Madison Wisconsin help

Capital brewery
Great Dane brew pubs
Woodmans grocery stores
https://hopcat.com/madison

https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/madison-questions.602233/#post-6346246
https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/madison-must-haves.595760/#post-6277185

 

Does your friend like sours? Funk Factory is a must if they do.

 

Working Draft is a favorite of mine. Karben4, Great Dane, Ale Asylum and Octopi (a jaunt but depending on your taste, worth it). Essen Haus is a great spot to grab a boot or three, Cooper's Tavern, Hop Cat and Brocach for bar's/restaurants.

 

I'll second Funk Factory, Karben4, and Working Draft. Those are my go to spots around town. Have him check out any of the Steve's (on) locations for a solid selection of bottles. And since I live in the neighborhood, I would say stop by Trixie's, which is next door to Growlers To Go-Go, which is about 2-3 blocks away from Dexter's Pub, which usually has some solid tap selections and tasty bites.

 

Alchemy and Barleypop are both good bars on the east side that a good selection of craft beer.

 

You're going to find that Madison, while not the equal of a city like Chicago or even Minneapolis, is at the very least punching over its weight for dining. You're going to get too many responses if you don't limit your scope a LITTLE.

Here's a column of mine on restaurants with tidy/well-curated tap lists that also feature good food. Other dining spots worth mentioning: Mint Mark, Sujeo, Tavernakaya, The Heights, Sardine (especially the bar menu), Cottage Cafe (if you want to take in the homey breakfast dive vibe), Casetta... Actually, here, have a Heat Map. That's all the self-promotion I can muster for the time being.

 

Vintage Brewing for the Home Grown burger. https://vintagebrewingcompany.com/madison/full-dinner-menu/

 

That sounds terrible. But I would definitely hit Cottage Cafe for breakfast, probably spam and eggs with a pancake. Lunch, let’s say a sandwich at Underground Butcher; the always-ready French Exit is delicious and easy but the brisket sandwich is the pro move. Dinner? Hard to find a place without an on-site liquor license for dinner but Kingdom on Northport has a killer West African menu in addition to more traditional soul food hits.

 

Down town I would go to Short Stack for breakfast, a funky place with great food

For lunch Gates &Brovi on the near west side

Dinner would be any of these - Field Table, Tornado Room, Merchant, Heritage Tavern, and about 50 more places depending on the mood.

 

I’ve been following this thread for an upcoming drive through Madison. Planning to hit FF for to-go bottles at least.

Which of the food recommendations are most family friendly? Have 3 kids under 7.

TIA

 

http://www.amberindianmadison.com/
never been there but ...........

 

Babe’s on the west side is a great option for local fare if you have younger kids along, my 7 year old Granddaughter really enjoys the place. They put a big piece of paper down on the table and give the kids crayons, let it rip from there. Decent tap list, pub food and tv’s if the games are on. A plus is having Michael’s custard a few doors down if you want a treat after eating. Right off the belt line and easy to get to.

There is a Dave and Buster’s at West Town Mall as well, never been there but I imagine the kids would love that too.

 

A 15 minute road trip will get you to New Glarus home of New Glarus Brewing just southwest of Madison. Worth the trip and while you are in town, use your free beer token downtown and stop by Surgar River Pizza, great family spot, too.
https://newglarusbrewing.com/

Madison Magazine’s Best of Madison 2019 as voted by local readers.
https://www.channel3000.com/madison.../best-of-madison-2019-nominate-now-/775645120
Happy travels!