Eat Like a Badger

Wonder what powers those raucous Wisconsin students in the stands at football, basketball, and hockey games? Eat Like a Badger puts you in the heart of the University of Wisconsin campus with great food and great opportunities to observe Badger students.

This tour is a “101” level introduction to the food scene in Madison as a college town. The emphasis is on cheap but iconic eats, people-watching and hanging out.

It’s set up as a three-day weekend (Friday lunch through Sunday breakfast) but is easily modified. The nine venues covered include institutions like Mickies Dairy Bar, Paisan’s, and State Street Brats; places that put Madison on the map like Ian’s Pizza and the UW-Memorial Union Terrace; and under-the-radar spots like City Bar, Indie Coffee and Mediterranean Cafe.

All the restaurants are vegetarian-friendly (with the possible exception of State Street Brats) and are generally kid-friendly, but there is one bar where no one under 21 would be admitted. Unfortunately several of the restaurants are not wheelchair accessible.

Logistics

Transportation:

Convenient by Walking/Public Transportation. Total distance approx.: 3 miles.

Currency Used on Tour: USD.

Additional information

This tour works best when Wisconsin is not in its “frozen tundra” state - that is, you’ll be fine from March to November, or year-round if you dress for the weather. Madison is a very casual town and nothing on this tour requires a dress code. Comfortable shoes are a must. The tour is doable by car, but parking is usually a hassle and is not free.

Tour cost:
$65 per person

Prices are current as of fall 2011 and do not include tips. At sit-down restaurants, 18-20% for good service is recommended. At places with tip jars on the counter, change plus a dollar per person is acceptable.

Restrictions: There are vegetarian options at most of the eateries on this tour, although many of the recommended dishes contain meat and/or dairy products.

Average Customer Rating: Not enough ratings available at this time.

About the author

Nichole Fromm & JonMichael Rasmus

Nichole and JM are a married couple who found that the only way around their food disagreements was through them. Nichole is a librarian and JM works for the State, but they both enjoy writing, tal...