enjoy among the finest cocktails anywhere. Craft cuisine, of course, sourced from local purveyors.

Super charming colorful house in the middle of Willy Street. Offering delicious mole and Mexican favorites; a family affair.

Extraordinary modern beer hangout in the Atwood neighborhood.

Inventive and refined cocktails, served in an equally refined space.

Hidden gem hidden behind the bike shop. Historic and modern shop serving delectable coffee and light snacks. Be sure to catch a train!

Snug tavern around the corner from Atwood. Ever-changing craft beer selection; impressive spirits menu; light dinner available.

Curated coffees and snacks. Shared space with Cargo Bikes; lots of events and biking.

Creperie and bistro serving serving Southern French foods in casual and comfortable dining room on Willy Street.

Striking modernist 1974 structure overlooking Lake Mendota in the Mansion Hill neighborhood.

Worker collective founded in 1970. Specializing in organic whole grain breads and other baked goods. All members are paid the same for their work: baking, delivery, clean-up, packaging and management. Primarily a wholesale operation, small storefront serves the neighborhood.

Modern coffee shop located at Robinia Courtyard serving coffee and light food in the morning and early afternoon.

Committed to offering things that “center, comfort and bring malie to the self.” Intriguing shop selling reclaimed, nouveaux and vintage goods.

Creative, locally sourced American foods right on the Square. Cozy and comfortable spot for great appetizers, drinks, lunch or dinner.

Serious coffee counter housed within Ritual Barbers. Live music on occasion and the owners control the beans through their Yes Coffee Roasters.

Originally established on State Street in 1926; expanded to the East side of Madison by acquiring Shafer Pharmacy in 2010. In addition to taking healthcare seriously, Mallatt’s has a lighter side by selling costumes, theatrical make-up and accessories.

Adjacent and under the same ownership as Grandpa’s Pizzeria, Gib’s is extraordinary. Renovated house that is exquisite for enjoying truly “craft” craft cocktails. Snacks served.

Berbere, ginger, cardamon, garlic, cumin and coriander are delicious and prevalent at Buraka.

Original works of art.

“Notions sundries and novelties.” Hazel presents a unique collection of modern goods all from around the USA and of smart design.

Milwaukee-based coffee roasters, founded as Alterra in 1993. Welcoming indoor/outdoor coffee cafes located thought the city. Beautiful design and attention to detail; baking by Troubadour. Overlooking the Capitol. Second location opened near campus on State Street.

Perfectly situated a block from the shores of Lake Mendota on Langdon Street, just off State Street, Graduate exudes Madison collegiate life. Steps away from Memorial Union and the start of campus, Graduate puts you on the periphery of campus life. Intimate and full of surprises, enjoy Portage Pi for coffee, juice and hand pies and Madison Blind seven stories toward the sky.

Interesting Willy Street spot specializing in Vietnamese, Thai and Laotian cuisines.

Gone But Not Forgotten: Locally focused coffeehouse serving breakfast and lunch close to where Winnebago meets Willy. Simple menu and vegan friendly.

From scratch cooking; Greek specialties; full bar. Reassuring that among all the changes on State Street some things remain the same.

Located on the outskirts of Willy Street, Mickey’s is a local landmark housed in a vintage space serving sexy fries and all kinds of (way) above average bar food.

Neighborhood cafe housed in 100-year old landmark. Serving light meals, wine, espresso and of course chocolate delicacies of all types. Relax in the Atwood neighborhood.

Locally made ramen noodles served in perfectly executed broths. Buns and dumplings extraordinaire. Charming Willie Street 1880s blacksmith’s shop.

If you are seeking a perfectly located Wisconsin Dells hotel, with a five indoor and outdoor swimming pools and whirlpool look no further than Holiday Inn Express – Wisconsin Dells. 114 guest rooms and suites with the friendliest service in town.

Head an hour north of Madison and visit the Del Bar, named for its location between Wisconsin Dells and Baraboo, the Del Bar has been serving since in 1930s. Designed by James Dresser, protoge of Frank Lloud Wright. with several additions. Fine dining specializing in steaks and seafoods and other supper club fare. Elegant dining rooms and comfortable cocktail lounge. Visit civility among the bustling attractions of Wisconsin Dells.

Head north of Madison less than an hour and discover Ishnala. Situated in the middle of hundreds of acres of meadow and forest and overlooking Mirror Lake, this magical supper club has been operating since 1953. Prime rib is the main attraction but other supper club favorites include fried shrimp, fisherman’s platter, roast Wisconsin duck and potato au gratin, and are equally well executed. Enjoy a Chief Ishnala or old-fashioned at the Arrowhead Bar just a few minutes outside Wisconsin Dells. “By itself alone.”

Handcrafted beer produced in small batches served with from scratch foods.

Eastern European dumplings filled with meat and potatoes and loads of toppings, served just off State Street.

Ingredients from Wisconsin with global inspiration. Fine dining one block off Capitol Square. Expertly crafted original cocktails. Handsome vintage dining rooms with modern touches.

Community coffee house. Organic responsibly sourced coffee and all vegan baked goods and soups. Extensive music, visual art and poetry programming.

Perfect thin crust pizza with toppings such as ricotta/garlic/calabrian chilies/tomatoe sauce/watercress/honey and garlic cream sauce/house blend cheese/mushrooms/fresh herbs. Served in intimate homey dining room.

Perfect diner on happy Willy Street to enjoy typical breakfast and lunch.

Highlights include Art Studio, Log Cabin, Possible-opolis, Wildernest and Rooftop Ramble.

Intimate and lively storefront serving fresh, local and creatively envisioned snacks small & large plates and entrees. Intriguing local beer list.

Interesting and unique Italian foods with emphasis on authenticity and homemade.

Traditional Italian specialties since 1971.

Sandwich menu, cheeses and meats from the Underground Meats. Also fully stocked meat case from elsewhere.

Cozy storefront operated by the Underground Food Collective. Edgy cuisine and interesting cocktails served in vintage comfortable dining room.

Toys, books, game, clothing and much more.

Wisconsin’s oldest theatre, since 1906. Originally a vaudeville venue.

Opened  in 2006 in a new facility within Overture Center for the Arts. No admission fee for museum exhibits.

Harry Weese designed 1966-69, also known as George L. Mosse Humanities Building. Always rumored to be slated for demolition; should be preserved. See images in Photos Gallery.

Food trucks located all around the square.

Largest producer-only farmers’ market in the US; all items are produced locally by the vendor behind the table. moves indoors after the beginning of November. “The market always takes place come rain, shine, race, or rally!” Saturdays.

UW Madison art museum.

Built between 1906 and 1917, the Madison Capitol is the only State Capitol ever built on an isthmus. The Capitol dome reaches over 200 feet and is the only granite dome in the US. Observation deck and tours available.

Main quadrangle that symbolizes the center of UW Madison.  Situated in front of Bascom Hall and North (1851) and South (1855) Halls.

Producer of ice cream, milk, cheese used and served on UW Madison campus. Tours available. Ice cream shop at Babcock Hall, Memorial Union and Union South. Orange custard chocolate chip when available.

Serving UW students, faculty, staff, Union Members and the community since 1928. Activities include Memorial Union Terrace, mini courses, Hoofers/outdoor rentals, Wisconsin Union Theatre, a few guest rooms and events programmed by Wisconsin Union Directorate. Der Rathskeller and Terrace are necessary stops while in Madison for any reason. Extensive renovations in progress.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s exterior design completed seven years before his death in 1959. Built on his original site; interior redesign by FLW apprentice/Taliesin Associates; opened in 1997. Community programs and tours, conferences, conventions and special occasions.

Visit 16 acres of outdoor gardens and conservatory.

Films, concerts and sometimes a restaurant and lounge.

Performing arts center combining the old and modern opened in 2oo4. Built as a result of the largest private gift to the arts of its kind at $205 million.

MIle long peninsula along Lake Mendota’s south shore.

Opened in 1929 as the Eastwood, landmark in the Schenk-Atwood neighborhood.

Cross between a b&b and hotel, unique lodging option more downtown than campus. Included in your room tariff is parking, cocktails (or beer or wine) downstairs, baked from scratch breakfast, fine beer and water in the refrigerator and internet; spectacular value. Most locals don’t realize that you can spend the night above the Essen Haus, Come Back Inn, UpNorth Bar and Lake View Deli.  You can watch the world go by and view Lake Monona, trains and loads of bikers from many of the guestrooms. Room thirteen is an excellent choice.

Reliable and reasonably priced lodging option on the square. Request a room facing the capitol.

Perfectly situated hotel located where State Street meets the Capitol. Indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and fitness center are thoughful amenities. Professional staff and immaculate guest rooms. Ongoing renovations always keeps the Concourse looking fresh. Always request a room facing the Capitol and your view will be magical.

One of the most bike friendly cities in the US. Discover the magical trails, streets and paths. Rentals available at Machinery Row Bicycles, Yellow Jersey and the automated BCycle.

New, used and out-of-print books since 1981.

Full-service pharmacy and hard-to-find items presented in a beautiful atmosphere with smart service.

Well edited selection of hip men’s clothing and accessories.

Spectacular biker’s heaven. Amazing selection, service and abundance of accessories and clothing.

Large selection of used and out-of-print books with lovely plant display in the window. Always buying libraries and single volumes; linger awhile.

Rustic 1884 home housing an extensive array of hats; top notch service and warm surroundings will make everyone who enters walk out with something to cover their head.

Thoughtful service and extensive selection of premium and interesting apothecary items, since 1972. Spectacular selection of shaving brushes and compounds for men.

Founded in 1981, extensive selection of new and used.

Mini department store featuring Badger Shop, textbooks, general books, art supplies, fine writing instruments, gifts and so much more.

Economically and environmentally sustainable cooperatively owned grocery business.

Closed; reopened as new restaurant.

Closed; building destroyed by a fire.

Fresh, local and seasonal foods served at the Goodman Community Center.

Food, spirits and music from the Caribbean… Jamaican stew, banana guava ketchup, jerk chicken, chimichurri…

Enjoy an astonishing selection of beer on the way in or out of town.

Eat simple and creative fare right off the square.

People watching and music between Memorial Library and University Bookstore. On most days, explore some combination of Africa, Costa Rica, Greece, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, the Middle East and South America.

First residence on bug hill and a block to the lake. Ten fully renovated magnificent accommodations. Subtle references to the Inn’s owner, Trek Bikes, are evident throughout.

Daily Scoop: Order orange custard chocolate chip or sunflower seed if they are available from a rotating list of flavors. Be ready for gigantic scoops.

If you only have one beer in Madison have it here. Spend an afternoon or evening watching the world go by at Der Stiftskeller. Enjoy beer, fabulous popcorn and often music surrounded by jovial murals in the first university in the US to server beer. Be sure to venture outdoors and hang on the terrace during all seasons and ponder Lake Mendota.

Laid back coffee house with interesting art; pastries and sandwiches.

Go for omlettes, pancakes and scramblers at breakfast and come back for a lunchtime burger and malt.

Engaging and ever-changing environment and top notch service makes shopping at this haberdashery a truly interesting experience. One of ten best independent men’s clothing stores in the USA according to GQ… and I agree.

Unique Nordic and Asian design. Eat dim sum, three-cup chicken and duck duck soup; dj nightly and late night menu make this the perfect sultry spot off the square.

Gritty burgers and beer for your birthday bash.

Local and seasonal fare served in warm and intimate atmosphere.

Large and bustling dining room and bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Food and atmosphere are reliable and good for large crowds. Friday fish fry, Saturday prime rib, Sunday fired chicken and weekend brunch are geared toward the tradition of Wisconsin supper clubs.

First rate venue to catch a show. Grab a light bite, brunch or a cocktail at the ornate Orpheum Theatre lobby restaurant.

Grab a beer, pull out your “ten” card at this former dive bar that has been “updated” by a remodel.

French dining on the shores of Lake Monona. Renovated lively loft space.

Brats, burgers and beer in the middle of State Street; remember the Brathaus?

Tranquil and sun-drenched space overlooking state street; in-house made pastries.

Sustainable seafood and oysters; live music often. Spacious and striking design.

First a fire then a move two doors toward downtown. But the tree remains! Established 1962.

Leading bicycle shop with full line of bicycles, frames, apparel, parts and service. Rentals available. Relocating to 219 Main St in Arlington, WI September 30, 2013

Premier downtown supper club specializing in steaks and classic cocktails. Lounge is pure swankiness and dining room is classic Wisconsin.  Late-night dining menu. Enjoy cocktails and food downstairs at the more casual Corral Room; open Fridays and Saturdays late night.

Mission to create real, hand-crafted food from scratch. Top quality deli comes to the Midwest.

Enjoy coffee and light snacks in the Atwood neighborhood. Chat it up with the proprietor about his Brooklyn days and what makes Madison spectacular. And don’t forget your Melty Bar. If you are a visitor to Madison, always make it your first stop in and last stop out.

Perfect place to chill on Willy Street. Lunch, lunch, dinner, brunch, beer, cocktails… exceptional.

Classic campus bar with cheap food and drink specials. Convenient for a beer break from Memorial Library.

Vegan friendly; Himalayan and Nepalese cuisine. Be sure to look for 318 and not the larger relative two doors away

Inspired by the gastropub scene, local foods served in a spectcular setting overlooking the capitol.

Kosher-style deli and ice cream parlor; great for kids of all ages.

Experience the real world of chocolate; you will be happy you did.

European-style cheese shop showcasing Wisconsin made cheeses. Grab a sandwich or snack and have a picnic across the street.

In 1972, Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry’s moved to Madison and was referred to as the “burger hut,” with ten stools. All burgers come “medium pink” unless specified otherwise.

Craft beer and rustic food across from the capitol. Friendly and cozy.

Stunning modern shop selling artisan chocolates.

Fabulous food served below the Madison Hostel.

Former Cardinal Bar now has a new name. Since 1908, other than 1919 to 1933 (prohibition), Madison’s classic dance and music bar; located in the former Cardinal Hotel (Madison’ s largest railroad hotel) was the Cardinal Bar. Features authentic stained glass windows, terrazzo tile floor and mahogany bar.

Ingeniously designed triangular corner cafe, serving Kickapoo coffee and sweet and savory crepes, all locally sourced from small scale farms. Interesting beers and a few groceries available for purchase. Part of the Ignite Perfection Collection.

Housed in the former Loraine Hotel, the cafe serves coffee, wine and snacks one block west of the capitol.

Neighborhood bakery for artisan bread and pastry. this charming shop and kitchen uses premier French recipes.

Babcock Hall is the oldest dairy plant in the U.S. it is part of the UW foodscience department. Babcock produces award winning ice cream, milk and cheeses for the uw community. Tours available.

1950s roadhouse and tavern serving typical wisconsin supper club fare. Try the Friday night fish boil or Saturday night prime rib.

Unassuming vintage frame home on a quiet residential street on the fringe of downtown houses HI-Madison Hostel. Bright and colorful accommodations share bathrooms and great common spaces. Café Costa Rica, located right downstairs, serves three meals a day plus spectacular caipirinhas.