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Get Out to These New Outdoor Dining Spots in Madison

Posted on June 12, 2025   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas

A back porch area with wooden tables and chairs

The back patio at Cafe Domestique is a great place to get a latte during the day, or come back at night for a glass of wine when it becomes GlouGlou Wine Bar. (Rob Thomas / Madison Minutes)

There’s no scientific evidence to back up the fact that food and drink tastes better when you’re enjoying it outdoors in the summertime. Then again, there aren’t any studies that refute it, either.

Either way, there’s something about patio dining that just hits right, especially in a part of the world where the warm summer months fly by too fast.

On the City Cast Madison podcast today, Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians talks to host Bianca Martina about the best spots for patio dining in Madison.

While you may already have your favorite outdoor dining spots, here are a few new restaurants that you might want to try.

This rooftop bar on the eighth floor of the Moxy Hotel on East Washington Avenue has absolutely stunning views of the city to go along with its street tacos and craft cocktails.

Whether you’re getting a latte at the coffee shop during the day or a glass of cabernet sauvignon at night, this multi-use space just off Regent Street has a hidden patio space that’s a perfect little oasis.

The parking lot of a Sherman Avenue strip mall may not be the greatest view, but like Ancora Coffee Roasters down the way, Lola’s new patio space makes up for it with a secluded space and drink and app specials.

While the cartoon chicken on their logo looks a lot like the ones for Los Pollos Hermanos on “Breaking Bad,” this far east side Colombian restaurant is a friendly space that sports a new decorated covered patio.

This spacious new Mexican restaurant on South Park Street includes a covered seating area at the front.

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