Reviews
Hank’s Burgers & Fish Fry takes indulgence to different areas
The focus is on what some call guilty pleasure food: hamburgers, cheesesteaks, fried chicken sandwiches, and Wisconsin fish fry. Read more
Apr 5, 2024
Turkish Kitchen and Silk Road are outstanding Central Asian restaurants
It’s been just over a decade since Hüsnü’s closed. Its departure from the scene left Madison without a Turkish restaurant for years. But recently, Madison has been fortunate to see Central Asian menus again flourishing around town. Read more
Feb 2, 2024
Lallande on Monroe Street highlights the cuisine of the French countryside
This new Monroe Street kitchen, run by the founders of Bloom Bake Shop, clearly doesn’t want you to think of “provincial” as anything close to dull or simple. Read more
Dec 8, 2023
Madison’s The Mediterranean Joint strives to find its niche
A red pepper-inflected baba ghanoush, spicy kofta and beef kebabs are among the dishes to go for. Read more
Nov 9, 2023
Sultan offers a Punjab-focused experience
A kitchen focusing on Punjabi dishes in Madison is news. Punjab is the name of both a state in northwestern India and a province in northeastern Pakistan. You may find familiar dishes on the Sultan menu, but also some intriguing new ones. Read more
Oct 6, 2023
Touch of Ukraine serves national dishes and some American standards
Ukranian refugees have opened a homey eatery in Union Corners. Read more
Sep 9, 2023
The Borough Beer Co. & Kitchen’s comfort food menu
Borough’s cautious start with its brewing program seems to have given them license to really put the kitchen to the test, and with more than a few clear successes. Read more
Aug 4, 2023
8:00 AM
Dagu Rice Noodle specializes in Crossing the Bridge noodle soup
The soup comes to the table as a steaming bowl of pork-based broth, with uncooked ingredients on a tray; it’s like a single-serving hot-pot. Read more
Jul 7, 2023
8:00 AM
A sense of history runs side-by-side with modernity at Turn Key
1344 East Washington Avenue has been home to a number of restaurants, most recently a Pasqual’s, but Turn Key manages to combine old and new in a way that may fit in better than the Tex-Mex mini-chain. Read more
Jun 2, 2023
8:00 AM
Tacos El Capi in the old People’s Bakery is a go-to taqueria
Tacos El Capi, which opened in the former People’s Bakery on East Washington Avenue late in 2022, has a winner with its rich birria tacos. Read more
May 5, 2023
8:00 AM
Amara transforms the former Pasqual’s Cantina at Hilldale
Amara is the third restaurant from the group that brought Madison Merchant and Lucille. Its Amalfi Coast aesthetic — think bright, acidic and seafood-centric — unlocks a menu not found in many area kitchens. Read more
Apr 7, 2023
8:00 AM
Lovely Middle Eastern interlude at Madison's Petra
Petra opened in 2021 in the Odana Road storefront where The Nile was in business for about a decade. Its spacious dining room is often underpopulated, but the food was legitimately lovely every time. Read more
Mar 10, 2023
8:00 AM
Latest Food & Drink Stories
A spirited adventure
A steady stream of new liquid refreshments has been popping up in the grocery aisle, as well as on a few cafe menus. Read more
New owner promises few changes for 77-year-old Esquire Club
The Esquire Club is “already hip,” says new owner Craig Spaulding. He is mindful of keeping traditions that are working. Read more
Springtime saisons, Cinco de Mayo lagers and other beers for May
Saisons are a wonderful springtime beer, but so are Mexican lagers, honey blonde ales and hazy IPAs, and area craft brewers are outdoing themselves. Read more
Dinner at Nonna’s
It seems reasonable to assume that at a spaghetti house, you should start with the spaghetti. Also: take the cannoli. Read more
A light-colored coffee beer from The Lone Girl defies convention
Russell’s secret for getting it right is placing whole beans in a steeping bag he hangs inside the fermenter with the beer. Ground beans could introduce darker, stronger coffee flavors, even becoming astringent. Read more