06.05.2023

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Today’s Forecast

35º | Cloudy | 15% chance of sleet | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 4:39 p.m.

🐸 It’s easy eating green

Veg out: your guide to Madison’s vegan and vegetarian restaurants

A picture of a vegan BBQ sandwich with some French fries on a green checkered napkin.

Nothing beats a (vegan) burger and some fries. | Photo via Justveggiez | Justveggiez

Eating meat-free hasn’t always been easy, but in Madison, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake.

Our local food scene is as vibrant as ever, so it’s no surprise there are a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, vegetarian bites across town. From vegetarian barbecue to scrumptious vegan tacos, here are some restaurants serving up meat-free fare in the 608.

☕ Coffee shops

Black Locust, 829 E. Washington
This menu is equal parts vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore-friendly. Try this: The avocado toast is Instagram-worthy.

608 Black Locust — Black Locust’s avocado toast is almost too pretty to eat, almost. | Photo by 608today

Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery, 2827 Atwood Ave.
All food items are made from scratch, including the separate vegan menu. Try this: Don’t forget to save room for a cupcake.

🧁 Delicious desserts

Level 5 Donuts, 3241 Garver Green Ste. 140 (Pick-up only)
These donuts are a crowd-pleaser for vegans and omnivores alike. Try this: Cherry almond donut.

Fifth Scoop, (Order online or find at participating restaurants)
Vegans won’t be sequestered to a limited menu, all of the ice cream flavors are 100% plant-based. Try this: Tropical Birthday Cake.

🌱 100% vegetarian/vegan eats

The Green Owl, 1970 Atwood Ave.
Everything on this menu is vegetarian but can be made vegan upon request. Try this: Cajun tofu avocado melt.

608 Green Owl — The Green Owl is a SASY Neighborhood favorite. | Photo by 608today

Sookie’s, 502 State St.
Curb your burger craving at his spot that’s self-proclaimed as"100% plant-based, and tasty as hell.”

🍸 Date night

Jardin, 829 E. Washington Ave.
This is the perfect spot for a more upscale plant-based dining experience. Try This: The quesabirria is made with braised lion’s mane + wood ear mushrooms.

Himal Chuli, 318 State St.
Vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters can all enjoy this Nepalese spot before grabbing drinks on State. Try this: Don’t skip dessert, order the vegan peda.

More recs this way

Asked

Have you eaten at a local vegan or vegetarian restaurant recently?

A. Yes
B. No, but I have considered it
C. No

Let us know

Events

Monday, June 5

Our Town Everywhere| Monday, June 5 | 6:30 p.m. | Lakeview Library, 2845 N. Sherman Ave., Madison | Free | Join Lakeview’s summer artist-in-residence, Elias Mittelstadt, to be part of this self-portrait project.

Tuesday, June 6

Rooftop Yoga | Tuesday, June 6 | 5-6:30 p.m. | Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison | Free | This yoga class is perfect for all levels, with a focus on gentle movements and deep breathing.
Golf Classic 2023 | Tuesday, June 6 | 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Lake Windsor Country Club, 4628 Golf Rd., Windsor | $15-$600 | A portion of all funds raised will support scholarships for local high school students.

Wednesday, June 7

Cambria Hotel Grand Reopening | Wednesday, June 7 | 4-6 p.m. | 5045 Eastpark Blvd., Madison | Free | Stop by for a ribbon cutting, drinks, appetizers, and prizes.
Madison Mallards vs. Fond du Lac | Wednesday, June 7 | 6:05 p.m. | Warner Park, 2920 N. Sherman Ave., Madison | $6.08 | Bring your furry friends for some fun in the ballpark.

Thursday, June 8

Madison Night Market | Thursday, June 8 | 4-9 p.m. | State Street | Revel in Madison’s unique and inspiring creative culture at the second Night Market of the season.
Live and Local | Thursday, June 8 | 6-8 p.m. | Lisa Link Peace Park, 452 State St., Madison | Free | Local artists will perform in this outdoor performance nook located on State Street.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Sports

How the Mingos give back in Madison

Presented by a 608today Partner

Forward Madison FC players stand with a group of children in a park

Forward Madison cares about our community and positively impacting future generations of FMFC fans. | Photo provided by Forward Madison FC

You might commonly know them from catching a game at Breese Stevens Field, but now you can also catch Forward Madison FC’s players volunteering in our community.

The Mingos recently launched Forward For A Cause, in partnership with Exact Sciences, which allows players to volunteer on a weekly basis at places like:

The Neighboorhood House Community Center
Vera Court Community Center
Habitat for Humanity Re-Store

At every home match this season, Exact Sciences will sponsor a different local non-profit organization. This sponsorship will allow 18 different non-profits to promote their cause and participate in on-site fundraising at Forward Madison matches.

Bonus: Tickets will be donated to local, youth-focused non-profit organizations, giving the youngest members of our community a chance to watch the beautiful game.

Want to see the players that are volunteering in your community? Come to a Forward Madison match.*

Score tickets

News Notes

Awards

Round two of Best of Madison voting is upon us. Up to six top vote-getters in each category will advance as finalists. Voters are allowed one vote per category and voting closes on Friday, June 30. (Channel 3000)

Eat

Paisan’s is likely to make a comeback by next year, returning to the basement of Porta Bella after losing its previous location. The previous building will be demolished to make way for luxury apartments, with construction starting soon. (WKOW)

Plan Ahead

The Kujichagulia Madison Center for Self-Determination will host a Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 17 at Penn Park. The event will showcase Black resilience via performances, exhibits, music, and food. (Madison 365)

Community

The City of Madison promotes National Homeownership Month by urging residents to explore homeownership incentives. There are two free webinars this month — one for those considering homeownership, and one for homeowners.

Pets

The Dane County Humane Society provides tips to ensure pets’ safety during the hot weather. Experts recommend freezing treats, scheduling walks in the cooler mornings + evenings, and engaging pets in water activities for their well-being. (NBC 15)

Shop

It’s Pet Appreciation Week, and it’s a great time to celebrate your furry friends. From stylish collars and leashes by Major Darling to healthy treats by Botanical Bones, our online shop (Six & Main) features the perfect products for your pets.

Drink

Patriotically sip your way through Independence Day — and beyond

Frank Beer Distributors Smirnoff June 2023

No matter how you enjoy it, Smirnoff Ice Red, White & Berry is the perfect companion for celebrating the Fourth of July with friends and family.
| Photo by Cesar Gomez

Raise a glass Madison — this summer, we’re sipping on Smirnoff Ice Red, White & Berry. This festive drink combines the flavors of cherry, citrus, and blue raspberry, making it a refreshing and flavorful option for any summer party. Enjoy it:

Over ice
Mixed with lemonade or Sprite
Poured over vanilla ice cream to create a Smirnoff Ice Red, White & Berry float

Bonus: 608today readers can win an 18-can cooler bag with a built-in speaker to keep their Smirnoff ice cold all summer long.*

Enter the giveaway

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ally

From the editor

My best friend is vegan, (Hey, Europa) while I am not. We’re always on the hunt for spots that both of us can enjoy without them having to settle for a side salad. Sookie’s and Green Owl are two of our faves — the cocktails at Green Owl are amazing and reasonably priced for downtown + Sookie’s also carries Paleo Mama products (the Twix bars are a must-try).

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