Hey Madisonians, Ryan + Audrey here. Between the two of us, we get the privilege of sharing local news, events, and conversations with 57,000+ readers in Madison, daily — here, and on our socials .
After three months of bringing you 608today, we thought we should formally introduce ourselves. Consider this us going in for a fist bump, then switching to a handshake, then settling on a hug.
Meet Ryan 🤠
Q: Describe your perfect day in Madison in the length of a Tweet (240 characters)
A: Group ride with the bike team at Machinery Row Bicycles , post-ride beers at Essen Haus , a lunch feast at Banzo Mediterranean, an unnecessary trip to REI + end the day off with a sunset at Monona Terrace or James Madison Park .
Q: You can only choose one local restaurant menu to bring with you to a deserted island — which one is it + why?
A: Mint Mark — 1929 Winnebago St. I love a restaurant with a small menu that picks a few things and masters them. Mint Mark has only 12 dinner items available, not including dessert. From the cultured butter + honey biscuit to the steak frites, this Willy Street institution simply does not miss.
Q: If you could only write about one Madison-specific topic for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Bikes. Road bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes + more. If its got two wheels — and no motor — I’m interested. Madison is a haven for cyclists of all kinds. Our local bike shops and group ride atmosphere are second to none, supporting commuters and endurance athletes all the same.
Meet Audrey 🎉
Q: Describe your perfect day in Madison in the length of a Tweet (240 characters)
A: A walk to Gotham Bagels for a Brighton Beach sandwich, coffee from Wonderstate , hiking at Devil’s Lake State Park + a treat from Culver’s on the way home. Maybe catch the sunset over Lake Mendota.
Q: What secret menu item from a local restaurant are you kinda wanting to keep secret, but also kinda wanting to share with the city?
A: This might be an open secret, but Short Stack Eatery ’s blind special is one of my favorites on the weekend. All you know is whether it’s sweet or savory + you take a gamble on your breakfast. Pro Tip: You can call to ask if it’s vegetarian-friendly.
Q: You’re taking someone on a date in Madison. Where are you going?
A: In the evening, the vibes at Gibs Bar on Willy St. are immaculate. I think I’d start there for drinks and work our way over to Atwood for dinner at Bar Corallini . If it’s during the day, we’re grabbing coffee from the Union and walking along the Lakeshore path.