The best restaurants in Madison

79 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 79 places · showing the latest additions first

Nattspil

Restaurants

Hidden, cash-only haunt offering global small plates, cocktails & beer in an intimate space.

211 King St

Hidden, cash-only haunt offering global small plates, cocktails & beer in an intimate space.

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Villa Dolce

Restaurants

Relaxed eatery offering artisanal pizza, housemade gelato & wine in a contemporary setting.

1828 Parmenter St (Middleton)

Relaxed eatery offering artisanal pizza, housemade gelato & wine in a contemporary setting.

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Burritos, tortas, fish tacos & other Mexican standards turned out in a casual, contemporary space.

2990 Cahill Main #100 (Fitchburg)

Burritos, tortas, fish tacos & other Mexican standards turned out in a casual, contemporary space.

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Tavernakaya

Restaurants

Industrial tavern offering a sushi bar, ramen bowls & Japanese tapas along with local & Asian beers.

27 E Main St

Industrial tavern offering a sushi bar, ramen bowls & Japanese tapas along with local & Asian beers.

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Camp Cantina

Restaurants

Family-run eatery serving Mexican mains, including tacos, burritos and more, plus beer, margaritas and cocktails.

1503 Monroe St

Family-run eatery serving Mexican mains, including tacos, burritos and more, plus beer, margaritas and cocktails.

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Casual eatery crafting pizza pies (including vegan and gluten-free versions) as well as tacos, and burgers.

10 N Livingston St

Casual eatery crafting pizza pies (including vegan and gluten-free versions) as well as tacos, and burgers.

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Japanese hibachi-style steaks & other specialties served with a selection of sushi favorites.

1745 Parkside Dr

Japanese hibachi-style steaks & other specialties served with a selection of sushi favorites.

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Eatery doling out familiar Mexican eats such as tacos & enchiladas in a petite, unassuming setting.

1033 S Park St

Eatery doling out familiar Mexican eats such as tacos & enchiladas in a petite, unassuming setting.

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Informal counter-serve doling out simple Mexican standards such as burritos, tacos, nachos & tortas.

819 S Park St

Informal counter-serve doling out simple Mexican standards such as burritos, tacos, nachos & tortas.

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Luigi's Pizza

Restaurants

Cozy, family-friendly joint offering creative, thin-crust pizzas & Italian comfort food favorites.

515 S Midvale Blvd

Cozy, family-friendly joint offering creative, thin-crust pizzas & Italian comfort food favorites.

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D’Vino

Restaurants

Upscale eatery offering Italian cuisine and wine in a cozy, romantic setting.

116 King St

Upscale eatery offering Italian cuisine and wine in a cozy, romantic setting.

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Novanta

Restaurants

Modern eatery with a small patio for wood-fired pizzas with elevated toppings & select mozzarellas.

8452 Old Sauk Rd (Middleton)

Modern eatery with a small patio for wood-fired pizzas with elevated toppings & select mozzarellas.

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Because sometimes brunch cravings hit at sunrise or after dark, Bassett Street Brunch Club blends retro vibes with a bold, modern twist,…

444 W Johnson St

Because sometimes brunch cravings hit at sunrise or after dark, Bassett Street Brunch Club blends retro vibes with a bold, modern twist, set downtown between campus and the Capitol. Expect colorful comfort plates, brunch meets cocktails energy, and donuts getting the spotlight...

From the Madison newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Sunny Pho

Restaurants

Sunny Pho is the weeknight reset you forgot you needed. Big, soothing bowls of pho with fragrant broth and all the fresh herbs, perfect…

602 S Park St

Sunny Pho is the weeknight reset you forgot you needed. Big, soothing bowls of pho with fragrant broth and all the fresh herbs, perfect when you want something warm, quick, and unfussy, so treat yourself this week and let that slurpable comfort carry you through.

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All-you-can-eat restaurant providing sushi, sashimi, and hibachi dishes for lunch and dinner.

72 W Towne Mall

All-you-can-eat restaurant providing sushi, sashimi, and hibachi dishes for lunch and dinner.

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Cool pizza place serving Detroit-style pies with a wide range of toppings, plus cocktails.

912 E Johnson St

Cool pizza place serving Detroit-style pies with a wide range of toppings, plus cocktails.

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Izakaya Kuroyama

Restaurants

Japanese-cuisine izakaya/restaurant specializing in skewers, ramen and tonkatsu chicken dishes.

419 State St

Japanese-cuisine izakaya/restaurant specializing in skewers, ramen and tonkatsu chicken dishes.

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Wisconsin-born chain known for its creative pizzas including its signature mac 'n' cheese pie.

100 State St

Wisconsin-born chain known for its creative pizzas including its signature mac 'n' cheese pie.

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Graze Restaurant

Restaurants

Lively gastropub plating farm-to-table comfort fare in a modern glass venue with Capitol views.

1 S Pinckney St

Lively gastropub plating farm-to-table comfort fare in a modern glass venue with Capitol views.

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Wisconsin-born chain known for its creative pizzas including its signature mac 'n' cheese pie.

319 N Frances St

Wisconsin-born chain known for its creative pizzas including its signature mac 'n' cheese pie.

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City Barbeque

Restaurants

Counter-serve smokehouse chain offering classic barbecue fare in down-home settings.

7015 Sligo Dr

Counter-serve smokehouse chain offering classic barbecue fare in down-home settings.

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Daytime American cafe with views of planes taking off & landing at Dane County Airport.

3606 Corben Ct

Daytime American cafe with views of planes taking off & landing at Dane County Airport.

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The Harvey House

Restaurants

Creative cuisine & cocktails served in a redbrick restaurant with a stylish, old-school interior.

644 W Washington Ave

Creative cuisine & cocktails served in a redbrick restaurant with a stylish, old-school interior.

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Counter-serve chain for custom burgers, including poultry & veggie versions, plus fries & shakes.

571 State St

Counter-serve chain for custom burgers, including poultry & veggie versions, plus fries & shakes.

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Neighborhood restaurant serving seasonal cuisine in a space with Roman columns & a Venice mural.

2500 University Ave

Neighborhood restaurant serving seasonal cuisine in a space with Roman columns & a Venice mural.

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Informal, eco-minded chain serving creative pizzas & classic pastas, plus wings, fish & shrimp.

2916 Atwood Ave

Informal, eco-minded chain serving creative pizzas & classic pastas, plus wings, fish & shrimp.

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MISSION BBQ

Restaurants

Casual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders.

4702 E Towne Blvd

Casual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders.

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Upscale-casual choice offering contemporary American fare & a full bar with local beers on tap.

2601 W Beltline Hwy

Upscale-casual choice offering contemporary American fare & a full bar with local beers on tap.

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Mint Mark

Restaurants

Light American small plate restaurant & bar in a blue brick building offering martini lunches.

1874 E Washington Ave

Light American small plate restaurant & bar in a blue brick building offering martini lunches.

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Naples 15

Restaurants

Wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas & classic Italian mains served in a warm trattoria with a patio.

15 N Butler St

Wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas & classic Italian mains served in a warm trattoria with a patio.

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Gourmet thin-crust pizza, wine, craft beer & desserts served in a cool space with an herb garden.

1374 Williamson St

Gourmet thin-crust pizza, wine, craft beer & desserts served in a cool space with an herb garden.

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Informal, eco-minded chain serving creative pizzas & classic pastas, plus wings, fish & shrimp.

5003 University Ave

Informal, eco-minded chain serving creative pizzas & classic pastas, plus wings, fish & shrimp.

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Industrial-style tavern with varied burgers, sandwiches & other Americans eats, plus many beers.

223 N Frances St

Industrial-style tavern with varied burgers, sandwiches & other Americans eats, plus many beers.

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Osteria Papavero

Restaurants

Cozy, laid-back spot serving large portions of seasonal Italian fare & an extensive wine list.

128 E Wilson St

Cozy, laid-back spot serving large portions of seasonal Italian fare & an extensive wine list.

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Cento

Restaurants

Farm-to-fork Italian restaurant with housemade pastas & wood-fired pizzas, plus a sizable wine list.

122 W Mifflin St

Farm-to-fork Italian restaurant with housemade pastas & wood-fired pizzas, plus a sizable wine list.

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Modern campus bistro featuring seasonal New American fare & cocktails in stylish surrounds.

330 N Orchard St

Modern campus bistro featuring seasonal New American fare & cocktails in stylish surrounds.

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1950s-style diner serving comfort food plus vegetarian & vegan options in a renovated gas station.

2089 Atwood Ave

1950s-style diner serving comfort food plus vegetarian & vegan options in a renovated gas station.

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Counter-serve chain for custom burgers, including poultry & veggie versions, plus fries & shakes.

402 S Gammon Rd

Counter-serve chain for custom burgers, including poultry & veggie versions, plus fries & shakes.

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Unpretentious, busy cafe specializing in Vietnamese dishes & Asian fare, with weekend specials.

6754 Odana Rd

Unpretentious, busy cafe specializing in Vietnamese dishes & Asian fare, with weekend specials.

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Madison's

Restaurants

Casual, 2-level bar with artisanal cocktails & pub grub plus TV sports & a cozy downstairs lounge.

119 King St

Casual, 2-level bar with artisanal cocktails & pub grub plus TV sports & a cozy downstairs lounge.

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Relaxed, family-friendly eatery featuring all-you-can-eat KBBQ and hot pot fare, plus a sauce bar.

232 E Towne Way

Relaxed, family-friendly eatery featuring all-you-can-eat KBBQ and hot pot fare, plus a sauce bar.

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Hi-fi-themed eatery serving pizza and other comfort dishes, plus cocktails, craft beer and wine.

617 N Sherman Ave

Hi-fi-themed eatery serving pizza and other comfort dishes, plus cocktails, craft beer and wine.

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Light & airy farm-to-table café serving wholesome meals & selling frozen produce.

2433 University Ave

Light & airy farm-to-table café serving wholesome meals & selling frozen produce.

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Upscale steakhouse serving classic surf 'n' turf & wine in a retro, supper club-style venue.

130 S Pinckney St

Upscale steakhouse serving classic surf 'n' turf & wine in a retro, supper club-style venue.

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Trendy, upscale restaurant serving sushi, Asian-fusion small plates & sake in modern environs.

546 N Midvale Blvd

Trendy, upscale restaurant serving sushi, Asian-fusion small plates & sake in modern environs.

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Jacknife

Restaurants

Colorful eatery serving up sushi rolls and bowls, as well as beer and wine, plus sake.

1046 E Washington Ave

Colorful eatery serving up sushi rolls and bowls, as well as beer and wine, plus sake.

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Oishi

Restaurants

Cozy spot serving sushi rolls, lunchtime bento boxes & other Japanese fare in a casual venue.

532 S Park St #1620

Cozy spot serving sushi rolls, lunchtime bento boxes & other Japanese fare in a casual venue.

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Rare Steakhouse

Restaurants

A fancy steakhouse with an old-school vibe serving classy cuts & sides paired with fine wines.

14 W Mifflin St

A fancy steakhouse with an old-school vibe serving classy cuts & sides paired with fine wines.

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Beef Butter BBQ

Restaurants

Meat-centric Texan-style eatery dishing out brisket, plus ribs and pulled pork, along with house-made sausages.

3001 N Sherman Ave

Meat-centric Texan-style eatery dishing out brisket, plus ribs and pulled pork, along with house-made sausages.

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Cozy chophouse restaurant offering Italian dishes, steaks, cocktails, and private dining.

101 N Hamilton St

Cozy chophouse restaurant offering Italian dishes, steaks, cocktails, and private dining.

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Belgian beers & comfort-food fare served in a European-style cafe with a vintage-chic vibe.

701 Hilldale Wy

Belgian beers & comfort-food fare served in a European-style cafe with a vintage-chic vibe.

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Down-home eatery serving pit-smoked BBQ, with all-you-can-eat specials & a lengthy beer menu.

6207 Monona Dr (Monona)

Down-home eatery serving pit-smoked BBQ, with all-you-can-eat specials & a lengthy beer menu.

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Tokyo Sushi

Restaurants

Sushi restaurant offering bento boxes and other mainstays along with beer.

1133 Williamson St

Sushi restaurant offering bento boxes and other mainstays along with beer.

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Yako Sushi House

Restaurants

Cozy Japanese eatery known for sushi and tempura rolls, plus poke bowls.

515 Cottage Grove Rd

Cozy Japanese eatery known for sushi and tempura rolls, plus poke bowls.

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Alchemy Cafe

Restaurants

Laid-back, cash-only tavern offering gourmet pub grub, rotating tap beers & live music most nights.

1980 Atwood Ave

Laid-back, cash-only tavern offering gourmet pub grub, rotating tap beers & live music most nights.

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Fairchild

Restaurants

Informal eatery serving creative meat plates, seafood & pasta, plus cocktails & wine.

2611 Monroe St

Informal eatery serving creative meat plates, seafood & pasta, plus cocktails & wine.

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Outlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.

900 S Park St

Outlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.

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Long-running white-tablecloth steakhouse with traditional fare, including seafood, plus many wines.

449 Grand Canyon Dr

Long-running white-tablecloth steakhouse with traditional fare, including seafood, plus many wines.

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Old-school steakhouse with a rustic, supper-club vibe serving classic chops, seafood & cocktails.

116 S Hamilton St

Old-school steakhouse with a rustic, supper-club vibe serving classic chops, seafood & cocktails.

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Longtime local institution offering specialty burgers, cheese curds & tap beers in quirky digs.

317 N Frances St

Longtime local institution offering specialty burgers, cheese curds & tap beers in quirky digs.

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Casual spot featuring noodle dishes & Chinese, Vietnamese & Korean fare plus private karaoke rooms.

1336 Regent St

Casual spot featuring noodle dishes & Chinese, Vietnamese & Korean fare plus private karaoke rooms.

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Cozy spot with candlelit tables serving a menu of fine food and a selection of gin-based cocktails.

206 State St

Cozy spot with candlelit tables serving a menu of fine food and a selection of gin-based cocktails.

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Heritage Tavern

Restaurants

Upscale New American fare for dinner & weekend brunch served in a classy space with old-world flair.

131 E Mifflin St

Upscale New American fare for dinner & weekend brunch served in a classy space with old-world flair.

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RED

Restaurants

Sleek eatery serving creative sushi rolls & grilled Japanese fare in modern environs.

316 W Washington Ave #100

Sleek eatery serving creative sushi rolls & grilled Japanese fare in modern environs.

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Cozy restaurant serving tapas, flatbreads, and other small plates, plus 100 martinis.

351 State St

Cozy restaurant serving tapas, flatbreads, and other small plates, plus 100 martinis.

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Lucille

Restaurants

Vintage, industrial-chic tavern with 3 floors serving wood-fired & steel-pan pizzas, plus cocktails.

101 King St

Vintage, industrial-chic tavern with 3 floors serving wood-fired & steel-pan pizzas, plus cocktails.

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Easygoing, family-owned restaurant offering pizza, pasta & mains, plus a full bar.

704 S Whitney Way

Easygoing, family-owned restaurant offering pizza, pasta & mains, plus a full bar.

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Stadium Takeout

Restaurants

Popular and friendly spot doling out tasty fare such as burgers, wings, hot dogs and Italian beef.

1517 Monroe St

Popular and friendly spot doling out tasty fare such as burgers, wings, hot dogs and Italian beef.

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Popular restaurant chain with a variety of chicken wings, chicken tenders, boneless wings & sides for dine-in, takeout & delivery.

2739 University Ave

Popular restaurant chain with a variety of chicken wings, chicken tenders, boneless wings & sides for dine-in, takeout & delivery.

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Vibrant eatery specializing in New York-style pies and calzones, plus garlic knots and strombolis.

711 State St

Vibrant eatery specializing in New York-style pies and calzones, plus garlic knots and strombolis.

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Signature pancakes & other American breakfast classics all day in a casual setting.

5518 University Ave

Signature pancakes & other American breakfast classics all day in a casual setting.

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Bar Corallini

Restaurants

Pizza & pasta dishes presented in a modern setting, plus a vegan menu & a robust wine list.

2004 Atwood Ave

Pizza & pasta dishes presented in a modern setting, plus a vegan menu & a robust wine list.

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D.P. Dough

Restaurants

Local chain open late for calzones with diverse fillings, including chili dog & cheesecake versions.

427 State St

Local chain open late for calzones with diverse fillings, including chili dog & cheesecake versions.

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Pizza Brutta

Restaurants

Casual spot for wood-fired, Neapolitan pies created from housemade mozzarella & local ingredients.

1805 Monroe St

Casual spot for wood-fired, Neapolitan pies created from housemade mozzarella & local ingredients.

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Hạ Long Bay

Restaurants

Traditional Southeast Asian eatery serving up a large menu of Thai, Vietnamese & Laotian dishes.

1353 Williamson St

Traditional Southeast Asian eatery serving up a large menu of Thai, Vietnamese & Laotian dishes.

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Casual, clean, family-friendly sushi restaurant with a take-out counter and outdoor seats.

610 Junction Rd #113

Casual, clean, family-friendly sushi restaurant with a take-out counter and outdoor seats.

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The Thirsty Goat

Restaurants

Upbeat brewpub offering draft beers, BBQ, TVs & entertainment.

3040 Cahill Main (Fitchburg)

Upbeat brewpub offering draft beers, BBQ, TVs & entertainment.

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The Statehouse

Restaurants

Fine hotel dining establishment offering seasonal American fare & drinks amid scenic lake views.

1001 Wisconsin Pl

Fine hotel dining establishment offering seasonal American fare & drinks amid scenic lake views.

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Compact BBQ joint churning out classic platters & sandwiches featuring meat from a wood-burning pit.

2310 Packers Ave

Compact BBQ joint churning out classic platters & sandwiches featuring meat from a wood-burning pit.

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