What to do and see in Madison, Wisconsin (WI): The Best Food & Drink

December 25, 2021 Flossie Demartino

The sprawling University of Wisconsin sets the tone for this college town of cafes, bookstores, brewpubs, numerous restaurants (more per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.) and a good share of cultural and historical attractions. Stunning glacial waterways make the City of Lakes one of the more picturesque state capitals in the country. More than 250 parks offer residents and tourists plenty of recreational areas to choose from. If you visit the campus, be sure to try the famous Babcock Ice Cream at Memorial Union or Babcock Hall, before or after a visit to the Elvehjem Museum of Art's collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. And to really get into the college spirit, head over to State Street's eclectic range of ethnic restaurants. Be sure to try the mouth-watering bratwurst sandwich on a homemade bun at State Street Brats, a student favorite. At the end of State Street, the white granite, Roman Renaissance-style Capitol dominates the skyline and offers an observation platform for views of the city and lakes.
Restaurants in Madison

1. Madison Food Explorers

Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 93 reviews

Madison Food Explorers

Learn about Madison's history and culture on a unique and informative walking food tour with authentic Madisonians. Our Lake to Lake Tour features top Madison attractions like Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace and the State Capitol building, accompanied with food samples that are uniquely Wisconsin - artisan cheeses, brats, locally-brewed beer, and ice cream. You'll leave with a better understanding of Madison's farm-to-table culture. Tours start at 12:30 pm, rain or shine. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Happy Hour Tours with a Scandinavian twist also available on select Thursday evenings. Please see our calendar. Private tours by foot or bus may be arranged.

2. Flambe Gourmet

1 Sherman Ter Suite 102, Madison, WI 53704-4403 +1 608-320-2556 http://flambegourmet.net
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Flambe Gourmet

High quality catering. Now offering hands-on cooking classes and team-building events.

3. Madison Eats Food Tours

Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 277 reviews

Madison Eats Food Tours

Enjoy a culinary experience through Madison, WI’s most unique and diverse foodie neighborhoods. Enjoy generous and delicious samples from favorite locally owned restaurants. Discover historic buildings, one-of-a-kind shops and meet chefs and producers! These tours are a fun and delicious way to discover Wisconsin’s capital city.

4. Trolley Pub Madison

Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 172 reviews

Trolley Pub Madison

Trolley Pub Madison is a pedal-powered, eco-friendly, pub-crawling trolley for up to 14 people at time. The Trolley Pub is powered by YOU and your fellow pedalers. It’s hard not to smile on the Trolley Pub!

5. Hop Head Tours

Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 100 reviews

Hop Head Tours

Since 2010, we have provided fun, safe & educational tour experiences. Based out of Madison and now expanded to Milwaukee. We are not a party bus or a pub crawl. We visit breweries, brewpubs, distilleries & wineries and related attractions.

6. Capital City Food Tours

Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 99 reviews

Capital City Food Tours

Explore the city of Madison through food that proves we are more than just beer, cheese, and brats (although we are experts at those too). Perfect for all types, our walking food tours appeal to your taste buds and your mind. Enjoy the afternoon or evening sampling local favorites and delving into the history and culture of the beautiful city we call home! Check our our website for all current tour availabilities, prices, and details.

7. Giant Jones Brewing Company

931 E Main St Ste 9, Madison, WI 53703-2956 +1 608-620-5172 [email protected] http://giantjones.com/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Giant Jones Brewing Company

8. Garver Feed Mill

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
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Poor
0%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Garver Feed Mill

A historic landmark— home to a collection of producers, artisan food makers, wellness studios & hospitality providers.

9. Cambridge Winery

1001 S Whitney Way, Madison, WI 53711-6274 +1 608-819-6672 [email protected] http://cambridgewinery.com/
Excellent
44%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Cambridge Winery

Cambridge Winery was established in 2013 to produce quality boutique wines and to provide hospitality services that complement its tasting rooms and vineyards. Cambridge Winery offers high quality, premium wines from Wisconsin, California & New York.

10. Delta Beer Lab

167 E Badger Rd, Madison, WI 53713-2708 +1 608-640-4500 [email protected] http://www.delta.beer
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Delta Beer Lab

Delta Beer Lab is centrally located in Madison (Dane County), features a large taproom adjacent to the brewery, steel-tip darts, shuffleboard table, board games, and great opportunity for conversation. We also offer handcrafted sodas, kombucha (NessAlla & Forage), and gluten free beer (ALT Brew). Outside food is welcome and encouraged.

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