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City Cast Madison

The latest on the hottest places to eat, drink, socialize, and talk about in Madison.

Rob Thomas

Fall means the return of Oktoberfest and, against the odds, Madison’s Essen Haus will be celebrating the German beer festival again in 2026.

The beer hall and restaurant at 514 E. Wilson St., 

will host its Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 12

, with live music both inside and outside the bar and German beer and food specials all day.

But a few years ago, that didn’t seem to be in the cards. Several attempts have been made by developers to tear down the Essen Haus and the Come Back In next door for a mixed-use development. Another 

proposal from Lotus Development is awaiting city approval

. But, for now, the Essen Haus remains and the beer taps keep flowing.

Raise a glass (or a boot) to the Essen Haus’ long history and the many times it has escaped the wrecking ball.

In the 1800s, East Wilson Street was located just a few blocks from the city’s first train station and became a haven for German workers and travelers who came to Madison. But the neighborhood soon fell into disrepair, with a reputation for transient hotels and houses of ill repute.

Bob Worm bought several properties in the 500 block

, taking over the Come Back In and the Up North Saloon and opening the Essen Haus in 1982 and Hotel Ruby Marie. [Essen Haus]

🏗️ The Many Plans to Tear Down the Essen Haus

Plans to raze the Essen Haus have dated back over 20 years, and somehow it’s stayed standing. Here’s a timeline:

Developers offered to buy the property from Worm

 and build a 16-story mixed-used development, but that plan was withdrawn after opposition from neighbors and city officials.

: The developers came back with a scaled-back plan for an eight-story development with condos, retail and parking, but that fell through.

: Worm announced he was working with Kothe Real Estate Partners 

on a plan that would demolish the Essen Haus and Come Back In

 buildings, but relocate those establishments in a new development on the block that would also include a hotel and housing. But the concept never took off.

: Developer Lance McGrath announced plans to raze the Essen Haus and several buildings around it to 

build a five-story development called “The East End”

 that would include 153 apartments, commercial space, and parking. That deal also fell through in what McGrath at the time called a “long, messy story.”

JCap Real Estate of Eau Claire proposes redeveloping the block

 for a six-story, 100-room hotel and an eight-story apartment building while preserving some of the facades of the historic buildings. That plan received an initially positive reaction from the neighborhood, and got far enough along that the Essen Haus announced that it was closing in August 2024.

But as the project was delayed, the Essen Haus kept its doors open, and the JCap plan eventually was cancelled. [🔒WSJ]

Now there’s another development proposal on the table. 

Lotus Company is proposing a $40 million project

, similar to the JCap idea, that would feature 198 lower-cost apartments across two buildings and a hotel and restaurant. Facades from buildings such as the Come Back In would be preserved.

If Lotus gets approval from the city, construction would start next July, with completion in July 2029. [WKOW]

Celebrate Oktoberfest 2026 at Madison's iconic Essen Haus on Saturday, Sept. 12! Enjoy a full day of live indoor/outdoor music, German beer, and food specials at this beloved beer hall that continues to defy development odds.

Raise a Stein to Madison’s Endangered Essen Haus

How the Essen Haus Has Avoided the Wrecking Ball...So Far

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Madison. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Madison Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Madison has two Restaurant Weeks and a Black Restaurant Week – 

now it’s time for a Halal Restaurant Week

. Running Sept. 4-13, the inaugural event showcases Madison restaurants that will offer alternatives to their usual menu items prepared in the Muslim halal tradition.

Here are the details on Halal Restaurant Week.

Halal is Arabic for “allowed” or “permissible,” and covers a variety of practices for followers of the Islamic faith. 

But in the context of dining it refers to specific food and dietary restrictions

. For example, pork and alcohol must be excluded, and animals who are used in halal food must be slaughtered in a specific ritual tradition. It’s similar to the Jewish practice of keeping kosher, although the rules can differ between individuals. [WebMD]

While Muslims can find halal food throughout the year at certain restaurants, Bushra Zaibak 

said she started “Eat Halal Milwaukee” to expand the amount of available options

 for halal food to burger restaurants, Mexican restaurants, and more. She got the idea after her son asked to go out for burgers instead of the usual shawarma. [Madison365]

These eight Madison restaurants are taking part in Halal Restaurant Week. Note that, unlike Madison Restaurant Week, these restaurants won’t have special menu items for the week, but instead will be offering halal-certified alternatives to its regular menu items.

Once Halal Restaurant Week is over, make sure to check out 

this list of Madison restaurants that serve halal-certified food

 year round. [UW-Madison Muslim Students Association]

Madison’s first-ever Halal Restaurant Week runs Sept. 4-13. Discover local restaurants offering special menu options prepared in accordance with the Muslim halal tradition.

How to Celebrate Halal Restaurant Week in Madison 

Where To Eat Halal in Madison

Each month, we run down the best new restaurants in the Madison area that have either opened or announced plans to open in the near future. If you know of any that we missed, drop us a line at 

The name may be giving copy editors headaches, but the new restaurant on Monroe Street is drawing a lot of attention. Opening Aug. 28 in the former Kettle Black Kitchen space, Sara Anderson and her co-owner and son-in-law, Chef Christopher Lund, are bringing back some old faves while introducing new contemporary Latin dishes.

This Italian restaurant chain has set a Sept. 2 opening date for its first Wisconsin location at Hilldale in the space that was formerly Amara, offering wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and “garlic knot sliders.”

This new Chinese restaurant opened in the Enson Market on University Avenue, offering build-your-own-bowls with a variety of broths, meats, and add-ons.

Having its soft opening this week at 203 W. Gorham St., this new restaurant promises authentic pho and banh mi, as well as Vietnamese coffee and lemon tea.

This new pizza spot opened Wednesday in the Discovery Building, featuring pinsa pizzas, a Roman-style flatbread. The restaurant will offer four rotating kinds of pizza – September’s limited offering will be prosciutto, fig, and arugula.

This pizza spot just opened in the former location of Ben’s on Water Street, offering 12-inch Neapolitan pizzas baked in a brick stone oven, from margherita and pesto pizzas to the bacon-and-jalapeno “Nfaf Special.”

There aren’t many details about the restaurant going into the first floor of this boutique hotel opening early 2027 in the century-old Churchill Building on the Capitol Square. But folks can get excited knowing there’s at least one big name at the helm — 

Milwaukee chef and “Top Chef” contestant Dan Jacobs

Based on the long lines outside on opening day, Verona is starving for mac ‘n’ cheese pizza and the other unusual slices 

at this Madison favorite’s latest outpost

This Minneapolis favorite just opened its first Madison location on Frances Street, and should do well with the campus crowd with its mix of pizza, cheesesteaks, and “Frankie Tender Combos.”

One of Madison’s favorite breakfast spots, Marigold Kitchen, 

has added sit-down service to its catering kitchen space

 at 1511 Williamson St. Grab a stool at the counter and enjoy a breakfast sandwich or berry French toast sticks.

New York bagels will meet brewed Indian chai in this restaurant planned for the corner of Gorham and Henry streets. 

The owner told the Wisconsin State Journal

 that Dasta should open sometime this fall.

I’m not sure if there’s any connection to the terrific Haveli restaurant that closed recently in Fitchburg, but this new restaurant also offers classic Indian cuisine such as chicken biryani and salmon tikka.

The former Good Company restaurant at the Pioneer Pointe Golf Club is now Thirteen, offering smash burgers, pizzas, sheet pan nachos and more. And you don’t need to know your 9-iron from your 3-wood to eat there!

The former Jing Jing Cha tea and coffee shop on West Gilman Street is now this small sushi restaurant, which opens at 5 p.m. and stays open until the wee hours.

The owners of this Oshkosh Vietnamese restaurant say they’ve 

signed a lease to open another location on Farwell Street in McFarland

After you’re done grocery shopping at the Brennan’s Market on Watts Road, hang out in this new space that includes a patio, full-service bar, and fire pits. They serve sandwiches, salads, and cheese boards along with glasses of wine and classic cocktails.

This Raising Cane’s-style chicken restaurant chain is opening its third Wisconsin (and first Madison) location on Mineral Point Road, fittingly in a former KFC location.

The Arkansas-based drive-thru-only coffee shop chain 

opened its first Madison location on Lien Road

 near East Towne Mall, purporting to offer 22,000 drink combinations.

This new ice cream shop opened on Sun Prairie’s Main Street

, bringing “elevated nostalgia to the cone” with traditional flavors like vanilla and chocolate and more unusual ones, like Calico Coffee made with cold brew from 

. They also serve several dirty sodas (which they call “magic sodas”).

This pop-up bakery sells sweet Mediterranean-inspired treats

 at farmers’ markets and special events around town, such as the Madison Night Market. The menu includes fruit mousse cake and homemade Dubai chocolate.

Enjoy the flavors of South Asia, including ready-to-eat meals, fresh vegetables, beverages, desserts, and more at this new spot at 6704 Watts Rd. They’re having their grand opening on June 29 with complimentary sweet tea, butter tea, and snacks.



The long-awaited taproom and brewery in DeForest

 has an official opening date – tomorrow! They’re celebrating the launch of the 6,500-square foot space on May 29, which includes a full kitchen, with some typically normal Young Blood beers – a bourbon-barrel aged espresso stout and a pineapple upside-down cake inspired pastry sour.

This coffee shop has opened inside the Hotel Indigo on East Wash, with a summer menu that includes Dubai chocolate iced lattes and bakery goodies.

, this new spot adds meat options to the vegan space. Chef James Bloodsaw prides itself on its gluten-free fried chicken wings and cheese curds, along with salads, jerk chicken, mac & cheese, and more.

Not only do we have a firm opening date for the 

 (July 23 – squee!) but two new food vendors have been announced. Little Tibet, a longtime favorite for its Himalayan and Tibetan food, will be opening a “kitchenette” in the market. Fortune Favors, the Madison candied pecan business, will also have a presence at the market.

The food hall on West Wilson Street has opened two new vendors, a coffee shop called Social Grounds and a sushi spot called Mizu. And you can enjoy both while overlooking Lake Monona on the food hall’s new outdoor space, The Promenade.

This regional coffee chain is coming in hot to the Madison area, 

announcing on Instagram that it will open two spots

 on State Street and Middleton sometime in 2026. The menu combines hot and cold coffee drinks with cakes, macaron and other sweet treats.

Mint Mark has opened its own outdoor cocktail bar on the sixth floor of the building it occupies on East Washington Avenue, where you can have a drink and enjoy the view or wait for your table downstairs.

 tucked away in the former home of Black Rose Blending has rolled out gradually, with coffee and a limited menu that includes raclette and tins of fish. But on April 29 they kicked it up a notch with a full food menu and beer, wine and spirits.

The coffee shop that serves Garver Feed Mill just opened its first standalone location 

in the former home of Calnin Design Studio

. While Ledger focuses on the quality of its coffee, it’s hoping to sell pastries from local faves like Level 5 Donuts.

This month’s list of the area’s best new restaurants includes a new outpost for a wildly popular local pizza chain, a new sushi spot near campus, and a new Indian restaurant in Verona.

Madison’s Best New Spots to Eat and Drink

The Best New Restaurants in Madison

Blackened mahi-mahi from Jolly Bob’s. A morning bun from Ovens of Brittany. A She-meh-neh late-night burrito from Burrito Drive. And, as of last month, 

These are just a few of the Madison dishes that now live on only in our memories, as the restaurants that once served them are now long gone. On 

, the team commiserated about the restaurants, bars, and cafes that we still miss. It’s a healing process, trust me.

Pour One Out for Madison’s Best Bygone Bars and Restaurants

We also asked our readers and listeners to share their favorite defunct restaurants, and dozens of you responded. Here are some of your old favorites you just can’t let go of. Thanks to everybody who wrote in!

 Besides delicious food, there was a great bar that limited their margaritas to three per person, for good reason!” – Elizabeth B.

Nick Schaivo and his family were so wonderful and kind and the place was magic! Really magic! Nick, his mom Rose Marie, and dad Tony and the amazing bar! Simply magic is what it was and I have not been able to find the magic anywhere.” – Danielle V.

. It was my go-to spot for working lunches and their hummus was the only I could get without garlic. Their specials were always great and I loved their falafel sandwiches.“ – Molly C.

 that was located in the basement of Porta Bella during the 70's. There were always lines of people waiting for a table snaking down the staircase. The walls of the stairway were covered in vintage travel posters. The basement restaurant was dark and moody and hung with rewired antique light fixtures. The food was so good. I would always get a Garibaldi and a Schlitz, and the waiting in line was part of the fun.” – Linda M.

 I worked there as a server, bartender and host…and it was delicious! The best margaritas, queso fundito, pork tenderloin, venison, pecan encrusted halibut, corn soup…I could go on and on!” – Anna T.

“The first thing that came to mind while reading your article was the cottage cheese salad at 

. I have tried to replicate [it] but it’s always missing a small something.” –Trudy B.

 (aka Cafe Momo)! Not for any particular drink or food (though it was all good), but the ambiance: dark, cozy, neighborhood bar but classy. A perfect place to meet up with people, and they often had great bands, too!” – Lis S.

“Every time my husband and I plan a date one of us says ‘Wish we could just go back to 

.’ We used to joke that you needed a passport to get in, the rum drinks and vibe felt like you were transported to an island!” – Caitlin R.

 on State Street. Their croissants were then and still are the best ever. Paired with their Turkey Almond soup you had the perfect lunch.” – Deirdre D.

! I loved eating outside on their roomy, shady patio. Despite being on East Washington Avenue it was a pleasant quiet place to gather with friends, family and even my dog.” – Kate L.

. Fantastic for tapas, basque cake, and perhaps the best burger I've ever had. I believe my now wife and I were their last customers, on the Halloween night of 2020.” – Leo B.

. It was the place to go to get a huge slice for cheap and pretty yummy too!” – Gabriela V.

. They had THE BEST quiche I have ever had. I loved how cozy the space was and all the different people you would see there on a weekend morning.” – Ryan L.

. The original. Jazz, grand piano, chimichurri sauce and homemade bread and the best bartenders. Will always be my favorite restaurant in Madison.” – Kelly K.

 in Monona had the best fish on Friday's. The fish was beautifully fried as were their signature potatoes, also fried served with sour cream. My late mother, always a stickler for hot food, would rave not just about the excellent food but the temperature of it.”

 It was possibly the very first restaurant to close during COVID. Their old space next to The Plaza has been vacant ever since as well. I’ve wished someone would interview the old owners to see what they are up to. My dream is that their recipes are magically bestowed to another restaurant or food truck where we can eat the pad Thai again.” – Stacy H.

We also asked our readers and listeners to share their favorite defunct Madison restaurants, and dozens of you responded. Here are some of your old favorites you just can’t let go of, from Ovens of Brittany to Burrito Drive to Jolly Bob's.

Remembering Madison's Bygone Restaurants and Bars

These Madison Restaurants Are Gone But Not Forgotten

There’s no shortage of ice cream in Madison – we are in the Dairy State, after all. But with so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

, the team did the hard work of trying 10 different flavors of locally-made ice cream (and custard!) and ranking them by taste, texture, and originality. No need to thank us.

We also put out the call to our readers and listeners to tell us your favorite ice cream. And, boy, did you deliver. Think of this as our cone-clave.

Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company was founded in 1962. After more than 60 years in business, the company now has 

Based on reader reaction, Chocolate Shoppe is clearly the people’s choice.

 (a fave of Instagram user @stringsandthings83, 

 (which one of our Instagram followers, @latlong.shop, said they were “feeling seen” by),

 (it’s vegan!). Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett also backed the Blue Moon.

 is “very seasonal and just the best.” Susan S. loves 

 meant to raise money for Madison organizations fighting for social and racial equity. The page exploded in popularity, often selling out quickly. The brand opened a brick-and-mortar location in March 2022 on University Ave.

 Cherry Styles, Movie Theatre Trash Can, Chocolate Buttermilk. 

 You can get a flight of flavors for the days when you just can’t decide.

Readers Jeff M. and Gretchen N. praised Ice Cream Social for its interesting and delicious flavors. And Jacque M. noted that a great ice cream experience is about more than just the ice cream. “Their homemade gluten-free waffle cones are 

—crispy, flavorful, and the perfect match for their rich, creamy scoops.”

The combination ice cream shop and cafe is a fairly recent addition to downtown’s food scene. Aside from ice cream and other sweet treats, the shop also offers breakfast and lunch items.

Fig & Honey, Blueberry Honey Lavender, Chocolate Hazelnut. The team loved their Thai Tea flavor.

Calliope Ice Cream was born in the basement of the Weary Traveler Freehouse in 2011. In 2019, the brand opened its first shop at Garver Feed Mill where it serves its seven original flavors and a rotating batch of flavors.

Mexican Hot Chocolate, Brandy Old Fashioned, Hot Peanut Butter.

Babcock Dairy is the official ice cream producer for UW-Madison and its standard recipe hasn’t changed since 1951.

 is a particular favorite of reader Karen S.

UW-Madison grads James and Robert Baerwolf source 100% of the milk they use from the two farms they own side-by-side in Columbia County. They say one of the reasons their ice cream tastes so good is they treat their cows like literal dairy queens.

Instagram follower @jss_m is a fan of Cherry Amaretto. We tried Dark Chocolate Cherry, and be sure to seek out Salty Cow, which is salted caramel ice cream containing Oreos.

We can’t talk about ice cream without also mentioning its creamy cousin, custard. For those wondering, the difference between the two comes down to one ingredient: egg yolks. Ice cream is made with milk, cream, and sweetener. While frozen custard contains the same ingredients, plus egg yolks. You can find the sweet treat at 

There are plenty of spots to indulge in a cold scoop (or several) of ice cream in Madison. Here are some of the best local spots in town. 

Where To Find the Best Ice Cream in Madison

The Best Ice Cream in Madison

, with 48 teams from around the world competing across the United States, Mexico and Canada until July 19. Your local sports bar might be carrying the games. On the other hand, between baseball and other sports, they might not have the match you want to see on the 100-inch screen.

But Madison soccer fans are excited, and a lot of places are hosting watch parties through the 39-day tournament. Here are a few places to catch the games that are offering drink specials and other goodies:

Where else to watch a soccer game than in a soccer stadium? The historic stadium on East Washington Avenue is hosting watch parties in its Forward Club, as well as on-the-field watch parties for when Team USA plays, such as 

Billing itself as “Madison’s World Cup Headquarters,” this spot on the Capitol Square will have wall-to-wall watch parties in both the main bar area and the upstairs Watch Hall. The Watch Hall will have a 120-inch screen, full bar and a special menu.

The former church turned beer hall and sports bar is known as a home for Arsenal fans in Madison to watch matches. They’re adjusting their hours to be open for every match during the tournament.

With the State Street bar pausing its DJ sets 

, they’ll be hosting World Cup watch parties, such as 

today’s 2 p.m. match between Mexico and South Africa

, with drink specials. Just make sure to not cheer too loudly, ok?

This Middleton brewpub held a tie dye party with customers dyeing T-shirts in the colors of their favorite team. Through the tournament, they can wear the T-shirts to get food and drink specials.

Madison’s new IV vitamin therapy clinic

, where families can take part in a guided soccer workout together. Then relax and recover and watch the game! (Only those 14 and older can receive IV therapy treatment.)

seven watch parties in its Sidecar Lounge

, with DJs, buckets of beer and hard seltzer, and a new World Cup signature cocktail.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament kicks off today, and Madison soccer fans are ready. Here's where to watch the matches, including bars like Coopers Tavern and the Free House, and even at Breese Stevens Field.

Food & Drink

How the Essen Haus Has Avoided the Wrecking Ball...So Far

Where To Eat Halal in Madison

The Best New Restaurants in Madison

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