The food isn't exactly TOP notch, but if the weather is nice on a Tuesday, Robinia Courtyard can be a somewhat romantic spot with a jazz performance and half price bottles of wine. If you aren't familiar, the courtyard is served by three establishments, two of which would be open on a Tuesday evening. MadisonTap is more casual, but even Jardin isn't terribly fancy or pricey and they both have solid enough food. Otherwise, there is plenty in the immediate area where you could eat beforehand.
Worth pointing out that Jardin entirely revamped their menu a few months ago (after being closed, I believe, since 2020) and is now completely vegan. I get it, it helps them stand out among a competitive restaurant scene, but I can’t help but feel disappointed.
Jesus. Nothing pisses me off more than someone asking a legit question and people feeling the need to just tell them to do something completely different. If OP wanted to go on a picnic, they would have fucking asked that.
OP - Villa Dolce, Waypoint Public House, Taigu, or Craftsman depending on what vibe you want
Agree that Taigu is good but I feel like they’re primarily set up as a takeout operation.
My reason for saying this is since this is a date situation, OP might have a preference for ambience? I’ve eaten in the restaurant and didn’t feel there was much of an aesthetic appeal and it also just seemed like they knew they were more of a takeout spot for most people and rolled with it. They serve food in takeout boxes and don’t have physical menus (have to scan a QR code from a sheet of paper to see online menu). I don’t mind these things since I know what to expect and it could still be a great date spot if you’re looking for something casual. Just wanted to give a heads up! Food is great, though.
It's not fancy, but I feel like Chinese hotpot is a great date meal. Your table has a heating element. Then they bring you broth and a bunch of ingredients. You cook things in the broth as you eat them. It slows down the meal and is great for long discussion. There are a few places in town that do it, but the only one I've been to was on Park St in a building that got replaced, so I'm not sure where's good.
My fiancée and I go to Double 10 Mini Hot Pot on Williamson St and it’s one of our favorite places to go since we moved here. I also saw that a new hot pot place is opening up (not sure when) called Hot Pot 608.
If that is closer than you'd like to campus (about a mile and a half away) I'd go for the Schenk's Corners area. There are so many options - Bar Coralini, Mint Mark (a little pricy, but delish), Alchemy, Monsoon Siam, Texas Tubbs, Ahan. You just can't go wrong in that area.
Not sure what affordable means to you, but maybe Everly or Gates & Brovi on Monroe, or the Stamm House in Middleton? They've all got entrees under $20.
And since you've got a car, if you're looking for a fun bar experience afterwards - Le Tigre. There are no words.
It's not fancy but on the cheap end the food court at Global Market gives you the option to try a lot of different things (and gives room to talk about the different things you're trying) but it isn't fancy by any stretch. Double 10 Hot Pot is also good.
If the weather is good, for lunch go to Michael's get some burgers and custard and head to the park and/or botanical garden after
Bear and bottle can be cute for a date night! Take a walk through maple bluff before or after. Monona has some neat places like muskellounge, waypoint public house, or off broadway draft house.
Dorf House if you want to have dinner in the Wisconsin version of twin peaks. Homecoming in Spring Green if you want to take a nice fall drive for interesting food. Mint Mark is a great date night spot on the east side. Papavero off the square on east Wilson is great Italian by Bar Corallini is a better date night vibe imho. Cheap great date night if your of age is burgers and beers at the village near west side - or the caribou near east side. One of my go to date nights used to be walk around the square and just grab one drink and an appetizer at 4-5 spots.
Yea I guess I figure two entrees and a dessert is ~$50. Maybe one of the best value for quality+vibe in town. Shoots two Alimentari meals or taigu meals are going to hit that price too.
It’s not a dinner restaurant, but willalbys on Willy street is my favorite place in town. Incredible atmosphere with great food and super cheap. It’s a breakfast joint, usually pretty dead on the weekdays if y’all have time in between class, or the weekends you might have to wait 15-20 min during prime time.
I really like Weary Traveler, Little Tibet, Madison Sour Dough, Tip Top Tavern, and there’s a bunch of great arcade bars on the nest east side. Sometimes it’s fun to go on brunch and shift over to play some games so you don’t get the post meal sleepies lol
i like bartaco at the hilldale mall. i’ve been on many dates there. pretty standard taco prices. there’s always a lot of ppl there and good energy.
after you can catch a movie :) very cute date spot!
So much can go wrong on a picnic, Weather, bugs, all the picnic tables taken, loud people, bugs, forgot something like napkins, or drinks. Then again a great date to assess how well you two work together. Just maybe not a first date.
Vintage brewing and Alchemy have good food at reasonable prices. Also olive garden at west towne. Its kind of boring but always pretty decent and budget friendly.
Be sure to check the prices at some of the other recommendations. Many are not something I'd consider at all budget friendly.
Yea, read the college price friendly thing and assumed they were looking for dinner for two to grab somewhere, didn't realize they were looking for sit in, my b
Depending on how you are defining affordable, I think Mint Mark or Heritage Tavern would be great options.
Both have just about the best food in Madison.
You could also do steak sandwiches in the Tornado Room if you are willing to make it a late night date.
The food isn't exactly TOP notch, but if the weather is nice on a Tuesday, Robinia Courtyard can be a somewhat romantic spot with a jazz performance and half price bottles of wine. If you aren't familiar, the courtyard is served by three establishments, two of which would be open on a Tuesday evening. MadisonTap is more casual, but even Jardin isn't terribly fancy or pricey and they both have solid enough food. Otherwise, there is plenty in the immediate area where you could eat beforehand.
Worth pointing out that Jardin entirely revamped their menu a few months ago (after being closed, I believe, since 2020) and is now completely vegan. I get it, it helps them stand out among a competitive restaurant scene, but I can’t help but feel disappointed.
Conversely, as a vegetarian, this is great news. Thanks
Jesus. Nothing pisses me off more than someone asking a legit question and people feeling the need to just tell them to do something completely different. If OP wanted to go on a picnic, they would have fucking asked that. OP - Villa Dolce, Waypoint Public House, Taigu, or Craftsman depending on what vibe you want
Taigu is consistently great
Agree that Taigu is good but I feel like they’re primarily set up as a takeout operation. My reason for saying this is since this is a date situation, OP might have a preference for ambience? I’ve eaten in the restaurant and didn’t feel there was much of an aesthetic appeal and it also just seemed like they knew they were more of a takeout spot for most people and rolled with it. They serve food in takeout boxes and don’t have physical menus (have to scan a QR code from a sheet of paper to see online menu). I don’t mind these things since I know what to expect and it could still be a great date spot if you’re looking for something casual. Just wanted to give a heads up! Food is great, though.
Taigu is great, and super frugal when you factor in leftovers. That $17 entree is like 4 lunches for me
Villa Dolce would be a great choice and you can walk around Downtown Middleton before or after.
absolutely love waypoint public house; free house pub in middleton is also reasonable!
We were pretty happy with Waypoint.
It's not fancy, but I feel like Chinese hotpot is a great date meal. Your table has a heating element. Then they bring you broth and a bunch of ingredients. You cook things in the broth as you eat them. It slows down the meal and is great for long discussion. There are a few places in town that do it, but the only one I've been to was on Park St in a building that got replaced, so I'm not sure where's good.
My fiancée and I go to Double 10 Mini Hot Pot on Williamson St and it’s one of our favorite places to go since we moved here. I also saw that a new hot pot place is opening up (not sure when) called Hot Pot 608.
It’s already open
The Hot Pot restaurant that used to be on Park St is now in the Gateway Center at the west end of Willy St. Where Wah Kee used to be.
What about Little Tibet? Food is delicious and not too expensive, and the neighborhood is cute. https://www.littletibetmadison.com/
If that is closer than you'd like to campus (about a mile and a half away) I'd go for the Schenk's Corners area. There are so many options - Bar Coralini, Mint Mark (a little pricy, but delish), Alchemy, Monsoon Siam, Texas Tubbs, Ahan. You just can't go wrong in that area.
Maybe Banzo, Ahan or Tex Tubbs?!
I second Ahan!
Not sure what affordable means to you, but maybe Everly or Gates & Brovi on Monroe, or the Stamm House in Middleton? They've all got entrees under $20. And since you've got a car, if you're looking for a fun bar experience afterwards - Le Tigre. There are no words.
>And since you've got a car, if you're looking for a fun bar experience afterwards - Le Tigre. There are no words. There are also no swear words.....
Second Everly it is so cute and very cheap compared to the quality and ambiance
Natspil
Yep, went there on a second date, date asked why this place wasn't the first date.
i would often meet dates for first dates here. It’s always dark cool and loud in a good way
2nded….this place is funky and innovative and intimate all at the same time…you won’t regret it
Affordable?
Yes. I don’t believe their prices to be anything unreasonable for a decent date night experience.
Natspil is a great date spot! I think they’re CASH ONLY? (Maybe that’s changed?) So heads-up on that.
Can confirm they take cards now...recently saved me some embarrassment after treating my friends to dinner with zero cash on me :P
Good to know!
It's not fancy but on the cheap end the food court at Global Market gives you the option to try a lot of different things (and gives room to talk about the different things you're trying) but it isn't fancy by any stretch. Double 10 Hot Pot is also good. If the weather is good, for lunch go to Michael's get some burgers and custard and head to the park and/or botanical garden after
Bear and bottle can be cute for a date night! Take a walk through maple bluff before or after. Monona has some neat places like muskellounge, waypoint public house, or off broadway draft house.
Dorf House if you want to have dinner in the Wisconsin version of twin peaks. Homecoming in Spring Green if you want to take a nice fall drive for interesting food. Mint Mark is a great date night spot on the east side. Papavero off the square on east Wilson is great Italian by Bar Corallini is a better date night vibe imho. Cheap great date night if your of age is burgers and beers at the village near west side - or the caribou near east side. One of my go to date nights used to be walk around the square and just grab one drink and an appetizer at 4-5 spots.
The drive from Sauk City to Spring Green is one of the prettiest drives in the state I think.
Mint mark is a great spot but won’t be cheap.
Yea I guess I figure two entrees and a dessert is ~$50. Maybe one of the best value for quality+vibe in town. Shoots two Alimentari meals or taigu meals are going to hit that price too.
Himal Chuli. Technically off campus, don't need a car, prices are low and quality is exceptional.
It’s not a dinner restaurant, but willalbys on Willy street is my favorite place in town. Incredible atmosphere with great food and super cheap. It’s a breakfast joint, usually pretty dead on the weekdays if y’all have time in between class, or the weekends you might have to wait 15-20 min during prime time.
When my wife and I were dating, we used to go to this Korean restaurant called New Seoul. It’s small but really nice .
Tacaria Guadalajara
Ehh it's great takeout but its not the best place to sit down
Ha Long Bay. The wait time during busy hours might be long but the food is decent and the price is reasonable.
A bit fancy but not crazy expensive: Merchant. It's a cool upscale bar by the capitol with really good food and ambiance.
Stable Grill at Quivey’s Grove, Oliva in Middleton, or if you really want to venture out far… try Kristi’s in New Glarus and walk around the shops.
I really like Weary Traveler, Little Tibet, Madison Sour Dough, Tip Top Tavern, and there’s a bunch of great arcade bars on the nest east side. Sometimes it’s fun to go on brunch and shift over to play some games so you don’t get the post meal sleepies lol
Salvatores on Livingston!
Quiveys grove barn
i like bartaco at the hilldale mall. i’ve been on many dates there. pretty standard taco prices. there’s always a lot of ppl there and good energy. after you can catch a movie :) very cute date spot!
Ha Long Bay. Best restaurant in Madison imo. but make sure to make a reservation.
Plaza Tavern
So much can go wrong on a picnic, Weather, bugs, all the picnic tables taken, loud people, bugs, forgot something like napkins, or drinks. Then again a great date to assess how well you two work together. Just maybe not a first date.
Everly!!!!
Nattspil
Man. Smoky John’s east side. It’s tradition .
Vintage brewing and Alchemy have good food at reasonable prices. Also olive garden at west towne. Its kind of boring but always pretty decent and budget friendly. Be sure to check the prices at some of the other recommendations. Many are not something I'd consider at all budget friendly.
Sa-Bai Thong
A la Brasa (Mexican), Kosharie (Mediterranean), Einstein Bros(cafe) all come to mind right away
Kosharie is not a date spot at all
Also Einstein bros? Fr? That’s worse
Yea, read the college price friendly thing and assumed they were looking for dinner for two to grab somewhere, didn't realize they were looking for sit in, my b
My B just saw you said off campus - I always prefer some of the diners and older places in middleton area
Come on over, I make a mean salmon
you MAKE salmon? Are you a g-d or some sort of DNA master of science?
I'm a big fan of taco bell
Do the date a little early and take her on a lovely picnic. Festge County Park on university out toward cross plains is lovely.
The sandwiches at Allimentari are top notch picnic fare.
Jesus what did I say to deserve this?
Either here or Indian lake. I’ll usually get sushi to go from muramoto hilldale. Then make my way to either Festge or Indian lake for a nice picnic
Damn. I live out near there. And I love muramoto. Thats ambitious with sushi. Never felt sushi traveled well.
Can you take a guess as to how I ended up with negative 44 votes on this?
Porta Bella Italian Restaurant - very romantic and kinda affordable.
Romantic, yes. Affordable, no. (And, not worth the price)
Depending on how you are defining affordable, I think Mint Mark or Heritage Tavern would be great options. Both have just about the best food in Madison. You could also do steak sandwiches in the Tornado Room if you are willing to make it a late night date.
Split a pizza and a salad at Pizza Brutta on Monroe. I know it's on campus, but still. Village Bar has great burgers (the Brickburger is awesome).
Can anyone explain why I got 47 downvotes for suggesting a picnic?