While they’re not on today’s roundup, know that Settle Down Tavern is an honorable mention for the best 608 brunches. | Photo by @settledowntavern
In this town, brunchin’ ain’t easy but it’s necessary. Whether you’re on the hunt for fluffy eggs, fried chicken and waffles, or mind-blowing bloody marys, the options can get as overwhelming as the lines at times. 🍳
Luckily, you have us to scout things out. We listed a whole bunch of brunch options (12 total), along with menu recs, pro tips, and an interactive map to track ‘em. Plan your weekend and pour those mimosas.
Greasy Spoons 🥄
The Curve | Every day, 6 a.m.-1 p.m. | $ | The quintessential greasy spoon is as classic as it gets with bottomless coffee and cash-only payment.
Come Back In | Sat. + Sun., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | $ | Fuel up on the walleye and eggs before a game of in-house shuffleboard.
Fair Oaks Diner | Tues.-Sun., 7 a.m.-12 p.m. | $ | Enjoy this classic diner experience with options for plant eaters as well.
Parkway Family Restaurant | Every day, 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | $ | Large portions, small prices. This family favorite offers a quintessential diner experience.
Boozy Brunch 🥂
Full Mile | Sat. + Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | $$ | Try a flight of beer or seltzers brewed in-house, or stick to the classic brunch mimosa.
Jordan’s Big 10 Pub | Weekends, hours vary | $ | Classic pub grub and $10 bottomless mimosas. Plus, check its Facebook page for weekly specials.
Mickey’s Tavern | Sat. + Sun., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | $$ | This eclectic, cozy tavern keeps it simple for its weekend brunch with classics like eggs and burgers.
DLUX | Sat. + Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | Mimosas, bloody marys, and boozy shakes – plus, grab a bag of burgers to-go on your way out.
Editor’s picks 📝
Sardine | Sat. + Sun., 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. | $$$ | Elevated French breakfast cuisine meets the Lake Monona waterfront.
Everyday Kitchen | Wed.-Sun., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | $$ | You can’t go wrong here where the focus is on creating a hyper-local culinary experience.
Vintage Brewing Co. | Sat. + Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | $$ | The Capitol east location offers an extensive brunch menu and beer selection.
Marigold Kitchen | Sat. + Sun., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | $$ | Enjoy fresh-pressed juice and farm fresh eggs in the heart of downtown.
Acoustic Happy Hour | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 6-8 p.m. | Garver Feed Milll, 3241 Garver Green | Free | Enjoy a serenade on the Garver patio from the melodic fusion artist, Def Sonic. 🎶
Greenway Station Farmers Market | Thurs., Sept. 29 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Greenway Station, 1650 Deming Wy., Middleton | Shop farm fresh goodness + stock up on seasonal favorites for the fall. 🧺
Friday
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions | Fri., Sept. 30 | 8 p.m. | UW Field House, 1450 Monroe St. | $24+ | Cheer on the 7-3 Badgers volleyball program during this Big Ten matchup.
Verona Fall Fest | Fri., Sept. 30 | 4-10 p.m. | Hometown USA Festival Park, 111 Lincoln St., Verona | Free | Celebrate all things fall with hayrides, pumpkin patches + a petting zoo. 🍂
Saturday
The Roost Pop-up | Sat., Oct. 1 | 5-8 p.m. | Hidden Cave Cidery, 2500 N. Pleasant View Rd., Middleton | Price of purchase | Get your fix of homemade fried chicken and live music from Dearly Brearly + the Uncle Jim Band. 🍗
Fall Makers Market | Sat., Oct. 1 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 315 Park St., Sun Prairie | Join the community of makers, artisans + small businesses for a day of outdoor shopping, live music, and local eats. 🎨
Sunday
Live Jazz Series | Sun., Oct. 2 | 2-4 p.m. | The Cider Farm, 8216 Watts Rd. | Hear a set from David Irwin, a local guitarist with almost five decades of musical experience.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
National Coffee Day. Feel the buzz + take advantage of a free medium-brewed coffee at Colectivo(with another purchase). Keep reading to see where we’re celebratingor check out our itinerary for a 608 coffee crawl. Cheers, Madison. ☕
Development
Food Fight Restaurant Group — the Madison-based hospitality team known for Bar Corallini + Canteen — is opening a new restaurant. II Cervo will open atop the new Trade Hotel located at 420 W. Juneau Ave. in Milwaukee serving Italian fare. 🏗️
Health
Two clinicians in the UW System broke ground on a new technique to treat pediatric cancer. The technique — intra-arterial chemotherapy — was first developed in Japan and is now being offered at the UW hospital. (Channel 3000)
Opening
Halloween shops are making their annual return to the Madison area. From classics like Spirit Halloween to hardcore shops like Dapper Cadaver, check out these festive retailers to welcome spooky season in the 608. 🎃 (Madison.com)
Sports
Throw it back, Pack. This month, the Green Bay Packers will wear 1950s-inspired green and gold uniforms. Catch the Packers bringing the classic look back to Lambeau on Sun., Oct. 16 against the Jets. 🏈 (Channel 3000)
We want to make sure that you’re catching all the sports coverage you need to join the conversation. As the fall season gets going, tell uswhat kind of sports content you want to see in 608today. By completing the survey, you’ll be entered in a drawing for a chance to win team-branded swag up to $100 in value.
Madisonian
Meet Frankie + Lloyd, two new additions to the Dane County Parks Department. Together, these two goats will be responsible for helping clear out invasive species in the Halfway Prairie Wildlife Area. 🐐 (NBC 15)
Community
Exclusive birthday deals, shoutouts on our member wall, insider information from our team, discounts from ouronline shop — that’s just a few of the perks you get when you join the 608today Membership Program. Learn more + sign upfor this new way to support local journalism. 💻
Show
NYC-based comedian Ashley Gavin is coming to the Isthmus. See the stand-up performer, TikTok sensation + Netflix star live at Comedy on State in late October.
Plan Ahead
Join Brix Cider + friends for the annual apple haul taking place on Sat., Oct. 15. Help harvest apples from 9-11:30 a.m. and contribute to the team making zero emissions cider. 🍎
Travel
Have you ever dreamt of staying in a castle? This fortress in uptown Waco, TX is fit for royalty(at an affordable price) and is only a few blocks from the Silos. If you’re willing to splurge a little, this castle-like mansion on Lake Travis (close to Austin, TX) is the way to go.*
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Dog watching + latte art. What can’t Wonderstate Coffee do? | Photo by @pauline_le_higgins
Feeling a little lethargic after all that brunch talk? Us too. Nothing fights the post-meal slump like a little pick me up — we’re talking java as today, Thurs., Sept. 29, is National Coffee Day.
For someone whose phone eats (drinks) first
Poindexter Coffee Shop, 601 Landon St. (inside the Graduate Hotel) Grab a classic drip or specialty drink from this lobby-level café. Pro tip: You’ll want some aesthetic photos to show for your coffee crawl, and this is the place to snap them.
For someone who actually just wants to dog-watch
Wonderstate Coffee, 27 W. Main St. The centrally located coffee house sees more foot traffic than almost any other cafe in town — much of which brings Fido along for the java run.
For someone looking to cozy up with a cup
Mother Fool’s Coffeehouse, 1101 Williamson St. This Willy Street boho-chic coffee shop is a perfect venue to host an afternoon of espresso accompanied by a good book + other bites sourced from local Madison eateries.
Editor’s pick: Today the 608today team grabbed morning coffees from Lakeside St. Coffee House. Ryan sipped on an iced oat milk latte + I opted for the dirty chai. What’s your order?Let us know.
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