japw82

If you were going to Madison and wanted to be within walking distance of State St., which hotel would you recommend? Also, we like burgers, pizza, Italian, and steak. Where are some not to miss places to eat?

japw82

We are also going to Wisconsin Dells. Where should we stop for groceries and supplies? I know there is a Walmart in the Dells but would prefer to shop at a store in Madison.

abram

Hotels close to State St include: The Concourse, Doubletree, Inn on the Park, Edgewater, and Campus Inn.

japw82

Thanks Abram. I will take a look at those. What about the Hilton that is connected to a convention center?

abram

That's about 6 blocks from the Capitol end of State St. Each hotel website has a map, so you can see where it is in relation to State St.

We haven't eaten Italian in Madison for many years, but Porta Bella and Gino's are popular in that area.

For burgers, try Dotty Dumplings.

japw82

Thanks so much for the information Abram. Dotty Dumplings looks amazing. We will probably end up at the Doubletree. How about grocery stores? I'd like to avoid Walmart. Looking for a good deli and bakery, plus a place with a good meat counter.

abram

Although we visit (from Milwaukee) from time to time, I haven't lived in Madison since I was a student there in the 1960s. So, I know nothing about grocery stores. There is a Trader Joe's in Madison.

Paul

The Edgewater was fantastic when I visited - about 25 years ago. And to think, it had historic relevance then. lol
It's probably still very cool.

kim711

The easiest well-stocked store on your way to the Dells from downtown would be HyVee on East Washington Avenue. It's on your right just past US Hwy 51, and it's about a mile west of I90/94.

amandarawrrr

Man oh man, where to begin! You guys seem like my kinda people. I'll post links to all these places at the bottom for ease of searching!

For starters, it is law that every Madison newcomer try a slice of Ian's Pizza. You will be able to find any of the above food genres(?) on a slice, and then some. Mac and Cheese pizza is an old favorite, but anything you try will be good. The Frances St. location is just across the street from the Doubletree. Other restaurants on State Street or the capitol square that have good burgers, steak, or all-around American food include Moe's, The Old Fashioned, Great Dane, Cooper's (check their Facebook for nightly specials), and Brocach. Brocach is an Irish pub, and Cooper's has a fantastic beer selection.

If you're looking for nicer restaurants that are worth the money, try Porta Alba, Graze, Tornado Room, or Samba Brazilian Grill. Porta Alba is a wonderful Italian restaurant at Hilldale Mall (not within walking distance, but worth it), Graze has fantastic burgers, and Tornado Room has top notch steak. DEFINITELY consider Samba if you're looking to try a wide selection of top shelf meats - they offer a buffet-style salad/soup/bread bar followed by servers that walk around with 10-15 different kinds of meat cuts (and DELICIOUS grilled pineapple as well!). Be warned, though, you will easily run up an $80+ tab for dinner for two - our only saving grace was a Groupon I'd purchased. But, perhaps brunch would be a little cheaper.

Grocery stores: The first place that comes to my mind is the Willy Street co-op on the east side, and my favorite cheese selection in town would have to be Metcalfe's Sentry at Hilldale Mall. HyVee is good, and Copp's is a Roundy's store, if you're from anywhere around here and recognize the name (I've always liked Roundy's myself). Otherwise, if you'll be around on a Saturday morning, the farmer's market on the square is a can't-miss, which is both my opinion and fact due to the sheer enormity of it. You could have breakfast on cheese samples alone, but there are always plenty of bakeries there offering food more akin to a meal. I like to get there before 9:30am to beat the crowd a little, and lest I forget, there are plenty of places offering jerky, brats, and other local and wonderful meat!

Now. If you guys are looking for an incredible deli/meat selection, I HIGHLY recommend making the short trek to Bavaria Sausage in Fitchburg. They also have a great cheese selection, which is only to be expected in Madison.

Whew. I hope this hasn't overwhelmed you. To say the least, there are plenty of wonderful eats here in Madison, so you're sure to find something you enjoy! Have fun!!

http://www.ianspizza.com/
http://www.moestavernandgrill.com/main/
http://www.theoldfashioned.com/index.php
http://www.greatdanepub.com/
http://www.thecooperstavern.com/
http://www.brocach.com/home.html
http://www.cafeportaalba.com/index.htm
http://www.grazemadison.com/
http://www.tornadosteakhouse.com/
http://sambabraziliangrill.com/

Willy St. Co-op: http://www.willystreet.coop/
Farmers Market: http://dcfm.org/
Bavaria: http://www.bavariasausage.com/

WhereAreWe

Are you buying groceries/supplies for your time in Madison or for your stay in the Dells? Because I would think it would make more sense to buy groceries close to where you're staying - not in Madison on your way to the Dells unless you have a way to keep them cold while you drive.

japw82

Thanks for all the wonderful information. It has been several years since we have visited Madison and I can't wait. I love the midwest!! The groceries are for the Dells but we will have a cooler. I remember there only being a Walmart at the Dells. Are there other options enroute? Otherwise, we will go to one of the stores mentioned above. Unfortunately our stay in Madison will be on a Saturday night so we will miss the farmers market. How is the UW Babcock Dairy?

pianoemily

As far as a Madison hotel, I highly recommend looking into the Campus Inn. It's just slightly off-set from State Street- but in about 20 seconds you can be on foot to State Street. Additionally, we (even as locals) stayed in the Madison Concourse as a treat. It was awesome. Again, you will be to State Street lickety split. Have a wonderful time!!

japw82

Other than retaurants and bars, what is there to do on State St.? We are rethinking whether or not we should stay downtown or elsewhere in the city. Are there many shopping options? We will be there mid afternoon on Saturday and will be there until Sunday afternoon. We want to do some shopping and thought it might make more sense to visit State St. and the campus and then make our way to either the West Town or East Town areas to shop and spend the night. Your recommendations and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!

amandarawrrr

Depends on what kind of shopping you like! East Towne, West Towne and Hilldale Malls are good for shopping at stores you can find just about anywhere, but State St. has a ton of cute shops with unique, locally-made items. There's a decent amount of clothing and shoe stores too. There's a few that come to my mind but unfortunately I can never remember names - I just know where they are! There's a handful of better-known clothing stores on State as well, like Lands End (Canvas) and Gap. You can easily spend an entire afternoon browsing on State!

amandarawrrr

OK, I finally remembered the name of probably my favorite store, near the top (top=Capitol, botom=campus) of State Street. Anthology! http://www.anthology.typepad.com/

There are several other similar stores near by. I always enjoy browsing the store attached to an art gallery nearby that always has scrabble mugs in the window, and Art Gecko is a little further down but has lots of eclectic jewelry and homey items. Again, if you're looking for more unique stores I think you'll have plenty of shopping to do on State Street

NativeNewYorker

Considering a trip this summer. Thanks, all. Very helpful advice.