The other day a friend of mine said, You know, I'd really like to read a list of your favorite places to eat in Madison.""
To prove how wrong my friend was, I decided to write this. Meals at the restaurants below are all around or under $10, because money and I aren't that serious right now. I mean, we're seeing each other, but not exclusively.
Laredo's, 694 S Whitney Way, (608) 278-0585
While Casa de Lara and Frida Mexican Grill get all the campus love when it comes to Madison Mexican food, Laredos' is far superior any day. That even means you, Tuesday. The food is subtly rich in flavor, and unlike some other local Mexican joints, they actually give you a huge helping of food in one meal. Burritos come with plenty of beans and rice - enough to keep you eating well past the point of pain. In addition, the prices are cheaper than either of the above mentioned restaurants, and the pre-meal chips are to die for. I can't get enough of this place. I would say it's more authentic than any other Mexican restaurant in town - excluding La Hacienda. However, I'm Irish and German, so I would have no idea what I'm talking about when it comes to authentic Mexican food.
The Old-Fashioned, 23 N Pinckney St., (608) 310-4545
This is a great place to eat because it's so close to my house. Maybe it's close to yours, too. Part of the fun of eating here is you can refer to the restaurant as ""the old fascist"" to amuse yourself and others. Aside from that, this place has delicious food. Fried egg on a cheeseburger, anyone? Didn't think so, but you'll get it here anyway. They really go all out on the traditionally lame grilled cheese, imbuing it with red peppers and various local cheeses. And finally, get their cheese curds. They are the best I've ever had.
Brocach Irish Pub and Restaurant, 7 W Main St., 608-255-2015
Are you kidding me? You haven't been here? Go now. It's the best place in town. Unless you're a vegetarian, then don't even bother going. The shepherd's pie is a life-affirming experience. This meal consists of ground lamb mixed up with mashed potatoes, as in ""Po-tay-toes. Boil 'em, mash 'em, stick 'em in a stew,"" and carrots, peas and onions. The fish n' chips is the best of its kind within a 10-mile radius - believe me, I double-checked this one - and the bangers and mash allows you to order something where you have no idea what you're getting before it's plopped down in front of you.
Caspian Café, 610 University Ave., (608) 259-9009
The best Mediterranean food in town is here, though most don't know it - yet - or, maybe ever. Regardless, all the food here is made lovingly each morning by the couple who owns and runs it, and from the taste of the food, they know what they're doing. The cuisine is also very vegan friendly. The hummus platter is killer, and the daily specials keep you coming back for things like lamb sautéed in pomegranate sauce. They have warm bread, too, just like the kind your mother might have made had she not been addicted to meth.
Dotty Dumpling's Dowry, 317 N Frances St., (608) 259-0000
The best burgers in town are here. Again, don't bother if you're a vegetarian. They serve the juiciest beef in town, and though nothing on their menu confounds expectations, what more do you want? They've got the goods to make you go, ""Damn! That is a tasty burger."" The french fries are also delectable, but unfortunately you have to order them separately. Good Cokes, too.
Vientiane Restaurant, 626 S Park St., Madison, (608) 257-2613
Guess what? Madison Chinese food sucks, with few to no exceptions. However, it does offer a variety of other fantastic Asian restaurants, among which this is one. The menu is Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian, but all you need to know is that it also falls into the category of ""delicious."" I would recommend anything with the curry sauce or Udon noodles. Watch out though - eager beaver - because when they say spicy, they aren't yanking your chain. Also, if you see my Jameson Irish Whiskey hat there, please let me know at the e-mail address below.
State Street Brats, 603 State St., (608) 255-5544
Just kidding. This place sucks.
Do you disagree with Joe's picks? Let him know at jblynch@wisc.edu.
