A College Kid’s Guide to Madison
Being a college student in general is not easy, but these days, it is particularly tough. My sophomore year at Wisconsin was cut short—along with so many other peoples’ college experiences—but I am determined to make the most of the year and a half I have left. Arriving back at school after a summer of COVID-19 was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Campus looked nothing like it had when I had left, State Street was boarded up in protection of looters, and some of my favorite restaurants closed due to bankruptcy. I was overwhelmed with shock and sadness until I remembered how lucky I was to even be allowed back. I promised myself that nothing would stop me from enjoying this semester, no matter how different it may be. Listed below are my favorite places to eat and things to do in Madison.
Where to Eat: If you’ve met me, you know I love food. It was incredibly important for me to go to a school with delicious and abundant options; Madison is a culinary hot spot in which top-notch restaurants line the streets and surround the Capital building. Let’s start with coffee, because that’s how every college student begins their day. My go-to coffee spot is MOKA; it has a wide selection of cold brew options that taste just like the coffee I get from my hometown bagel store. An extension of the University Bookstore, MOKA is conveniently located on University Place, making it the perfect pitstop on the way to class. My second favorite coffee shop is Colectivo—they make a mean breakfast burrito, especially the Veggie Pesto, and a great Oat Milk Latte.
Next, let’s talk lunch. Every Wisconsin student knows that the food trucks at the bottom of Bascom Hill reign supreme. A Vietnamese spring roll from The Spring Roll Truck is my favorite mid-day meal; the chicken avocado spring roll with mild sauce is my go-to always. Salads Up and Forage Kitchen, both known for their delicious wraps and salads, are very popular lunch spots as well.
Once the clock strikes six… it’s dinner time. If you are willing to treat yourself, Cento is my favorite dinner spot; their tagliatelle bolognese never fails to impress me. Lucille’s is the best pizza place around, with their numerous Chicago deep-fried pizza style options. My favorite burger—because who doesn’t love a good burger—is from Cooper’s Tavern. Their fries and grilled cheese are worth it, too.
Now, for everyone’s favorite: late night eats. You are not a Wisconsin student if you don’t order Ian’s Pizza after a night out. Their mac and cheese pizza is a must—I don’t make the rules. If you’re crunched for time, try the Taco Truck right on State Street for delicious nachos, tacos, or quesadillas. Lazy night in with friends? Head over to the Tornado Room SteakHouse; there are discounted prices for pristine steaks late at night.
Lastly, let’s dive into the best breakfast/brunch places for a Saturday or Sunday morning. Short Stack is not optional—it’s mandatory—even if the line is out the door. Get ready for the best brunch experience of your life and a subsequent food coma; their waffles, pancakes, eggs, and breakfast burritos are out of this world. Short Stack delivers due to COVID-19, and let’s hope it stays that way! If you’re looking for a more upscale brunch, head to Graze, which is closer to the Capitol. Graze is a classic Wisconsin farm-to-table restaurant. They have the best cheese curds I’ve ever had… and if you go to Wisconsin, you better like cheese curds.
Things to Do: There is no shortage of fun things to do in Madison, regardless of the season. It is so easy to find different activities to maximize your time as a student. First and foremost, sit out at Memorial Union, which overlooks Lake Mendota, and enjoy some good food and drinks with friends. There is no better way to spend the day. When the weather gets warmer, groups of friends will flock to Lake Mendota to rent boats for the day. A picnic at the Capitol Building, which is a short walk from campus, is a great way to enjoy the fleeting warm days in Madison, too. James Madison Park is another perfect place to picnic. There is also a Farmer’s Market that loops around the capitol buildings on Saturday’s during the fall, which is a perfect morning activity on a beautiful day. Given that we are in Wisconsin, it gets very cold, very quickly. Still, there are a number of activities to partake in. Once Lake Mendota freezes over, students will walk, run, skate, and play winter sports on the ice, making it a prime spot during all four seasons. The Edgewater Hotel has an ice skating rink that is open all winter long; it’s located right at the end of Langdon Street, which is home to all the fraternity and sorority houses. Lastly, if you’re looking to splurge, shop on State Street.
