City Cast Madison logo
Advertisement image

🧀 The Best Cheese Curds in Madison

Posted on August 15, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Hayley Sperling

Hayley Sperling

Wikimedia Commons

Wikimedia Commons

In Madison — and Wisconsin, if we’re being honest — you’re never more than a stone's throw away from a basket of cheese curds. But which curds stand out from the crowd? Here’s what you had to say.

The Fan Favorite

When it comes to classic curds, The Old Fashioned is the place to go. What makes them so good? The batter and the sauce are what keep visitors and locals coming back for more.

The Ones with a Twist

Not all curds are created equally, and that’s a good thing! These options stand out from the pack because of their unique twists.

We’ve all had cheese curds made from cow’s milk but have you ever tried goat cheese curds? Check them out next time you’re at the Tipsy Cow for a fun and delicious spin on the classic.

Tavernakaya might be known for its array of Asian cuisine but their tempura-battered cheese curds are a must-try.

Settle Down Tavern doesn’t technically have cheese curds on its menu but it does have cheese puppies. These bad boys are the love child of hush puppies and cheese curds and yes, they’re delicious.

The Food Cart Favorite

The Curd Girl food cart lives up to its name by offering some of the gooiest curds in town. Even if curds and homemade sauces aren’t your thing, at least stop by the cart to say hello to the team mascot Teddi.

Bonus: The Best Squeaky Cheese Curds

If you’re looking for good-old fashioned squeaky cheese curds (AKA not fried) check out Carr Valley, Hook’s Cheese Co., and Decatur Dairy.

Share article

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.
Advertisement image

Madison's Best

See All
Madison's BestApril 13

How to Celebrate Earth Day 2026 in Madison

Earth Day is personal for Wisconsin, because it was U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson who made it a national day to celebrate and promote environm...

A man in a plaid shirt peruses a rack of clothes.
Madison's BestApril 6

After ‘John Wick,’ Madison-Born Writer Wants Something ‘Normal’

Derek Kolstad may be best known for writing the first three "John Wick" movies. His latest action film, "Normal" starring Bob Odenkirk an...

A sheriff holding a gun is flanked by two other people.
Madison's BestApril 1

Your Guide to April 2026 in Madison

Along with the nicer weather comes the return of the Dane County Farmers’ Market to the Capitol Square on April 11.

A woman arranging purple and white flowers.
Madison's BestMarch 17

Where to Enjoy Classical Music in Madison

From the Madison Symphony Orchestra to the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, there are plenty of top-quality classical music groups in Madison...

A conductor in a black jacket waves a baton at musicians.
Madison's BestMarch 11

Where To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Madison

St. Patrick's Day is Tuesday, March 17, and there's lots of ways to get your Irish on in Madison, whether you want to catch an Irish band...

A woman sings while holding a piece of paper.
Madison's BestMarch 10

What To See At the 2026 Wisconsin Film Festival

The 2026 Wisconsin Film Festival takes place April 9 to 16 in Madison. Here's some of the movies that still have advance tickets availabl...

A group of people sitting at tables looking at papers.
Madison's BestMarch 9

Don’t Touch That Dial: Madison’s Coolest Community Radio Stations

If the Spotify algorithm has got you down, Madison's community radio stations want you to tune in. Powered by locals, often volunteers, s...

A white brick building.
Madison's BestMarch 3

How To Celebrate Women’s History Month in Madison

There are lots of ways to honor and highlight the achievements of women in Madison this month, from an all-star tribute show at the Majes...

A woman in a cave reaching out to a bat.

The latest in Madison