The 10 Trendiest New Mytouries in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is renowned for its beer culture, and the team behind Brasserie V has embraced this passion with Longtable, a relaxed ‘beer cafe’ in nearby Middleton. Longtable offers ample communal seating fit for a Viking feast, an extensive selection of bottled brews, and a thoughtfully chosen draft list. The menu features snack-friendly dishes, including hearty meat and cheese boards perfect for sharing with friends.

Perched atop the Graduate Hotel near the University of Wisconsin, Camp Trippalindee answers an intriguing question: “Can a restaurant thrive on a fusion of rustic northwoods charm and a quirky Rodney Dangerfield nod?” With its spot-on decor, a fast-casual menu, and outdoor fire pits perfect for roasting s’mores, the surprising answer is a resounding “yes.”

Finding the right spot for street food in the walkable downtown Madison has been a challenge, but Taiwan Little Eats is making its mark. This new State Street Mytoury is drawing crowds with its assortment of crispy fried treats, refreshing bubble teas, and savory rice dishes. Don't miss the massive chicken cutlet that's as big as a baseball glove.

Madison’s taco scene, which began making waves in 2015 with El Grito, continues to evolve with the addition of two prominent downtown taquerias. Canteen, run by the renowned Food Fight Restaurant Group, serves up a range of traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist. From an extensive taco selection to the potentially coldest frozen margaritas around, Canteen is a standout in the local taco landscape.

The second addition to Madison's Capitol Square taco scene is a Milwaukee favorite, Bel Air Cantina, which has now made its mark in the city. Embracing a Cal-Mex style, Bel Air offers a menu featuring Korean beef, fried avocado, and classic fish tacos. It also stands out for its taco happy hour, offering $2 tacos on Tuesdays and Thursdays, making it a top choice for taco enthusiasts.

Bringing a fresh wave to Madison’s east side brewing scene, Working Draft Beer Company has opened its new brewery and taproom in the space formerly occupied by Just Coffee Cooperative. Working Draft revitalizes the location with a range of hazy, hop-forward beers and a food menu curated by James Beard semifinalist Dan Fox of Fox Heritage Farms.

State Line Distillery boasts a stellar pedigree with one partner trained at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and another who previously managed production at Few Spirits in Evanston, Illinois. Their tasting room features a sophisticated blend of rich wooden accents and an industrial vibe, reflecting the character of its surrounding neighborhood. The cocktails are crafted with culinary finesse and custom ice, complemented by rotating food carts.

While the future is uncertain, finding a restaurant in 2018 that matches the acclaim of Mint Mark will be challenging. Boasting an impressive team with roots in Madison’s Robin Room and Johnson Public House, plus Chicago’s NoMI and the Bristol, Mint Mark’s Chef Sean Pharr serves inventive small plates with traditional flair. His Friday fish fry is a local favorite, proving that Wisconsin traditions are alive and well.

Ogden’s North Street Diner is unpretentious and charming, embodying the essence of a classic neighborhood diner. With its quaint decor, limited hours, and a chalkboard brimming with quirky specials, it’s a perfect local spot. While the owners have a history with Lazy Jane’s Cafe & Bakery, Ogden’s stands out with its unique approach and loyal following.

Funk Factory’s wild ales, known for their spontaneous fermentation, have been making waves for a few years. By 2017, Levi Funk’s geuzeria had transformed from a “promising blender” into a full-fledged taproom. The standout brew is Meerts, a baby lambic style, complemented by a rotating selection of fruity, tangy, and intricate sours from their barrel collection throughout the year.