45 Best American Restaurants in Madison

“Delicious menu options. Perfect portion size for tasting all courses.“

“We hosted our son and daughter-in-law's rehearsal dinner at Madison's.
Sienna assisted us in planning the menu, Lauren was our personal bartender and Christina, the Manager, coordinated everything the night of the event.
The food, service and atmosphere was absolutely wonderful.
We couldn't be happier that our son and his wife chose Madison's as the venue for this special event in all of our lives.
We also opted for the ice cream for the guests at the end of our night and it was a hit with everyone.
Thank you Madison's, Sienna, Lauren and Christina, for all you did to make our night so special.“

“Kettle Black Kitchen is truly a hidden gem! We came in with a large group, and from the moment we walked through the door, the staff made us feel like family. The service was absolutely outstanding — warm, attentive, and genuine. As for the food, it somehow managed to be even better! Everyone in our group ordered something different, and every dish looked and tasted incredible. You can tell a lot of care goes into everything they do. I can’t recommend this spot highly enough — we can’t wait to come back!“

“A neighborhood stop -- super casual -- not for you if you want high-falootin' white glove service but definitely for you if you want great food at a fair price. We recommend the rib dinner or the fried chicken dinner -- served with Mac and cheese and cornbread. Ribs were meaty, fried chicken served hot and tasty. Diners on the way out also raved about the rib tips. Lots of cooking skills going on back in the kitchen. Friendly service. We'll be back“

“Classic must try pizzeria. Absolutely delicious, they come up with great pie ideas and they are ALL hits. Their service is impeccable and their excellent cocktails give the experience the cherry on top . To add to that the prices are super reasonable. Great atmosphere, can't recommend this enough. It's become a go to return spot over the years, wether I go for a nice dinner with my partner, or getting "fancy" pizza and drinks with friends, this is the place to go.“

“Absolutely amazing. The sushi is so fresh and the flavors are unique and delicious. I’ve come here a hand full of times for special occasions and it never fails to impress! The cocktails are also phenomenal.
We love!! Highly recommend.“

“Hearty farm to table food at a reasonable price. Great tavern atmosphere that got loud and lively after 7pm. While the menu is tilted towards pork and charcuterie there are plenty of vegetarian options. Menu was very seasonal, so we
Loved that.

Portions were huge, in my opinion, for the price. (Compared to hometown Portland, ME)
We split the bouillabaisse and a salad and it still seemed like the portions were large. Big wine list. Did not try cocktails but they looked creative and colorful. This spot will certainly be on the list when we return to Madison.“

“My ex boyfriend took me here for my birthday once and I fell in love with it. The king salmon and the chocolate babka are amazing! 10/10“

“Good drinks menu but the food was so-so. Flavors unremarkable. No information on the menu for those who are lactose or gluten intolerant which is easy to flag on menus these days. And the random delivery of small plates, which was to be expected, could have been a little bit more even for our table of four. And worth letting us know, when we order, which dishes might take quite a bit longer to prepare and deliver. Nice ambiance and good lighting. 3/5.“

“Great room, location was unmatched right on the water, and fun events!“

“We had breakfast on a Sunday morning and it was a busy place. Waitstaff was friendly and attentive. Food came out in a very timely manner and was delicious. It was great amount of food for the price. Atmosphere was welcoming. Glad we found it!“

“I wish I had taken this photos of the food before I dug in. Delicious chilequiles, and even better ranchos huervos. The food is extremely fresh and flavorful. It's a unique take on something I've seen in every form, but they get it right with little surprises in every bite. Do yourself a favor and get the orange juice. The fresh sweetness really helps stabilize the slight spice and heaviness of the food.“

“Really awesome IPA selection!“

“Delicious food, good drinks, and a great service. One of my favorite places for Sunday brunch. Highly recommend!“

“Love the charming European Grand Cafe vibes. An abundance of outdoor seating is available. Our server was very attentive and had great recommendations for drinks and food. One of the smoothest bloodys I have had. Food was absolutely delicious! What a great spot for brunch and enjoying a view of Madison.“

“They have very good food but the staff makes peanuts and is hungry for tips. I usually try to tip 20-25%. However one time when I got the bill it was way more than I had expected and I didn't have the funds to leave a tip. I felt really bad. To top it off I was told if I couldn’t tip better. don't come back. I instead of 2 drinks costing $13.00.(like the other businesses on the block)The bill was $21. I would have been leaving at least $5, but now I couldn’t. I feel the staff is a bunch of snooty college students, living off their rich parents dime.“

“Good food and great service. What’s not to like?“

“Took my daughter to this 60’s inspired cocktail style restaurant, to celebrate her birthday. We both agree that the overall vibe was sensational. The staff was amazing with our waitress being kind and courteous, as well as prompt with service. The menu is rather eclectic with various options, so there is something for everyone. The design of the place is thoughtful with the music matching the vibe. I am excited to see what the future holds for Lola's!“

“We had an amazing experience at DelecTable on Friday. All 11 courses were interesting and perfectly executed. A great meal and a lot of fun.“

“Ive been going to the Bonfyre for years and I really love the place. For the past year it has been infested with gnats or fruit flies or whatever they are. . You cant take a sip or a bite without waving them away. Its annoying as hell and gross. Its not a one time thing, I go there often and its not getting better. This afternoon I stopped in for a couple of beers and some calamari appetizer. I love their calamari! I used to, today I got a massive plate of breaded bread. And swatted flies away the entire time. I'm not giving up on Bonfyre but if they cant fix the bug problem soon I'm done. I stopped by Badger Tavern before going to Bonfyre, the parking lot was packed as was the entire street so went to Bonfyre. Bonfyre was pretty empty. The atmosphere at Bonfyre should and could be a 5 star...get rid of your bug problem!“

“My favorite go to when I’m in town! Drinks and eats are the best!“

“Arguably the best meal I’ve ever had. I can’t imagine giving this place less than 5 stars. Food, service, vibe - everything was perfection. It was a fun opportunity to try a lot of different things I haven’t tasted before! Hoping to make this an annual tradition. Thanks, Nook!“

“We had a wonderful experience and such a lovely evening the first time we spontaneously sat at the bar and had a bite before a show at the Orpheum. The atmosphere is warm, charming and cozy. We were excited to come back tonight. Again we loved sitting at the bar. The service is excellent and the restaurant/bar are very obviously well managed. Staff exhibit a lot of attention to service. We ordered drinks and shared an entree/chicken Marsala. It was good, a little salty and I was disappointed that the sauce was not lighter and not served over a bed of pasta. When we received our bill, we were shocked that the J Henry old fashion my husband orders at restaurants all over Wisconsin was $26. 😱 we get that there is an up-charge for premium booze but seemed a little ridiculous for Wisconsin. The regular old fashioned w/ Bullet is $14. There was a $12 up-charge for J Henry. Overall, we had a good experience and will be back and recommend. I told my husband he can settle for the Bullet Old fashion next time. 😜 Incidentally, the Old Fashion was VG.“

“Needed someplace to eat while waiting for my wedding to happen in Madison. Settle down was close by I walked there. I was not disappointed, the special which was I think all the chicken butter burger was phasing and the soup was as well. Reasonable price Add to my places to eat when in town list“

“Great menu options. The service was very fast and friendly. The food was very good.“

“Great friendly staff in an awesome atmosphere to enjoy any games. great food as well.“

“Been there a few times and their staff have always been super nice. Place is relatively new and very clean. Honestly my go to place for some comfort food in Madison!“

“The food is simple (sandwich, salads, burger and a few other options) but tasty. The staff is friendly and makes sure yi ur experience is good, and the decor is nice. Bonus point for the nice selection of whisky and spirits, great for a restaurant. Also, during happy hour a few items are very fairly priced. Went twice, loved it both times, and will come back again. Thank you for the hard work!“

“We stopped at this Madison WI Culvers on our way to Rockford today and our 16mo made friends walking around the restaurant after we ate. The manager was so nice to her, gave her 2 stuffies and meal cards for our next stop through! Thanks, Ana! We'll see you again in a few weeks. :)“

“I want to recognize the outstanding service of Chrisi! Second day at her work and she has given us the best service ever from all the time we've been here to eat! Her attitude was amazing, always smiling, recommending deserts despite being busy! Food was delicious but BRAVO for her!!!!!!!!!!!!!! La Brioche is lucky to have her as part of the staff!!!!! Thank you again for making our brunch so bright!!“

“Top burger place in all of Madison! Get the Hanks double, such fast service you will barely be able to sit down at the Musky Bar before it's ready in all its greasy glory. Great sauce makes this a three to four napkin burger. Hits the spot when you have a Hankerin' for the best! Get the pickles on the side, delicious and you get even more! I will be back again and again.“

“Best breakfast buffet for a hotel. Not free though. Nice workers. Nice decor. Inside the Doubletree Hotel so very convenient.“

“Excellent soup and salad bar“

“We always enjoy going to Dave and Busters. Our favorite games are there. The manager is very nice. It's a bit pricey but worth for a good date night!! The food is good!!! The drinks are good too!!“

“Great drinks and a very nice view of Madison, Wisconsin... Awesome!!! The upstairs patio is open for business.“

“Our table ordered a mix of breakfast and lunch plates. All were delicious! The staff were very friendly. Seated quickly, got to order right away, and the food came fast. We all enjoyed watching them fuel up a plane and take off! Kids loved their paper planes too. ✈️ Plan to be back!“

“NOT recommending Madison Mineral Point Road location. Husband ordered a mushroom Swiss burger. Got home, and it was a melt sandwich, overcooked and greasy. Not an option to return to get the burger he ordered. He waited forever the first time. Not calling either. It isn't worth the time and effort. Even if he had ordered this melt sandwich, I would still say it was greasy and overcooked. Sorry to all the good locations. Have never had a complaint about Culver's previously.“

“Best Madison dive bar, hands down!“

“Had a tater tot appetizer with guacamole and the side bar burger. Brad had the loner burger that was not a lone. It was a lot to eat so will be having some of this for lunch tomorrow. Yummy!!“

“I had just got off work & stopped by Culver’s on my way home to get something to-go. I was putting stuff away in my backpack & Lynette was incredibly nice & told me I could’ve did that on the counter instead of the floor. I was about to leave without a frozen custard, but she reminded me & offered to make me one fresh rather than me getting it out the freezer since she said they’ve been there from the time she made them at 9am. The custard tasted great along with the rest of my food“

“Great food can’t go wrong with fish tacos“

“Been too long. Pesto chicken flatbread (and the service) was awesome. Great lunch spot!“

“Badger Tavern has really stepped up its game under the new ownership. Clay has perhaps the best work ethic I’ve ever witnessed. The food is consistently excellent, and you’re guaranteed a good time every time. The staff is stellar too, fun, friendly, and hardworking. Badger Tavern is now my go-to place for a ‘sure thing’! 5 Stars“

“Best BBQ around amazing staff as well. You will always have my business HIGHLY recommend“

“Parking: Lots of spots but they keep pretty busy.

Kid-friendliness: There's nice tables to eat ice cream outside and plenty of space on the inside

Wheelchair accessibility: Should be able to roll right on in for a burger and fries and Frozen Custard too.“