Weekend Getaway: Madison, Wisconsin
The forward-thinking food scene in Madison offers fresh updates on the supper club, Laotian fare, and so much more (the bar scene is pretty great, too).
Welcome to the weekend! Here’s what you’ll find in this week’s newsletter:
Weekend Getaway: One of our all-time favorite weekend destinations, Madison, Wisconsin is filled with great restaurants and bars. We’ll be sharing some favorite spots all month long, but to get all our recommendations, download our Field Guide to Madison, a 38-page dining guide organized into a curated three-day itinerary with 25+ recommendations for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. It’s free this month for paid subscribers!
The Order: Ever tried Arkansas cheese dip? An Indianapolis restaurant serves a tasty version of the Natural State’s favorite snack.
Weekend Reading: New Orleans Cuban bar Manolito expands, there’s a Seattle beer crisis, and some places to explore in New Haven, Connecticut.
Fall in Love with the Heart of Wisconsin
MADISON, WIS. — If you want to understand why Madison, Wisconsin is so great, visit the Muskellounge and Sporting Club. A reimagined fishing tavern, the Muskie is located in a strip mall, and you can stop in for a $3 PBR tallboy after you’ve gone fishing at nearby Lake Monona. Or, skip fishing and head in for cocktails like a Jungle Bird slushy or a sherry cobbler or a rum Manhattan or a draft brandy Old Fashioned. Play a round of shuffleboard or Big Buck Hunter, and while there, snack on cheese, summer sausage, and a little sleeve of Ritz tucked into a silver tackle box, or soft pretzels with beer cheese and mustard. It is a cross between a classic Wisconsin tavern and a modern cocktail bar and it is wonderful.
Madison has all sorts of places like this. I’ve been regularly visiting for 15 years, and each time I go, I’m reminded of how special this city is. Wisconsin’s state capital and the home to the main campus of the University of Wisconsin, Madison is located smack in the middle of farmland and dairies, which means that chefs have easy access to excellent ingredients. They turn those into dishes that both reflect Wisconsin cuisine and speak to them personally. This leads to a wide range of cuisines and experiences — over the same visit, you can try a fancy take on supper club fare, Laotian favorites, and great burgers. (And if you’ve been watching this season’s Top Chef, you’ve already gotten to see some of this on the screen). Let’s explore more.
