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Best of Madison
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THE PEOPLE’S LOCAL FAVORITES
Vote for your local favorites
Who makes the best tacos? Where do you take a friend for coffee? Give your favorite local places a little recognition.
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Best TacosBest BurritoBest BurgerBest SeafoodBest PizzaBest BirriaBest BreakfastBest Asian RestaurantBest Bakery / PanaderíaBest Dessert / Ice CreamBest Food TruckBest Coffee ShopBest BarBest Brewery / TaproomBest Happy HourBest Live Music SpotBest PlumberBest ElectricianBest LandscaperBest HVAC / AC RepairBest RooferBest HandymanBest House CleaningBest Pest ControlBest General ContractorBest RealtorBest Auto Repair ShopBest Car Wash / DetailBest VeterinarianBest Pet GroomerBest DentistBest Gym / Fitness StudioBest BarberBest Hair SalonBest Nail SalonBest Massage / SpaBest Local ShopBest FloristBest Tattoo ShopBest Family ActivityBest Park or TrailBest Hidden Gem
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A starting point for exploring Madison
Explore a shortlist from our researched local directory. Each group explains how its places were selected. These suggestions are separate from the community votes above and do not represent a citywide award.
Each profile links to its sources. Ratings, where available, can change. Use the heart on a photo to save a place for later.
See your saved places →Local restaurants to get to know
Independent kitchens, neighborhood cafes and places for your next meal.
Selected from sourced Google ratings of at least 4.3 with 20 or more reviews, ordered by rating then review count.
Restaurant
Restaurant
Yako Sushi House
Yako Sushi House is a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar on Cottage Grove Road.
Restaurant
RED
RED is a restaurant located in Madison, Wisconsin, at 316 W. Washington Ave, Suite 100. The restaurant offers a menu that spans continents and goes beyond sushi, with a focus on using the highest quality ingredients…
Restaurant
Heritage Tavern
Heritage Tavern is a farm-to-table restaurant located in the heart of downtown Madison, offering an exquisite dining experience. The restaurant is owned by Dan Fox, Executive Chef, who has a passion for cooking and a…
Restaurant
Independent shops worth exploring
Browse locally rooted shops and find something beyond the usual chains.
An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.
Local shop
A-Mart Asian Grocery
A-Mart Asian Grocery is a grocery store on South Whitney Way.
Local shop
Agrace Thrift Home Store
Agrace Thrift Home Store is a thrift store on South Stoughton Road.
Local shop
Agrace Thrift Store | Madison East
Agrace Thrift Store | Madison East is a thrift store on East Springs Drive.
Local shop
Agrace Thrift Store | Madison West
Agrace Thrift Store | Madison West is a thrift store on Junction Road.
Antique store
Atomic Antiques
Atomic Antiques is an antique store located in Madison, Wisconsin, offering a unique shopping experience built around vintage style, character, and discovery. The store features a wide mix of antiques, furniture,…
Local shop
Badger Market
Badger Market is a convenience store on Langdon Street.
Make a day of it
Museums, galleries and cultural stops from our city directory.
An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.
Museum and cultural place
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is a cultural institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. It exhibits, collects, and preserves modern and contemporary art to provide transformative experiences that educate,…
Want a different neighborhood or cuisine? Search all 217 places in our directory →. These selections are not paid placements.