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, the dim sum at Hong Kong Cafe.
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 today’s City Cast Madison podcast, the team commiserated about the restaurants, bars, and cafes that we still miss. It’s a healing process, trust me.
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!
“Paco’s on State Street. Besides delicious food, there was a great bar that limited their margaritas to three per person, for good reason!” – Elizabeth B.
“Cafe Continental on King St. 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.
“I really miss Lulu’s. 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.
“The original Paisan’s 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.
“Deb & Lola’s. 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.
What was it about the cottage cheese salad at Smoky’s Club that was so memorable? (Corey Coyle / Wikimedia Commons)
“The first thing that came to mind while reading your article was the cottage cheese salad at Smoky’s. I have tried to replicate [it] but it’s always missing a small something.” –Trudy B.
“Miss Cafe Montmartre (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 Jolly Bob’s.’ 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.
“The original Ovens of Brittany 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 miss The Black Locust Cafe! 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.
“Really miss Estrellón. 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.
“I really miss Pizza Di Roma. It was the place to go to get a huge slice for cheap and pretty yummy too!” – Gabriela V.
“I really miss Manna Cafe. 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.
“Magnus Magnus Magnus. The original. Jazz, grand piano, chimichurri sauce and homemade bread and the best bartenders. Will always be my favorite restaurant in Madison.” – Kelly K.
“David's Restaurant 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.”
– Michelle S.
“Vientiane Palace. 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.
