Madison’s restaurant scene is incredible given its population of less than 300,000 people. As the home of both the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Wisconsin’s State Government, it boasts a long list of great places to eat.
Monroe Street is famous for walkability. It hosts over 1.5 miles lined with local shops and restaurants, all surrounded by a vibrant neighborhood. It is also a stone’s throw from UW Madison’s campus and Lake Wingra.
So what are you waiting for? Try one of these great restaurants near Monroe Street in Madison, WI today!
Wondering what brings us to Madison each year? Canoecopia of course! It’s the largest canoe and paddle sports event in the nation.
Best Restaurants Near Monroe Street – Fine Dining
There are two fine dining restaurants on Monroe Street in Madison, Wisconsin, with both offering unique experiences. Both remind us of our favorite restaurants in Minneapolis, and both are excellent choices for a nice night out.
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Fairchild Restaurant
Fairchild offers an ever-evolving menu in a classy atmosphere. They have a great wine list and unique twists on classic dishes. I’m a huge fan of port trotters and their appetizer is excellent.
Website: https://www.fairchildrestaurant.com/
Sequoia
Sequoia serves up the best sushi in Madison. While not technically fine dining, at least in the classic sense, it is a nice atmostphere with excellent food. We are bit Nigiri fans, but they also serve a wide variety of rolls and noodle dishes.
Website: https://www.sequoiamadison.com/
Best Restaurants Near Monroe Street – Casual Dining
Monroe Street definitely specializes in casual dining. There is a wide range of Monroe Street restaurants, ranging from American Bistros to authentic Turkish restaurants.
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Turkish Kitchen
We at here on our last trip and absolutely loved it. The food is authentic and very well done. We went with their appetizer platter and split Adana Kabob and Chicken Kabob. It has a great atmosphere with welcoming staff.
Website: turkishkitchenmadison.net
Gates & Brovi
Gates and Brovi is a Wisconsin-style fish house with an Italian twist. It is James Beard semi-finalists Phillip Hurley and John Gadau’s casual restaurant concept and has earned quite the reputation. Oyster happy hour anyone?
Website: gatesandbrovi.com
Kettle Black Kitchen
Welcome to casual elegance. Kettle Black Kitchen has hints of French cuisine matched with a nice southern flair. This is your place if you want the taste of fine dining but would rather wear a flannel and old jeans.
Website: https://www.kettleblackkitchen.com/
Lallande Madison
Lallande bridges the gap between fine and casual dining. Enjoy great food in a far less intimidating atmosphere! One of the chefs is a pastry chef and baker, so the baked goods are to die for. They also do an excellent job presenting the food in colorful and unique ways.
Website: https://www.lallandemadison.com/
Laurel Tavern
Laurel Tavern is a good-old-fashioned Wisco tavern with arguably the best Bloody Mary in the area. They have all the classics, like Friday-night Fish Fry, Saturday-night Prime Rib, and cheese curds. They also have an extensive selection of local craft beer.
Website: http://www.thelaureltavern.com/
Everly
Everly is a So-cal inspired modern American restaurant. They call their food veggie-forward, which probably is a good thing for all of us! We were especially attracted to their gluten-free Friday-night fish fry. It is rare that Kristen is able to eat anything breaded, so this was a special treat.
Website: https://www.everlymadison.com/
Camp Cantina
Camp Cantina is not your run-of-the-mill tex-mex joint. They serve high-quality Mexican food at fair prices. We’d recommend some Ceviche and their house-made Mole.
Website: https://campcantina.com/home/
Marie’s Soul Food
Marie’s Soul Food is southern cooking done right. From fried chicken and cornbread to collard greens and mac-and-cheese, Marie’s has it all.
Website: https://mariessf.com/
Mickie’s Dairy Bar
Mickie’s Dairy Bar is Madison’s go-to breakfast joint. They close at 2PM most days, so don’t come late! In addition to classic American breakfast fare, they also serve great sandwich’s for lunch.
Website: https://mickiesdairybar.com/
Miko Poke
Miko Poke is the only Poke bar on Monroe Street. . Kristen grew up in Japan and the Japanese influence in a great Hawaiian Poke is unforgettable.
We are big fans of traditional poke served with raw fish. If that isn’t your think, Miko Poke also has some cooked options like Chicken Tikka Poke for you to try.
Website: https://www.mikopoke.com/
One & Only
One & Only is a new restaurant on Monroe St. They officially opened in 2023 and serve up American Bistro food. This is great food in a neighborhood setting. If I were to get a great cocktail, maybe an old-fashioned, it would be here.
Website: https://www.oneandonlywi.com/
Pizza Brutta
Pizza Brutta serves up Italian-inspired pizza with awesome salads. Their seasonal Caprese Salad is amazing, as is their classic Pizza Puttanesca.
Website: https://pizzabrutta.com/
Pizza Extreme/Athens Gyros
Pizza Extreme has a bit of everything. Pizza, gyros, and wings. They specialize in the more American take on pizza, with toppings like Holy Macaroni and The Taco.
Website: https://pizzaextremes.com/
Taste of India
Taste of India is an authentic Indian Restaurant. Just take a look at their list of Indian breads, and you’ll understand what we’re saying. From Tandoori and Biryani to Curries and Appetizers, they have it all.
Website: tasteofindiamadison.com
Best Restaurants Near Monroe Street – Coffee and Sweets
Monroe Street has a number of high-quality coffee shops and stores specializing in sweets. We love ice cream and thought Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream was to die for!
Barriques Café & Wine Cave
Barriques is a chain of café’s that built its roots in Madison starting int he 1980s. Barriques Monroe Street Location has a full-service coffee shop AND a huge selection of great wines. Add to that tasty sandwiches, salads, and snacks and no wonder it’s a local favorite.
The best part? Their weekly wine tastings!
Website: https://barriquesmarket.com/pages/monroe-st
Read more: 10 Best Wineries in St. Croix Falls, WI (Breweries too)
Bloom Bake Shop
Bloom Bake Shop is best known for their scratch-made offerings, which always include Vegan/Gluten-free selections as well as traditional bakery items, fresh bread, and viennoiserie.
Our time living in Malta left us wanting bread. Good old-fashioned bread. And Bloom’s Country Sourdough definitely hits the spot!
Website: https://www.bloombakeshop.com/
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
Who doesn’t love homemade ice cream? The Chocolate Shoppe has been making ice cream from scratch in Madison since the 1960s. While a lot has changed over the years, their commitment to making the best ice cream in town has not!
Website: https://chocolateshoppeicecream.com/
Garth’s Brew Bar
Garth’s Brew Bar is technically not a restaurant. It’s a unique taproom/coffee shop concept that focuses on great beer, excellent coffee, and community. While they do not serve their own food, you are more than welcome to bring in your own from any of the amazing restaurants on Monroe Street!
Website: garthsbrewbar.com
Colectivo Coffee
Colectivo serves some of the best coffee in Madison. They strive to be more than a coffee shop. They build direct relationships with farmers and are 100% focused on providing the best coffee experience around.
Website: colectivocoffee.com
Madison Chocolate Company
Madison Chocolate Company is a gluten-free (yes!) bakery in the heart of Monroe Street. From hand crafted chocolates and gluten-free baked goods to single origin espresso, they have it all!
Website: madisonchocolatecompany.com
