As an alumna of UW-Madison, I’d like to think I know the area pretty well. But things have changed in the more-than-a-few years since I graduated.
To get a true insider’s look at the area, I caught up with Drake White-Bergey and Tyler Katzenberger, current UW-Madison students and the top editors at The Daily Cardinal. Here are a few of their favorite places, eats, and activities around the UW-Madison campus.
The Hidden Gems
If you want a good place to study, check out the School of Human Ecology. It's a really pretty building with cozy spots to get work done, plus it has an outdoor patio.
If you don't want to hit the books but instead are looking for an underrated drinks spot, check out The Library Bar — and don’t miss trivia nights on Tuesdays!
If you need to just get outside and soak up some sun, hit up Edward Klief Park. It's just south of Regent Street and it's a nice spot to play sand volleyball or throw a blanket down and enjoy a good book.
Where to Eat
Locally-owned places have the best food on State Street. Check out Mediterranean Cafe, Ruyi Hand Pulled Noodle, Chen's Dumpling House, and Paul's Pel'meni.
If you're on the west side of campus, waffles from Indie Coffee are perfect for breakfast.
Where to Drink
For drinks, nothing beats Plaza's atmosphere. It's a Madison icon and the spawn point for every main character on campus, plus it's queer-friendly and the drinks are cheap.
Otherwise, UU has $5 top-shelf drinks and free pizza (if you're there at the right time on Thursdays).
Leopold's on Regent Street offers fancy drinks at affordable prices with a side of smooth jazz. It's practically a modern speakeasy.
What to Do
See a show! University Theater puts on multiple student productions each season, and Hamel Music Center hosts concerts throughout the year showcasing student musicians. Shannon Hall also hosts plenty of iconic speakers and performers throughout the semester, too.
