If you like spicy margaritas and craft beer, you’ll love The Mason Lounge. | Photo by @johngreenler
With the holiday season approaching alarmingly fast, a night out can be therapeutic but expensive. Here are a few options that will leave enough cash in your pocket for buying holiday gifts.
đź‘– Get the look
While department stores are great in a pinch, let’s explore some options that are more sustainable — for your wallet and the environment.
Upshift | Indecisive? Bring a bag of your unwanted clothes + fill up a new bag for a flat fee of $30. Be sure to take advantage of the complimentary wine.
Pink Poodle | 608today reader Nancy G. suggests this consignment store for its carefully curated collection of both men’s + women’s clothing.
🍸 Drink up
With specials galore + a seemingly endless variety of options, finding affordable drinks in the 608 is relatively easy.
Mason Lounge | Craft beers, handmade cocktails, and an eccentrically cozy interior — this bar is home to the best spicy marg in town, according to City Editor Ally.
Caribou Tavern | If you know, you know. Dating back to the 60s, this classic neighborhood bar hosts a crowd of regulars that will instantly make you feel at home.
🍽️ Let’s eat
Madison is full of high-end eateries + cheap bar food. Some of its gems, however, fall somewhere in between.
La Kitchenette | With an average cost of $16 a plate, this spot offers French cuisine that won’t break the bank.
Ha Long Bay | An extensive menu + large portions allows patrons to grab a few apps and split an entree with no risk of leaving hungry.
🎠Entertainment
Sporting events, music shows, and shopping in the city can get expensive. Here are some options that will leave less of a dent in your wallet.
Comedy on State | Enjoy one of the best open mics in the country with no drink minimum + specials cheaper than the entry fee of $5.
Bolz Conservatory | Escape from the cold to this tropical conservatory filled with exotic plants, a rushing waterfall, and free-roaming quails. For only $6, it’s a great way to kick off your night.
A. The outfit: look good, feel good B. Drinks: letting loose after a long week is crucial C. Dinner: food can make or break the evening D. Entertainment: there’s no such thing as too many activities
Big Astronomy | Monday, Nov. 21 | 6-7 p.m. | MMSD Planetarium, 201 S. Gammon Rd., Madison | $2.50 | Explore the current night sky along with many astronomy concepts during this full-dome film experience.
Tuesday, Nov. 22
Annual Pie Sale | Tuesday, Nov. 22 | 10 a.m.-2:45 p.m. | Meadowridge Library, 5726 Raymond Rd., Madison | Free+ | Stop by + stock up on fresh pies just in time for Thanksgiving. 🥧
Wednesday, Nov. 23
Jumptown Swing Dance | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 8-10:30 p.m. | The Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave. Ste. 105, Madison | $5 | Hop to it and grab a partner to do some mid-week dancing.
Thursday, Nov. 24
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibition | Thursday, Nov. 24 | Greenway Station, 1650 Deming Way, Middleton | $40+ | Surround yourself with Van Gogh’s work while this limited-time exhibit visits Madison. 🌻
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.
You can’t go wrong with essentials made right. | Photo by The Ridge
Ready to find the perfect holiday gift? Get up to 40% off the Ridge Wallet and other essential gear. This well-built, minimalist, RFID-blocking wallet is a slim, front-pocket wallet option that is perfect for your everyday carry. Every order ships free (with a 99-day return window), and includes a lifetime warranty.
Our opinion? Nothing makes more sense than a gift so useful that he’ll keep it on him every single day. *
Road closures that were intended to end over the weekend have been extended. The intersection of John Nolen Dr., Blair St., Wilson St. + Willy St. will continue nightly closures today and tomorrow. â›” (WKOW)
Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway announcedErin Hillson as the Director of Human Resources for the City. Erin hopes to help facilitate an innovative, inclusive and thriving community.
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced Sunday that she will campaign for a second term. Rhodes-Conway was first elected in 2019, taking over for Paul Soglin. (Channel 3000)
Number
$757 million. This is the amount of money the University of Wisconsin-Madison Athletics department generates a year, making them a heavy hitter in contributing to the state’s economy. (Cap Times)
Learn
Babbel — a premium, subscription-based language learning platform — is offering 608today readers up to 55% off subscriptions to learn a new language(in just three weeks). Choose from 14 languages and learn through bite-sized, 10-minute sessions that focus on everyday phrases + relevant topics. 🗺️ *
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
There have been talks of a Madison Public Market for years — but with obstacles such as rising construction costs and the pandemic, funding from the City has been stalled.
At long last... The county’s 2023 budget, including $4.5 million in additional funding for the Madison Public Market project to move forward, has been approved by Madison Common Council.
So, what now? With the necessary funding finally approved, the market is projected to open its doors in early 2024, a bit of a delay from the initial hope of a 2021 opening. The corner of North First St. + East Johnson
The Madison Public Market hopes to serve as an incubator for small businesses — with a focus on minority-owned businesses — to grow + accelerate. Affordable rent and commercial-grade kitchen spaces could support vendors in serving 500,000+ potential customers every year.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Ally.
Editor’s pick: I took a walk down Picnic Point this weekend. While it’s a popular summer spot, the falling snow added a nice touch to the view.
Missed our last newsletter? We put together a holiday gift guide for you.
Connect with us.
Editorial:Ally Geiger, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.