You’ll find seasonal dishes + signature ciders on the menu at Orchard. | Photo by @beckinasec
Looking for the next new restaurant hitting Madison’s food scene? Check out these buzz-worthy places to eat and drink in the Isthmus — plus, some spots coming soon.
New + noteworthy
Ashirwad Indian Restaurant | Dig into classics like chicken tikka masala, palak paneer, and lamb biryani inside this color-drenched sister restaurant to The Globe. The Windsor | This sprawling new hangout features room for 300 to dine inside, plus two patios, volleyball courts, and indoor and outdoor stages for live music.
Sern Sapp | From the family behind Lao Laan-Xang comes this new lunch spot serving pho, Laotian stir-fried noodles, spring rolls, crepes, and more.
Coming soon
Ba Lao | Ba Lao will serve banh mi sandwiches + boba tea to-go by day and transform into a vibey, intimate bar by night.
Pink Flamingo Brunch Cafe | Details about this new brunch restaurant in Downtown Madison are forthcoming, but the team is currently hiring.
Shakey Graves | 8 p.m. | The Sylvee | $50+ | Join the Texas-based musician on the 10th anniversary tour of his album “And The War Came.”
Friday, July 25
Emerald Eve Dinner | Friday, July 25-Saturday, July 26 | 5 p.m. | The Audrey Kitchen + Bar | $85+ | “Wicked” fans are in for a treat during this seven-course dinner inspired by the book, musical, and movie.
Saturday, July 26
AtwoodFest | Saturday, July 26-Sunday, July 27 | Atwood Avenue | Cost of purchase | One of Madison’s most beloved summer traditions is back, bringing three stages of live music, local shopping, and delicious eats to the Atwood neighborhood.
Sunday, July 27
Madonna vs. Gaga: A Drag Brunch Party | 10 a.m. + 1 p.m. | Lola’s | $19+ | Enjoy a special brunch menu while local queens pay tribute to two pop icons.
Monday, July 28
Live at Leopold’s | 7 p.m. | Leopold’s Books Bar Caffe | Free | Find a cozy nook in the bookshop to listen to Madison-based “gateway jazz” ensemble Feestet.
Tuesday, July 29
Brews & Q’s Taproom Trivia | 6:30 p.m. | Grey Market | Cost of purchase | Let’s get quizzical — bring up to five brainy friends for a night of discounted oysters, drink specials, and competition.
Wednesday, July 30
Concerts on the Square | 7 p.m. | Capitol Square | Free | It’s the last event of the summer, so settle in on the lawn for the final performance, “Shostakovich & Beethoven.”
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$12 million. That’s how much money The River Food Pantry raised for its new 32,500-sqft facility, plus efforts to expand access to food through existing programs. Construction on the new building is underway, and it’s expected to open in early 2026. (WMTV)
Open
A former Super 8 motel on Hayes Road has been transformed into Sandburg Studios, a 129-unit affordable housing community. Take a look inside the multi-million-dollar redevelopment, which features amenities like a fitness center, pool, and shared spaces. (Affordable Housing Finance)
Festival
Mark your calendar and secure your ticket, because the Madison Film Festival will return to the Bartell Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 23. The third annual event will showcase works by Wisconsin students as well as filmmakers from around the globe.
Development
Habitat for Humanity will break ground this fall on its first project in Watertown, which will feature six duplex-style homes for 12 families on land purchased from Madison Area Technical College. Applications for the units are open now. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Real Estate
Want to own a piece of Madison history? This “once-in-a-generation offering” — an 1866 home at 811 Jenifer St. once called the Holver Gabriel Residence — just hit the market. The property boasts views of Lake Monona, four bedrooms, and a storied past. (Wisconsin State Journal)
Try This
Ready to see your face on the big screen? A production team is seeking film extras in the Madison area. The movie will follow a group of teens in the summer of 1998 and be filmed locally between Monday, July 28 and Monday, Aug. 18. (Channel 300+ News)
Real Estate
Victory Homes of Wisconsin is redefining your weekend plans. Imagine strolling through beautifully-crafted model homes, open for your exploration every Saturday and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Whether you’re dreaming of a custom build or seeking inspiration, these homes offer a glimpse into endless possibilities. Take a tour.*
Biz
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Fun Fact
Amazon Prime isn’t all about fast shipping + streaming. Check out these nine hidden perks that will completely transform how you shop and save as a Prime member.*
Despite being the No. 1 myth about reverse mortgages, the lender never owns the home if the owner passes away — heirs still inherit it and any leftover equity. See how these top lenders can help retirees cover home improvements (and even other expenses) without dipping into retirement funds.*
Category
Plan Ahead
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Best known for her role as Meredith Palmer in “The Office,” Kate Flannery traded Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, Inc. for the Duck Pond this week when she threw the honorary first pitch.
Still need to check a Madison Mallards game off of your summer bucket list? Two upcoming games have playoff implications:
Tonight: It’s Women in Sports Night, featuring meet and greets with the National Champions Wisconsin Women’s Hockey team.
A deluxe four-piece lunch set by BENTGO, currently 20% off on Nordstrom Rack. Your meal prep dreams are about to realized with these stackable, divided lunch containers, built-in matching utensils, and a water-resistant pouch that keeps food warm or cool for hours.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
If you’re headed to Oshkosh this weekend for EAA AirVenture 2025, be sure to keep an eye out for the Goodyear Blimp. Only four of the semi-rigid airships still exist, and they’re celebrating their 100th birthday this year by journeying around the globe.
