Here’s what you knead to know 🥯

Where to get a decent bagel in Madison, WI

You could eat something else, or you could get a bagel sandwich from Gotham. | Photo by 608today

Let’s drop the pretense, Madison’s bagel scene leaves a little something to be desired — never in terms of quality, but accessibility. According to Tripadvisor’s Top Bagels in Madison, three out of five locations are national chains.

We’re here to rise to the occasion + identify some of the 608’s most beloved shops still hand-rolling traditional bagels.

📚 First, some breakfast theory

Two of the three listed bake shops on this roundup sell “New York bagels.” What does that really mean though? According to the New York Times, they’ve got to be hand-rolled + boiled before baking to achieve that perfect, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside bagel.

🥯 Now, let’s eat

Bagels Forever | 2947 University Ave.
Mon.-Fri., 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. + Sat.-Sun., 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

This Madison classic bake shop opened its first location on University Avenue in 1973 + has been making bagels the old-school NY way ever since — hand-rolled, boiled, and hearth-baked.

Gotham Bagels | 112 E. Mifflin St.
Tues.-Sat., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. + Sun., 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Owner “Joey Bagels” is putting an end to the New York bagel water myth by creating that same top-notch, city-quality product right here in Madison. Pro tip: Don’t leave without a bagel sandwich piled high with lox + the works.

Origin Breads | 931 E. Main St.
Tues., 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. + Sat., 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Origin crafts naturally leavened sourdough goods using organic grains grown + milled in Wisconsin. Try a unique kind of sourdough bagel in flavors like plain, sesame, and everything.

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Today

Foraging Friday! | Fri., Oct. 14 | 10 a.m. | Pinney Library, 204 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison | Free | Join the MPL naturalist-in-residence to learn about the basics of foraging. 🍄
Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press | Fri., Oct. 14 | 8:30 p.m. | Majestic Theatre, 115 King St., Madison | $20 | Scream sing + jam out to your favorite 80s-00s hits.

Saturday

Hop Haus Beer Run | Sat., Oct. 15 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Hop Haus Brewing Company, 2975 Sub-Zero Pkwy., Fitchburg | $50 | Participate in a 5K run/walk and a 21+ Beer Mile. 🍻
Mad Science | Sat., Oct. 15 | 9:30 a.m. | Overture Center, 201 State St., Madison | Free | Prepare for tricks and treats as the theater is taken over by haunted science.

Sunday

UW Cinematheque | Sun., Oct. 16 | 2-3 p.m. | Chazen Museum of Art, 750 University Ave., Madison | Free | Screen the 1991 Stuart Gordon film “The Pit and the Pendulum.” 🎥
First Sunday Brunch | Sun., Oct. 16 | Cafe CODA, 1224 Williamson St., Madison | Free+ | Join jazz pianist Luke Leavitt for live music during Sunday brunch.

Monday

Open Mic Comedy Night | Mon., Oct. 17 | 7-10 p.m. | The Bur Oak, 2262 Winnebago St., Madison | Free | Hear five-minute sets from local comedians + find Madison’s best new talent. 🎤
Smarty Pints Trivia | Mon., Oct. 17 | 7-9 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | Free | Gather your team for an 18+ night of “The Office” themed trivia. 📝

We have a monthly 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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

50º | Cloudy | 20% chance of rain

Biz

Wisconsin’s Main Street Bounceback Grant Program approved 6,600 new local businesses + nonprofits to receive funding. Learn more or apply for the grant. (WKOW)

Health

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services + local schools are working together to support maternal and child health. $16 million in funding will be split amongst the Medical College of Wisconsin, UW-Madison, and DHS. (FOX 47)

Cause

Gilda’s Club is hosting a 5k run + two-mile walk to support the cancer community this Sun., Oct. 16. The event will commence at 10 a.m. leaving from Mead & Hunt located at 2440 Deming Wy. in Middleton. (NBC 15)

Civic

Leaves are falling, and they’re falling fast. Get in the loop + use this city tool to learn about handling yard waste and leaves this season.

Arts

A new mural was unveiled at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery at UW-Madison. The piece depicts the trajectory of science through the eras + features nine QR codes for viewers to interact with. (Channel 3000)

Feel Good

Know someone who needs a hand? The Wisconsin State Journal wants to help you help someone in your area. Locals aged 18 or under are invited to write in + recommend a friend of the community who could use a helping hand.

Community

Karben4Brewing is hosting its second annual Chili Cookoff and Brew-Off for a Cause. Show off your best home brew + help support Camp Createability in the process.

Plan Ahead

The Monroe Street Farmers’ Market has only three more dates lef’t for the 2022 season. Stop by to peruse bespoke goods, craft beverages, and of course, farm fresh produce.

Travel

A crackling campfire, sunsets by the lake, morning coffee on the dock — these are what fall getaways are made of. This getaway for two on a private lake in Minnesota has all that, plus a sauna.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Fall-ow us for a good time this weekend 🥧

Monona Fall Festival 2022

In case the pies go too quickly, check out Bloom Bake Shop for more dessert masterpieces. | Photo by @bloombakeshop

Continue welcoming the autumn season to Wisconsin during the Monona Fall Festival which starts tomorrow, Sat., Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. at Winnequah Park.

Check out this itinerary to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fall fun.

👟 Start the day with some movement, sign up for the Hoot Hoot Hustle — an 8K/5K/2K run + walk supporting locals school and parks departments.

🥧 Then bust out your secret family recipes for the main event: the outdoor pie-baking competition + tasting. Pies will be viewed from 10-11 a.m. followed by a sampling period while supplies last.

🎨 Peruse the arts + crafts sale showcasing works from local and regional artists. Pro tip: It’s never too early to start holiday shopping and the fall festival craft fair is great for stocking stuffers.

🎃 Entertain the whole family with hay wagon rides, pumpkin decorating, a petting zoo + ten other family-friendly activities.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ryan.

Editor’s pick: While “researching” the local bagel scene I treated myself to a Brighton Beach sandwich from Gotham + it was worth every penny. Pro tip: Get the super egg everything bagel + veggie cream cheese.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We explore how to volunteer in Madison.

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Editorial: Ally Geiger, Ryan Waldman, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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