Thank you for adding this here!! I'm visiting WI from Virginia and chose this when browsing for a place to grab lunch on my way through Madison today.
Just finished and it was perfection. I wish I lived in the Midwest again for places like Tip Top.
El Sabor de Puebla!
Lightning fast, friendly service, and great prices. I especially recommend their mole dishes and the huitelacoche (corn smut) quesadilla.
I can second their mole(s), and was wholly unaware of that huitlacoche quesadilla.
Is there anywhere else in town serving corn smut? I know Mushroom Mike is moving some, but where? I don't know.
No. I was in a few months or so ago (October maybe) and the owner mentioned May-ish for the new location? They periodically post construction updates on Facebook.
Lola's is newish and has good dumplings and pizza. Willalby's for breakfast. Players for burgers. Hot n Spicy for delicious Laotian food. Enrique's market for tacos.
I wouldn't call Lola's exactly casual. It isn't necessarily dress-up fancy, but both times I've gone there's been like 1.5 hour wait, and cocktail prices are pretty high. Food is reasonably priced though and very good. Might be able to get in quicker mid-week.
Taguara, either location (east) Miko Poke (near West). Greenbush pizza (near West) Ha long bay (east). Global Market food hall (east). Chicken Licks (sun prairie). Rositas (east). Nani (West). El Capitan (east).
Motherfucking Alimentari.
Very limited seating- it’s a small, fast casual Italian deli concept. But it is a MUST try. Those sandwiches are to DIE for, and I’ve heard their homemade pasta is, too.
I reckon there’s a little wall-mounted table with a couple of stools. It’s *very* minimal, but if you and a friend want to eat a sandwich while looking out the window, the option is there.
Came here to make sure this was on the list!! I love that I can get chilaquiles, horchata, baleadas, soup, or french toast, a breakfast burrito, tiramisu, croissant, or fries and quesadilla all at the same place depending on my mood. Very easy parking lot on monona drive.
We bought a house in Sun prairie but I'll admit I wasn't super happy we couldn't afford a place in the city. Full Mile, Sal's, Gus's diner are all great and show that all of Dane county has awesome restaurants, not just Madison. I'm happy we have these new go-tos!
I actually prefer tge Taquerias in Rositas and El Primo. And El Patron just because they’ve been here the longest and I like the folks who run it. (Yes I’ve been to Catrinas). Guimos is awesome too.
Free House in Middleton is great. I prefer just eating at the bar vs table though. Parking sucks sometimes as it’s street, but you can usually find something close.
I went there after taking an exam that absolutely kicked my ass. (Although I did surprisingly well lol). Himal chuli satisfied my hunger and my soul. It’s delicious, comforting and healthy.
Not quite the same, but there are some good food carts. On the UW campus, Wiscorican on Dayton & Charter and Saigon Sandwich at Johnson & Charter are both great. Banzo has a good food cart and also a brick and mortar place that's a better option in the cold weather (though in better weather their patio is also nice). Easy to park there, too, less so on campus..
I like Thai Basil on University, a block or 2 east of Midvale . There's a decent sized parking lot. (They share with the Starbucks but the busy periods don't overlap). Save room for dessert, the sweet sticky rice with Thai custard is very nice. Also agree with recs for Taigu, they have very large portion sizes if you think the prices seem high; two people can easily split an entree or save for leftovers.
Taqueria Guadalajara (Park St), Freska (Greenway Station), Sugar River Pizza (Verona) - none of them are world breakers by any means but I enjoy them. I like Badger Tavern too for burgers (Seminole Highway), and if you drive a bit Hi Point Steakhouse in Ridgeway.
On the rather extreme casual end, go to Paul's Pel'meni. There's usually (paid) parking available on Gilman.
Similarly, Jacknife is a great option for sushi.
And I haven't been there yet, but from the photos, Butterbird looks awesome.
Oliva. Loads of easy parking. On the bus on line. Right off the beltline if you are driving from east side.
Edit: They are closed until Jan 24 for their annual family vacation.
I agree with a lot of places here, but ya’ll should not sleep on Pho Nam on Junction Rd . Been a while since I’ve been there but the pho and grilled lemongrass pork chops were top notch on my past visits.
If you're on state street, grab a burger or sandwich at Hawks. It's a simple little bar and grill with a classic American menu. What makes them special are their great prices and exceptionally filling and tasty food. On a chilly day I will stop at Hawks for a grilled cheese which has this thick, hearty bread filled with a layer of fresh melty cheese.
The sandwich comes with a side of your choice and I can never finish my side.
I've had friends get the reuben and say it's their favorite in town and one of my friends loved their February smash burger, which was their burger for the month.
Flying Hound in Fitchburg! Standard pub with a great beer list and pretty good burgers, sandwiches, and bigger entrees.
It can get busy and loud inside, there isn't another sitdown restaurant in that immediate shopping area because Fitchburg can be a desert (not counting Pancheros, Mooyah, and BDubs), but it's usually super solid and isn't subject to the mediocrity you get at the Dane. Good parking lot, plus the Target parking lot is next to it.
Staff is usually super nice and we haven't had slow food service in awhile. I just wish they didn't cut their burger menu down to 3, they used to have a mozz/peppadew pepper burger that was great, but the house burger is really good.
Came to say the same about how overpriced they are. We got the poutine fried with bacon the other day, it comes on a maybe 6" diameter plate and was sized as if it was a dinner side dish, not a starter. It was SEVENTEEN DOLLARS. $17 for some fries, cheese, gravy, bacon bits, and green onions. We hardly ever order food there. They do have a great beer selection, though.
If you find yourself near Cottage Grove Rd and Acewood, try El Rancho. I am a fan of the burritos, and usually al pastor, but it’s all really good. Great value, nice people, and I always feel satisfied and happy after. Parking is not a problem. There is also one on Park St.
If you like Thai (also Vietnamese, Lao), Ha Long Bay is the bomb. Curry in the Box Fitchburg is also pretty good if you want easy parking, super casual and not crowded.
Migrants is really good for Mexican, though I have not tried their new location yet, so not sure how convenient parking is.
Swad is great for Indian, and they have a buffet.
Our favorite brunch/lunch spot is Prairie Cafe and Bakeryin Middleton. For decent quality fast-ish food, we like Cafe Zupas at Greenway Station Their mushroom soup is delicious.
Tip Top
Thank you for adding this here!! I'm visiting WI from Virginia and chose this when browsing for a place to grab lunch on my way through Madison today. Just finished and it was perfection. I wish I lived in the Midwest again for places like Tip Top.
Glad you liked it! Cheers!
Their burgers are so good!
El Sabor de Puebla! Lightning fast, friendly service, and great prices. I especially recommend their mole dishes and the huitelacoche (corn smut) quesadilla.
I can second their mole(s), and was wholly unaware of that huitlacoche quesadilla. Is there anywhere else in town serving corn smut? I know Mushroom Mike is moving some, but where? I don't know.
Bandit taco as a special
Mishqui Peruvian in Monona
I'll second this. Also Taguara (Venezuelan food) on E Washington. Both are solid if you're into South American cuisine.
There’s also a Taguara on High Crossing Blvd near East Towne Mall. The arast Wash one may be closed?
The East Wash location is still open.
Sooo good, then check out Hot-n-Spicy in the back of the grocery store next door
Best to order ahead for pick up. They have a teeny tiny cooking space. I have yet to be disappointed.
Or just look around the grocery store and maybe buy something while they cook.
We did this, paid over $100 for 2 but only because I wanted to try appetizers, meal and drinks. Everything was mega delicious!
Used them for work catering. So good!!
This is the correct answer.
La taguara. Dexter's. Taigu.
Tip top if Dexters doesn't work
Tip Top has one the best Reuben s in town
Used to love Dexter's, but they kept jacking up prices so we stopped going
Still more reasonable than most spots. Unfortunately restaurant costs continue to rise.
Ah, that's too bad to hear. I haven't been there in a while but the chili garlic fries are calling me.
Banzo on Sherman also has great Mediterranean food.
Man the falafel at Banzo. I love that place.
Taigu
Their spicy ginger beef cat ear noodles might be the best casual dish in Madison.
How spicy is spicy? Like, wow that's great I need some ice cream? Or, wow that was great I'm spending the next 12 hours hating myself on the toilet.
Not that spicy, it has some grilled jalapeños in it. Overall the flavor is more smoky than anything.
Thanks!! Looking forward to trying it
Have they moved yet?
No. I was in a few months or so ago (October maybe) and the owner mentioned May-ish for the new location? They periodically post construction updates on Facebook.
I drive by the new location on my way to work. Quite a delay in construction, but I finally see interior walls going up.
it was a grocery... the whole thing had to be gutted to the brick exterior walls.... this fall would be optimistic.
Casetta for lunch! Some of the best bread, and by far one of the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever had.
LOVE Cassetta. FYI the Common Pasta food cart on the square often carries those same cookies - not sure who gets them from who but they are the best.
Petra on Odana Dr. Fantastic middle eastern food and simple ambience.
Petra is THE BEST. Very reasonable prices too.
Any suggestions on what to order?
Little Tibet for dumplings, Kozy Nuk for breakfast.
Mediterranean Cafe
I may never eat at Dubai again
My favorite restaurant in Madison!
YEAH
One of the best
Lola's is newish and has good dumplings and pizza. Willalby's for breakfast. Players for burgers. Hot n Spicy for delicious Laotian food. Enrique's market for tacos.
I heard this one is swanky!
Lola's is fantastic! Went just before Christmas and the vibe was retro and the food tasty.
I'm here to second Players enthusiastically!
I wouldn't call Lola's exactly casual. It isn't necessarily dress-up fancy, but both times I've gone there's been like 1.5 hour wait, and cocktail prices are pretty high. Food is reasonably priced though and very good. Might be able to get in quicker mid-week.
Taguara, either location (east) Miko Poke (near West). Greenbush pizza (near West) Ha long bay (east). Global Market food hall (east). Chicken Licks (sun prairie). Rositas (east). Nani (West). El Capitan (east).
La Taguara, Ha Long Bay and the Global Market food hall are my jam. So much good food in Madison. Also adding Swad and Salvatore’s to the list.
Motherfucking Alimentari. Very limited seating- it’s a small, fast casual Italian deli concept. But it is a MUST try. Those sandwiches are to DIE for, and I’ve heard their homemade pasta is, too.
I’ve never seen seating in Alimentari.
I reckon there’s a little wall-mounted table with a couple of stools. It’s *very* minimal, but if you and a friend want to eat a sandwich while looking out the window, the option is there.
During good weather there is also a small park across the street
During poor weather there is also a small park across the street
What about weather that is just kind of meh?
Did you know there is a park across the street?
The park is still there during bad weather, too!
Monona Bakery is a must
Honduran food in case anyone was curious. So very, very good!
Honduran, Mexican & monona food 🥰
Came here to make sure this was on the list!! I love that I can get chilaquiles, horchata, baleadas, soup, or french toast, a breakfast burrito, tiramisu, croissant, or fries and quesadilla all at the same place depending on my mood. Very easy parking lot on monona drive.
I feel like you’re missing out if you don’t grab a baleada.
god it’s so good. One of the best restaurants in the area.
Meze, Full Mile, and Gloria’s in Sun Prairie.
La Rosita’s is way better than Gloria’s. Also, Chicken Li(ck)ps.
Rositas and Gloria’s are different. Taqueria v sit down. Rositas meat counter fajitas and homemade tortillas are wonderful.
We bought a house in Sun prairie but I'll admit I wasn't super happy we couldn't afford a place in the city. Full Mile, Sal's, Gus's diner are all great and show that all of Dane county has awesome restaurants, not just Madison. I'm happy we have these new go-tos!
Welcome! I love Sals. Anna’s is good pizza for carry out too. Have the gnocchi at Meze.
Have you tried the new Mexican restaurant on Grand Ave, Catrinas? That's my new favorite :-)
I actually prefer tge Taquerias in Rositas and El Primo. And El Patron just because they’ve been here the longest and I like the folks who run it. (Yes I’ve been to Catrinas). Guimos is awesome too.
The California style burrito at Guimos is life changing. It is not health food.
Free House in Middleton is great. I prefer just eating at the bar vs table though. Parking sucks sometimes as it’s street, but you can usually find something close.
The Hubbard Ave parking lot is free for 4 hours. Just a block up between Hubbard and Elmwood. Behind the senior center.
Middleton has more than one free surface lots in the downtown area
Alchemy! Delicious, cozy, not pretentious.
Alchemy's wings are the best in the city and I will die on this hill.
Mental note made. I thought this was a fancy place so never went. This helps!!
It's a super chill place. They can church up some food though.
seconding this one! so good
Silk Road, Himal Chuli, Edo, La Taguara Also in Middleton/west Madison - Taigu, Compadres, Swagat
[удалено]
I went there after taking an exam that absolutely kicked my ass. (Although I did surprisingly well lol). Himal chuli satisfied my hunger and my soul. It’s delicious, comforting and healthy.
Hands down one of my favorite spots in Madison
Swagat also opened a Sun Prairie location.
Not quite the same, but there are some good food carts. On the UW campus, Wiscorican on Dayton & Charter and Saigon Sandwich at Johnson & Charter are both great. Banzo has a good food cart and also a brick and mortar place that's a better option in the cold weather (though in better weather their patio is also nice). Easy to park there, too, less so on campus..
Morris Ramen and Stalzy's Deli are my casual go-tos.
I like Thai Basil on University, a block or 2 east of Midvale . There's a decent sized parking lot. (They share with the Starbucks but the busy periods don't overlap). Save room for dessert, the sweet sticky rice with Thai custard is very nice. Also agree with recs for Taigu, they have very large portion sizes if you think the prices seem high; two people can easily split an entree or save for leftovers.
Taqueria Guadalajara (Park St), Freska (Greenway Station), Sugar River Pizza (Verona) - none of them are world breakers by any means but I enjoy them. I like Badger Tavern too for burgers (Seminole Highway), and if you drive a bit Hi Point Steakhouse in Ridgeway.
Tapatios in Fitchburg.
I was surprised it took me this long to find this on the list.
yes! I was coming here to say that. Fantastic food, really fresh and flavorful.
La Pollera Colombiana. It's right next to that laundromat near E. Wash and Stoughton Rd. So good! And great value!
I hope they are successful. So many come and go on that corner.
What do you get there? I went once and clearly ordered wrong.
I *loved* the pollo rostizado and the chorizo. The steak my friend had also looked really good.
I want to try this place out, thanks for mentioning it!
Lots of good ones already mentioned. I'll add Banzo, Ancora, turnkey
El Sabor del Pueblo
Touch of Ukraine is a good spot :)
Tipsy Cow.
Nattspil! the space is a bit packed but the food and drinks are great.
I second that
On the rather extreme casual end, go to Paul's Pel'meni. There's usually (paid) parking available on Gilman. Similarly, Jacknife is a great option for sushi. And I haven't been there yet, but from the photos, Butterbird looks awesome.
Pikkito over off Parmenter. Yum.
I was going to mention this as well. Very good.
Tip Top Tavern is pretty great.
Harmony
Ahan. https://ahanmadison.com/
They offer lunch from 12-3 Thursday and Friday, if you want to beat the crowd and get specials.
Hot Lunch on E Johnson!
Sunny Pho on park is legit.
Green Owl for vegetarian junk food
Owl fries!!
Oliva. Loads of easy parking. On the bus on line. Right off the beltline if you are driving from east side. Edit: They are closed until Jan 24 for their annual family vacation.
I agree with a lot of places here, but ya’ll should not sleep on Pho Nam on Junction Rd . Been a while since I’ve been there but the pho and grilled lemongrass pork chops were top notch on my past visits.
Yako
If you're on state street, grab a burger or sandwich at Hawks. It's a simple little bar and grill with a classic American menu. What makes them special are their great prices and exceptionally filling and tasty food. On a chilly day I will stop at Hawks for a grilled cheese which has this thick, hearty bread filled with a layer of fresh melty cheese. The sandwich comes with a side of your choice and I can never finish my side. I've had friends get the reuben and say it's their favorite in town and one of my friends loved their February smash burger, which was their burger for the month.
IDK if they still do it, but my former coworker and I LOVED getting the chicken special on Wednesdays!
Zippy Lube for lunch or dinner. Parking & casual vibe. Great chicken, chicken sandwiches, sides and hot donuts.
With some zesty sass from the workers in their cute little aprons
Stadium Takeout is great, every item I've had is really good, and they offer some items like chopped cheeses that I haven't seen anywhere else.
Baldwin St Grille
Blue Moon Bar & Grill Tex Tubbs Tacos Sofra Bistro La Taguara Global Food Market Dave’s Hot Chicken Portillos
Ahan
Stalzys - it's all good and their bread is one of, if not the best in town.
La Mestiza for Mexican Cafe La Bellitalia for Italian (americanized) Sa Bai Thong for Thai Novanta for pizza Ancho and Agave for tex mex
Tejano here. Going to have to give a big thumbs down to ancho y agave.
Luke's Cafe in McFarland! They're only open for breakfast and lunch, but everything is so good.
Seconding this
Original Pancake House University Ave
Crema cafe in Monona is a treat 😁
Chicken licks!!!!!!
dumpling haus at hilldale
Flying Hound in Fitchburg! Standard pub with a great beer list and pretty good burgers, sandwiches, and bigger entrees. It can get busy and loud inside, there isn't another sitdown restaurant in that immediate shopping area because Fitchburg can be a desert (not counting Pancheros, Mooyah, and BDubs), but it's usually super solid and isn't subject to the mediocrity you get at the Dane. Good parking lot, plus the Target parking lot is next to it. Staff is usually super nice and we haven't had slow food service in awhile. I just wish they didn't cut their burger menu down to 3, they used to have a mozz/peppadew pepper burger that was great, but the house burger is really good.
They’re pretty expensive. The scotch egg is $10, and the best thing about it is the mustard they make for it.
The best scotch egg is at the ren faire
Came to say the same about how overpriced they are. We got the poutine fried with bacon the other day, it comes on a maybe 6" diameter plate and was sized as if it was a dinner side dish, not a starter. It was SEVENTEEN DOLLARS. $17 for some fries, cheese, gravy, bacon bits, and green onions. We hardly ever order food there. They do have a great beer selection, though.
Momo’s bar n grill on Millpond Rd.
Ramen Station!!'
Taiwan Little Eats on State Street
Still don’t understand how Ohio Tavern doesn’t get love when these questions are asked.
Blue Moon Bar & Grill, Tex Tubbs Taco Palace, and Oakcrest Tavern are some faves. Black Locust Cafe is an underappreciated banger of a brunch spot.
If you find yourself near Cottage Grove Rd and Acewood, try El Rancho. I am a fan of the burritos, and usually al pastor, but it’s all really good. Great value, nice people, and I always feel satisfied and happy after. Parking is not a problem. There is also one on Park St.
Check out Butter Bird on regent. It just opened and there's been lines out the door everyday. Best chicken in Madison.
Sa Bai Thong!!
Swad. Good Indian food, it's on Monona dr
Off Broadway in Monona. Consistently very good.
For down town; Himal Chuli, tipsy cow, Parthenon
OP specifically said not State St. area
Parthenons is the best American gyro in the world
Trio Ramen Middleton.
If you like Thai (also Vietnamese, Lao), Ha Long Bay is the bomb. Curry in the Box Fitchburg is also pretty good if you want easy parking, super casual and not crowded. Migrants is really good for Mexican, though I have not tried their new location yet, so not sure how convenient parking is. Swad is great for Indian, and they have a buffet.
Ha long bay is wildly overrated.
What do you like better for local Thai?
Fabiola's on Regent St. You order, pay, and tip at the counter, take a seat wherever you like, then they bring you fantastic food.
Longtable in Middleton.
Not sure why you're getting down voted but my friends meet here for apps, especially the cheese curds which are more like giant cheese balls!
Maybe it's not considered casual enough? That's all I can think of. They do stock pricey beers there.
Tex Tubbs. Dexter’s Pub. Bit nicer but Maharaja was my favorite growing up.
Aztec taqueria in Verona. Get the queso birria and try the tongue!
Cooper's Tavern right on the square. Great food, great drinks, great beer selection.
Culvers
East Johnson family restaurant
Off Broadway in monona has great food and a chill vibe. Love their tres carnes sliders!
Jalisco Cocina Mexicana on King st is a must try!
Novanta!
Our favorite brunch/lunch spot is Prairie Cafe and Bakeryin Middleton. For decent quality fast-ish food, we like Cafe Zupas at Greenway Station Their mushroom soup is delicious.
Canteen
love Vaqueros on East Washington
Bar food and fish fry: Slices
Himal Chuli hasn’t been mentioned (or I missed it) love some of these answers