Thursday Thirteen 125: Where to Eat in Madison

Last week I noted thirteen things to do and see in Madison. This week's topic is a spin off of number thirteen, which was Ella's Deli and Ice Cream Parlor. If you want a good place to eat that isn't a national chain and the natives frequent, here are thirteen restaurants worth visiting in Madison.

1. State Street Brats. Bar & Grill. Two levels and a patio. Crazy crowded on game days, but a fun atmosphere any time.

2. Bagels Forever. University Ave. The best place in town for bagels and bagel sandwiches.

3. Mickie's Dairy Bar. Monroe Street, near Camp Randall Stadium. American/Ice Cream/Sandwiches. Bring a huge appetite for breakfast. Really.

4. Essen Haus. German/American cuisine, located on East Wilson St. Wednesday and Friday fish fry, free shuttles to Badger football games, and Oktoberfest coming up on October 3.

5. Gino's Restaurant. Italian/Pizza. Located on State Street, this place has been around forever (okay, since 1962). The family also used to have a more formal restaurant, Gargano's,

6. Parthenon's Gyros. I personally don't care for them, but my sisters love this place.

7. Nitty Gritty, Madison's official birthday bar. Two levels at each of their two locations. Birthday person's get free soda or tap beer. Excellent menu (American/bar food) and a lot of fun, but the downtown location often has a long wait for tables on game days or during other special events at the Kohl Center.

8. Myles Teddywedgers Cornish Pasty. Meat pies. Corner of State Street and the Capitol Square.

9. Paisan's. Italian/Pizza. One block west of Monona Terrace on West Wilson St, a Madison institute since 1950. Voted Madison's best pizza -- need I say more?

10. Nau-ti-gal / Mariner's Inn. Seafood/Steaks. I mention these two together as they are owned by the same family and are across the road from each other. The Nau-ti-gal is a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, while the Mariner's Inn is a bit more upscale. Both are located on the water. They are the only two on my list not located in the downtown area, but if fish is what you're hungry for, these are two of the best places to go. Technically located in Waunakee, they are are on the far north side of Madison.

11. Lombardino's Italian Restaurant & Bar. Italian/Pizza. Casual, friendly atmosphere. This restaurant has been a Madison institution since 1954, and has been under new ownership since 2000. Menu changes often.

12. Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. American, Bar food, Micro brewery. Corner of East Wilson and King St, a block off the Capitol Square.

13. Chocolate Shoppe. Ice cream. Founded in Madison in 1962. State Street and other locations around the city, and featured in many local restaurants as well. You can now find Chocolate Shoppe ice cream in eleven states.

(Note to Alice: I had intended to include Dotty Dumpling's Dowry, but in verifying links I discovered they have apparently closed. Bummer!)



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