Neat Neighborhoods

As you finalize your plans to visit Madison, make sure you set aside time to try some of the treasured experiences found in neighborhoods known for their eclectic mix of residential and retail:

Atwood Avenue Neighborhood

Located on Madison's near east side between Winnebago Street and Fair Oaks Avenue (and beyond!) you'll find Atwood Avenue. What was once a blue-collar district has been re-imagined as a vibrant haven for everyone from traditional professionals to Madison's creative class.

Where to shop:
Start at Absolutely Art, a community-based gallery featuring fine art and affordable gifts. Or, give yourself an artistic treat and try Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier where single-origin dark chocolates are hand made for your enjoyment on wedding days, gift-giving days-or any day!

Where to eat:
The first of several Food Fight restaurants in Madison--Monty's Blue Plate Diner--has been a staple in the Atwood neighborhood since 1990. Monty's serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, plus pie and other delectable desserts. Just down the block, Tex Tubb's Taco Palace (another restaurant in the Food Fight restaurant group) offers more than thirty different kinds of tacos to try. Another first, Bunky's Café, is one of Madison's original Italian restaurants and now, more than 80 years later, is still serving up a mix of Mediterranean and Italian fare.

If sweet treats are important wherever you eat, don't miss Daisy Café & Cupcakery where three meals are served daily, complemented by cupcakes beyond compare! Another popular pairing--sweet and savory items such as chocolates and wine--can be found at Chocolaterian Café, located in a 100-year old landmark that has been transformed into a warm and welcoming space. Or, try One Barrel Brewing Company, Madison's only Nanobrewery. There, you'll enjoy unique beers that are brewed one barrel at a time and served for a limited time.

Where to find fun:
Olbrich Botanical Gardens is open daily and admission is free! Stop in to see 16 acres of stunning scenery plus the Thai Pavilion, one of only four pavilions in the world located outside of Thailand. Or, step inside and visit the tropics in the Bolz Conservancy, filled with exotic plants, flowers, orchids, birds and a waterfall. Then, go from lush landscapes to laughter at Monkey Business Institute, Madison's most experienced improv comedy team that offers two shows every Saturday night.

Monroe Street Neighborhood

Located on Madison's near west side and bordered by the Edgewood College and UW-Madison campuses, the Monroe Street neighborhood is indeed a community corridor that has reaped the benefits of the artistic and intellectual influences of its residents.

Where to stay:
Conveniently located across from Camp Randall stadium is HotelRED, Madison's first boutique hotel featuring four stories of suites, modern architecture and artwork, and a full-service restaurant and bar. On the other end of Monroe Street, treat yourself to a stay at the Arbor House, an award-winning environmental inn located within walking distance of Lake Wingra and the UW-Madison Arboretum.

Where to play:
When you're in Madison, don't miss your chance to experience lake play the Wingra Boats way! An array of canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and other watercraft are available as rentals by the hour, half-day or full day. Or, take advantage of lessons, field trips, camps and workshops on the water.

But Lake Wingra isn't the only place to play on and off of Monroe Street. Specialty shops line the street, and you won't want to miss renowned retailers such as Orange Tree Imports, the perfect place for gifts and voted "Best of Madison" for more than 20 years or Grace Chosy Gallery, recognized as one of Madison's leading art galleries since 1979.

Where to eat:
When it comes to comfort food, Bluephie's serves up a memorable menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner--but is perhaps best known for brunch, which includes vegetarian and kid-friendly options.

Or, try the European-inspired eatery Brasserie V, which serves up a little bit of Belgium from the heart of Monroe Street. Lunch and dinner are available daily, along with a rotating selection of more than 200 world-class beers and a full wine list.

You'll find a different style of spirits--Irish-inspired this time--at Brocach on Monroe, the newest Brocach location that offers the same Irish Pub hospitality and menus including Friday fish fry, Saturday specials and Sunday brunch.

If you prefer a more local feel, try the neighborhood lounge and restaurant tucked inside of HotelRED, The Wise. This upscale bistro features menu items made from local ingredients, clever cocktails and specials several days of the week.

Willy Street Neighborhood

Located on Madison's near east side, Williamson Street--affectionately known as "Willy Street" to residents--is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Locally owned shops, restaurants and entertainment establishments line the street, each inspired by the bohemian spirit that is central to the success of this neighborhood.

Where to eat:
At the gateway to Willy Street you'll find Essen Haus German Restaurant, a Madison tradition since the early ‘80s that features authentic German cuisine, more than 250 imported beers on tap and live oompah music nightly. For a bit quieter dining, skip across the street to Sardine, an indoor and outdoor eatery that brings bistro-style dining and a lively bar scene to the shores of Lake Monona.

As you head down Willy Street you'll find a wealth of world flavors, from the eclectic mix of Mexican, Tex-Mex and the Southwest at Eldorado Grill to the Mediterranean comfort food found at Pig in a Fur Coat. Cozy comfort is also the theme at Roman Candle, a family-friendly neighborhood favorite that offers pizza made with local ingredients for dine-in, delivery or carryout.

Where to stay:
On the west end of Willy Street is Hotel Ruby Marie, Madison's oldest operating hotel. This bed and breakfast was built in 1873 and has a spectacular view of Lake Monona, as well as proximity to a number of area restaurants and attractions, plus free parking.

What to do:
Experience bungalow homes and other historic architecture in Willy Street and its nearby neighborhoods by taking a tour with the Trust for Historic Preservation. Their East Isthmus Bike Tour begins behind Machinery Row and covers six miles of city streets and part of the Madison bike path system. (Of course, you can also rent bikes, inline skates and more from Machinery Row Bicycles anytime!) When you've worked up an appetite, don't miss Madison's well-known Willy Street Co-op, a full-service grocery cooperative and deli specializing in natural, organic, and locally prepared foods. Before the day is done, head to Plan B to experience Madison's favorite gay bar and place to dance.