It's only Tuesday, but I'm already thinking about Friday. Friday means fish fries, Old-Fashioneds and fun with friends in Wisconsin.
If you're staying away from brown liquor and fried food, maybe Friday means instead a bougie/boujee (?) salad and a vodka soda.
Whatever your taste, trend or temperament, boy do I have some ideas for you for this weekend!
But wait, why am I qualified to give you advice?
I am a Wisconsin fanatic who has worked in the service industry and reports on the hospitality industry as my profession. My bank tells me that I spend nearly 50 percent of my income on "food and drink." I understand that my spending habits don't prove that I have great taste... but that's what this blog is for!
So, let's get started.
One of my favorite places to go in Madison is Liberty Station. This American-style restaurant is on Rimrock Road near the Alliant Energy Center. It's actually the only place in that area to grab lunch or a drink after work. And they opened up during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I picked Liberty Station as a March destination because sometimes the weather allows for sitting on their patio. Other times, you'll find comfort indoors either at the bar, in a comfy booth, high table or next to the wood-fire flames. No matter where you sit, the service is amazing!
The aesthetic is so classy, but you can literally dress for your day and feel comfortable. One time, I wore a dress. Another time, I wore paint-stained jeans and a sweatshirt because I was painting my house and wanted a fancy drink.
I was there three times in their first week open and several times since. You can bet I was eating ramen noodles for a few days after that little excursion. But if you do it right, eating their brisket quesadilla (burnt ends, pepper jack cheese, roasted poblano, housemade pico and sour cream) and enjoying a Brandy Old-Fashioned Sweet doesn't have to break the bank.
I live for the Liberty Station happy hour. They have $5 cocktails and $5 or $10 apps and snacks. Grab a friend, a coworker or your mom and have a drink, a bite and a laugh.
A less regular destination in Madison to live it up for the evening is Tornado Steakhouse. I've been here -- located just off of the Capitol Square -- a few times. I would give it $$$$$ on Google. The service is faultless (as it should be given the price) but really they always make me feel so special.
The night starts off with veggies on ice, loaves of bread -- yes loaves -- an amazing, rich appetizer and soup or salad. You will be filled to the brim before you even order your entrée. Use this special night at Tornado to order something you've never had before whether it be Coquille Saint Jacques, frog legs or escargot.
Then, the entrée comes. You really can't go wrong. Tornado Steakhouse is known for its steaks (obvs), but the rabbit -- yes the Easter bunny -- is amazing. I've also had the pork tenderloin... even more amazing.
By this time, I'm definitely getting hot cheeks from the bottle of red wine I'm sharing with my significant other. Order a bottle of wine. I always order the cheapest cabernet sauvignon because cab is always yummy and the price of wine doesn't always determine the quality and taste. Ask any sommelier. Furthermore, if you're in your early twenties like me, I don't think a $35 bottle is "too cheap" for you.
Ah yes, your tummy is about to burst by now because you can't stop taking one more bite of your sweet, cherry-glazed tenderloin. So, you order dessert!
We all love chocolate, which is served in cake, mousse, ice cream, EVERY form at any restaurant. So try something new! It's March. It's spring. Let's lighten it up.
I ordered pineapple upside down cake at Tornado (above). It was served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and I've never been more in love. It's an American classic that's served in an American-sized portion. After boxing up all that you could not eat, you should have enough food for the entire next day.
I suggest Tornado in March because it's my birthday month and so it was okay to spend an abnormal amount of money on dinner. It's also more of an inside place to eat to really get that high-end feel, so why waste a good day inside -- go in the rain or snow or whatever precipitation decides to fall in March.
Are you ISO a dive bar? Not necessarily a dive, but taking things back to just one $?
Murphy's Bar and Restaurant, a northside treasure, is a great place to catch a game, throw a dart and own the jukebox. It's dirt cheap, the service is great, the people are nice and you'll have a good time no matter the occasion.
They get so busy on Fridays for fish fry, so avoid the rush! They've also got prime rib featured on Saturday and they serve great pizza.
Because I'm ~sometimes~ watching my figure, I usually order a side salad and a piece of fish on Fridays. When it's not Friday (and they don't serve fish), I order a wrap or one of their signature salads.
It's nights at Murphy's when I go back to my college beverage: Malibu and whatever. If it's going to be a long night out, I go for a sugar-free Red Bull and a shot of Tito's.
Always ask the bartenders their favorites! They'll make you all sorts of fun shots or drinks if they're not too busy.
Finally, my last recommendation for this month is in Middleton. I owe this find to the Madison Pub Pass (above).
Craftsman Table & Tap is a great little spot that makes you feel classy AF even when you don't feel you are. ;)
Like I said, I have to thank Madison Pub Pass for this one. Pub Pass is like a beer passport. I bought my boyfriend the pass for Valentine's Day. It gives you 25 free beers each at a different location. This month we used it for the first time at Craftsman, one of the places listed in the passport.
So, he got a free beer while I devoured the cocktail menu. It was amazing.
I'll be honest with you that the salad and cheese spread snack I ordered were not to die for. What was the VERY BEST was Craftsman's deviled eggs and coconut cake. Go. Go there, and order those things.
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