Exploring Madison: A Journey through Wisconsin's Capital City

I traded in the beach vibes of San Diego for the frosty air of my hometown this holiday season, but before settling in with the family, we took a trip up to Madison.

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, this charming city had been just a stone's throw away from my hometown, yet somehow I hadn't explored it much. So, this Thanksgiving brought the perfect opportunity to change that, and in the spirit of breaking habits, I decided to give Madison a proper visit.

The plan was simple: hit up some good food places and, of course, check out a local coffee shop. After all, what better way to get to know a city than through its culinary scene and a cup of local coffee?

We ventured into some hidden gems, savoring bites from places that whispered tales of Madison's flavors. The city welcomed us into eateries that showcased its diverse culinary offerings. From wood-fired pizza joints to spots serving up Wisconsin classics, I was happily surprised by what Madison had to offer.

And, of course, no exploration is complete without a coffee fix. We found a local joint that embodied Madison's community spirit, serving up the perfect blend to accompany our conversations about the city and its hidden treasures.

So, despite being practically neighbors, Madison and I were like old friends finally catching up. The good food and caffeine-infused conversations made up for lost time, turning my short visit into a memorable exploration of a city I had long overlooked.

Dinner at Lucille:

Our Madison adventure kicked off at Lucille, a local favorite known for its friendly vibes and exciting menu. With holiday decorations creating a festive atmosphere, Lucille's served up a fun experience. The menu featured wood-fired pizza, a unique Wisco-Detroit cheddar-crusted black steel pan pizza, and delicious Pan-Latin cuisine. The cozy setting and tasty options made Lucille's a perfect start to my time in Madison, setting the tone for a week filled with unexpected delights. We ordered two steel pan pizzas from their menu, a classic pepperoni, and the Al Pastor. Both were delicious and cured my craving for some Midwest pizza.

A Quick Stop at Cooper’s Tavern

Cooper's Tavern, nestled in the heart of Madison, served up a warm and contemporary venue known as being an Irish pub grub with a selection of international beers and wines. I was delighted to find that their seasonal fall cocktail menu was still in full swing. I opted for a delicious gin drink called the Autumn Journal. The combination of rhubarb gin, hibiscus liqueur, lemon, honey syrup, cranberry, and orange peel, served up, was a flavorful journey through the essence of autumn. The ambiance at Cooper's Tavern was laid-back, and it was the perfect spot to unwind after dinner.

Nightcap at Eno Vino

And then there was Eno Vino, the rooftop bar with views of the Capitol that took our Madison experience to new heights—literally. Sipping on drinks while overlooking the cityscape and catching a glimpse of the iconic Capitol was the perfect way to cap off our evening. The twinkling lights of Madison at night added a touch of magic to our visit.

Morning Buzz at Bradbury's Coffee: A Hipster Haven

The next day, we jump-started our morning adventure at Bradbury's Coffee—a lively café with a hipster vibe, known for its premium coffee, artisanal crêpes, and locally sourced fare. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee welcomed us, setting the perfect tone for an energizing start to the day. I got a basic iced caramel latte, but nonetheless, it was delicious!

Capitol Revisited: A Self-Guided Tour Amidst Holiday Decorations

Fueled by caffeine, our next stop took us to the Capitol for a self-guided tour. The iconic building was in the midst of a festive makeover, adorned with holiday decorations. It had been years since I last stepped foot inside; my memories of elementary school tours were now replaced with a newfound appreciation for the Capitol's architecture and rich history. Exploring as an adult allowed me to soak in the details and significance that I missed in my younger years.

Lunch at The Old Fashioned: Wisconsin on a Plate

To wrap up our Madison journey, we headed to The Old Fashioned—an ode to Wisconsin's culinary traditions. The restaurant, themed around the state's heritage, offered a delightful menu featuring brats, cheese curds, and an impressive selection of beers. It perfectly captured the essence of Wisconsin's flavors and provided the perfect conclusion to our unexpected detour in Madison. Whenever I'm back home, you bet I'm hitting up all these local spots, especially because San Diego doesn't know the joy of cheese curds. We kicked things off with the legendary cheese curds – a must-try every time. For my meal, I went with their take on a classic grilled cheese, loaded up with bacon and roasted bell pepper, while my family indulged in the beer cheese soup, a chicken sandwich, and a satisfying patty melt. It was a meal that screamed home, one tasty bite after another.

Leaving with memories of cheese curds, Capitol tours, and rooftop drinks, Madison, you were an unexpected delight. This detour turned out to be a pretty sweet chapter in my travel story. Until next time, Madison, keep doing your thing.