Madison Trip Assistance Needed

NG is nice, but it's just a brewery. If you've seen one..... And no, nothing there you can't find at Woodmans or most other liquor stores in Madison.

As for dinner, I'm not fond of either Harvest or l'etoile. Both are nice, but a bit overrated and over priced IMHO. I'd rather go to the Tornado Room, but that's personal preference. You'll have a good meal at either of the 2 you mentioned.

Tour the State Capitol. Stunning building to see and it's free. Grab lunch at either Coopers or Old Fashioned (both on the square)

 

Go to Tornado late, after a stop at Maduro, and get the steak sandwich. Relatively cheap and delicious. Alternatively Brasserie V has a great food menu and an even better beer list.

Also, make a trip out to Karben4. They took over ale asylum's old spot and they are making the best beer in the city.

 

Yes, Brasserie would be a good choice for dinner. Nothing fancy, but sold food and a great beer selection.

One Barrel and Next Door are also newer brewers in town that are worth visiting and both are within walking distance of the Barrymore.

And before the show, walk next door and get some chocolate from Gail Ambrosius

 

New Glarus does not look like any other brewery I've ever been to. I would avoid Tempest, way overpriced and Papavero is right up the road and much better bang for your buck IMO. Nostrano is also nice and on the square, of course there are the touristy options like Coopers and Old Fashioned but there are a few nice restaurants between the theatre and downtown, also I would recommend Alchemy over One Barrel for drinks afterwards. Next Door Brewing is 5 minutes from the Barrymore as well, I'd say they're worth checking out if you've got the time.

 

When in May? If you're talking about Fitz & The Tantrums on May 6th, then you just got unbelievably lucky, because that is during Madison Craft Beer Week, when there will be more great beer events than you can possibly attend (e.g. last year's KBS vertical tapping at Dexter's or BCBS vertical tapping at Drackenberg's).

Whenever you're coming, for food, I'd recommend Graze. For beer, I'd recommend Malt House, The Mason Jar, and The Side Door. And for food+beer, I'd recommend Alchemy and Old Fashioned. (IMHO Brasserie V is overpriced, overcrowded, and too full of attitude to be enjoyable.)

And I'd definitely second Kurt's recommendation for Gail Ambrosius. She is more or less to craft chocolates what Shaun Hill is to craft beer.

 

Hate to cut in, but I'll be vacationing to New Glarus in April. Staying in New Glarus, but not opposed to traveling into Madison for a day. What would be your top suggestion for brewery and bottle shop to visit to bring home goodies to IL.

 

For bottle shops you really can't go wrong with Jenifer Street Market, a bit off the beaten path and cash only but it has an unreal walk-in beer cooler with stuff from the Bruery, Mikkeller, Avery, Alesmith, Central Waters, Hoppin' Frog, and so much more. If you're looking for a bigger liquor store try Rileys World of Wine, they have two beer sections with a decent bomber selection, also there's Alpine Liquors in Oregon you can check out for some Toppling Goliath goodies. As for breweries I would highly recommend Ale Asylum, they make the best beer in town in my opinion.

 

And just to mention - NG beer is more expensive at the brewery than at the stores. Sometimes this catches people off guard as they expect it to be less, but in general it won't be (unless you're buying it at an overpriced store).

 

but it is fun buying their beer at the brewery, locally n all.

I've only been there once and unfortunately it was in and out.
I want to go back and I think it's definitely worth checking it out. Scenery is beautiful. Heck, you can probably picnic out in back drinking their beer.

 

http://undergroundfoodcollective.org/forequarter

I lived in Madison during my grad school years (2009 to 2011), and have been back a few times since. Forequarter is a great beer and food place, and stands up to places like the Old Fashioned. While their beer list isn't as large as the Old Fashioned, it's got a lot of great stuff on it and their food is absurdly good.

I will admit I'm a little biased, as I have friends that work there, full disclosure. But, that doesn't change the fact it's a superb food and beer joint.

Ask for Pete, and tell him Gordo sent you. You'll be treated well

 

I second Forequarter. Ate there after GT this past year. Really enjoyable. Hit up Paul's Pel Meni for a lunch or snack.

 

Thanks! Are any of these located in New Glarus or just in Madison?

 

Jennifer and Riley's are both Madison. There's an Alpine in Madison as well as Oregon, but kind of out of the way.

Trixie's and Star are worth hitting as well if you have the time, and of course the 2 big groceries, Woodmans and HyVee, both have great selections (for groceries).

I don't know if there's a good shop in NG or not.

 

If you're going to be in New Glarus already, might as well eat at the Glarner Stube. Very good food. Cheapest bottle prices in Madison are at Woodman's West. Star Liquor in Madison is the only store to carry Black Husky Brewing in the area. IMO, Tipsy Cow near the capitol and Dexter's on the near-east side (just a couple blocks from Malt Haus) have the best tap beers in the city. Vintage Brewing on the south-west side of Madison is also worth a visit. Their beers & burgers are very good.

 

That band puts on one monster barn-burner of a live show.