The 50 best places to propose in Madison

The whole family LOVED this place! It's beautiful free gardens are amazing, with extra events all the time! Especially for members, which if you live close enough & like flowers, easy walking with places to sit all over (for those like me that need the rest every so often) & cool events, then the membership is definitely worth it! Different beautiful colors, blooms are always around a corner. We especially loved the pitcher plants, such rare plants that need care are amazing!!!

Well kept place with large variety variety of plants and other visually appealing landscaping features. Smells were also changing depending on surrounding plants. Many opportunities for beautiful pictures. Very low (in my opinion) entrance price. Well worth visiting for any age.

I haven't ever been to a garden like this! It's beautiful even after a freeze. I can't imagine what it looks like in the middle of the summer. I wish the conservatory was bigger and we didn't see any butterflies inside but those are my only "complaints".

We went to the Olbrich Gleam which was really incredible. It's an art installation of light and sound through the entire gardens area at night. You need to get tickets in advance as it gets really busy. We're so glad we checked it out this year. We've been to the gardens during the day a few times during normal times, and it is always quite nice. They keep everything in perfect condition.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is beautiful by day but during the evenings in the fall it displays a whole new beauty by night. Gleam was a beautiful display of lighting through the gardens. Spectacular to experience. Walk along the paths and be amazed at the artistry. Make sure to check the website as this display is only for a limited time. Bring a jacket as the evenings in Wisconsin get chilly in the fall. This is an event for everyone to experience.

Great place to take in beautiful flowers and plants. We also saw a turkey roaming in the garden. It's free and can easily take a couple of hours. More if you decide to take in the peacefulness and hang around.

Had and amazing time here. Was a nice day date. I hadn't been here in 20+ years and it was still as magical as I remember. The green house was stunning with butterflies and birds flying around while the outside gardens were full of color.

First time visiting the Wisconsin State Capitol, and it instantly gave me Washington D.C. vibes! The architecture is stunning inside and out—marble floors, intricate details, and a dome that’s truly breathtaking. The view from the observation deck is worth the trip alone, with beautiful sights of the lakes and downtown Madison. A must-see when in Madison!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A Capitol Experience in Every Sense The Wisconsin State Capitol blew us away. The building itself is absolutely stunning, every hallway, staircase, and mural tells a story. But the real highlights? The observation deck with panoramic views of Madison, and learning about Lady Wisconsin, the powerful figure watching over the city from the dome. I'm obsessed. What made the experience even better was the staff. Incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely excited to share the history and hidden details of the building. They answered every question with patience and passion, and made us feel completely welcome from start to finish. Clean, peaceful, and inspiring, this is more than a stop on a tour. It’s an experience. Don’t miss it!

What a great statehouse. This location has been well maintained and is an architectural gem. Take advantage of the outdoor 6th floor 360° observation deck to view the city as well as the viewing deck inside.

Lovely building and fun history tour. Got a surprise concert by a brsss ensemble while there. Outside observation deck is a must if you can navigate (about 50) stairs. Reminiscent of other Capitol buildings - but probably the only one with statues of badgers 😁

Open to the public. Beautiful and air conditioned yay! Lots of clean bathrooms and elevators. The architecture is very cool. Fun place to stop in when visiting Madison or walking around state street.

I've been to several Capitol buildings all over the country, and this one is gorgeous. Classic architecture with innovative features ahead of its time

What a beautiful building and an amazing gem. They provide awesome free group tours I believe every hour. The tour guide was amazing.

Wonderful on-campus garden. Staff does an excellent job maintaining the grounds. Recently had our wedding ceremony in the English Garden and the space was perfect; Ryan did a fantastic job accommodating us and our guests!

Beautiful, well-maintained garden on campus with events and other features as well. Pretty smart of them to have assigned that charges if you want to do formal photo shoot because I could see it getting overcrowded if it were free. Lots of different species and everything is labeled and well displayed .

Loved the summer jazz concerts, and I still get inspiration from your section on ground covers, even though I now live in an apartment with a balcony, haha. This garden is a very peaceful retreat for me as well as a good place to meet friends.

Beautiful, little, well-taken-care of garden within the city. Various plants, benches, small streams, and paths that intertwine and weave through the lush vegetation. Spent about an hour here as a family walking the grounds and viewing the plants. The garden is free to explore, and there is parking nearby on the street or for a fee. Beautiful garden to sit for a while, while trying to experience nature within the city.

Nice garden in the midst of UW campus. Flowers were in bloom. Like that many plants had signs with names on them so I could plant some in my own garden.

Was a really nice garden. Very peaceful and calm. Wasn't much for parking near by

This garden has a quiet atmosphere, it's more of a herb vegetable garden with some shade. It doesn't strikes me as somewhere to go more than 2 or 3 times. Some pretty impressive squash and the colours from the flowers are pleasing to the eyes.

Great park. Nice pier to watch the boats from. Little swimming beach right next door.

Beautiful space! Variety of flowers, multiple bridges, many areas to walk, relax, etc. We saw a variety of ducks, geese, seagulls, and a blue heron. Plenty of free parking. Rest rooms were still open when we went (late September).

This park is a very nice spot to spend a day in Madison. There's a lot of parking. There's a long pier that goes out into the water which was very pretty. The trail is good for a short run and the trails are well maintained. There's lots of fishing spots in the area. It's a great date spot as well. There's plenty of benches and places to relax. There's a beach down the way as well and a volleyball court too. Definitely enjoyed seeing the kite surfers on a windy day. It's a very special look out into Mendota.

Beautiful park. Nice waterways, including historic bridges. Lots of rain gardens with pollinators. There's a beach and boardwalk with a lighthouse. There are public restrooms near one of the playgrounds (by the lake) and another by the locks. Lots of tennis courts.

The air feels fresher the moment you walk in. The park boasts a variety of plants and trees—some local, some exotic—with nameplates that make it educational as well. The walking track is smooth and scenic, and there are plenty of shaded spots to sit and relax. Whether you’re doing yoga, reading a book, or simply enjoying the greenery, this garden brings inner peace. Also, amazing photo opportunities during sunrise and sunset!

Beautiful Park Boys had a wonderful time fishing. Limited parking

Did the pontune boat ride, lots of fun and the prices are low, 5 bucks for almost 4 hours and a few stops 😊

Very nice hike in the city. I guess it was really a walk. The trail was wide and smooth and the flowers are blooming like crazy here in early August. Even the lily pads were blooming along the south side of the lake There are a couple of loops, and if you use the north side loops, which would be to the left when you start the trail, they are a bit narrower in places but also less crowded and closest to the lakeshore. Lots of parking, free on the weekends, but Monday through Friday 7 to 430 you have to pay. I would definitely do this trail again, but I think I would like it best earlier in the morning when it's not crowded.

A beautiful spot with a nice simple walk, there are lots of paths available and the small beach to relax at was lovely as well. The fire pits were plentiful and the view was gorgeous, if you are looking for a quick hike with stunning scenery this is the spot for you!

This is a really cool place to wander. It is easy to forget you are in such an urban area. Tons of areas to stop and sit some more secluded than others. We parked at the nature preserve and walked from there which made for a nice short hike on a super hot day. No fee to park on the weekend. Seems like it would be a scary walk from the firepits to the parking areas in the dark but it would be a fun spot to hang out until then. 😅

One of the most gorgeous places in Madison. This free park is located near the University. It is a short walk on a gravel paved trail to a lookout on the edge of Lake Mendota. You get a brilliant view of the Capitol. This place is popular amongst students, date-nights, photo-ops and proposals. There is a free parking lot to park at.

Madison is such a fantastic place, something for everyone. I was at the hospital while my son had his appendix removed. After that, just blocks away I was at Picnic Point with my other son and his Boston Terrier. Just beautiful beaches, majestic trees, and an abundance of flowers. Also an awesome view of the Capital across the water...

Fun and easy hike very close to the city center. Plenty of fireplaces to rent, with firewood available there for free. Almost every viewpoint provides a really good view of the Wisconsin State Capitol building.

A nice walkable trail that leads to the point. Great views along the way

To be expected, very long lines for food & drink on a Friday night right after they fall semester began. We ended up taking our food up the front ( on Langdon ) terrace to get away from the incredibly loud so-called "music". But overall it's a great place. We have had many wonderful times with friends on the terrace.

Had lunch here before the OSU vs UW football game 10/2025. Beautiful weather and colorful leaves made this amazing. Food and lines were reasonable. Plenty of open air patio seating outside overlooking the lake. Really well done for a student union.

It is a really nice lakefront place. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating. They had several places to buy really good ice cream, brats snack food and beer. The outdoor lighting makes the terrace beautiful at night. My grandkids loved the place, especially the ice cream.

After attending a conference here, I would recommend this location for any type of professional gathering, social event, or reunion. The building was beautiful! The variety of rooms and spaciousness allowed for a full spectrum of presentations and settings and kept us busy all day. It’s surrounded by historic buildings, beautiful views, live music, and tons of restaurants. 10/10 would go again!

Was able to rent a kayak with some friends. There was an event going on so the place was kind of busy. Afterwards we grabbed some food from an outdoor grill that they have on site. Overall it was a fun experience. Would be a nice place to bring people who are visiting from out of town.

Excellent. Always has been and always will be. It’s one of my most favorite places in this country. I got great, friendly service from a little cafe inside off the main hallway. I got a Cubano which was excellent. I went outside on the patio that overlooks the water to people watch. Breath taking!!!!

beautiful place to walk and enjoy a great view of the sunset

A nice walk from the Capital building to the university with many interesting shops and sites along the way.

We love State Street but there’s a lack of place with good Oysters. City Bar takes the crown in terms of Oysters.

College aged kids were everywhere and they don't bother to stop when they cross the street a lot of bad language loud music I saw at least a half a dozen homeless people with their bedding laying around. Places to eat for geared for young adults and eexpensive

It was a busy area. You need to park and walk the area.

Lovely shopping area

Oh my god State street really amazing street ever. You can find everything in just one street. When you walking there hear the intense life style. A lot of special things and restaurants are so good. Maybe you can find some rock start...

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 State Street Saved Our Trip Our vacation had its share of hiccups, but spending time on State Street absolutely turned things around. The energy, the people, the street performers, the local shops..it all made us feel like we were exactly where we were meant to be. Like the trip we planned. We wandered, we laughed, we shopped, we ate, and somehow, even with things not going exactly as planned, the vibe here reset the whole trip. It’s vibrant but still relaxed, full of character, and packed with spots to explore. If you ever need to press pause, get inspired, or just soak up some good energy, State Street is the place. We'll definitely be back.

Olin Park’s a scenic gem with killer Capitol views & sprawling lawns, perfect for chilling 😊. Polar plunge was a wild rush! Great for Midwest Beer Fest or Christmas light drives. Trails & benches add charm, but it’s no hotspot 😕. Hit Turville Point nearby for more. Can’t wait for summer vibes!

A phenomenal venue for The Great Taste of the Midwest beer fest. A beautiful venue right on the lake. Excellently groomed. I love this place.

Olin Park is fine but isn't much of a destination. You get a decent view of the capital and there is a large grassy field but not much else. You can look at that said, Turville Point Conservation Park is next door if you want something more. Go to the Olin Park Vantage for a closer view of the capital.

I love this park, we did the polar plunge there and it was the ultimate! I can’t wait until summer to be able to spend time here with the family

Great place! I was in this park last weekend)) Beautiful views, parking, great for a walk!Great place! I was in this park last weekend)) Beautiful views, parking, great for a walk!

Awesome park close to downtown. Pretty views of the capitol and city lights at night across Monona lake. Benches to sit and relax. Some hiking trails through the forest as well. Christmas light drive-thru (free-donations accepted at end) is neat. Starts mid-November every year.

This is such a beautiful park. In addition to having amazing lake access and views of the Capitol, it has paths, bathrooms, and so much natural beauty

Even though it was FREEZING COLD the day we went, I can see how beautiful the park is. It was very clean, absolutely gorgeous place to picnic or go visit the lake if it wasn't 40 with wind coming off the lake. 😅 You can go right up to the water, but we weren't there long enough to see if there was an area to get into the water. There was also an emergency station that I found very comforting that it was there in case anyone needed a defibrillator. Im from California but I've NEVER seen one of those at a park in cali?

This is a nice view of Lake Mendota. I stopped by on a cloudy day in June to enjoy the breeze of the lake. I was able to park along the road, but there's also a small parking lot that is available. With numerous benches around, I was able to sit and relax. I noticed that there's a playground, 2 basketball courts, and a volleyball court on site. I saw people running along the trail along the lake. I saw people sunbathing on the grassy lawn. I saw people walking their dogs. It's a good place to come to enjoy the views of Madison.

Quiet urban park with plenary of green space, playground, even a small beach to share with the ducks. A few benches to view Mendota and a nice little reprieve from the busy streets downtown.

While driving by, we've seen this park and stopped. There is not much here, just a big open area and a nice view. There's a small play area for kids on the right side and a walkway, jogging path, along the front of the lake.

If you're looking for a place to unwind and reconnect with nature, this is it. The air feels fresher the moment you walk in. The park boasts a variety of plants and trees—some local, some exotic—with nameplates that make it educational as well. The walking track is smooth and scenic, and there are plenty of shaded spots to sit and relax. Whether you’re doing yoga, reading a book, or simply enjoying the greenery, this garden brings inner peace. Also, amazing photo opportunities during sunrise and sunset!

Enjoyed dancing in a drum circle while watching the sunsets

Classic park vibes! Nice spot for a picnic and to watch the lake!

First time visiting Monona Terrace and it was such a beautiful experience! The building’s architecture is stunning, with Frank Lloyd Wright’s design giving it such a unique charm. The views of Lake Monona from the rooftop garden are absolutely breathtaking—perfect spot for photos and just soaking in the scenery. Everything felt clean, well-maintained, and welcoming. I also loved how close it is to the Capitol building, making it easy to explore both in one trip. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Madison!

A fine convention center with a nice view but finding your way around this building just sucks so bad. Queues for all the elevators, hidden staircases, bathrooms are miles away from everything else. The lake view is nice but this place took my opinion of Frank Lloyd Wright from 'decent architect' to 'bumbling idiot' real quick

The Monona Terrace is an iconic landmark in Madison. It offers a gorgeous view of the Capitol and an overlook of Lake Monona. It is a beautiful area to walk around or take a break at one of the many outdoor tables. Many people enjoy taking a lunch break here or reading a book. There is paid parking in the Monona Terrace or paid street parking in the surrounding area. However, the Monona Terrace is best accessed by foot. The Monona Terrace is accessible for wheelchairs.

A wonderful community space! Great views of Lake Monona and the Capitol. Beautiful things happen here!

It's a beautiful space to hold any event free summer rooftop concerts are a must. If you like walking and biking there's a path on the lake for bikers and walkers/runners. You can even just come down if you like to fish and fish along the wall on the path great fishing

I would give it five star, but they really need to do something about the parking when I went there Saturday for an event. There should’ve been parking for me. It wasn’t that overrun with activities and events, but they made the parking lot. It was all full which I had to walk along way then and I was able to park out by the lake they have metered parking, but then somebody tried to break into my car and when I drove past the parking lot after they told me it was full I saw like 10 spaces. I could see into the parking lot. They need to get a grip on that because it’s difficult in the area to find parking so keep that in mind you might be better off taking Uber or we all need to complain that they need to do something better about their parking situation. There was plenty of parking and they said it was full and then somebody tried to break in my car when I had to park down by the lake so no I would. I would definitely give it four star. They have a great gift shop in Monona Terrace and it’s got a lot of brake Lloyd Wright stuff and the bathrooms are nice and they’re clean if you’re going for vent there’s also fishing outside you can go outside and fish and that was nice and you can ride your bikes all along now that was nice but because of that my car almost they tried. They broke my door and everything trying to get in so if you’re going to park in that area, be careful. Make sure you lock it or just don’t park there unless All shout out to them do something about the parkingI was going to an event that had been paid for and there were very few people in my group that were there there should be no excuse for it. They need more staff.

Musicians are fantastic! They had fun with the audience and their Halloween themed music! The candles set the ambiance perfectly for the evening. I loved it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Madison – MMoCA I had the chance to visit the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA), and it completely exceeded my expectations. The museum itself is a stunning piece of architecture—modern, sleek, and filled with light. It creates the perfect setting for the powerful and thought-provoking exhibitions inside. Each gallery offered something different, from bold installations to emotionally resonant photography and multimedia art. I was especially impressed by the museum’s commitment to showcasing diverse and emerging voices, as well as pieces that spark real reflection on social, cultural, and personal issues. The rooftop sculpture garden is a must-see—it’s peaceful, inspiring, and gives you a beautiful view of downtown Madison. Admission is free, which makes this cultural experience accessible to everyone, and the staff was incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. Whether you’re an art lover or just curious, MMoCA is a place that invites you to slow down, reflect, and connect with contemporary creativity in meaningful ways. I’ll definitely be returning for future exhibitions!

It's a very small gallery, but it has some interesting pieces. It's a quick, free stop when you want something to do.

Beautiful museum with a lot of thought provoking art. Free admission with a parking garage nearby. We left a donation. There are stairs, so be aware.

Very friendly staff but unfortunately everything was pretty much literally stored away because they were changing over to Art Mart. Bad luck for me but what I’ve seen online looks very cool so maybe next time.

Great place to visit anytime you're in Madison, especially downtown.

Fancy building hosting an interesting array of exhibits. No tickets needed to enter, so visit whenever and as often as you like! (Donations encouraged.) Depending on when you go some of the exhibit spaces may be closed or a little sparse, so frequent quick visits would be the best way to go!

Good arts & amazing building but not much to see, Chazen is better.

The website said "no sunflowers in 2022". I guess it should say "we stopped sunflowers since 2022" Pretty view over corn fields. A self-guided booklet is available at the main entrance

Very nice place to take a walk, run on grass trails at all times and there are picnic tables. Good place to do bird watching. Crops are rotated every year. This place is very popular when there are sunflower fields.

Most of the reviews here will highlight Pope Farm Park's beautiful walking paths, or fields of sunflowers, or birdwatching, or any of the variety of other natural out-of-doors experiences that can be had here. I'll focus on the beautiful eastern horizon and potential unobstructed view you can get of the sun or moon rising above the city of Madison, WI. I've included just a few photos here taken with telephoto lenses of the sun and moon rising over the skyline, including the capitol dome. Note: it takes a lot of careful planning to obtain a shot like this. You won't just luck into these shots. Enjoy the views from Pope Farm Park!

Closed the last two times I’ve been (during the day). Workers were very rude. Definitely going to avoid this in the future

A really great park very clean and amazing views

The trails are well groomed and marked. Wonderful prairies and gardens, as well as informative signs. I used one of the guides at the trailhead to follow the plant life and it was most enjoyable. Great views and very peaceful!

Beautiful prairie plantings, nice trails, cool interpretive signs. Great spot for a morning walk

Four of us had dinner here on Sunday evening. We were seated on time in a full dining room at a table with a nice view of the Capitol. They suggested 2 to 3 dishes per person. It’s already a pricey place (maybe my only negative comment and the reason I gave the food 4 stars) and that would have been too much food and really increase the bill. We started with the cheese plate and some bruschetta. Highly recommend the “bruléed”goat cheese. Others were good. That one was delicious. Best bruschetta was the salmon. We then had the green beans flambé, the calamari fries, the Brussels sprouts and finally the pumpkin spice risotto. We loved everything except the risotto, which was too sweet and not a flavor that we liked. We ended with the chocolate fondue dessert. Oh, we started with some very nice cocktails including the TJ Henry smoked Old-Fashioned. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable. The food came promptly, was generally delicious and well-prepared. Recommended, but expensive for what it is. Our bill with tip for 6 dishes plus one dessert was around $240 for 4 people. They suggested we order 8 to 12 dishes. The bill would have been even more!

This establishment provides a magnificent view of the capital, which is particularly radiant at night. The cuisine is exceptional. These attributes, among others, contribute to the restaurant's high demand. I advise making reservations several days in advance. A parking garage is conveniently located nearby. We highly recommend a visit.

This is my second visit to Eno Vino and definitely enjoyed the second time a lot more than the first , and for that reason I am posting a detailed review . Made reservations in advance which is a must and highly recommended. The location and especially the gorgeous view of this place is what attracts so many people here . Combined with the excellent tapas styled food it’s a worthy destination. As opposed to the previous time I was here it was less loud and noisy which I appreciated . We were greeted and taken to our table . Service was good and our server explained the menu and concept . Cocktails are extraordinarily good . So good you cannot just have one . We got the green goddess with gin which was refreshing and the smoked J Henry old fashioned which is out of this world . Expensive cocktails , but so good . The dishes we decided on were four to go around and share . Salad green with apples and grapes topped with prosciutto and a light vinaigrette that tied it all together . Very light and a good start . Roasted beets were well prepared and goat cheese on the side also nicely balanced and light . The pistachio& pea risotto although it looked heavy was not as rich as one would expect but had the right amount of ingredients to not make it too heavy . Really enjoyed this . Finally the chicken thigh kebabs with smashed fingerling potatoes and an avocado thick purée sauce was a good dish . Overall the food met our expectations and the menu has great potential for tasting many different style of cooking and cuisines. Service was good but you can’t help noticing that they are slightly understaffed . Perhaps it’s the time of year where it’s hard to get more people in to help . Despite this our server did a good job . I will come back again for another visit later in the fall / winter

Other than the high noise from other patrons and close proximity to them, this was a terrific experience. We got the calamari fries and the waiter recommended a sweet thai aioli for them which was fantastic. Some of the other items we ordered were bruschetta (apple brie and fig, salmon and tomato/mozzarella) all were good, though the fig was overpowering), chicken thigh kebabs which are served with delicious potatoes on garlic aioli and guacamole. For dessert we got the cremebrulee which was the best I have ever had. Highly recommend.

Eno Vino offers a stunning atmosphere with panoramic views of the Capital that truly elevate the dining experience. The ambiance is upscale and perfect for a special night out or a celebratory occasion. However, when it comes to the food, portions are noticeably small. While the dishes are beautifully presented and flavorful, you’ll likely need to order multiple plates to feel satisfied. This can quickly add up, making the overall value questionable given the price point. Eno Vino is worth visiting for the ambiance and view alone, but if you're looking for a filling meal or value for money, it might not be the best choice. A good experience overall—but not one I’d strongly recommend based on portion size and pricing.

Great view, great food. Only complaint is it took awhile for our chicken thighs to skewers to arrive, but the server comped it by giving a free dessert!

Exquisite restaurant on top of the AC Hotel with a magnificent view of the Capital. Matt, our bartender was amazing. So warm and inviting and incredibly cheerful. The type of bartender that makes you wanna come back. Highly recommend.

My husband and I attended the matinee 1pm showing of Wicked. I was absolutely blown away! It was everything and more that I could've hoped for! The staff were all super friendly! Many offered their assistance as needed or to assist in guiding people to their area. A really nice staff even offered to take a picture for me of my husband and I which I really appreciate and know is above and beyond! It was easy to navigate despite how large the theater is. They were well organized despite how large of a venue it is. They had an officer walking around for safety. They had themed green and pink lights. Had witch hats floating which was a super fun idea. There were themed drinks and food. They had a large poster board for a photo opportunity and also one of the best opportunities imo was the large window poster outside. We had a really great experience!

We loved having our wedding at the Overture Center! We worked with Mary as our event manager and Haley as the catering coordinator, and both were wonderful. You can tell that the Overture staff are pros at hosting all kinds of events - they had great questions, guidance, and efficiency at every step of the process. We even sprung a few surprises on them the day before/day of and they went out of their way to help us make them successful. We really clicked with Mary in particular and appreciated her thoughtful approach and sense of humor! The space was beautiful - we had our ceremony and cocktail hour in the Upper Lobby (the balcony on the third floor), and reception in the Wisconsin Studio. With 52 guests, these spaces felt perfect - intimate but not cramped. And it was great not to have to worry about weather for our wedding weekend. Overall, a 10/10 experience - would recommend the Overture as an event venue!

My family and I love the Overture Center. There is so much to do and see. They bring in some great shows from around the nation and world. The Madison Symphony Orchestra is amazing, and we see about 4 or 5 shows a year. I would recommend this checking out a show sometime.

The Overture Center is an absolutely stunning venue right in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. It’s a beautiful space—modern, elegant, and welcoming. I’ve seen some incredible shows there, including major Broadway tours and other top-notch performances. It’s such a gift to have a venue of this caliber in Madison. The acoustics are great, the staff is friendly, and the whole experience—from the moment you walk in to the final curtain—is just top tier. If you’re in town when a show’s playing, don’t miss it.

We loved having our wedding at Overture! It was a stunning and spectacular day and everyone commented on how beautiful and great of a wedding it was and a lot of that was due to Overture. Kelsey and then Allie were our points of contact and they were superb. They were very responsive and answered all of our questions in great detail. The venue is gorgeous with a lot of natural light that makes for great pictures rain or shine and also has clean lines. We had an initial tour and then the walkthrough 1-2 months out. We did the ceremony on Upper Lobby, cocktail hour on Promenade Terrace and Promenade Lobby, and reception in Main lobby. Allie mocked up our floor plans several times to accommodate all of our tweaks, which was so appreciated. Allie worked very well with our wedding coordinator and the caterer. Allie was able to secure a hideaway space for us on the day of. Allie is a very nice person in general! The caterer/Overture handled the welcome sign in the lobby, the bathroom signs, and the signature cocktail signs, which shortened my to do list. Overture even let us into the main concert hall for pictures. I would have appreciated a bit more price transparency from Overture. After Allie suggested it, we requested Overture move the couches from one place to another and we didn’t realize it cost $300. We may not have done that if we had known there was a cost. Overall, we had a wonderful experience before and during the day of our wedding with Overture and would recommend them to anyone!!

A little bit of vertigo up at the top but settled down once the show started. Tad bit warm. Great performances!

Been here multiple times to see shows- ballets, operas, concerts and Broadway. this venu is home to the Madison Ballet, Madison Opera, Madison Symphony Orchestra..and it gets some really fantastic touring productions! It's always an amazing time. There are no bad seats in any of the halls, I think. Parking is right across the street, and easy to access (and get out of.) It's a beautiful building and a really wonderful venue for all sorts of amazing shows.

I wandered around a little farther than is perhaps preferred for the state. However, I saw things that only true adventures could ever comprehend. 😊

I always hesitate before getting in my car and driving over an hour to a new hiking spot I found on the internet, but wow, was this park amazing! Plenty of native plants and trees. Gorgeous scenery almost as far as the eye can see. So many birds, frogs, small mammals, and insects over a variety of ecosystems. Well maintained and great people here. Loved the long gravel road to enter.

Ok trail. Not that much maintained in winter. Directions are not that good. Loops around a bit but not too much to do for long distance hikers

Quiet, peaceful, clean and clear walking paths, places to sit in the marsh boardwalk, and adequate parking. Gravel road to enter, grassy paths - large wheeled strollers for kids would work. Bring bug spray, the mosquitos are thirsty.

This place is magical. You can walk over the marsh in several areas of the park. It's easy to remember the paths after you've ventured through the area a handful of times. There are so many beautiful spots to sit at and enjoy the various views of the marsh. Then, there are cranes all over the place. If you're lucky, you'll get to see them up close at some point during your visit. This place is really well laid out. The bathrooms are very good, for outdoors bathrooms. I was impressed. You can find a map close to the restrooms of the marsh, if you need one. The marsh is free to the public - that's right, you do not have to pay to visit the Cherokee Marsh. I highly recommend this place for hiking. Today it was still snowed over quite a bit. Bring your snow boots/rain boots if your planning on hiking. Things still need to thaw out.

Easy access from Madison. So many monarchs the day I visited.

Nice short hiking trails within Madison city limits. You can walk through wooded areas as well as marsh land. Lots of wild life and flowers.

This is a state institution that should be preserving our state stories, but is allowing Outside money to silence Wisconsin stories, and erase groups they do not agree with. This goes against everything GLAM stands for. I’ll be fighting to revoke funding until an apology is issued or a new board is installed.

We had our wedding at the Historical Society and it was such a wonderful venue. Craig, the events coordinator, was so great to work with. We felt in wonderful hands planning a wedding from out of state and he answered all of our questions. We had a few day-of snafus and Craig and his team were very responsive to solve all of our issues and make sure the day was perfect. The building itself was gorgeous and we also got a wonderful lesson on all of the rich history of it and the state. Overall, it was an ideal place for a big event!

The Wisconsin Historical Society claims to "connect people to history" by preserving and sharing diverse stories, yet their decision to stop flying the Pride flag in 2025 exposes their hypocrisy. If they truly valued LGBTQ+ history, they wouldn’t erase a visible symbol of inclusion during Pride Month—especially when this community is under relentless political attack. Their weak excuse—that flying the flag could be seen as "advocacy"—is cowardly. The Pride flag isn’t political; it’s a statement of belonging. By refusing to raise it, WHS sends a clear message: LGBTQ+ stories may be in their archives, but they won’t stand with living LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites when it matters. Other institutions proudly display the Pride flag as a commitment to inclusivity, but WHS would rather play it "safe" than take a meaningful stand. Actions speak louder than mission statements, and this decision proves WHS cares more about avoiding controversy than honoring *all* of Wisconsin’s history. Shameful.

The refurbished reading room is spectacular. It is a great place to study or just sit for a while if you are passing through Madison. Although it is integrated with the University library system, the Wisconsin Historical Society is completely open to the public.

The WHS won't be flying a pride flag for pride month this year during June. Honestly I wouldn't really care if it weren't for the fact I've seen you guys fly the flag in past years so acting like you're doing it out of some nonpartisan mission is laughable. Even if it was a rather small gesture the fact the WHS seems to just be backtracking on this comes off as cowardly.

The place is nice, historical by nature, cool in summer. The students studying there are almost totally silent, and studious. Its the staff/"librarians", long, long, long time state employees, that are noisy. A distraction, talking loudly in conversational tone, joking and chatting at their desk like they own the place. Kind of typical of State, State University and related facilities. They should be replaced.

This is the place to come for an authentic library experience: I thought I could get away with quietly sneaking a few bites of a sandwich out of my bag, since there was no one to be seen in the reading room - but then a bouncer-sized librarian materialized out of thin air just as I was taking my second bite. He held the "do not eat food" sign in front of my face, stared at me, and then walked away. Awesome. Five stars. I'll be coming back!

(Translated by Google) It's a protected area teeming with wildlife, and in summer, the dense forest is so dense that it can be treacherous even during broad daylight. Furthermore, the possibility of encountering some wild creatures makes it a bit daunting for solo trekkers. However, with a group of friends, it's a wild forest worth the challenge. (Original) 야생이 넘치는 보존구역인데, 여름엔 대낮에도 험할 정도로 울창하다. 게다가 야생의 무슨 생물을 만날수도 있다는 점은 혼자서 트래킹하기에는 다소 부담되는 것이 사실일 것이다. 하지만 동료들 일행이 있다면 도전해 볼만한 야생의 숲이라고 본다.

We go here all the time. Absolutely love it. We love going to the beach there too and the park near by. I like how we can feed the goats. All the different buildings you can walk through are nice The staff is always friendly. We ate at the café or grill there and it was very tasty. The playground there is nice. The carousel ride is nice but they make the parents pay to hold their kid on the seat. Same for the train ride. I just consider it my donation to the animals. But be prepared to bring $6 per ride and if you have multiple kids... it adds up. $3 per ride. Still worth going. We are so happy this zoo park exists.

Great free little experience to bring the family or to just enjoy nature at its finest! I loved seeing all the amazing animals but what was really amazing was the variety! Ive been to many zoos and most don't have all the animals out but as we visited every animal was out and excited to see everyone. So if your looking for your next adventure or date I definitely recommend Henry Vilas Zoo!

Great little zoo, and it's free! It's a perfect size for families and a nice way to spend a couple of hours. We especially enjoyed the polar bears, red pandas and the carousel. Parking can be a bit tight.

The zoo was wonderful. What a great weekend visit place for families or solo. A wide variety including lions, tigers and bears. There are places to enjoy a snack or children to ride a train. This zoo is currently open to the public for free. Donations are appreciated to support the zoo.

It was an excellent little zoo. It was clean and a good variety of animals. I've been to a number of zoos and this one has some animals I hadn't seen before. There is no entry fee and I was able to bring snacks for our family. It was pretty busy as we went the week before school started and the week after the college students moved in but still very nice.

It's been ten years since I've visited and there's been many updates. We absolutely enjoyed our visit. As always Henry Vilas has free entry but I encourage everyone to donate at least one dollar per group member in a donation box to help them keep the zoo free, spare more if you're able.

Had a great time, they gave a good selection of exotic animals but half of them were not there when we went. The big ones too, so we didn’t get to see the orangutan, giraffe, lions, camel, and so many more which kind of ruined the experience for our family. But it’s free so can’t really complain except for the 3 hours of driving back and forth

It was our first time dining at L’etoile, and the overall atmosphere made us feel so comfortable. All the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the background music happened to be exactly my type. My husband and I opted for the tasting menu, and every dish left a deep impression on us, from the plating and color combinations to the flavors. The highlight for me was the Doppio Agnolotti. This dish featured a persimmon sauce with fresh persimmon slices, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the pork and Rush Creek Reserve. It was my first time trying persimmon sauce, and I absolutely loved it—definitely a 10/10! Yesterday was my birthday, and L’etoile made it even more special with a complimentary birthday dessert and a candle. Everything was so thoughtful and perfect, making the day truly unforgettable. I’m certain this was our first visit, but it definitely won’t be our last!

An incredible experience on every level. The wine pairing with the tasting menu was so fun. Incredible service as always!

Everything was very good. It's definitely a fine dining atmosphere. Everything from the music to the service was excellent. The food tasted extremely fresh. I opted for the ala cart. You can order as many dishes as you want.

L'Etoile is our new place in Madison for special occasion dinners. Everything about it is perfect. We loved how we were warmly greeted by Payton who helped us throughout the night. The food was spectacular and the service was spot on. And then there's the beautiful atmosphere. It's stunning. The best part about it is it reminds us of some of our favorite restaurants in Paris. We can't wait to go back.

Although I was late when getting lost and looking for parking, Brandon still treated me kindly and made sure my experience was smooth. Paige was my waitress and fantastic. Food and desserts were tasty and the perfect amount for me. The view-amazing! Will definitely visit again when I’m back in Madison. Recommend coming early to find parking in the streets! 🫠

If I could give 10 stars to the team at L’Étoile I would! My wife and I chose this restaurant to celebrate getting married. The staff was so sweet the entire time! They went above and beyond to make our experience special. The food was so fresh and light and spectacular. We chose the a la carte menu and everything we ordered was magnificent. We will absolutely be returning to L’Étoile, hopefully sooner rather than later. Thank you all so much for making our night wonderful 😊

A Birthday at L’Etoile – Madison’s Star Still Shines Bright For my birthday this year, my family and I returned to L’Etoile, Madison’s temple of seasonal Midwestern fine dining, and once again it delivered an evening as precise and memorable as any I’ve experienced. From the moment we were greeted with a warm “Happy Birthday, Edward” printed at the top of the tasting menu, it was clear that the team’s attention to detail would extend far beyond the plate. The service was exemplary—timed to the rhythm of the meal, neither rushed nor lingering. Each course arrived as a perfectly staged moment, the presentation so artful that pausing to admire it felt almost obligatory. I had chosen the grand tasting menu, enhanced by the sommelier’s wine pairings—an indulgence that proved more than worth the additional charge. His selections didn’t just complement the dishes; they deepened them, drawing out flavors I might otherwise have missed. The Hamachi Crudo en Adobo set the tone—delicate slices of fish accented with sweet corn, creamy avocado, blue corn tostadas for crunch, and a blueberry pico de gallo that provided a surprising pop of tart sweetness. Next came Ricotta Agnolotti, a dish that balanced rustic warmth with garden freshness. Nestled among ratatouille, capers, and a tender squash blossom, the agnolotti’s creamy filling was lifted by basil’s perfume. The Boquerones-Crusted Alaskan Halibut was a study in finesse—its golden crust giving way to tender, flaky fish. It was anchored by dashi-braised leeks and potatoes à la Robuchon (silken, butter-rich, and dangerously addictive), with chanterelles and haricots verts adding earth and green snap. Then, the Pinn-Oak Ridge Lamb Spare Rib Shawarma—aromatic, tender, and served with fava bean falafel, cucumber yogurt, and a sumac-scented onion salad that cut through the lamb’s richness beautifully. The New York Strip Ribeye course was a carnivore’s finale—perfectly seared, accompanied by smoky Spanish octopus, crispy patatas bravas, and the brightness of sungold tomatoes. Dessert was a playful yet refined Door County Sweet Cherry Fool—a summer tableau of sweet corn budino, brown sugar corn cake, Thai basil shortbread, and a lace of caramel. As we left, my family and I agreed: L’Etoile remains unmatched in its ability to make a meal feel like an occasion. It’s not simply about the food, but the way every element—service, pacing, wine, and presentation—converges into an experience greater than the sum of its parts. Next year’s birthday already has a reservation in spirit.

Huge museum with several floors to explore and a massive outdoor playground. When you enter they have a small cafe area to eat as well as a pay what you can option for those who may not be able to afford nearby restaurants or forgot to pack a lunch. The lower floor is for small children with a few play houses, water table type room and nursing space. The upper floors are better for older children, with the rooftop having some live animals like chicken, reptiles and fish. Outside is a massive playground with labels indicating what level of climbing experience is needed to navigate. Overall, most kids can explore the majority of it. There’s plenty of restrooms on each level and staff around to keep watch on things. They also have lockers as well as free bins to store things while exploring. Keep an eye on Groupon for deals on admission.

Welcoming staff. The views from the rooftop are wonderful. The wonderland backyard was endlessly entertaining and the climbing structures were well thought out. Some many recycled elements included added artistic flair. Easy parking, inexpensive too.

Absolutely in love with this place. Husband and I visited from NYC and my sister, who lives in Madison, recommended the museum for our toddler. There's so much to do for children of all ages! Playgrounds, of course, but also crafts areas, places to experiment, to read, learn, and explore. I was pleasantly surprised to see that food was available on a "pay what you can" basis, so there is literally food for every budget even if your budget is $0. The food options were very kid friendly, and my kid devoured cheese sticks, watermelon slices, and a fig bar. A microwave was available to heat a Mac and cheese option that was also seen available in the fridge. The museum was clean and so well cared for. A side note: when using the bathroom I saw a toilet positioned closer to the ground for potty trained kids to easily access as well as an adult sized changing table for visitors who need it. This kind of inclusivity was very nice to see.

We absolutely love visiting the Madison Children’s Museum. The kids have an amazing time learning and playing with all the exhibits. It is worth it to get the yearly pass. We always find new and exciting things with each visit.

Kids had a blast. They change up exhibits often and it’s great they offer so many options for reduced cost entry (for ebt, WIC, Medicaid, etc). We will be going more often for sure! Parking is also better than I was expecting.

This place is gorgeous! A work of art inviting you to explore it from the inside. A winning blend of natural, industrial and whimsy that draws in kids and adults alike. Check it out!

I feel like my kids (ages 7 & 10) were just a little old for this museum. Some areas could have benefitted from a good scub. My daughter liked the crafting area but better scissors would be a nice addition. The paint plexiglass area was cool, I didn't notice any smocks so my kids didn't participate. The outdoor space was nice. There is a multi-level climbing structure that my son enjoyed. We stayed for about 2 hours, my kids just didn't love it. It's great for kids ages 2-5.

Nice museum with lots of history. Enjoyed seeing the many artifacts and videos. The World War II exhibit was especially impressive. However, the video at the exhibit was very difficult to hear and we were not able to increase the volume. I would love to be able to hear the interviews with the veterans. We enjoyed our visit and learned a lot.

Although small, this museum has incredibly high quality displays and dioramas, historical artifacts, and an excellent collection of significant material relating to US War veterans. The video interviews on display provide firsthand insight to some lesser known conflicts as well. Well-kept, well-preserved and obviously cared for by people who take pride in preserving and ensuring the history of US veterans.

This is a really great place to spend some time. Tons of artifacts from the different eras of Wisconsin military history. Free to enter. Staff was great. Gift shop was small but had a lot of cool stuff.

This was a great museum. I enjoyed the stories from veterans shared on plaques. The realistic, life sized portrayals of different time periods of war were really well done and interesting

This was such an incredible experience. I read reviews prior, and everyone mentioned how small it was. Yes, it was small, but it was so cool to see all the history, and their displays are amazing. It’s also free, which makes it even better.

Small museum but plenty of cool, historical displays to check out.

Impressive displays and collections with an admirable focus on individual veterans and their stories. (Would like to see even more of this—particularly correspondence). surprised to see a display on the Philippines war. (I am very uninformed about this) Friendly, welcoming and helpful! front desk staff. Also note they sell historical postcards—something they is not easy to find. Highly recommend.

One of my favorite Italian restaurants in Madison, with a daily rotating menu. We sat at the high top and had a nice open window view. My favorite was the pasta — extremely fresh and the sausage was cooked perfectly. Great place for fresh Italian food and rich but not heavy flavors.

I recommend making a reservation since it gets busy even on a weekday. Arrived at 6:30pm for dinner. Ordered the Cinghiale pasta. The meat was firm and rich in flavour and the pappardelle was cooked al dente. For dessert, we ordered the Budino di Caramello. I did not have high expectations for the dish but was pleasantly surprised - sweet, buttery, and simply delicious.

Fabolous little restaurant. I did pasta and a lot of wine (and that's where I spent the most money). Staff, food, and atmosphere were all superb and made for a great evening. I sat at a seat (bar rail) that looks out at the street (great when popping in without a reservation).

This is not a Midwest-nice, grade-inflated review. This place is truly excellent. Madison is a place where it's easy to get a decent, but unimaginative and over-priced meal. Osteria Papavero flips the Madison underwhelm on its head. Super creative and extensive menu of seasonal specials, all grounded in solid Italian cooking and beautiful ingredients. My pasta stuffed with pork had just the right amount of truffle cream sauce so that the al dente pasta and quality pork was not overwhelmed. Friends loved the Ribolitta soup. I was wowed by the spicy green salad topped with three generous chunks of perfectly cooked lobster - for $15! (A local chop house serves a Caesar for $16 and you can add shrimp for $15 - that's alot of money for a standard fare salad). Overall, we found the pricing truly kind - we each had two perfect portions and split a bottle of wine for a total tab of $110. I also really appreciated the pacing, with a nice break between courses. It felt European, like your table was yours for the night and you could really talk to your friends, rather than the 90-minute bum's rush so usual at most restaurants these days. A superb dining experience and a serious cut above the rest in Madison.

I can’t speak to if vegan, vegetarian and gf options are labelled on the menu. however I can confirm that this is a fantastic spot to dine for vegetarians and vegans. the staff were super helpful, kind, and accommodating for the lifestyle, and the food was great. I got the gnocchi. Super good food, great vibes, very nice area, no complaints.

I really enjoyed the food, especially the salumi. The dishes were cooked with full heart and every bite was a surprise! The waiter also explained each course. Will come back again.

Great service and excellent food served in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. We asked for a full body Merlot and the waitstaff made the perfect choice. A basket of bread is served before the meal, with a flat bread that is deep fried in pork fat, very delicious. The menu itself changes regularly and always has delicious and interesting options. Delicious desserts!! We are looking forward to going on a warm summer evening when one wall opens up via a garage door mechanism.

Museum was very intriguing and provided a great and thought out history of Wisconsin. I enjoyed each of the floors, each with it's own unique theme. You can also view the state capitol very easily. The museum staff were also very friendly and helpful. I would come back to the Wisconsin Historical Museum!

Very interesting. Many items were conversation starters with my brother. You have to see the picture made from hair. SO intricate!! Am excited to visit again when they move into the new building. There should be so much more to see. The staff was very informative, friendly, and kind.

Wonderful well laid out exhibition all housed in a quiet peaceful environment were the lighting conditions changed and were appropriate to each exhibit. Well worth the visit the whole family enjoyed we all became fully absorbed with atmosphere. This musemn should be part of every families visit to Madison, we would most certainly visit the Wisconsin Historical musemn again.

Beware of the volunteers as you walk in. One woman hussled me into buying a couple of beer glasses that were on sale for 2 dollars a piece. Working for the sweet commission!!! Seriously though, it was an awesome sauce experience!

Pretty old and some interesting levels. But mostly a show of industry and Indian heritage. Great view of the state capitol building from the top floor.

Great place. For floors. A lot of things for kids to touch. Great Indian history. No admission fee. Just donations.

This museum was free as it runs on donations. It has a lot of historical items I had not seen before. I haven't seen anything on the suffragette movement in a museum prior to this one. They had a very thorough history of Wisconsin government. They have a lot of exhibits tucked into four stories so plan to spend at leastan hour if not more to take it all in.

Absolutely love Madison Sourdough! The sourdough bread is perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside — you can really taste the quality. Their brunch menu is fantastic; I especially recommend the Denver omelette. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Always worth the wait, especially on weekends. A must-visit spot in Madison!

Everything was absolutely perfect. Every bite we took was bursting with flavor, but this place didn’t just fill our stomachs—it warmed our hearts, too. Full points for greeting their furry friends at the door with water, and huge applause for the wonderful staff who care for all those beautiful plants. The open kitchen detail takes the experience to another level. Kudos to everyone involved!

Good toast, liked the bacon jam (special) omelette. Went on Saturday and there was a long line, but it went quick and there was a table waiting for us. Cake!

Very cozy and cutesy place. Will update the review whenever I try their homemade bread but we got brunch (croque madam & roasted beef sandwich) and a carrot cake for dessert and everything was fresh and delicious.

Update: They have not attempted to reach out to us. All they seem to do is ignore and only thank people who say positive things about them. We’re not going to you guys again. We ordered a $60 cake for my sister’s birthday, and unfortunately, it was handled poorly. When we removed the cake out of its flimsy box, we saw the sides were damaged. The staff packaged it away from the counter, so we couldn’t see how it was being prepared. While the cake itself tasted okay, the packaging was terrible. If anyone else has received a cake in this condition, I encourage you to leave a review so they can improve their packaging process. One of my sisters used to work in the Whole Foods bakery, and they switched from boxes to plastic containers after customers had similar issues. For the price we paid, we definitely deserve a partial refund.

Yum noms! ⭐️ Absolutely delish food, baked goods, cute pace inside & patio with very friendly service and fab coffee! A real gem 💎⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Been coming here for years. Sometimes a little slow to get in, but for good reason. This is the best bread in town! There’s a useful option to order ahead, which is good since they tend to sell out of bread. Also pretty good coffee and excellent baked goods. I love the cakes and the pastries are fabulously flaky and buttery. If you have time to stand through the line and sit in, their brunch menu is also delicious.

Went with several girlfriends on a Saturday evening. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding. I got the ice cold martini and almost cried tears of joy when the switched out my glass for a cold one halfway through the drink. The NY strip was so so good and my friends really enjoyed the walleye. I forget our servers name but he had recently moved to Madison from I believe Houston and did such a great job helping us have a wonderful evening! The only comment would be I wish we had more of the pretzel crackers on the relish tray- they were very tasty. I will be back for sure!

Hidden excellence! Hey call me Old Fashioned, that's the name of a drink, the place offers a quaint atmosphere with a fantastically different menu. The Walleye was next level. The kielbasa in a blanket, truly Wisconsin! And that chocolate cake, as succulent as your first date!

This was my second visit to The Harvey House and it is probably my favorite restaurant in Madison. The service has been so warm and personal both times I visited, and every dish I've tried here surpassed my expectations. A friend and I got the chicken schnitzel and the scallop, and both were phenomenal.

Came here for a work event they had a pre plan menu to choose from. And everything was just great. My water glass was never empty. We dined in the office part of the restaurant. The chopped salad was great. You didn’t even taste the blue cheese.

32 Years & Counting 💍❤️ 9•25•1993 ➜ 9•25•2025 To celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary, we treated ourselves to a night at The Harvey House in Madison, WI — and it was nearly perfect. 🍸 Start: Hand-crafted drinks & an amazing deconstructed wedge salad 🍽️ Mains: Crispy chicken schnitzel & perfectly cooked walleye 🍫 Sweet Finish: Rich chocolate cake + a Penny Whistle nightcap Huge shout-out to our waiter Jake and his team for going above & beyond—even moving us to a cozy corner booth with a great view. ⭐️ Rating: 4.75 / 5 (Only wish the schnitzel sides were a little more generous—flavors were spot on!) A night of great food, beautiful ambiance, and unforgettable service—exactly how we wanted to celebrate. #AnniversaryDinner #MadisonWI #TheHarveyHouse #LoveInEverySeason #32YearsStrong #Aceautomitves #mraatotd #aatotd

Lively atmosphere, impeccable service, beautiful building, and a creative, elevated take on Wisconsin supper club dishes. Great place for date night, business dinner, or special occasion. Service couldn't have been friendlier from the moment we walked in. Walleye with spatzle and horseradish was the star for me. I admit to being somewhat skeptical of the $18 relish tray, (which is often included in the price of dinner at a traditional supper club), but it was huge and the presentation was stunning. Would definitely return. Free parking onsite. Reservations recommended.

I don’t use “amazing” very often in my food/restaurant reviews. But this place was “amazing.” Inspired by Wisconsin supper clubs, the food was unique but traditional. The drinks were outstanding. The service impeccable and the building historic.

I really enjoyed my experience at Mint Mark. The biscuit was amazing — fluffy and full of flavor. I also loved the beet dish and the carrot plate — both were beautifully prepared and delicious. The fish was good but had a bit too much sauce for my taste. The meat dish was solid, though the fries that came with it were unsalted, which made them a little bland. The decor is beautiful and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. Our server was kind and attentive, though we weren’t offered a dessert menu — not sure if they don’t have one or just forgot to mention it. Overall, I’d definitely come back. They do a lot of things very well — just a few small things to improve.

Signature drink is amazing! Atmosphere is great! Kitchen looks very clean! Bar looks very well organized! One of my favorite place to go have some drinks! However, the food really isn’t that tasty. The presentation is great.

Came here right at 5 to beat the heat and a few small plates. The housemade chips with a smoky onion dip were beyond. I love beets and the earthiness of the beets w the freshness of the crème fraiche was perfect. Pierogy was unique and satisfying. Love that they have a mortadella pizza too. Excellent service!

The atmosphere here is incredible! I love the vibe and the ambiance. Very refreshing to have a restaurant that wasn’t too loud. The food was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the pancakes and the polenta were my favorite. Amazing drink menu with freshly made syrups!

Delicious food and unique drink specials. We sat outside on the patio and it was lovely. Attentive wait staff. My favorite was the biscuit with garlic honey. The first bite to last bite were amazing. The pierogi was also delish!!

Enjoyed celebrating our anniversary dinner here! Food was good, but super salty!! Shareable/family style is great, but the prices were a little higher than expected for the quantity. We had to request new silverware and plates at one point, and I would have expected them to be swapped out after each dish. Overall a good experience but the foods’ flavors were overpowered by too much salt.

My wife chose this for her birthday lunch and we were not disappointed. We rolled through on a Friday for their FML (Friday Martini Lunch) and indulged in a Vesper and Dirty Martini accordingly, both of which were well chilled and perfectly mixed. I had the grilled cheese paired with the curried spinach soup (sounds wild but totally worked) and it was an existential awakening. The simplicity of the sandwich dipped in that rich, warming, complex soup was transcendent. Our server, Maddie, knew what she was talking about when she said it was the best soup they've put out. My wife had the pastrami which gave east coast Reuben flare and it was thick cut, well portioned, and balanced well by cheese and sauce. I picked at her crusts because they were too good to squander. They also accommodated us with a junior diner and a lovely 6 month old who slept soundly in her stroller. Overall, a great experience befitting a beautiful birthday girl.

Been to the Orpheum for several shows. I have always found it to be a positive experience. Getting through security was easy, and quick. The lobby can get a little busy and crowded (nothing new there). If you are planning to buy alcohol, you get your wrist strap ahead of time. There's a place to get merchandise, and that can get a bit congested. Plenty of folks to help you get to your seats. For this show we were front row balcony (which I feel is the best spot in the entire place). The seats are a little dated, narrow, and might benefit from being restuffed. The acoustics were good, but not great but certainly better than most large venues (i.e. Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee). I would definitely come again.

The seating was pretty comfortable and the view was great from the balcony. A parking garage with really close access is nearby, and lots of restaurant options on the same street.

My husband and I had our wedding at the Orpheum and it was AMAZING. Clean, organized, and friendly staff. We got everything we hoped for and more!

Wonderful old theater/stage venue, providing a great close to stage experience in an aesthetically pleasing 19th century style. Seating is comfortable and adequately spacious (average height and normal body mass index)

Awesome venue. The view from the first balcony section is my favorite. I always try to get seats there.

Small intimate theater with great sound. Bathrooms are ancient, but work! Credit card payment only and no food for sale with the exception of a small selection of chips or candy.

Performers at the Orpheum are great SECURITY SUCKS!!! Showed up 20 mins before a show for a smaller comedian and waited in line for 30 minutes outside in a storm because security was RUDE. Went to Colin Jost and Pete Davidson 2 years ago and got in immediately. FIGURE YOUR STUFF OUT

Nice place to see a show if you want to stand. They have general seating in the balcony, but it may not be open and view is terrible. Best seats are the ones you pay extra for in the box seats in balcony.

Been to a few shows at Majestic. Went to my first metal show there on 9/19. Security at the front of the stage was super aggressive. A concert attendee was knocked unconscious. Paramedics had to be brought in. Luckily, the patron got up and was able to walk out on his own. I really like the venue and going to shows there but if this is going to be the type of interactions to expect from this place then I probably won’t be attending any more shows there.

The venue itself was very nice, the staff were all very friendly and helpful. The sound/acoustics were absolutely awful though, you COULD NOT clearly hear the vocals for the opener, or the headliner. You couldn't even understand what they were saying in between songs, so I can't even blame the singers voices having to fight over the music itself during their collective sets. I observed this from multiple areas of the venue, with the exception of being right in front of the stage (cant verify the sound in that location as I never went up that close). If I wasn't already incredibly familiar with the artist I went to see, I only would've understood about 20 words during the entire show. Very huge disappointment for me as I traveled from 5 hours away to see this show. That will be the first and last show I ever see at this venue, specifically for that reason. I'm not even a lyrics guy when it comes to music, but the singing is still a very important element to the majority of music. I've seen well over a hundred shows at dozens of different venues across the country in my life, but this one absolutely takes the cake for having the worst sound. Cool atmosphere, terrible sound. 3 stars for the employees and atmosphere only. Otherwise this would be negative 5 stars.

Love this venue, super intimate and pretty good sound. Was here for Boa last night and the staff were helpful in aiding with an incident of a drunk couple groping and harassing my boyfriend and dumping drinks down his back. Unfortunately we did leave early because of the issues as neither of us wanted to be there from out of town soaked in beer. Hopefully we can come back another time and have a better experience.

As a recent need for a wheelchair had come up, I was absolutely amazed at the kindness and assistance in a beautiful old building that was never made for such contraptions. The venue is absolutely sweet as well, small, but very large. Funny it looks bigger with a mob of folks grooving than when it’s empty. A little piece of history and absolute kindness

10/10 live music experience, incredibly intimate and comfortable setting, excellent sound and lighting setup, very competent professional level A/V operations for such a small and historic venue.

Very cool theater. We had the best time.

I really love the sound mixing here. The bass can be a bit much but compared to other venues I can always understand the vocals. I have seen multiple artists here the last year, most recently gojira My number one issue is not enough ada seating. I wish there were more than 20 chairs dedicated to Ada that were reasonably within view of the stage

I just have to give the biggest shoutout to Annie, one of the managers at The Sylvee. I came to the show by myself and realized I’d left my AirPods in the car parked literally across the street. They told me I couldn’t leave and come back in, but suggested I talk to Annie. I explained to her that I have really bad anxiety and that music helps me calm down when the concert isn’t going. Without hesitation, Annie personally walked me out to my car across the street to grab them. She didn’t just do her job, she went above and beyond to made me feel safe, seen, and welcomed. She even took a moment to make conversation, eye contact and shook my hand. I felt genuinely cared about and don’t get that kind of kindness everywhere. I also I saw her giving water to a couple of really drunk girls who were clearly having a rough time, just taking care of everyone with patience. I already loveddd this venue, and the way they take care of their customers, but Annie stood out to me. I can’t thank her enough for turning what could’ve been a stressful situation into such a positive experience. 11/10 my favorite venue. 11/10 customer service.

Amazing place to see a concert. Easy, cheap parking, efficient and friendly admissions. All views are great. Acoustics well designed. One of the best small form (2500) venues I've been to. Hoping to return soon!

The staff here are beyond kind and caring! We were standing in the hot heat for hours and they came out to offer people water and check on us before the doors opened. We appreciated it as it was over 90°! The show was everything we could have hoped for. Kind of wished the bathroom toiletries they offer for women were in stock, but the bathrooms were clean and very nice. The bar and staff were very kind and the drinks tasted GREAT. Security/staff are actually very nice and chatted with us a little when they could before the show started! It was a dream come true for me to experience my first concert ever and also to see my favorite artist ever--Jessie Reyez so the amazing venue and staff just made my night one I'll never forget! Thank you!! 🫶🏾

Shows are amazing, there isn't a bad place to be in the whole place. Tickets are reasonable, especially if bought in person at venue, get to skip ticketmaster markups. Seen plenty of up and coming artists, really a great location. My favorite venue by far. Easy in/out of venue and to get in/out of madison.

Great experience every time I go for a concert. Easy to see the band and just a great over all atmosphere.

Saw Marc Rebillet at the venue and it was so much fun also had seen Saint Motel as well on my birthday of May 11 tons of fun always

Finally, public bathrooms, inviting lobby with assortment of brochures, and helpful staff to assist you. Beautiful building, and Peace Park, right there to relax, enjoy entertainment when scheduled.

Beautiful place , good food places. Lots of homeless people around.

Nice people.. Info can be found via anybody downtown because it's a pretty happy place... ))) Still.. Instincts on who to avoid always..

We love Madison

Super friendly staff. Very helpful too. Great info about Madison's fun stuff. Thanks

Fun lots of things that are interesting

Good coffee and big reese's pieces cookie. Prompt, friendly service. Seating available outside as well as inside. ((I sat outside, it wss was sunny and warm.)

Beautiful Gardens that is well maintained. Took us over 2 hours to go through the whole thing. I think its all free except one part they want 6$ a head and that's amazingly worth it.

We went to see the re-gilded Thai Pavilion. It was my first time I took the tram ride with its tour introduction to the park, very nice! The Thai Pavilion sparkled in the bright sun, the bonsai accent tree was impressive, and the Gardens beautiful. 💖👏

Loved visiting the garden when my wife and I had time to spare. Spent about 2 hours walking around and enjoying the beautiful gardens. You can really tell they take great care and pride in the planning and maintenance of this garden and its Free! I would definitely recommend for a short afternoon.

Wonderful botanical garden. Self guided exploration. Small tram tour. Beautiful gardens free to walk. Also has an arboretum and butterfly garden for cost. Gift shop, restrooms and bottled water available inside

The butterfly's and the waterfalls were so pretty, lots of families with small children there. The Gardens are spectacular, they reminded me of the gardens of English Castles I have visited. There are kayaks for sauntering along the Park River. A beautiful and unforgettable experience for all ages with plenty of benches to sit on.

Fabulous botanical garden! Been here before but it was many years ago, so many great things to see and experience fun and educational for all ages. Found out after we were done that they have a tour that you can ride on a mobile cart and they can tell you all about the garden I definitely recommend that.

I love Olbrich Gardens so much. It is such a necessary part of the Madison community. They always engage with such great groups in the area. For Make Music Madison they hosted MACH (Madison Area Concert Handbells) which was such a great time. I always love coming back!

Crafty cocktails! The gin egg white cocktail, was DELICIOUS! You have to order from the bar. It's a few seats available besides the bar area. We really enjoyed ourselves!

The Robin Room is an intimate setting with a speakeasy in vintage décor vibe that transports you back in time. The Friendly and talented mixologists are passionate about creating classic cocktails with decadent style. The drink menu is extensive, featuring a wide variety of craft cocktails made with high-quality spirits and fresh ingredients. The Robin Room is a small hidden gem in Madison, enjoy the charming service, delicious drinks, sophisticated cocktail bar.

Really well-made cocktails that are not only delicious but unique without being overpriced. Service was great, and the atmosphere is cozy. You can tell that care was put into the cocktails as well as the business. From our experience, this is up at the top of Madison's bars. 🍸

The bartenders make some delicious and creative drinks, and they have a really cool selection of labels here! From what I can tell this is a great place to take a date, given how many people on dates there were haha.

Great bar and great drinks, no fault there great drinks. The guy that yelled at me to get out made a great drink. But when the bartenders want to leave they want to leave, the secondard bartender was not at fault. Google says posted as stays open til 2am but luck if you get kicked out by 1:20am. Whoevers running this place need management t involved, he's a great guy but need to be able to stay open to the schedule. I'm honestly not trying to be mean because the drinks were great but that guy's not the guy

Are you all about that vibe? The Robin Room serves up some cozy vibes and fancy drinks. I friggin love this little spot. It's tucked between an amazing plant store, a tattoo shop, and a vintage clothing boutique. Kinda creates the perfect little afternoon. Stopped in here with a friend on our Saturday funday and ordered the French martini. Very light flavor and easy to drink. We only had the one cocktail, but I easily could have had several of these. Staff was friendly, the drink menu was extensive and they had beer on tap too. We came at a good time (4 PM-ish) to get seats at the bar because it got packed really fast. It's definitely a popular spot. Make this a stop on your weekend fun days!

Frequent here often as it’s right around the corner from where we live. The craftsmanship behind every cocktail is wonderful. Would recommend an aviation or one of their seasonal cocktails on tap! Very friendly staff and always a good time.

Went here for our anniversary and had an incredible time! We were sat exactly at our reservation time with a view of the water. Our waiter was extremely kind and always checked in to make sure everything was going well. The food was delicious, we started with the appetizer special and were blown away. Had the Madison sourdough bread as an app as well and we ate the entire basket! The whitefish and steak were amazing, both very soft and flavorful. Will definitely be back.

Fabulous experience at Sardine - almost everything tasted fresh and well-executed. House salad and pork chop were excellent. We also had the duck dish; I thought the mashed potatoes were a tad too salty and duck would have fared better if less cooked (perhaps a medium rare rather than medium). Extensive drinks list and attentive service too. Overall, a wonderful time and possibly the best restaurant in Madison!

Incredible, thorough service. We went for brunch with a last minute change in numbers and the servers were very accommodating. Great atmosphere, feels very high-end. My only reason to give it 4 instead of 5 stars is everybody at our table that had been prior said they preferred their dinner menu. I got the mushroom toast with cashew cream and an added egg. Was it good? Yes. Do I feel that other people’s meals were a little mid for the price of their plates? Also, yes. Two people at our table said that it was their 2nd brunch there, but they’d stick with giving them service at dinner time since they’ve always said it’s exceptional. I’ll definitely go back for dinner as the number of 5 ratings has to be a testament to them :) no notes on wait staff- incredible.

We had the most fantastic experience here last night!! There were no reservations available for the times that we wanted so we winged it and went in hoping for a seat at the bar. Carlin helped us right away and got us a couple of glasses of wine while we waited and let us know which seats would be opening up and kept an eye on them for us. We moved to the open seats as soon as another couple finished and left. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. it was very busy and lively but not crazy or overly loud. Cocktail list is creative and impressive. We had oysters, mussels, salted beets, steak frites and the hazelnut dessert with a latte and Irish coffee. Manhattan and sidecar from the cocktail menu for both delicious and the armagnac selection was stellar. Everything was spectacular! Can't say enough about The level of attention and professionalism that Carlin provided... Friendly, knowledgeable and professional. He took such good care of us ... Sardine is lucky to have him on staff. The two female bartenders working were also wonderful. We will be back!!

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy fresh oysters and delicious seafood, this is a great spot to try. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, making it perfect for a laid-back meal with friends or family. They also offer a wide selection of drinks, which you can enjoy while taking in the beautiful lake view. It’s definitely worth a visit if you want to savor good food and a nice view at the same time.

Had a nice brunch and the French toast was really good. I got the brunch special that day and the French toast was a recommendation. The restaurant is right next to a lake so it is a nice view if you sit outside.

Best meal in Madison by far. I had the wood-grilled pork chops while my wife had chicken paillard. We both loved it along with the cheesecake for desert.

Great little stop that is packed with information about mustard. All the stuff you wanted to know and all the stuff you didn’t know you wanted to know. Like, did you know the Egyptians buried their dead with mustard seeds? Sounds like a great idea. Also, go to the store and try a bunch of different kinds of mustard. Did you think that one was a little too heavy on the dill? They will suggest a different one. Are you a yellow mustard lover? They have a specific mustard they will suggest for you. I personally bought five different kinds of mustard.

Great little FREE museum to find out more than you ever needed to know about mustard! Did you know there used to be a thing called mustard baths that were supposed to make you feel divine? Also, there is a mini theater that shows you the process and history of mustard. Finally, at the end of your visit there is a taste testing station with hundreds of different flavors and varieties! Even a mustard hater will find one they like!

Mustard Museum is a surprisingly fun stop. It's free to enter and packed with unique mustard history and memorabilia. There is a free tasting bar where you can sample dozens of mustards—from mild to wild. Great gift shop with every mustard imaginable.

The little town of Middleton, Wisconsin has an off the beaten track museum that’s really interesting; The National Mustard Museum! Started on 1982, the museum is located downtown and houses a collection of over 6,000 mustards from all 50 states and a whopping 70 countries! It’s free admission and it’s a really neat informational place to see different types of mustard seed all the way to a prepared condiment. Plus all the paraphernalia supplies that go along with serving it. The store has 1,000’s of mustards for sale but thankfully they have them categorized and each country even has its own shelf. They made it fun by having a large tasting station in the rear of the store that has over 100 mustards ready to taste. We had a lot of fun tasting and settled on a mutatde’ (French) whereby the original recipe dates back to 1760. It’s still sold the same way- in a ceramic jar sealed with wax. Also a Japanese hot mustard and a couple others. They have an online store which will be great to order gifts and more mustard. It’s a fun place and believe me, the mustards are all amazing!

A very cute museum. Small but jam packed full of information about mustard! You have to appreciate all the little quirks and jokes inside the museum. That reminds me, the museum is downstairs - I don't remember seeing if there was an elevator, which may prove a challenge for folks with physical disabilities. You can spend up to one, one and a half hours here if you stop and read every placard the way I was. Very small museum, but admission is free. Donations appreciated. The best part was the mustard tasting upstairs. Shopping for mustard was great. Parking is free. Beautiful fountain outside.

Free admission, and yes I was surprised at first that there's a mustard museum, but it makes sense since there are so many different flavors possible. The museum displays are downstairs and the gift shop and tasting area are on the first floor. There are tons of different mustards to choose from, and it's hard to know which ones to sample since you're basically going by jar labels and the taste can't always be captured by the words. We spent a long time trying different samples to decide which ones to take home (staff was patient and helpful). The sampling isn't self-serve so they give you a small scoop on a disposable spoon for each one you want to try. Came home with a few bottles of different flavors

This kitchy, quirky museum was a large bit of fun for this mustard lover. The museum itself was small, but packed full of fun facts about mustard from its history to its making. But the highlight of the experience was the gift shop. Be sure to ask to try any (or all) of the 106 mustards they have available for sampling. There are many more choices than that along with some fun merch to buy. Even better? The entire event is free. What are you waiting for?

Perfectly sized and free to visit, the Chazen Museum of Art is conveniently located among the UW campus buildings. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at most. It's small, but it has some unique works.

Excellent small museum with a nice cross section of different type of artwork on display.

Upon mine recent sojourn to the esteemed Museum of Art, I am compelled, by both delight and duty, to render an account most favourable of that wondrous edifice and its contents. Verily, it is a temple to the muses, wherein the soul is stirred and the senses enraptured. The halls, vast and stately, are adorned with works of such exquisite craft that even Apelles himself might blush with envy. Paintings of divine countenance and sculptures wrought with celestial grace do line the chambers, each a testament to man’s striving toward the sublime. Methinks the very air within is perfumed with genius. I did behold a portrait of a maiden, her gaze so tender and true that I fancied she might speak; and a landscape so vivid that I near mistook it for a window unto Arcadia. Such marvels abound that time itself doth lose meaning, and one wanders as if in a dream spun by the gods. And the sculptures! What marvels of form and spirit do grace the gallery’s noble halls. Each figure, cast with divine precision, doth seem to breathe and ponder, as though caught mid-thought by the hand of a master. Be it the sinewed hero poised in triumph, or the gentle maiden cloaked in serenity, these works do whisper of antiquity and echo the grandeur of Olympus. Methinks the very stone hath been persuaded to yield its soul, that we might behold the essence of man and myth alike. To stand amongst them is to commune with genius incarnate. In sum, this Museum is a jewel in the crown of civilization—a place where the weary spirit may find solace, and the curious mind, nourishment. I commend it to all persons of taste and refinement, and do vow to return, lest my heart grow dull in absence of such splendour. Yours in admiration and awe, Sir T. of Madison, Devotee of the Arts TLDR: This museum rocks. If you’re into jaw-dropping art, inspiring spaces, and staff who actually know their stuff, this place is a must. Every room is packed with masterpieces that make you stop, stare, and feel something real. Whether it’s a portrait that pulls you in or a sculpture that feels like a portal, the experience is unforgettable. Major props to the patrons and benefactors who keep this treasure alive, especially the Chazen family. Your support turns a building into a sanctuary of creativity and culture. You’re not just preserving art, you’re fueling inspiration for generations.

It's free! Donations are optional and encouraged though (I would probably just drop like a five or a tenner). It's a great place to explore a variety of works including paintings and sculptures across cultures. There's Asian, African, European and American works spread across three floors which are amazing. Would definitely encourage your visit solo or with an interested party. Will probably take about 2 hours. Enjoy your exploring! 🎭

Lovely little museum, free/donation entry, very pleasant experience with plenty to take in but also not too overwhelming

Cool museum with various types of art, free admission. Cannot bring in backpack, big purse, or food/drinks.

Beautiful place, free and full of interesting art...check it out!

Loved the general vibe of this place - decor and outdoor seating were great. Everyone that we encountered at Merchant were really welcoming and helpful - from the hostess to our waitress. We sat outdoors, which was really refreshing, could see the water at the end of the street. The food was good, but not really 5 star worthy. The only item that we thought was memorably delicious were the deviled eggs - if you go, definitely give them a try. I had the Caesar salad, which I thought lacked taste and skimpy on dressing. My husband had the Friday fish fry - it wasn’t the traditional Wisconsin fish fry (cod and hash brown side) - it was sturgeon and seasoned fries. He said it was good - and the seasoned fries were delicious. Street parking was tricky to find - fun area, lots of places, fun to walk around after and one street away from the capitol building - beautiful at night!

Stopped by for some drinks and snacks on a Saturday night. The cocktails were superb, especially the old fashioned and passion fruit porn star martini. The cheese curds were also very delicious. The interiors are very pretty and romantic for a date night.

Worst birthday ever. The restaurant had 4 tables filled but we were sat uncomfortably close to another couple who shared the sentiment. Blackened catfish was literally black, but had 0 seasoning. Sweet potato hash was similarly blackened to the point of tasting only like charcoal. Cornbread was extremely dry and we were told that they were out of butter…at 7pm.😕 Something has seriously changed and the staff don’t seem to care at. Saw a bartender pick his nose multiple times and then continue to touch cocktail ingredients. Needless to say we won’t be back.

Absolutely wonderful experience! My husband and I enjoyed my birthday dinner here. Everything was delicious! We ordered the chili crunch hummus, fried cheese curds, and the oyster mushroom shawarma. As well as the passion fruit pisco sour. Our server, Jessie, was great! Highly recommended and will be back!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Madison Must: Brunch at Merchant Merchant delivers the kind of brunch experience that makes you want to cancel the rest of your plans just to linger a little longer. From the moment I walked into this stylish, effortlessly welcoming space in the heart of Madison, I could tell I was in for something special. The atmosphere strikes a rare balance—chic yet relaxed, modern but warm. Upbeat music pulses gently through the space, giving the restaurant an energy that’s both lively and laid-back. It creates exactly the kind of fun, convivial vibe you want for a weekend brunch or really any meal. The menu is a thoughtful and inspired blend of classic comfort and fresh creativity. As a vegetarian, I was thrilled to find more than just the usual token options—every meatless dish was well-crafted, flavorful, and satisfying in its own right. It’s clear that the kitchen gives as much attention to their vegetarian offerings as anything else on the menu. Now let’s talk about the mocktails. Merchant’s Bees Knees—a non-alcoholic nod to the Prohibition-era classic—was nothing short of delightful. Light, floral, citrusy, and perfectly balanced, it felt festive and refined without the alcohol. My boyfriend got a bloody mary and he was also very happy with it. But the true standout? The beignets. Hot, fresh, airy, and generously dusted in powdered sugar, they were absolute perfection—crisp on the outside, pillowy on the inside. If you’re even thinking about ordering them, just do it. You won’t regret it. To top it all off, the service was flawless—warm, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic. Our server struck that perfect balance of being present without hovering, and every recommendation was spot-on. It’s clear the staff takes pride in what they do, and it elevates the entire experience. In a city full of dining options, Merchant stands out as a true gem. From the food and drinks to the vibe and hospitality, it hits every note. Whether you’re a Madison local or just visiting for the weekend, this is the kind of place you’ll be talking about long after the last beignet is gone.

I had the pleasure of dining here for the first time yesterday 7/13 for my birthday and the service was amazing the rain came down pouring I made into the restaurant soaking wet I was offered a towel to dry up as much as I could (thank you so much to the two wonderful greeters who welcomed me in I'm so sorry I remember your names ) and to our server who was equally fabulous who made sure my nut allergy was not an issue. With that said the atmosphere was very pleasant and inviting. The food was delicious I different recommend and I will back hopefully not on a rainy day.

I’ve been to the Merchant Tavern several times in the past for both brunch and dinner and always had a great experience. I am not sure what’s happened to the place but unfortunately, this visit was very disappointing, especially with family visiting from abroad. The food was extremely salty to the point that some dishes were inedible, much of it was over-fried, and the shrimp cakes were undercooked. The staff, however, were attentive, friendly, and helpful. Sadly, despite the great service, we won’t be returning. Madison has many other amazing restaurants to try when visiting and frankly Chick-fill-A would have been a much better option last night over that meal.

It is a romantic and cozy setting but the food is not the best. I saw some reviews that say it's a high end food place but the food was my least favorite. There was not a single dish I could say was memorable/tasty so I would not come back. We had foccacia bread which was probably the best of all the dishes. The octopus came in a sort of cold gelo with lentils, an interesting mix but completely flavorless. Then had the foie gras which came on top of a donut hole with fig jam. Foie gras had no flavor and felt mostly like a whipped butter texture. Again an interesting mix of flavors but nothing that blows your mind. The presentation of the dishes is nice. Then tried the Gnocchi which was alright, crispy with some burrata cheese. Last we had the pork collar and the dry aged steak. The pork had a mix of cold/pickled vegetables and hot onion and grits, the hole mix was not flavorful at all. The steak itself was tasty and the mushrooms had balsamic vinegar, again it was just ok to my taste. Overall I don't think its worth the price as when I left I felt like nothing really stood out from what we tried. Therefore I would not recommend or come back.

Had an amazing last meal at Pig! My husband and I both ordered the 4 course chef's meal and were delighted with trying and sharing 8 different dishes from the menu. All absolutely delicious and thoughtfully executed. We are truly going to miss this place!

A very intimate, high-end restaurant with delicious food. The seating is pretty limited so I would recommend making a reservation in advance. We ordered the focaccia which was amazing and was obviously freshly-made. I also ordered the aged ribeye and it was so tender. The sauce mixed with mushrooms elevated the steak and it was a very good dish. It is on the expensive side, but definitely worth it. Would definitely come again!

Just the best restaurant ever. The servers and bartenders are so kind and helpful. The food was beyond excellent with many options for dietary restrictions. I sat at the bar when I ate and received the full service experience as if I had a table. Bartender knows his beer too!

Amazing meal! I had the chefs tasting menu and it was superb. I am dearly going to miss this spot when it closes end of September so get in while you can!

We were there with a group and did the 4 course meal and it was an Amazing Experience, highly recommend! Everything was delicious, and got to try so many different dishes since it was served family style.

Let me just say that this place is a vibe in itself, when you walk in; you’re almost walking into another world. The interior is absolutely gorgeous, it has such a romantic and cozy setting. My fiance and I came up to visit Madison just as a little day trip to just do what we do and this was the place we chose for dinner and it absolutely did NOT disappoint. We chose the Chef’s Choice 4-Course Meal- which is where you let the Chef’s choose what they want to serve you, no going back. Our first course, we received the Foie Gras Mousse which was INCREDIBLE, so flavorful as well as the Beef Carpaccio which was also insane with flavor. For the second course, we received the Yolk Filled Raviolo; one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. We also received the Parisian Gnocchi which you can tell is homemade, and it is quite delicious with the perfect flavoring. The third course, we received the Duck Filet which was cooked perfectly and flavorful and the other item we received was the Steelhead Trout which was perfectly plated and had some delicious flavor. For the fourth course, we received the Cheesecake and the Leigh’s Budino di Carmello, which was INCREDIBLE. It was flavorful and decadent but not heavy or overpowering. My fiance and I overall had an amazing time and would definitely recommend. I know I’ve said flavorful quite a few times but there isn’t enough to say about the food at Pig in a Fur Coat, everything we ate was enjoyable, delicious, full of flavor and absolutely amazing. We would definitely go back again and definitely make a reservation, it's totally worth it.

eritage Tavern – 4.5/5 I came in with high expectations, and for the most part Heritage delivered. Service was impeccable from start to finish. I started with the deviled eggs three ways—two were creative and memorable, one was forgettable, but overall a fun opener. The peppercorn steak was the star. Perfectly cooked, with layers of flavors and textures that made every bite interesting. Paired it with a Merlot, after starting with a Hefeweizen, and both matched well with the flow of the meal. The ambience inside is truly great—small, warm, and full of unique antique touches that give the restaurant real character. It feels special without being overdone. This is a 4.5/5 experience, but since I came in expecting excellence, I’ll call it a 4/5 here. Either way, it’s an easy recommendation if you want refined food, great service, and an atmosphere that adds to the whole experience.

Have been here before but ended up here by happenstance. Thank goodness. It was a delectable shelter from the storm. It was approaching closing time but the service was superb. Matt the bartender was attentive and welcoming. The food was over the top good. They care and it shows. All around stellar. Mm

Something wonderfully warm and welcoming about this place. The space itself is a nice step back in time and the wood (mahogany I guess?) gives it a nice feeling to gobble anything there. Their Nitro Willy will make you come alive, it's like a tequila based espresso martini. The cinnamon roll with ham is amazing. That, with coffee now would be breakfast, but no. We also ordered shrimp with grits and lamb French toast and Suri served us right and also fixed our wobbly table, which by the way would not have gotten in the way of eating all the deliciousness. Great vibes too! Please go! Enjoy.

This was my first time here, and the atmosphere was nice. Great staff! I loved the drink that I had, but the food was not for me. I don't eat pork, and they had a lot of dishes with pork in them—a little on the pricy side.

My faith in Madison brunches has been restored. :) After a few off experiences, I was ready to have a different outcome. My Cocktail- solid. I had the market vegetable omelet, along with the Starzy toast with some compote jam. As a person who doesn’t eat meat, I loved that the vegetarian options contain vegetables not usually found in omelets. They’re also not used as an afterthought like other places. (My salad had both their house dressing, carrots, and watermelon radishes). The omelet was piping hot, hash browns perfectly seared. All in all, a place absolutely worth the price and an easy endorsement for Madison’s food scene.

The food was delicious. The eggs were farm fresh and the locally sourced produce made everything taste wonderful.

Heritage Tavern is one of Madison’s true gems. If you’re staying downtown, it’s an easy walk and absolutely worth the stop. The space is gorgeous, stylish, and the attentional to detail is impeccable. The food is outstanding and clearly rooted in a thoughtful farm-to-table approach. Every dish we ordered was beautifully presented, and carefully crafted by Dan and his team. The cocktails were balanced and creative, and the service was friendly and professional throughout the night. Our group had a fantastic time, and everyone left impressed so much that we came back for brunch the next day. Heritage Tavern is a perfect spot for both a casual night out and a celebratory dinner. Highly recommend!

Probably the best attraction on campus. So beautiful and lovely to walk on during the winter

This place is beautiful and Peaceful.... The little beach is great for small kids and if you're into tanning.... But since I have a built-in tan there is tons of shade around... ❤️ There is even a boat rental on location... 👍🏾

Wonderful place to go for a walk during winter. It took about half an hour to walk from the picnic point to the union terrace.

The lake was frozen for the whole winter ❄️ People can walk on it, and even play hockey 🏒✨

Does anyone notice after the discovery of archaeological canoes and fishing gear, if you zoom into the two dark spots within the lake, you can see what appear to be 2 old sunken canoes within the lake itself? I’m not sure if it’s accurate what I see, but 800 to 4,500 years old. I mean, wow, just amazing. I can’t wait to find out what it’s all about.

Just riding through the lake when under my fishing boat I saw 8 tentacles swarm my boat and I was like ahh shot and then all the sudden my boat got lifted 30 feet in the air and I was like waaaa and the squid was like bye bye and he threw my boat half way across the lake.

Frozen lake in second week of feb

I heard they had all-beef pepperoni (H), which brought me in—and it did not disappoint. We didn’t have a reservation for two, so we ended up sitting at the bar, which worked out great. Coincidentally, there was a live band playing that night, and the vibe was awesome. The pizza was seriously delicious, and the staff was super friendly and attentive. It was a great experience all around—I highly recommend it!

After hearing so many great things about Lucille, we were very excited for our first visit. The restaurant has great atmosphere. It was busy on a Saturday afternoon, but we were seated right away. We tried the vegetarian Umami Pie pizza, but unfortunately it wasn't for us; we didn't like the flavor. We also ordered the small size of the nachos as a starter, and the portion was huge! While nachos were decent, they weren't anything very special. Overall while we liked the vibe of the restaurant, the food itself didn't quite live up to our expectations.

I've wanted to try the pizza here for a while, and since I was in the area, it was a perfect chance, too! I started out with the cheese curds and skipped the marinara to use the ranch. It was phenomenal. For pizza, we got a classic pepperoni, and omg, it was to die for. Perfect amounts of everything. I’m not a pizza and ranch girl, but their ranch was so good on the pizza that I had to indulge. It was so good. Has a great view of the capital too!

Our first meal when visiting Wisconsin and it did not disappoint! The cheese pull on the pizza was on point. Loved that there were clearly marked vegetarian options. The ambiance was beautiful and felt very inclusive. All of the staff we interacted with were very nice and helpful, especially our bartender. She was the best and gave us fun recommendations on things to do while in Madison.

We had a lovely brunch. The food was tasty and the service was excellent. After being advised that they did not use a dedicated fryer for the items marked gluten sensitive on their menu, we chose the curry. Sadly it was so yummy looking that we dug right in and did not get a food picture.

Forgot to take photos of everything. Overall good place, staff is friendly. Area is clean Do not recommend guacamole, it's basically avocado and chips. No flavor The pizza was great, empanadas and shrimp ceviche is a must!

Beautiful sunny day in Madison with a group of friends we decided to have pizza at Lucille . There was no wait time as we arrived earlier than the lunch crowd rush and we were seated upstairs . Our server greeted us and explained the menu and the way dishes are brought out as they are prepared . She was very good at explaining how things worked . We all got pizzas and it was nice to see they offered a gluten free version of their pizza as well as one of our friends has gf preference. Drink menu was okay . I was looking for a classic sangria to balance out the pizza but they only offered a white version with peach . It was ok but not something I would order again too sweet . The queen pizza is their version of a classic margarita and the addition of prosciutto is a must . Highly recommend this add ! Very nice pizza . It does get loud upstairs . Especially as more people arrive the acoustics change and noise echoes . We were done by the time it got too loud for me. This is a downtown centrally located restaurant so street parking will be hard . Propose and best idea is to use one of the many paid parking garages . Works good .

If you're looking for authentic Japanese food, dine here. The service was impeccable! Our server was friendly and helpful in choosing our meal. The food temperature was perfect, and the taste, even better. Atmosphere decor was pleasant to the eye. The outside seating area looked inviting. Highly recommend this restaurant when you're in the area.

Great spot to eat and people watch at the same time. Visiting Wisconsin, we were determined to try some cheese and the Tempura Cheese Curd here was sooo good, Braised Pork Bun delicious as well. Service was attentive, atmosphere vibrant. Would definitely go back.

I’ve visited Tavernakya multiple times since moving here in 2022, and it never disappoints. Their sushi is consistently high quality, and I always enjoy stopping by—especially during happy hour, which is when the photos I included were taken. Tavernakya also offers some of the best Japanese-inspired cocktails and liquor selections I’ve found in Madison. I do wish a couple of their specialty cocktails were part of the happy hour menu, but honestly, the drinks are so good that they’re worth the full price 👌🏽 And I can’t forget to mention the ambiance! If you’re into modern, contemporary interiors, you’ll love the vibe—especially with its location right across from the Capitol 🙂

Came here during happy hour a few weeks ago when Concerts on the Square was happening and had a great time. While it wasn’t very busy when I first arrived, it quickly became packed. Despite how slammed they got, it was clear there was a good system in place as all of the appetizers and drinks that I ordered came out quickly. Everything tasted fresh, and there’s a variety of options to choose from. Special shout out to Tandra who was apparently the only bartender working at the time. I’ve never seen someone manage the blistering pace of drink orders coming in from both the main dining room and the full bar as efficiently as her. My experience that day made me want to come here more often.

Excellent ambiance and some of the best ramen I've had in the Madison area. Excited to try their sushi next time, which also looked incredible. The atmosphere is excellent for a moderately informal date or special occasion, or just grabbing a bite with friends. The cocktails were creative and delicious.

I have never had so many vegetarian and vegan option before that are similar to the ones that are not. All the food exceeded expectations and was amazing. I got the veggie loaded spring rolls and they’re probably the best spring rolls I’ve ever had. I also go the general tso cauliflower and it tasted great but I was expecting it to be crispier. There’s still so many other things I want to try.

Food is awesome. Lot of vegetarian and vegan options. Its my first time of ramen and i really like it. If you like spicy food than must go. We order ramen,shushi and udon.Beautiful location front of capitol