Guidebook for the Schenk-Atwood Neighborhood
Food Scene
Monsoon Siam
2326 Atwood AveBest Thai food in Madison. Try the Sun Dried Beef!
One of the hippest and best new restaurants in the city - and it's just a short walk from the apartment. Stop in for some of the most innovative small plates and craft cocktails that Madison has to offer. Don't miss the brandy old fashioneds on tap!
16 locals raden deze aan
Mint Mark
1929 Winnebago StOne of the hippest and best new restaurants in the city - and it's just a short walk from the apartment. Stop in for some of the most innovative small plates and craft cocktails that Madison has to offer. Don't miss the brandy old fashioneds on tap!
A Schenk-Atwood staple for decades, The Harmony makes a lot of great food but you have to try the walnut burger (I'm a meat eater and often choose this veggie version!) and the homemade potato chips with blue cheese dressing. Yum!
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Harmony Bar & Grill
2201 Atwood AveA Schenk-Atwood staple for decades, The Harmony makes a lot of great food but you have to try the walnut burger (I'm a meat eater and often choose this veggie version!) and the homemade potato chips with blue cheese dressing. Yum!
CURRENTLY CLOSED BUT SET TO RE-OPEN IN MAY.
It's a real, honest-to-god deli. And, when you see a sandwich on the menu for $15, don't freak out. It's about a mile high and can feed about four people. LOL Try the house-made biali and the potato pancakes. The secret menu is "ask for the special potato pancakes made with mushrooms." You won't regret it.
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Stalzy's Deli
2701 Atwood AveCURRENTLY CLOSED BUT SET TO RE-OPEN IN MAY.
It's a real, honest-to-god deli. And, when you see a sandwich on the menu for $15, don't freak out. It's about a mile high and can feed about four people. LOL Try the house-made biali and the potato pancakes. The secret menu is "ask for the special potato pancakes made with mushrooms." You won't regret it.
Great coffee in a great atmosphere. Newly expanded menu is nice for a quick lunch or snack. Don't miss the back patio that is accessible from the bike path!
14 locals raden deze aan
Cafe Brittoli
2326 Atwood AveGreat coffee in a great atmosphere. Newly expanded menu is nice for a quick lunch or snack. Don't miss the back patio that is accessible from the bike path!
If I'm not mistaken, the Green Owl is still the only 100% vegetarian restaurant in Madison - and it's only about four blocks from the apartment. Try their Friday night "fish" fry - soooo good. They're also known for their amazing vegan desserts. If it's on the menu, the coconut cream pie is the way to go.
23 locals raden deze aan
Green Owl Cafe
1970 Atwood AveIf I'm not mistaken, the Green Owl is still the only 100% vegetarian restaurant in Madison - and it's only about four blocks from the apartment. Try their Friday night "fish" fry - soooo good. They're also known for their amazing vegan desserts. If it's on the menu, the coconut cream pie is the way to go.
A Madison institution, Monty's is a gentrified version of a 1950's diner. You will be hard pressed to find a better milk shake or slice of pie in town. They have an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu and they serve breakfast all day. The almond milk pancakes and the Meatloaf of the Gods are both faves of mine. Monty's is one and a half blocks from the apartment.
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Monty's Blue Plate Diner
2089 Atwood AveA Madison institution, Monty's is a gentrified version of a 1950's diner. You will be hard pressed to find a better milk shake or slice of pie in town. They have an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu and they serve breakfast all day. The almond milk pancakes and the Meatloaf of the Gods are both faves of mine. Monty's is one and a half blocks from the apartment.
The closest, traditional coffee shop to the house - just about a block and a half - Barriques is a Madison-based chain that also sells wine and has a decent, healthy food menu. As coffee goes, I prefer other coffee shops but Barriques is cozy and comfortable, the food and beverages are above average, and I love sitting by the fireplace with my laptop if I need a quiet place to work. Try their house-made rice krispie treats!
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Barriques - Atwood
2166 Atwood AveThe closest, traditional coffee shop to the house - just about a block and a half - Barriques is a Madison-based chain that also sells wine and has a decent, healthy food menu. As coffee goes, I prefer other coffee shops but Barriques is cozy and comfortable, the food and beverages are above average, and I love sitting by the fireplace with my laptop if I need a quiet place to work. Try their house-made rice krispie treats!
Garver Feed Mill has been an empty, giant, beautiful building for the majority of time I've lived in Madison. But now the recently renovated building is home to a variety of businesses as well as Ian's Pizza (try the mac & cheese pizza!), Surya Cafe (fantastic 100% vegan restaurant), Calliope Ice Cream (local and unique), and Ledger Coffee Roasters (smoothest cup of coffee in Madison). It's a great stop if you're going to Olbrich Garden, Olbrich Park, or just a long walk along the bike path. At least stop by and admire this incredible building that was nearly lost.
12 locals raden deze aan
Garver Feed Mill
3241 Garver GreenGarver Feed Mill has been an empty, giant, beautiful building for the majority of time I've lived in Madison. But now the recently renovated building is home to a variety of businesses as well as Ian's Pizza (try the mac & cheese pizza!), Surya Cafe (fantastic 100% vegan restaurant), Calliope Ice Cream (local and unique), and Ledger Coffee Roasters (smoothest cup of coffee in Madison). It's a great stop if you're going to Olbrich Garden, Olbrich Park, or just a long walk along the bike path. At least stop by and admire this incredible building that was nearly lost.
If you're a foodie and have the time to add an "event meal" to your visit, I highly recommend Nook, a tasting menu restaurant that's only three blocks from the apartment. Open Wednesday through Saturday, with one seating per night that serves a 10-12 course menu - the restaurant seats a total of 16 people and provides a fun and festive night out. The food is transcendent and is, arguably, the most creative cooking happening in Madison. Reservations with a non-refundable deposit are required.
Nook
2138 Atwood AvenueIf you're a foodie and have the time to add an "event meal" to your visit, I highly recommend Nook, a tasting menu restaurant that's only three blocks from the apartment. Open Wednesday through Saturday, with one seating per night that serves a 10-12 course menu - the restaurant seats a total of 16 people and provides a fun and festive night out. The food is transcendent and is, arguably, the most creative cooking happening in Madison. Reservations with a non-refundable deposit are required.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Ohio because: it's a true example of a neighborhood bar; Saturday night karaoke; and the best damn tacos you've ever eaten outside of Mexico.
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Ohio Tavern
224 Ohio AveThe Ohio because: it's a true example of a neighborhood bar; Saturday night karaoke; and the best damn tacos you've ever eaten outside of Mexico.
Best beer selection - tap and bottles/cans, best whiskey selection, best odd-ball liquor selection. No food but they'll let you order in from any place that delivers or you can bring in your own food. We've had many a potluck at The Malt House. A true neighborhood bar with a rockin' outdoor patio.
20 locals raden deze aan
The Malt House
2609 E Washington AveBest beer selection - tap and bottles/cans, best whiskey selection, best odd-ball liquor selection. No food but they'll let you order in from any place that delivers or you can bring in your own food. We've had many a potluck at The Malt House. A true neighborhood bar with a rockin' outdoor patio.
Located in a building at the corner of Atwood and Winnebago that was nearly destroyed by a fire in February of 2018, the recently opened restaurant is fast becoming a neighborhood favorite. It has a proper Neopolitan wood-fire pizza oven and amazing happy hour specials at the bar. The full menu is small but has a decent variety of choices, including the option to make many dishes vegetarian or vegan. It's a little more expensive than most meals in the neighborhood but the food is worth it. Great quality, great flavors. Try the eggplant fritters (basically meatballs with no meat!) and save room for the tiramisu.
Bar Corallini
2004 Atwood AveLocated in a building at the corner of Atwood and Winnebago that was nearly destroyed by a fire in February of 2018, the recently opened restaurant is fast becoming a neighborhood favorite. It has a proper Neopolitan wood-fire pizza oven and amazing happy hour specials at the bar. The full menu is small but has a decent variety of choices, including the option to make many dishes vegetarian or vegan. It's a little more expensive than most meals in the neighborhood but the food is worth it. Great quality, great flavors. Try the eggplant fritters (basically meatballs with no meat!) and save room for the tiramisu.
No longer called "The Winnebago" - now known as "The Venue" - this newest addition to the neighborhood is a short block and a half from the house and has quickly become the go-to place for live music on the weekends. Full bar and snack foods. Cover charge averages $10.
The Winnebago
2262 Winnebago StreetNo longer called "The Winnebago" - now known as "The Venue" - this newest addition to the neighborhood is a short block and a half from the house and has quickly become the go-to place for live music on the weekends. Full bar and snack foods. Cover charge averages $10.
Essentials
Walking distance from the apartment, enjoy a local institution. They're known for their meat counter, their beer selection, and their awesome selection of locally produced items. The ATM spits out a coupon for a $1 off your purchase of $10 or more, thus paying you back for the $1 ATM fee. :)
28 locals raden deze aan
Jenifer Street Market
2038 Jenifer StWalking distance from the apartment, enjoy a local institution. They're known for their meat counter, their beer selection, and their awesome selection of locally produced items. The ATM spits out a coupon for a $1 off your purchase of $10 or more, thus paying you back for the $1 ATM fee. :)
One block from the apartment, Ford's Gym is an institution in the neighborhood and, for just $10, you can walk in and use all the equipment and machines. It's popular with the boxing/lifting crowd but it has everything you'd need and they even offer a big variety of classes. Check them out!
Ford's Gym
2114 Winnebago StreetOne block from the apartment, Ford's Gym is an institution in the neighborhood and, for just $10, you can walk in and use all the equipment and machines. It's popular with the boxing/lifting crowd but it has everything you'd need and they even offer a big variety of classes. Check them out!
Normally I wouldn't recommend a convenience store for much other than a quick soda or a scratch-off lottery ticket BUT this convenience store boasts a nearly-full-service post office (!) and an amazing ice-cream selection.
Stop-N-Go
2002 Winnebago StNormally I wouldn't recommend a convenience store for much other than a quick soda or a scratch-off lottery ticket BUT this convenience store boasts a nearly-full-service post office (!) and an amazing ice-cream selection.
Getting Around
Pick up a B-Bike and enjoy the abundance of Madison bike trails or get yourself downtown in 15 minutes. Such a great alternative to taking a car! And cheap too.
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Madison B-cycle Station
2048 Eastwood DrPick up a B-Bike and enjoy the abundance of Madison bike trails or get yourself downtown in 15 minutes. Such a great alternative to taking a car! And cheap too.
For the most direct bus route to downtown and campus, walk three minutes (1.5 blocks) to the East Washington & 4th Street westbound bus stop. Generally, the #6 bus will get you to the Capitol Square and all the way to Camp Randall stadium - for just $2 per person, one way.
E Washington & S Fourth (WB) station
For the most direct bus route to downtown and campus, walk three minutes (1.5 blocks) to the East Washington & 4th Street westbound bus stop. Generally, the #6 bus will get you to the Capitol Square and all the way to Camp Randall stadium - for just $2 per person, one way.
Parks & Nature
I can't even describe how cool it is to have this in the neighborhood. Madison's world-class botanical garden is FREE (except for the Conservatory which is just a few dollars to get in) and it's a glorious place to be on a sunny day. Plus, they have events all the time - music, art shows, hobby events (model trains anyone?), and the list goes on. Definitely worth an afternoon or evening of your time in Madison.
138 locals raden deze aan
Olbrich Botanische Tuinen
3330 Atwood AveI can't even describe how cool it is to have this in the neighborhood. Madison's world-class botanical garden is FREE (except for the Conservatory which is just a few dollars to get in) and it's a glorious place to be on a sunny day. Plus, they have events all the time - music, art shows, hobby events (model trains anyone?), and the list goes on. Definitely worth an afternoon or evening of your time in Madison.
Shopping
Defying categories, Table Wine is, at once, a wine shop, a place to stop in and have a glass or two, and a spot to learn about wine. I just took a class on minerality in wine and it was a revelation. I love that you can order a short-pour (I think they call it a half glass) allowing you to try more variety without getting hammered. But, even better than that is the wine flight - a series of four (I think) different wines served in tasting portions. Such a great value! Molly, the owner, is super knowledgeable and staffs the shop with equally smart folks. She also knows great, drinkable wine so there's rarely something I try there that I don't like.
Table Wine
2301 Atwood AveDefying categories, Table Wine is, at once, a wine shop, a place to stop in and have a glass or two, and a spot to learn about wine. I just took a class on minerality in wine and it was a revelation. I love that you can order a short-pour (I think they call it a half glass) allowing you to try more variety without getting hammered. But, even better than that is the wine flight - a series of four (I think) different wines served in tasting portions. Such a great value! Molly, the owner, is super knowledgeable and staffs the shop with equally smart folks. She also knows great, drinkable wine so there's rarely something I try there that I don't like.
Because, chocolate. Seriously.
But, also because chocolate that was featured on the Food Network as one of the best chocolate shops in the entire country. If you try nothing else, get the sea salt caramel and the Lucille (vanilla truffle). But I'm going to guess that you'll be hard-pressed to stop at two. :)
14 locals raden deze aan
Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier
2083 Atwood AveBecause, chocolate. Seriously.
But, also because chocolate that was featured on the Food Network as one of the best chocolate shops in the entire country. If you try nothing else, get the sea salt caramel and the Lucille (vanilla truffle). But I'm going to guess that you'll be hard-pressed to stop at two. :)
Arts & Culture
The Barrymore is a Madison historic landmark having been built in 1929 and operating (in one form or another) ever since. There was that stint in the 1970s when it was a porn theater but, you know, everyone deserves a second chance. LOL Now it's a great venue for music, comedy, small plays, and non-traditional acts (Henry Rollins does his spoken word thing here every year, for example). It's a block and a half from the apartment and it's always worth checking out the marquee. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrymore_Theatre
22 locals raden deze aan
Barrymore Theatre
2090 Atwood AveThe Barrymore is a Madison historic landmark having been built in 1929 and operating (in one form or another) ever since. There was that stint in the 1970s when it was a porn theater but, you know, everyone deserves a second chance. LOL Now it's a great venue for music, comedy, small plays, and non-traditional acts (Henry Rollins does his spoken word thing here every year, for example). It's a block and a half from the apartment and it's always worth checking out the marquee. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrymore_Theatre