Downtown Madison offers plenty of dining options. Here are some recommendations for places to eat and drink on campus, along State Street, and near the Capitol Square. (Links will take you to the restaurant’s website or a map of its location.)
Coffee Shops:
- Peet’s (inside the Memorial Union or Union South)
- Espresso Royale
- Starbucks
- Colectivo
- Michelangelo’s (has a card minimum, so bring cash)
- Fair Trade Coffee House (has a card minimum, so bring cash)
- Barriques
For a Quick Bite:
- Memorial Union: an affordable (but perhaps not gourmet) option close to Helen C. White
- Union South: the new student union
- Mediterranean Cafe: hummus, falafel, and shawarma (cash only)
- Einstein’s: bagels and coffee
- State Street Brats: sports bar
- Potbelly’s: sandwiches and shakes
- Jimmy John’s: sandwiches
- Ian’s Pizza: vegetarian-friendly, famous for macaroni and cheese pizza
- Myles Teddywedgers: Cornish pasties
- Noodles and Company: pasta, as well as salads and soups
Lunch or Dinner:
- Sunroom Cafe: tasty, healthy, vegetarian-friendly
- Himal Chuli: Nepali cuisine, vegetarian-friendly
- Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry: famous for its burgers
- The Old Fashioned: arguably the best cheese curds in town
- The Great Dane Pub and Brewing Company: brew pub with an extensive menu
- The Brocach: Irish specialties and pub food
- The Cooper’s Tavern: gastropub with a massive beer selection
- Maharani: Indian cuisine, vegetarian-friendly