Capitol Square
Spring is in the air, so say goodbye to soaked and salt-stained jeans and hello to outdoor picnics. If you are on a date or don't feel like calculating tips, an outdoor picnic on the Capitol Square lawn is an excellent way to welcome the gorgeous weather.
Whether you hope to catch a loud protest, take a picture next to the vibrant tulips or find prime people-watching opportunities—I actually saw a person walking his cat on the Square once—the Capitol lawn provides a great venue for outdoor eating.
If you are short on cash, you can pack your own lunch, but if you don't mind spending a little dough, you should use the Farmers' Market as your lunch provider.
The Farmers' Market, held both Saturdays and Wednesdays from April until October, allows your scenic picnic to be an a la carte of the freshest foods of the local area.
I recommend picking up some spicy cheese bread at Stella's Bakery and trying one of the many delicious cheeses from the Brunkow Cheese of Wisconsin stand. You know what they say, ""When in Wisconsin, do as the Wisconsinites do.""
There are also a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and meat sticks to try. If the picnic is on the more romantic side, you can finish lunch by buying your date some flowers at the market or taking him or her on a tour of the Capitol.
If cheese, flowers and our stunning state Capitol can't win him or her over, then enjoy the plethora of cheese and beautiful scenery alone—it's worth it.
—Kelly Jelen
State Street Brats
603 State St.
Every sports guru knows State Street Brats is the best place to watch a game in Madison. You will likely find the most outrageous and enthusiastic die-hard Badger fans there.
If you are one of these crazed fans and love the outdoors, there is good news for you—Brats has an outdoor patio with two flat-screens, usually playing a major sporting event.
While sitting outside, you can enjoy one of their many brat options: red brat, white brat, double red brat, cheese curds or chicken wings. Don't forget beer to wash it all down.
While watching the game over a plate of some greasy cuisine, you can also eye the eclectic State Street crowds, which usually involves someone asking, ""Hey do you have a score?""
Beer, brats, cheese curds and Badger sports—it really doesn't get any more Wisconsin than that.
—Kelly Jelen
Lemonade Stands on State Street
Nothing signifies the arrival of warm weather like an old-fashioned lemonade stand. Neighborhood streets flood with kids trying to make a buck. We have our own version of these stands on Library Mall.
The colorful carts vending ethnic food also sell one of my favorite beverages—fresh squeezed lemonade. The bright lemons in the windows guarantee their product is not the powder many neighborhood kids resort to using. The central location allows me to quench my lemonade fix inbetween classes or after a failed attempt to sell back a recently found Econ book from last semester.
Library Mall provides its own entertainment. If you stay there long enough, you are bound to hear the tinkle of the Piccolo man, eavesdrop on a cell phone conversation or at least be approached by a religious group.
The tart lemonade and bustle of Library Mall are almost enough to make me forget about finals.
Almost.
—Emily Villwock
Monty's Blue Plate Diner
2089 Atwood Ave.
I have a friend who lives for greasy, butter-soaked Nitty burgers covered in high fructose corn syrup ketchup. I go there with her every year for her birthday and, being a vegan, I settle for a $6.75 bowl of tasteless iceberg lettuce, with some remnants of romaine and veggies.
For my birthday, when I have several meal options from the Sunroom CafAc, she has to settle for a chicken salad—but tells the waitress to hold the lettuce and the vegetables, which would just ruin good chicken.
However, a few weeks ago I discovered Monty's Blue Plate Diner, and it quickly became a favorite place to eat out with friends. The friendly, casual atmosphere at Monty's makes you feel like you are walking into a small-town diner.
The food alone is worth the venture off State Street. Monty's is one of the few restaurants where I can skip on the iceberg lettuce and try different options, such as the Vegan BBQ Pork Burger ($6.99), the Vegetarian Chili ($4.99) or the Tastes Like Chicken Tofu Wrap—hold the cheese and sour cream ($6.99). Some of their salads also contain ingredients known only to health-fanatics, such as bulgar and quinoa.
While accommodating vegetarians, Monty's also serves up breakfast all day, along with regular diner menu options such as hamburgers and sandwiches.
Customers can order their food to go and eat on the tables outside. Monty's also offers homemade desserts and ice cream, including two flavors of soy ice cream. It is located on a bike path, making it an ideal pit stop for a quick bite or a sugar-filled treat.
—Katie Vann
