Beer Lovers

Craft beer lovers will discover outstanding options in Middleton.

Middleton’s award-winning German-style craft brewery, Capital Brewery, is conveniently located downtown near many restaurants and free parking. Pull up to the bar in the Bier Stube (“beer hall”) for a beer or seltzer on tap. Winter hours are Sundays: noon-6 p.m.; closed on Mondays; Tuesdays-Thursdays: 4-9 p.m.; Fridays: 3-10 p.m.; and Saturdays: noon-9 p.m.

Visit Longtable Beer Cafe in downtown Middleton to find a charming café-bottle shop-tasting room that boasts more than 300 bottles for purchase (to take away or drink on-site) and a dozen rotating taps. World of Beer near Greenway Station offers an eye-popping selection of more than 500 bottles and dozens of taps from across the state, the country and the world. The Free House Pub, another downtown favorite, has 22 draft lines that rotate regularly. Craftsman Table & Tap on the north side of Middleton features 18 rotating taps, two dozen bottled beers and nine thirst-quenching cocktails with two special New Year’s events planned – Surf & Turf Dinner on New Year’s Eve and a New Year’s Day Brunch.

Hard Ciders Fans

Middleton is home to Hidden Cave Cidery, a locally owned and operated cidery on the northwest side of town. All ciders at Hidden Cave Cidery are made with Wisconsin-grown apples and sweetened with local honey and fresh fruit.  Hidden Cave Cidery’s tap list changes each weekend to feature something fresh, new and often seasonal.

Wine Aficionados

Want to raise a glass of red or white — or something sparkling — instead? Head to Grape Water Wine Bar on Hubbard Avenue in downtown Middleton, where you’ll find more than a dozen wines on tap, including varietals from California, France, Spain and South America. Grape Water also sells sparkling wine, beer and seltzers. Barriques is a combination café and bottle shop in downtown Middleton that offers a wide variety of wine, spirits and beer and is open until 6 p.m. Grace Coffee also has a wine menu available.

Local Favorites

When one of your nicknames is “the Good Neighbor City,” you will discover some friendly local haunts.  Monk’s Bar & Grill has served cold beer and hot cheese curds at its Middleton location near Greenway Station since 2011. The Village Green is an old-fashioned tavern in downtown Middleton known for its traditional pub fare, like hamburgers and homemade chili. Also in downtown Middleton is Louisianne’s ETC. This elegant New Orleans-style restaurant welcomes guests with beautiful French Quarter-style décor, sparkling chandeliers, an old European-style wine cellar, and, often, live jazz music. Mid Town Pub is Middleton’s lakeside neighborhood bar and grill, featuring ten draft lines, over 100 bottled beers, more than 200 spirits, and an award-winning fish fry. You’re in for a historical treat at 1847 at the Stamm House as it was built in 1847 and first served as a service station, and now has been restored into a modern, upscale supper club-like restaurant with two beautiful bars that serve a variety of beer, wine and classic cocktails.

American-style Dining

If looking to host a gathering at an American-style eatery, there are several places in Middleton to do so. Whether coming together in a historic building, at a long table or in a party room, there’s an option fit for every party.

1847 at the Stamm House

An elegant American restaurant that’s located in a 19th-century historic building and serves a variety of unique seasonal fare and cocktails.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Private upstairs dining space – capacity 26
  • “1847 Chef’s Cave” – capacity 12
  • Large groups may rent the entire restaurant upon request
  • Food: upscale American dining
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Craftsman Table & Tap

This restaurant features a wide variety of craft beer and American favorites inspired by local and seasonal ingredients.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Upper-level private dining room and patio – capacity 80
  • Food: hearty, rustic pub fare
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Longtable Beer Cafe

A combination cafe and bottle shop that offers more than 300 brew options and a menu inspired and made with fresh and local ingredients.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Tasting room – capacity 8-15
  • Larger groups can rent out the entire cafe during non-peak dining times (typically weekday afternoons)
  • Food: craft beer and local American food
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Nitty Gritty

This family and group-friendly restaurant and bar is known as the “Official Birthday Place” and is home to traditional American favorites such as burgers, sandwiches, shakes, craft beer and cocktails.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Upper-level private room – capacity 75
  • Food: family-friendly American bar and grill
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Tanners Bar and Grill

This bar and grill chain serves traditional pub grub, burgers, sandwiches and wings in a casual space.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Three private room options, each with differing capacity levels (12, 40 or 60)
  • Food: family-friendly American bar and grill
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Upscale/Fine Dining

Say that you’re more in the mood for something elegant that serves warm, comforting foods such as pasta, steak or handmade pizza; look no further than these Middleton spaces.

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

A casual Italian restaurant offering an extensive selection of house-made and imported pasta and various soups, salads, pizza, seafood, steaks and desserts.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Small private dining room – capacity 12
  • Food: Italian fare, family-friendly
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse

This steakhouse specializes in quality steaks, chops, seafood and many other Italian specialties.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Boardroom – capacity 36
  • The Sammy – capacity 50 total, 40 eating
  • Food: upscale meat, seafood and Italian dining
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

This elegant steakhouse chain is known for its sizzling, butter-topped premium steaks.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Harvest Room – capacity 16
  • Middleton Room – capacity 16
  • Sizzle Room – capacity 16
  • Silo Room – capacity 24
  • (Harvest, Middleton, and Sizzle can be combined for up to 80)
  • Food: premium steakhouse
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Alcoholic Drink Spots

If your group likes to celebrate by raising a glass or two, check out Capital Brewery or Grape Water Wine Bar, which offers party rooms and spaces to rent.

Capital Brewery

This award-winning brewery has been specializing in German-style lagers since 1984. Capital Brewery’s drink menu has grown since its opening to offer American-style ales, barrel-aged beers, and several IPAs.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Grain Room – capacity 75
  • Bier Stube – capacity 80
  • Bier Garten – capacity 500
  • Grain Room and Bier Stube can be combined – capacity 155
  • Food: cater or bring in your own food to complement the brewery’s award-winning beer
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Grape Water Wine Bar

This downtown Middleton wine bar offers a fun and cozy atmosphere and features 15 self-serve wine options.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Full venue rental when wine bar is closed – 49 capacity
  • Back room rental when wine bar is open – 20 capacity
  • Food: light snacks, Salvatore’s pizzas and charcuterie plates. Carry-in food is not allowed.
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Hidden Cave Cidery

This local cidery features new and unique cider flavors on tap each week. Patrons can enjoy a refreshing glass in the indoor tasting room or on the back patio in the summertime.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Tasting room and patio (weather permitting) – 50 capacity
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Additional restaurants unique to Middleton

Middleton is home to 80 restaurants and cafes, many of which are only in this city. Host your holiday party at a restaurant unique to Middleton; check out three options below.

Fajitas, Tapas & Bar

Located in the heart of downtown Middleton, this Mexican restaurant offers authentic dishes including a wide variety of uniquely flavored fajitas.

• Rental space and capacity
  • Entire facility – 140 capacityTop half of restaurant – 100 capacityBottom half of restaurant – 40 capacity
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Imperial Garden

This restaurant offers some of the best traditional Chinese cuisine in an elegant dining space. Imperial Garden has been voted Best of Madison every year since 1984.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Main dining room – 100 capacity
  • Cocktail lounge – 50 capacity
  • Small private dining room – 20 capacity
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Louisianne’s ETC

Located in a beautiful French Quarter-style building, this elegant New Orleans-style restaurant serves delicious Cajun and Creole dishes.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Private upstairs room – 40 capacity
  • Food: Cajun and Creole
  • Rental space and capacity:
  • Private upstairs room – 40 capacity
  • Food: Cajun and Creole
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Sofra Family Bistro

Since 1991, this family-friendly restaurant has served authentic, made-from-scratch Albanian-American breakfast and lunch dishes.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Private party room – 40 capacity
  • Sunday evening, only the entire restaurant can be reserved – 100 capacity
  • Food: Albanian-American
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Sport Facility Rentals

If your group enjoys being active and gathering to compete in a sport, then Middleton has some options for you.

Capital Ice Arena

This Middleton hockey rink is home to the Madison Capitols and many youth and high school hockey programs. The arena is also available for private event rentals.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Two full sheets of ice, seven private suites, Suter Suite Bar, beer garden; contact Capitol Ice for specific capacity information
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Hitters Sportsplex:

This Middleton sports complex offers functional and premier tennis and pickleball court space and multiple batting cages.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Six championship courts, two USTA Quickstart courts and an automated batting cage; contact Capitol Ice for specific capacity information
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Middleton Sports Bowl

This 10-lane bowling alley and multi-level sports bar is the perfect place for groups of up to 50 people to gather. Take in a round of bowling and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner all in one place.

• Rental space:
  • Banquet Room (40 capacity)
  • Upstairs seating and bar (100 capacity)
  • Bowling lanes
  • Outdoor Patio (30 capacity)
• Learn more about party reservations here.

X-Golf

Take your golf game indoors with X-Golf’s state-of-the-art golf simulators with world-renowned courses.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Seven simulators, six players per golfing bay
  • Private events and reservations are available by appointment
  • Food: Full bar and grill
• Learn more about party reservations here.

A few other spaces that may fit your group’s needs.

Willy Street Co-op

This Madison-area health food store offers high-quality natural, organic and locally-produced foods that can be enjoyed in-store or to-go.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Community Room – 30 capacity
  • Food: Bring your own food or prepare food bought in-store (the community room is certified for commercial use)
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Frostwood Farms

Frostwood Farms Kitchen offers individually curated events with locally sourced food and excellent service. Each event is fully customized and tailored to fit the needs of each group.

• Rental space and capacity:
  • Harvest room – 30 capacity
  • Kitchen – 100 capacity
  • Food: Locally-sourced chef-curated meals
• Learn more about party reservations here.

Middleton Hotels

Plan a gathering at one of Middleton’s beautiful hotel meeting venues – with 66,000 square feet of conference space and more than 1,150 rooms in nine hotels, Middleton is exactly what you need to plan your next event.

Please note: many Middleton restaurants and businesses are closed on Thanksgiving. Make sure to pick up your Thanksgiving fixings before Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. Preorder and pickup deadlines differ between restaurants.

Barriques
608-824-9463
BARRIQUESMARKET.COM

To ensure you can get a caffeine boost before guests arrive, Barriques is open 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thanksgiving day. If looking to host a coffee bar at your Thanksgiving gathering, Barriques offers 96-ounce coffee boxes, referred to as “Joes To-Go,” which come with cups, cream, sugars and stir sticks, all for $24.95. A 24-hour notice is preferred when ordering party-sized coffee carriers. Also available at Barriques is a wide variety of canned beer and full bottles of wine and spirits, many of which are local and perfect to bring to a party.

Clasen’s European Bakery
608-831-2032
CLASENSBAKERY.COM

If looking for help in the baking department this holiday season, Clasen’s European Bakery in Middleton has you covered. With more than 40 varieties of handcrafted loaves of bread and rolls, and 70 varieties of delicious treats, including pastries, cookies, pies, tarts, tortes, cakes and chocolate, there is sure to be something from this European bakery that’ll wow your Thanksgiving crowd. Plus, Clasen’s European Bakery can help provide a no-fuss breakfast with whole quiches available in three different flavors.

November/Thanksgiving features:

• Pecan, pumpkin and Dutch apple pie
• Apple pecan, pumpkin and cranberry walnut quick bread
• Amaretto apple cider torte
• Apple crisp cheesecake
• Roll wheels
• Chocolate turkeys (milk and dark)
• Thanksgiving-themed sugar cookies

C’s Restaurant & Bakery
608-836-4700
CSRESTAURANT.COM

If you’ve been assigned dessert duty, impress your crowd with something homemade from C’s Restaurant & Bakery. This local breakfast and brunch spot offers a full lineup of bakery items. Items available for preorder include raspberry bread, bars, and a variety of pies: apple, Dutch apple, blueberry, cherry, lemon meringue, pumpkin and pecan. Orders can be placed over the phone or in person.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
608-827-9000
DICKEYS.COM

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Middleton is offering Thanksgiving meals to-go that are fit for all party sizes. Meals can be picked up through Thursday, Nov. 23. Order here, and check out their full holiday menu here.

Options include: prime rib, spiral cut ham, Cajun turkey, smoked turkey, beef brisket and various sides: bacon and green beans, creamed spinach, sweet potato casserole, cornbread dressing, baked potato casserole, mac and cheese, gravy, rolls, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, lemonade and iced tea.

Grace Coffee Co.
715-350-2425
GRACECOFFEEWI.COM

Grace Coffee Co. in downtown Middleton isn’t just known for its coffee but also its bakery section. For Thanksgiving, Grace Coffee Co. offers a special Thanksgiving bakery menu, which features a variety of pies, cheesecakes, quiche and more. All preorders must be placed by Sunday, Nov. 18 and can be picked up from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 22, and from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 23. Order by phone (715-350-2425) or on the Grace Coffee mobile app or their website. Bakery preorders include: pumpkin cheesecake, pecan pie, French silk pie, pumpkin pie and apple pie

Hidden Cave Cidery
608-213-7396
HIDDENCAVECIDERY.COM

Did someone say sweet potato casserole? How about in hard cider form? Among Hidden Cave Cidery’s list of ciders available in November is the Sweet Potato Casserole specialty cider. This cider is crafted with roasted sweet potatoes, nutmeg, dark brown sugar, marshmallow fluff and fermented Wisconsin apples. A variety of other cider flavors can also be purchased in Hidden Cave Cidery’s tasting room or at a local liquor stores.

Hubbard Avenue Diner
608-831-6800
HUBBARDAVENUEDINER.COM

Hubbard Avenue Diner is the place to go if you want to bring some pie to the party. This local diner features 13 different flavors of pie and a variety of other baked goods including cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, biscuits and dinner rolls. Preorders for holiday pies and baked goods can be placed through this link and must be ordered by Nov. 17 and picked up by 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Pie options include apple, apple double crust (vegan), apple cranberry double crust (vegan), cherry double crust (vegan), strawberry rhubarb, coconut cream, duo of silks, french silk, key lime, peanut butter silk, pecan, pumpkin and pumpkin Chocolate Chip. Pies are $21.99 and serve six.

Mid Town Pub
608-826-5129
MIDTOWNPUB.COM

Mid Town Pub will be open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Thanksgiving and is offering indoor dining, carryout, curbside pickup and delivery. Their Thanksgiving meal includes roasted turkey breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, herb stuffing, green bean casserole, baby carrots, a Hawaiian dinner roll, and a choice of pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert. This meal is first come, first served; pre-orders and reservations are not accepted.

Miggy’s Bakes
608-445-4332
MIGGYSBAKES.COM

Miggy’s Bakes will have Thanksgiving-themed baked good platters available for pre-order and pick up on Wednesday, November 22. These platters come in a variety of size options and include a mix of seasonally-flavored cookie cups, cookies and bars — all are almost too cute to eat. Thanksgiving guests will certainly be impressed by this baked goods spread.

National Mustard Museum
608-831-2222
MUSTARDMUSEUM.COM

Stop by the National Mustard Museum to get your favorite Thanksgiving condiment. Many traditional Thanksgiving recipes can be spiced up by adding one of the museum’s hundreds of mustards. The National Mustard Museum will be closed on Thanksgiving but open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. all other days of the week.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House
608-828-7884
RUTHSCHRIS.COM

Let Ruth’s Chris Steak House prepare your Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy an entrée meal of roasted turkey, sausage and herb stuffing, turkey gravy, cranberry relish, and a choice of salad, one additional traditional Thanksgiving side and pumpkin cheesecakes for dessert. This “Thanksgiving at your Table” package is available for $175 and can be picked up 12–4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 22. This meal serves four people; additional sides can be added if desired. Learn more here.

Many people travel to Middleton to visit the ever-popular National Mustard Museum, order a round of award-winning beer at Capital Brewery, hit the trails at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, or shop the day away in the city’s charming downtown. However, if you dig deeper and travel a little off the beaten path, you’ll find some of Middleton’s hidden treasures that are worth exploring.

Allow us to introduce you to a multi-generational bakery, a cidery conveniently located near a bike trail, and an underground New Orleans-inspired restaurant.

Hidden Cave Cidery

Tucked away in a residential neighborhood off of Hidden Oaks Trail, you’ll find Hidden Cave Cidery. This cidery is owned and operated by a Middleton local, Walker Fanning, who grew up down the street from the cidery and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in agronomy.

“I first became interested in the hard cider-making process right after college when working as an orchard manager at a small apple orchard south of Madison,” Fanning said.

Fanning determined that there was a void for venues that offer hard cider in the Madison area.

“Most bars and restaurants in the Madison area don’t even serve more than two ciders at a time,” Fanning said.

Because of that, he was inspired to open Hidden Cave Cidery as a place dedicated to the production and service of hard cider — and he did just that in 2021.

With more than two years under his belt, Fanning has built up the cidery to include a beautiful tasting room, an outdoor patio, and many scheduled live music events. There are often food trucks on-site, and on those days, Fanning makes ciders that pair well with whatever food is being served. The cidery is dog-friendly and often has events geared towards four-legged friends (and their owners).

All ciders at Hidden Cave Cidery are made with fresh fruit and sweetened with local ingredients, which is unique compared to the standard cider-making process.

“Most nationally distributed ciders are made from apple concentrate and contain artificial flavorings, but we use only fresh Wisconsin apples, natural sweeteners, and ingredients purchased right down the road at local grocery stores,” Fanning said.

Fanning is constantly experimenting with unique ingredient combinations using only Wisconsin apples. Hidden Cave Cidery’s tap list changes each weekend to feature something fresh and new.

“Since opening, I’ve made more than 30 different cider variations,” he added. “Ten of which have been distributed throughout Wisconsin, while the other 20 are only available at the tasting room.”

“It takes nearly 12 hours to make some of the specialty kegs of cider, which typically serves around 100 glasses,” said Fanning, who, on average, makes 20-24 kegs of cider per month.

So, when in Middleton, wander into this cozy cidery for a refreshing glass of hard cider during any season, and you’re sure to be impressed.

Louisianne’s ETC.

Look twice so you don’t miss this hidden treasure! Downtown along Hubbard Avenue, is a building with a dark red awning reading Louisianne’s ETC. Walk down a set of stairs and be transported to Middleton’s own “little New Orleans.” Inside Louisianne’s ETC., guests are welcomed with the smell of Cajun and Creole dishes, as well as a touch of French Quarter-style décor, including stone walls, hanging plants, elegant chandeliers and an old European-style wine cellar.

This cozy dining spot is owned by Gwen Bryan and Eric Christian, who are likely to greet guests upon arrival. The two are more than dedicated to their restaurant.

“My husband and I are here almost all of the time, which, I feel, people that come here regularly take note of and really appreciate,” Bryan said.

What once opened as Bryan’s passion project during her college years has been serving Cajun and Creole dishes from scratch for more than 31 years. 

“We’ve had the same employees for a long time,” she said. They both describe their staff as a family and one of the restaurant’s biggest strengths.

The atmosphere at Lousianne’s ETC. is elegant, inviting and so unique to the area. The restaurant’s ambiance is made even better on Friday and Saturday nights with live jazz and blues piano performances.

Clasen’s European Bakery

Travel less than a mile out of downtown to a warehouse building that’s topped with a red roof and filled with delicious homemade European-style baked goods. This bakery has been a Middleton staple since 1959 when two brothers, Ralf and Ernst Clasen, arrived in America from Germany determined to start a life doing what they knew best — baking.

With a range of German bread, cake and pastry recipes in hand, the brothers first began working for a bakery in Madison then a few months later discovered a diner/bakery on Donna Drive which was for sale, said Michelle Clasen, Ralf Clasen’s daughter and previous bakery manager. This building is where the bakery still operates today.

Attached to Clasen’s European Bakery’s active bakery kitchen is a storefront where delicious, made-from-scratch loaves of bread, cakes, pastries, confections and much more can be purchased. To sell top-quality goods, Clasen’s European Bakery has workers baking throughout the night to ensure those coming into the store the following day can buy something as fresh as possible.  

When visiting Clasen’s European Bakery, choosing just one goodie is nearly impossible. The bakery is filled with everything from artisan breads to chocolate truffles to seasonally-flavored pastries.

“It’s hard to pick just one top item, but I would say the bread, quiches and morning buns tend to be some of our most popular items,” Clasen said.

Clasen’s European Bakery ships all of its non-perishable foods nationwide and has local pickup and delivery. 

“Before coming to Clasen’s, I want people to know they are supporting a three-generation family business,” she added.

The two brothers owned and operated Clasen’s European bakery for 30 years, then in 1989, handed ownership over to Ralf’s daughter, Michelle Clasen. The family tradition doesn’t end with just two generations. Michelle Clasen’s son, Tony Wuesthofen, completed culinary school training and the business is now being handed over to him as the bakery manager.

When heading to Clasen’s European Bakery, know that you are getting a delicious old-world style product made with natural ingredients and baked from a beloved family recipe.

1847 at the Stamm House

When dining at the 1847 at the Stamm House, take in a bit of history with each bite. What began as a traveler’s rest stop in 1847 has now been restored into a beautiful place to dine. Enjoy a modern supper club-like menu that includes 12 different pasta dishes, featuring everything from seafood fettuccini to pesto pappardelle to beef Bolognese.

Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Head to Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano for a casual Italian dining experience that features house-made and imported pasta. Located on the west side of Middleton, Biaggi’s is a great dining option after a day of shopping at Greenway Station, golfing at Pleasant View Golf Course, or, during winter, cross-country skiing at the CXC Outdoor Center. Biaggi’s also offers a full kids’ menu, making it an excellent place for the whole family.

Gino’s Italian Deli

If looking to host a pasta party, consider ordering all the fixings from Gino’s Italian Deli. Impress your guests with Gino’s Italian Deli’s premaid, party-sized meals, including lasagna and pasta al forno, or pasta salads from the deli. Also available in-store are specialty Italian grocery items to assist in making a pasta dish at home.

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse

This steakhouse offers an upscale dining option that is complimented with rich Italian dishes. Whether in town for an event at the Madison Marriot West, shopping at Greenway Station or just in the mood for delicious pasta, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse offers multiple traditional pasta dishes, including fettuccine, angel hair, ravioli and spaghetti. Each dish can be escalated by adding garlic sautéed shrimp, a grilled salmon fillet, grilled chicken, Johnny’s Italian sausage or mushrooms and thick-cut bacon.

Villa Dolce

Step inside Villa Dolce, located in a historic downtown building, for a cozy, authentic Italian meal. This Italian bistro is known for its artisan pizza and gelato but also offers multiple pasta dishes, including shrimp and scallop linguine, wild mushroom ravioli, butternut squash tortellacci and more.

Fall brews (from morning to night)

For an award-winning fall flavor, head to Capital Brewery for a pint of their Oktoberfest. The brewery’s version of Oktoberfest has a deep amber hue with rich malty overtones that pair perfectly with the season. If looking for a fruitier fall beer, Capital Brewery also offers Autumnal Fire, a dark fruit-flavored beer with a rich caramel and toffee finish. Enjoy these beers and others on tap in the brewery’s Bier Garten on lovely fall days. All are welcome to bring in carryout from one of Middleton’s 80 restaurants and cafés.

Hidden Cave Cidery is a local spot to find Wisconsin-made hard ciders on tap and for sale. This cidery was first opened in 2021 by a University of Wisconsin-Madison alum who holds a passion for local agriculture, including, of course, apples! Hidden Cave Cidery’s tap list is updated weekly with new and unique flavors.

Pumpkin spice lattes, chai tea, apple cider and more await at one of Middleton’s many coffee shops. Check out Grace Coffee Co. downtown and its seasonal pastries and drinks, as well as Barriques — the maple pumpkin latte and hot apple cider are a must. When on the northeast side of town, stop into Prairie Café & Bakery to order a seasonal hot drink, as well as a warm breakfast, featuring everything from pumpkin pecan pancakes to seasonal quiche.

Seasonal desserts

Middleton is home to multiple places offering irresistible fall sweet treats. Step into Clasen’s European Bakery for fall goodies, including caramel apples with nuts on top, apple cider donuts, apple pecan bread, pumpkin spice cookies and pumpkin bread. Experience Middleton’s newest bakery, Miggy’s Bakes, on the northeast side of town, and order a seasonal treat that’s nearly too cute to eat — Miggy’s serves bars, cookies, stuffed brownies and cakes to order. When downtown, stop at Hubbard Avenue Diner to choose from various seasonal treats in their dessert case, including caramel apple pie, pumpkin pie, pumpkin walnut cookies and giant fall-themed sugar cookies.

It’s never the wrong time of year to order an ice-cold sweet treat, and in Middleton, there are multiple places to do so. Order a scoop of Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream‘s seasonal flavors, including caramel apple pie, cinnamon stick, pumpkin pie, snap-o-lantern® or witches’ brew ice cream. Or, head to Cold Stone Creamery for this month’s signature Creation, Treat or Treat, featuring Boo Batter ice cream, Kit Kats®, Halloween Oreos® and M&M’s®.

Sweet & savory in a jar

Take home a souvenir unlike any other with one of the National Mustard Museum’s fall favorites, Butternut Mountain Sweet Maple Mustard, Bayfield Apple Mustard, Dr. Pete’s Praline Mustard Glaze, Ole Ray’s Apple/Cinnamon BBQ sauce, and Stonewall Kitchen Fig & Walnut Butter.

Comfort fall favorites

Bite into a savory aged steak at Ruth’s Chris Steak House or a warm and comforting Italian homestyle dish at Villa Dolce. Enjoy a famous Wisconsin fish fry at The Free House Pub, Mid Town Pub or 1847 at Stamm House. Order a classic, delicious burger with gooey fried cheese curds from Craftsman Table & Tap, Longtable Beer Cafe or The Village Green. Hubbard Avenue Diner serves classic home-cooked favorites such as fried chicken, meatloaf and pot roast.  

Cozy up

Fall can bring some cool-weather days, but that’s nothing a steaming hot bowl of soup can’t fix. Warm up with a bowl of ramen, customized to your liking, from Trio Ramen or homemade noodle soup from Taigu Noodles, or step into a cozy café or restaurant to order a bowl of the daily soup from Prairie Café & Bakery, Sofra Family Bistro or Taza Mediterranean Kitchen. And while in the cheese and beer state, try out a bowl of beer cheese soup from Longtable Beer Café.

There is much to be enjoyed in Middleton — get into the season!

Learn more about dining in Middleton.

Congratulations to all the Middleton businesses who won gold, silver and bronze for the Best of Madison 2023 awards. A total of 39 Middleton businesses were awarded, see the list below.

A full list of all the Best of Madison 2023 winners can be found here.

Food and Drink

• Bakery – Bread: Clasen’s European Bakery (bronze)
• Bar for beer: Longtable Beer Cafe (bronze)
• Breakfast: Hubbard Avenue Diner (silver)
• Burger: Nitty Gritty (bronze)
• Chicken Wings: Monk’s Bar & Grill (silver)
• Chinese: Imperial Garden (gold), Taigu (silver)
• Coffee Roasters: Barriques (silver)
• Coffee Shop: Grace Coffee Co. (bronze)
• Diner: Hubbard Avenue Diner (silver)
• Fried cheese curd: Craftsman Table & Tap (silver)
• Ice cream: Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Co. (gold)
• Margarita: Pasqual’s Cantina (silver)
• New Orleans/Cajun Style: Louisianne’s Etc. (gold)
• Sports Bar: Monk’s Bar & Grill (bronze)

Shopping

• Specialty Food Store: Willy Street Co-op (silver), National Mustard Museum (bronze)
• Gift shop/specialty store: National Mustard Museum (bronze)
• Grocery Store: Willy Street Co-op (bronze)
• Jeweler: Chalmers Jewelers (silver)
• Outdoor living: The Bruce Company (silver)
• Shoes: DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse (bronze)

Health and Recreation

• Alternative Fitness Center: Burn Boot Camp (gold)
• Golf Course: Pleasant View Golf Course (silver)
• Golf instructor: Jeremy Cabalka, Pleasant View Golf Course (silver)
• Martial Arts Studio: Silver Lining Taekwon-do (gold)

Car Dealerships and Auto Body and Shops

• Auto body repair: Zimbrick (gold)
• Auto Parts: Zimbrick (gold), O’Reilly Auto Parts (silver), NAPA (bronze)
• Dealer Auto Service Shop: Zimbrick (gold)
• Domestic Auto Dealer: Zimbrick (gold)
• Import auto dealer: Zimbrick (gold)
• Used car dealer: Schoepp Motors (bronze)

Banking and Financial Services

• Mortgage Lender: Summit Credit Union (gold), UW Credit Union (silver)
• Wealth Management: Summit Credit Union (silver)
• WI Bank: Lake Ridge Bank (gold), Associated Bank (silver), Park Bank (bronze)
• Wisconsin Credit Union: UW Credit Union (gold), Summit Credit Union (silver)

Medical Services

• Assisted Living: Attic Angel Community (silver)
• Chiropractor: LSM Chiropractic (gold)
• Cosmetic Surgery Center: Robertson Cosmetic Center (gold)
• Dental Practice: First Choice Dental (silver)
• Eye Care:  Isthmus Eye Care (silver)
• Retirement Community: Attic Angel Community (gold)

Other Services:

• Dry Cleaner: Master Cleaners (bronze)
• Exterior Cleaning Services: Skyline Services Inc (silver)
• Flooring:  Nonn’s (gold)
• Kitchen & Bath Design:  Nonn’s (gold)
• Lawn, Garden & Landscape: The Bruce Company (gold)

Wisconsin is not only home to the highest percentage of German-Americans, but also the first-ever Oktoberfest celebration in the United States. Because of this, and our state’s love for craft beer, Wisconsinites celebrate Oktoberfest in a big way — including here in Middleton. Whether you have German heritage or not, Sept. 16 is the kickoff of this popular German holiday and here are five ways you can celebrate.

Capital Brewery

Fall in Middleton isn’t complete without a stop at Capital Brewery & Bier Garten for a fall-flavored craft beer. You’re in for a treat when ordering Capital Brewery’s Oktoberfest — this brew has won 11 gold and eight silver medals since it was first brewed in 1989. Capital Brewery also offers Autumnal Fire, another sought-after and award-winning craft beer, for a fruitier take on fall. You can enjoy these beers and others on tap in the brewery’s Bier Garten on lovely fall days.

Capital Brewery is also hosting not one but two Oktoberfest events. For an event that offers a bit of exercise on top of celebrating, check out Capital Brewery and the Arthritis Foundation’s Oktoberfest Ride for Arthritis on Saturday, Sept. 16. Choose to bike the 100K, 50K, 25K or 5K family ride. After the ride, cyclists and non-cyclists are invited to celebrate Oktoberfest at Capital Brewery with themed food, drinks, raffles and live music. Learn more here.

For an event solely focused on Oktoberfest festivities, head over to Capital Brewery on Saturday, Sept. 23, for their third annual Oktoberfest. From 1-10 p.m., there will be live music, fun crowd activities and lots of seasonal beer! Learn more here.

Clasen’s European Bakery

You may be remiss if you don’t stop at Clasen’s European Bakery this Oktoberfest season. Clasen’s offers an assortment of old-world style bread, rolls, cakes, pastries, wedding cakes and confections — handcrafted and based on an original 1959 German recipe. Whether looking for a delicious dessert or a handmade Bavarian soft pretzel, this bakery offers an authentic taste of German food that pairs well with just about any Oktoberfest activity.

Craftsman Table and Tap

Throughout September and October, Craftsman Table & Tap will offer Oktoberfest specials, including seasonal beers from both craft and traditional breweries, as well as a jumbo pretzel board swerved with pub cheese dip, stone ground mustard, house sweet pub mustard, and sweet curry pickles. Every Thursday, Oktoberfest beers will be sold for $5.

Longtable Beer Cafe

Throughout the season, Longtable will have a variety of Oktoberfest brews on tap and in their cooler (a wall of almost 300 different beers). Rotating taps will always feature a German and domestic Oktoberfest option, including Hacker-Pschorr, Ayinger, Three Sheeps, Half Acre, Badger State, and New Glarus Brewing.

National Mustard Museum

If interested in hosting an Oktoberfest celebration, the National Mustard Museum is a great place to get authentic German fixings. And if celebrating Oktoberfest with a sizzling German bratwurst, head to the National Mustard Museum for the perfect topping. This year, the National Mustard Museum has also put together an Oktoberfest gift box filled with Kathi’s German Pretzel Mix, Lowensenf Honey Mustard, Alstertor Dusseldorf Mustard and Handelmaier Bavarian Mustard.

The Free House Pub

In addition to The Free House Pub offering Oktoberfest beer on tap all season long, they are also hosting an OktoBEERfest Party from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23. This event will prost to the end of patio season as well as feature German-themed food specials such as brat burgers, German knockwurst on a stick, mustard flights, pretzel bites and hot apple strudel braids. From noon – 4 p.m., a keg will flow and a grill will run on the patio. Celebrate the season with beer, food and fun!

Catch a variety of Oktoberfest beers all fall long at many restaurants across Middleton.

Ancho & Agave

This restaurant combines flavorful Mexican classics with a side of fun in a casual setting. Located in Greenway Station, Ancho & Agave’s menu features multiple fajita options, including chicken, steak, chile-lime shrimp and veggie; all are served on flour or corn tortillas, or in lettuce wraps, with caramelized onions, peppers, guacamole, sour cream, queso and pico de gallo. Pro-tip, start your meal with an order of one (or all) of their house-made signature salsas, hand-smashed guacamole, or warm queso blanco – all paired with freshly-made tortilla chips. Don’t forget to check out the outdoor patio.

Camino Real Mexican Seafood

This family-owned and -operated restaurant specializes in preparing authentic Mexican food with a focus on seafood. Included on the menu are three types of fajitas with the option to add chicken, steak, tilapia or shrimp.  

Compadres Mexican Restaurant

At Compadres, each dish is packed with flavor and infused with authentic, fresh Mexican ingredients; they’ll even prepare guacamole fresh at your table! Don’t miss the Compadres fajita — a delicious combo of chicken, steak, shrimp and chorizo served sizzling hot with traditional fajita fixings. Compadres’ also offers a covered outdoor seating area. 

Fajitas, Tapas and Bar

Recently opened in downtown Middleton on the corner of Parmenter Street and University Avenue, Fajitas, Tapas and Bar offers excellent, authentic Mexican food. The flavors served at this cantina are like no other, especially when it comes to their fajitas. Choose from unique fajita variations, including orange chicken, poblano, blue cheese ribeye, and more.

Taqueria Jalisco

Whether looking to grab Mexican groceries, sit down for an authentic meal, order takeout, or hire a catering service, Taqueria Jalisco guarantees delicious Mexican food. All menu items are made fresh to order with quality ingredients. Their menu includes many traditional Mexican dishes, such as gorditas, tamales, tortas, tamales, sopes, and, of course, fajitas.  

Header photo courtesy of Ancho & Agave.

Capital Brewery

No mention of Middleton’s beer hotspots is complete without talking about Capital Brewery, which has crafted iconic ales, lagers and stouts for more than 37 years and won more than 240 awards. In the warmer months, Capital Brewery opens its Bier Garten; and, every Friday night from May to October, guests can enjoy their beer while listening to live music performances. What makes the nighttime ambiance even better is bringing in food from Middleton restaurants or enjoying vendors and food trucks when available on-site.

Craftsman Table & Tap

Whether crafted right here in Dane County, across America, or around the globe, Craftsman Table & Tap brings the best in craft beer. The Craftsman team carefully curates their extensive draft beer lineup to ensure patrons will enjoy the finest craft beer experience. When dining at Craftsman Table & Tap, pair a beer with seasonal, rustic pub fair. Craftsman Table & Tap is constantly thinking up new fun and exciting events, such as craft nights and beer bingo; discover what events are happening at Craftsman Table & Tap on their website and social media.

Longtable Beer Cafe

Visitors to Longtable Beer Cafe in downtown Middleton will have no shortage of beers to choose from. This inviting cafe/bottle shop/tasting room has 300 varieties of bottled beer and more than a dozen rotating taps, as well as a full menu of delicious offerings, including charcuterie plates, artisanal sandwiches, farm-fresh salads and seasonal side dishes.

World of Beer

Beer, beer and more beer. That’s what’s on tap—and in bottles—at World of Beer on Greenway Boulevard on Middleton’s west side. From global imports to local favorites, beer drinkers can choose from more than 500 bottles from across the world and dozens of taps from breweries in Wisconsin, the Midwest and beyond. Don’t miss out on their tasty lunch and dinner menu, too, and enjoy fun and exciting events happening throughout the week, including exclusive tap takeovers from local breweries, themed trivia and live music.

Additionally, Middleton hosts numerous pubs and restaurants with great bars — some historic, like 1847 at the Stamm House and Free House Pub; and other local favorites include: Louisianne’s ETC., The Village Green, Mid Town Pub, and Paul’s Neighborhood Bar & Restaurant, Monk’s Bar & Grill, and Tanner’s Bar & Grill.

Local French Fry Fare:

If looking for a bar and grill to watch a game while enjoying some classic, straight-cut french fries, deep-fried to perfection, head over to Mid Town Pub in Middleton’s lakeside neighborhood, or Paul’s Neighborhood Bar & Restaurant downtown, and Monk’s Bar & Grill or Tanner’s Bar & Grill if you’re spending the day on Middleton’s west side.

If National French Fry Day (July 13) falls on your birthday, consider celebrating with your choice of traditional or waffle fries at the Nitty Gritty, a restaurant known for its special birthday celebrations.

A local favorite spot is The Village Green — stop in for traditional pub fries at an unbeatable price. Located in the heart of downtown Middleton, this tavern has been around since 1976.

Step back further in time and enjoy a meal at 1847 at the Stamm House, which dates back to 1847 and offers a menu that provides a “modern” take on a Wisconsin supper club experience. On top of serving traditional french fries, 1847 at the Stamm House also offers truffles fries that are fried and tossed with truffle oil, parmesan cheese and parsley, then served with a bacon herb and chipotle aioli.  

If in the mood for Italian food with fries, look no further than Villa Dolce for an order of their own truffle fries. On top of being prepared with the usual truffle oil, parmesan and rosemary, Villa Dolce’s truffle fries are served with Fonduta, a thick, melted cheese sauce.

There are many different ways that this popular dish is prepared and enjoyed worldwide, including in Belgium, where fries are made with Bintje potatoes and are known as “Frites.” These thick-cut and double-fried potatoes can be ordered here in Middleton at Longtable Beer Cafe and are served either plain, dressed up with bacon and cheese or dipped into a housemade dipping sauce, such as malt vinegar aioli, chipotle lime aioli, poblano aioli or ketchup!

To experience another country’s take on fries, head on over to Sofra Family Bistro to enjoy an Eastern European meal with fries that are incredibly crispy and delicious. If ordering takeout, these fries remain perfectly crispy, even on the drive home. Pro tip: order a side of Taziki sauce for dipping.

For a dining option that offers more than just regular fries, check out The Free House Pub in downtown Middleton where you can upgrade to either sweet potato fries or garlic parmesan fries, which come with giant flakes of parmesan dressed over the plate.

Also open to side upgrades is Craftsman Table & Tap, found at Middleton’s northeast side of town. This family-friendly restaurant allows customers to upgrade their sandwich or burger sidedish to cross-cut or sweet potato fries.

For the traditional diner experience with fries and a piece of pie, stop by Hubbard Avenue Dinner for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This Middleton staple is one you won’t want to miss.

And for a few quicker options for fresh fries, try the curly fries from Arby’s, crinkle cut fries from Culvers, boardwalk-style fries from Five Guys and pipping hot and perfectly salty fries from McDonald’s or Burger King.

One of the best parts of picnics is how low maintenance they can be. A successful picnic only requires two significant decisions – location and food. Below are a few recommendations for hosting a picnic in Middleton.

Step 1: Pick a Location

Depending on the size of your party, multiple parks in Middleton offer covered shelter spaces that can be reserved up to a year in advance. View a complete list of parks that offer shelter reservations below. More information on shelter reservations can be found here.

• Lakeview Park: 6300 Mendota Avenue

From three playgrounds and a free splash pad, to a scenic pond with ADA-accessible piers for fishing, to multiple walking trails and plenty of picnic space, as well as a baseball diamond, tennis courts and soccer fields, this 80-acre park offers something fun for all ages to enjoy. Lakeview Park has multiple rental space options suited for all party types, including a larger pavilion shelter (with open public restrooms) with both indoor and outdoor facilities as well as a small shelter. There is also a gazebo, perfect for a small group to grab some shade and enjoy lunch, and plenty of picnic tables.

• Orchid Heights: 3960 Valley Ridge Road

This park is located on Middleton’s far north side and offers easy access to Pheasant Branch Conservancy’s trail system. Orchid Heights features excellent outdoor recreation areas, including a playground, baseball diamond, soccer fields, and basketball, softball, volleyball, and tennis courts. There are paved walkways that weave their way throughout the park, including Orchid Heights Conservancy Area and John C. Bock Community Forest. One covered shelter is available to reserve and multiple picnic tables for smaller groups.

• Parisi Park: 2405 Park Street

Parisi Park is adjacent to the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor, making it easy to hop on and off the conservancy’s trail system. The park offers a baseball/softball diamond, a playground for children ages 5 to 12, a rain garden and an ADA-accessible, porous asphalt trail that runs through the park. Reservations can be made for the park’s covered shelters. There are also multiple picnic tables available to use at any time.

• Harvey John & Lucille Taylor Memorial Park: 5280 Bishops Bay Parkway

This 10.2-acre park was named after two generous benefactors who donated their entire estate to allow the park to be built. This park is filled with an abundant amount of outdoor recreation facilities and equipment, including the largest Playworld System® playground as well as three full-size football fields, lacrosse fields, a basketball court, eight pickleball courts, walking paths, picnic areas and a shelter that is available to reserve. The playground, picnic areas, paths, parking and football areas are all ADA-accessible.

Pick a Table

On top of the multiple parks that offer shelters reservations, there are also plenty of picnic tables placed throughout Middleton at the following parks and green spaces:

• Middleton Hills Park, North, 6840 Ramsey Road
• Middleton Hills Park, South, 6805 Frank Lloyd Wright Avenue
• Middleton Ridge, 7100 Belle Fontaine Boulevard
• Parkside Heights, 3206 Ravine Drive
• Pheasant Branch Ridge Park, 6810 Whittlesey Road
• Stonefield Park, 6528 Clovernook Road
• Woodside Heights Park, 7202 Voss Parkway

Downtown

• Stone Horse Green, 7550 Hubbard Avenue (bistro tables and picnic tables)
• Terrace Avenue Pavilion, 7733 Terrace Ave (covered picnic tables)
• Outside Middleton City Hall, 7426 Hubbard Ave (uncovered picnic tables)

Step 2: Pick a Meal

Picking out the right food for a picnic is almost as important as picking out a location. Whether your group prefers takeout from a local restaurant or a large spread from a local grocery store, meat market or farmers market, Middleton has plenty of great food options.

Here are some picnic food options to consider:

• Order takeout from one of Middleton’s local restaurants or cafés

Middleton is home to more than 70 restaurants and cafés, many offering great takeout options for a picnic. No matter what side of town you plan to have your picnic, there’s sure to be a restaurant ready to serve up some delicious takeout food, such as Gino’s Italian Deli if you’re in the mood for subs or Longtable Beer Cafe or Poke Bar if you’re hitting up some live music at Stone Horse Green.

• Greenway Station Farmers Market

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday starting early May through the first week in October, the Greenway Station Farmers Market offers farm-fresh produce and local goodies, including veggies, fruits, nuts and honey, cheese, baked goods and more. This market offers various local food options that will make your picnic experience spectacular.

• UW Provision –The Meat Market

Whether you’re looking to grill out or build a charcuterie board with local meats and cheeses, The UW Provision Meat Market has you covered. The Meat Market is stocked daily with a variety of products, including fresh and frozen meat, cheese products, pasta and potato salads, hamburger and hot dog buns, desserts, chips, soda, alcoholic beverages and condiments—what else could you need for the perfect cookout?

• Gino’s Italian Deli

This family-owned deli offers fresh, gourmet and specialty deli and grocery items that are perfect for adding to any picnic—especially if you’re going for an Italian charcuterie board theme. This deli also offers a large selection of made-to-order salads and sandwiches, pre-cooked meatballs and trays of frozen lasagna.

There are also multiple local groceries to stop at in Middleton to pick up your picnic essentials, including Willy Street Co-op and Metro Market; both markets have deli bars and plenty of to-go options including rotisserie chicken, freshly-made salads and sandwiches, and a variety of meats, cheeses and baked breads to build a charcuterie board.

Here are just some of the places in Middleton where you can find this fine cuisine:

Craftsman Table & Tap

You can’t leave Craftsman Table & Tap without trying their award-winning Carr Valley Cheese curds. These delicious curds are hand-sorted for size and shape then battered and fried and served with a side of Craftsman buttermilk ranch dressing. $11

Culver’s

Stop by Wisconsin’s family-favorite, fast-food restaurant, Culver’s, for an order of cheese curds. Made with La Grander Hillside Dairy in Stanley, Wisconsin, these curds are made using the freshest ingredients including a mix of un-aged yellow and white cheddar cheese. $4-$8

Free House Pub

When heading to downtown Middleton, you may want to consider stopping in at this historic, cozy gastropub Free House Pub for some hand-breaded Wisconsin cheese curds that are served with a side of buttermilk ranch dressing. $11

Longtable Beer Cafe

Another place to check out when heading to downtown Middleton is Longtable Beer Cafe. This restaurant values its beer quantity as much (if not more) as sourcing local ingredients. Enjoy Longtable Beer Cafe’s Clock Shadow Creamery cheddar curds which are hand-battered in Belgian-style witbier and served with your choice of house-made sauce including malt vinegar aioli, chipotle lime aioli, poblano aioli and, of course, ketchup! $9

Mid Town Pub

If you’re looking to dine on the east side of town, stop by Mid Town Pub, Middleton’s lakeside neighborhood bar and grill. Mid Town Pub is known for its fantastic fish fry, but also offers cheese curds! When the weather is nice, patrons can enjoy lunch or dinner on the patio. $8.50

Monk’s Bar & Grill

If you’re shopping on the West side of Middleton and finding yourself craving some delicious cheese curds, Monk’s is nearby and has you covered! This family-friendly bar and grill serves crispy white cheddar cheese curds with a side of marinara. $10-$13

Nitty Gritty

The Nitty Gritty offers an extensive food menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, including cheese from Cedar Valley, Mindoro Creamery, Nasonville Dairy, Weyauwega Star Dairy and Deppeler’s Cheese. Start your meal off with some crispy white cheddar cheese curds served with Gritty sauce. $10.75/each

Paul’s Neighborhood Bar

No matter the time of day, Paul’s Neighborhood Bar serves delicious cheese curds for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy this Wisconsin delicacy while participating in a meat raffle during the winter or watching your favorite sports team compete on one of their 14 TVs. $6.50

Tanner’s Bar & Grill

Another restaurant located on Middleton’s west side is Tanner’s Bar & Grill. Their menu features traditional pub grub including Wisconsin white cheddar cheese curds served with ranch dressing. Tanner’s Bar & Grill is based out of Kansas and has locations in only three other states, Nebraska, Missouri and Wisconsin. Middleton is home to the only Tanner’s in Wisconsin.  $10

The Village Green

The Village Green, a locally-owned, old-fashion tavern in downtown Middleton, has been serving up traditional pub favorites, including Wisconsin cheese curds, at unbeatable prices since 1976. Pull up a chair at the bar or enjoy your meal at a table outdoors. $7.50

1847 at the Stamm House

Enjoy a meal at one of Middleton’s historic gems. The Stamm House dates back to 1847 and has served many purposes over the years, including a service station, a hotel and tavern, and a dance hall. In the 1950s, the building was renovated into a supper club which is what the 1847 at the Stamm House restaurant now models after. Their menu includes Wisconsin favorites including cheese curds that are lightly fried and served with house-made ranch dressing.  $11

FESTIVITIES AND FIREWORKS

If you enjoy celebrating the U.S. by getting on your feet and dancing to the beat, then from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, July 1, head on over to Middleton High School’s Otto Breitenbach Stadium for Drums on Parade, a stellar marching music performance and regional competition put on by Drum Corps International.

You’ll be in for a good time if you decide to spend part of your Fourth of July weekend at Pleasant View Golf Course. For the entire weekend, Pleasant View has fun activities and specials planned. Whether you want to get out with the whole family, enjoy a fish fry before or after hitting up the par 3 course or tee up 18 holes with a cart included for only $29.95, there’s something for all to enjoy on the course over the Fourth.

The City of Middleton does not host a fireworks show — partly because there are so many places to take in the festivities around us! Follow this link to see the various scheduled festivals and fireworks events happening over the Fourth of July weekend just a short drive away!

LAKE LIFE

There are several ways to get onto Lake Mendota in Middleton, we even have a rental shop in case you don’t have or can’t bring your own boat!

Open docks: Marshall Park and Mendota County Park in nearby Westport.

Rentals: Marshall Boats rents pontoon boats, kayaks (singles and tandem), paddleboards (singles and doubles), and canoes. Marshall Boats also offers events, group rentals and private parties at its rooftop patio.

CAMPING

Mendota County Park is located just off of County Road M in the Town of Westport — which shares a border with Middleton (it’s about 10-15 minutes from Downtown Middleton).

The park has a 30-unit campground and a 5-unit boat camping area. Each site has a 30-amp electrical hook-up. Services include bathroom and shower facilities and a dump station. Mendota County Park also offers two shelter facilities, unsupervised swimming area with an accessible swimming ramp, volleyball courts, play equipment and a shallow launch for small boats, kayaks and canoes. This park, located a few miles southwest of Governor Nelson State Park, is also a designated lake access site from December through March.

SPLASH PADS & POOLS

One of Middleton’s most beloved family attractions in the summertime is the free Splash Pad at Lakeview Park. The Splash Pad is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and is located in the beautiful Lakeview Park.

Another great way to get in the water is the Walter R. Bauman Outdoor Aquatic Center, which features a zero-depth pool, eight-lane competition pool, a diving well, waterslides, interactive water play equipment, a sand playground and a concession stand. From 1-4 p.m. on July 4, the aquatic center will be hosting a special Fourth of July Pool Party that will include fun games, contests and concession specials, learn more here.

PICNIC AREAS

All of Middleton’s parks have open picnic areas. If looking for a spot to set up a picnic, check out the City’s Parks & Rec site for more information, as well as reservation information for larger groups. Book your reservation before it’s too late! 

HIT THE TRAILS

Sometimes you just need an excuse to slow down during the busy holiday weekend and enjoy nature, Pheasant Branch Conservancy is the perfect excuse. The conservancy offers more than 500 acres of protected prairie land with well-kept trails that can be accessed from various points throughout Middleton. Find trails — for both hiking and biking — and scenic views of the creek, bridges, birds and more.

DINING/SHOPPING

With more than 70 restaurants and cafes and more than 50 places to shop, you will not get bored in Middleton. Dining in Middleton is made up of a variety of cuisines including Indian, Cajun, Mexican, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Mediterranean and more — there is truly something for everyone! Discover our delicious dining scene here.

Don’t forget to stop by The National Mustard Museum, home to nearly 6,000 mustards from around the world. Sample some of the most popular mustard brands at the tasting bar and shop around the gift shop for quirky souvenirs.

You won’t want to miss out on visiting Middleton’s award-winning craft brewery, Capital Brewery & Bier Garten. On Friday nights during the summer, the Bier Garten hosts live music on its performance stage, view the 2023 Bier Garten music lineup here.

FIND LODGING

Middleton is home to nine hotel properties, all minutes from downtown and accessible from the Beltline (which can take you to downtown Madison in less than 15 minutes). Check out our hotels and book your stay today!

MAKE MIDDLETON YOUR HOME BASE

Middleton is conveniently located within an hour of multiple area attractions. Check out our custom illustrated regional map! Explore the area and come home to us!

Whether it’s gathering with friends on a pontoon on Lake Mendota, camping with family at Mendota County Park, or just enjoying the leisure life downtown — Middleton has everything you need for a fun and relaxing holiday weekend.

Spring is here and so are all the pastel goodies!

No one is ever too old to enjoy a bunny-shaped sugar cookie or a handful of colorful chocolate eggs. Whether looking for an Easter basket treat, a goodie for a coworker or friend, or something sweet to simply treat yourself, there are multiple bakers and bakeries in Middleton that are whipping up sweet treats that are fit for this blooming season.

Below are a few of our favorite spring treat suggestions:

Clasen’s European Bakery is a dream come true for any baked goods lover! This Middleton staple specializes in all-natural European breads, cakes, pastries, wedding cakes and confections. During the spring, its retail store sets up a spring display with chocolate bunnies, lamb-shaped pound cakes, egg-shaped sugar cookies and much more. All bakery items are made fresh daily. Online orders can be placed for in-store pickup or shipped nationwide.

Local teacher by day and baker by night, Krenare’s Custom Desserts, offers an array of custom dessert options including cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, chocolate-covered desserts and more. This spring, Krenare’s is offering a treat menu that includes a variety of cakesicles that include flavors such as carrot cake, cookies and cream, and chocolate covered Oreo. Orders can be placed online.

Miggy’s Bakes, has burst into spring via pastels. This includes spring-themed sugar cookies, cookie cups, Easter mini cakes and cookie decorating kits. Miggy’s Bakes also has spring cookie flavors — raspberry cheesecake, lemon berry and key lime pie — available until May. Orders can be placed online for delivery or pick up at Grape Water Wine Bar in Middleton. Stay tuned, as well, because Miggy’s Bakes is moving to Middleton, soon to open at her own store on Frank Lloyd Wright Avenue in Middleton near Prairie Café & Bakery and Pasqual’s Cantina.

Speaking of cookies, Hubbard Avenue Diner  also spring-themed sugar cookies available at its bakery counter. These cookies are baked fresh in-house each day and go fast! To ensure your cookies are available, preorder online.

With a variety of unique small and large businesses ran by passionate entrepreneurs, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Middleton. Of Middleton’s more than 70 restaurants and 55 vibrant shops, galleries and retailers, many are owned and operated by successful women.

Women’s History Month is the perfect time to spotlight some of the many Middleton businesswomen who are making an impact on the community and leading the way for future generations, including Trio Ramen (owned by Xuan Wang, Wendy Weng and Peggy Wang), Grape Water Wine Bar (owned by Nicki Prestigiacomo) and Little Pop Color Shop (owned by Alli Klingbiel).

Even though they differ in each of their business offerings, all five women have one thing in common — they love what they do, where they do it and who they serve.

Whether it be defying social expectations, receiving equitable access to funding, or balancing work and family, women in the business world tend to face a variety of challenges.

And sometimes it’s the challenges that life brings that pave a new career path — often times an unexpected one. This was the case for Nicki Prestigiacomo, who opened Grape Water Wine Bar in November 2017.

“I was recently divorced and unhappy with my current job. Instead of shifting gears and considering a new career, I thought the best thing would be to create my own job that would make me happy,” she said.

Previously working in the corporate world, Alli Klingbiel who opened Little Pop Color Shop in September 2020, described this transition as one she couldn’t imagine not embarking on.

“With owning my own business, I just have more creative control and am able to really focus on what I love most, rather than working on projects or topics that I am not passionate about,” she said.

As for the three best friends at Trio Ramen, they all agreed that their biggest push to open was their desire to defy cultural norms and dive into opening their own business. Doors to Trio Ramen opened in February 2023.

“I wanted to show women and girls that accomplishing their dream is doable,” said Xuan Wang.

“As mothers, we especially wanted our own daughters to see what women in our culture have the potential to achieve,” Peggy Wang added.

Each woman shared how grateful they are to continually receive an abundant amount of support. Internally, all the women have an excellent support system to fall back on. The women at Trio Ramen are able to be each other’s biggest cheerleaders, and Little Pop Color Shop is run by an all-female staff with Klingbiel’s biggest source of inspiration coming from her mom who has been an entrepreneur for years.

“I continually receive a tremendous amount of support from all the businesses in downtown Middleton — many of them are female-owned, which is special to see,” Prestigiacomo said.

Besides having a love for their business, another common trend for these women is that they all have a strong love for Middleton.

“All three of us have raised our families in Middleton, this is our home. We wanted to be the first to offer our own community members a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine,” Wendy Weng said.

Trio Ramen owners’ affection for Middleton diners is clear.

“During business hours, you’ll find us three out on the floor talking to the customers, explaining each ingredient and asking for feedback so we can make this restaurant into what our Middleton community wants,” Peggy Wang added.

Prestigiacomo also loves Middleton — the city where she was born and raised.

“My daughter was the fifth generation in our family to graduate from Middleton High School,” she said. “So, Middleton was the only placed I considered opening.”

Through all the obstacles, hard work and long hours, each of these women agreed that becoming entrepreneurs has been worth it. They all emphasized the importance of following through with a passion or dream —however big or small —creating a thorough plan and not being afraid to ask for help along the way.

These women, as well as the many more female entrepreneurs throughout Middleton, are shaping the way for the next generation of female business owners in this community.

Here is a list of Middleton’s many small businesses ran, or co-ran, by women:
(If you think we are missing a business, please email us.)

Shopping

• Bauer Jewelry Designs
• Chauette Fashion & Home
• Cloth and Metal Boutique
• Isthmus Art & Framing
• Little Pop Color Shop
• National Mustard Museum Gift Shop
• Promises Floral and and Gift Studio
• Simply Savvy
• The Regal Find
• Tradition Women’s Market
• Tradition Children’s Market

Restaurant/Food

• Apex Nutrition
• C’s Restaurant & Bakery
• Clasen’s European Bakery
• Grace Coffee Co.
• Grape Water Wine Bar
• Hubbard Avenue Diner
• My Sister’s Kitchen
• Poke Bar
• Taigu Chinese Restaurant
• Trio Ramen

Health & Wellness

• Blaze
• Lasting Skin Solutions
• LADRU IV Drip Therapy
• REFORMADISON
• Renu Massage, Energy & Bodywork 
• Zucca Pilates

Co-owned Businesses

• Aniu Salon & Spa
• Compadres Mexican Restaurant
• Diny’s Jewelers
• John/Christine Designs
• Longtable Beer Cafe
• Louisianne’s ETC
• National Mustard Museum
• Sofra Family Bistro
• Takara 88
• Urban Gardens & Greenhouse
• Villa Dolce
• Wheel & Sprocket

For more than 37 years, Capital Brewery has been a popular attraction for those in the craft beer scene. Specializing in German-style lagers, but also offering American-style ales, barrel-aged beers and several IPAs as well, Capital Brewery has won more than 240 awards. With head brewmaster Tanner Brethorst, the brewery is constantly experimenting and refining its offerings to ensure a favorable option for every beer fan.

In the summer, there’s even more to love about Capital Brewery — their Bier Garten! The Capital Brewery Bier Garten is open April through October and often hosts live music as well as public and private events. It’s typical for the brewery to welcome more than 1,500 patrons on Friday nights to listen to live music. What makes the nighttime ambiance even better is the option to bring in food from Middleton restaurants or enjoy vendors and food trucks when available on site.

With a range of beers, indoor and outdoor seating, live music and so much more, Capital Brewery is sure to offer a brewing experience like no other. Interested in learning more about the behind the scenes brewmaking? Capital Brewery offers group tours of the facility and tastings, scheduled on its website.

Enjoy “Middleton’s Backyard” this summer and check out the summer music lineup below. More information available on Capital Brewery’s website.

With March Madness upon us, Visit Middleton and the National Mustard Museum think we can elevate this game one flavor profile at a time with MUSTARD MADNESS.

That’s right, you can now vote on your favorite mustards — all available at the National Mustad Museum in downtown Middleton, as well as through its online guide. This bracket includes some of the museum’s most popular flavors and brands, from sweet and spicy, to fruity or hot. These mustards will compete head-to-head on Visit Middleton’s Facebook and Instagram stories.

You can also check back here to follow the winners!

Here are the additional details for the 2023 Mustard Madness:

• All voting will occur on Visit Middleton’s Facebook and Instagram stories.
• The tournament will take place March 20-April 7.
• New voting opportunities for each category Monday-Thursday, winner of each round will be announced on Fridays.
• All story polls will be released at 10 a.m. each day.
• The champion will be announced on April 7.

View the 2023 Mustard Madness Bracket here (Reminder: voting occurs on Visit Middleton’s Facebook and Instagram stories only).  You can find all the mustards at the National Mustard Museum’s online store.

Thinking to take the party home? Carryout is available at many of these restaurants with a few offering take-home brew packs.

WHERE: Longtable Beer Café, 7545 Hubbard Ave.

Hours:  Monday: 4 to 10 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday: Closed, Kitchen closes at 9 pm

A combination of café, bottle shop and tasting room that brings a communal experience to craft beer and food. Longtable offers over 300 brews available in their self-serve open cooler, as well as beers on tap. The food menu is crafted from artisan meats, cheese and local produce. Carryout is available. Wanting to take your favorite beverages home? Create your own to-go brew pack!

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WHERE: WORLD OF BEER, 8825 GREENWAY BLVD.

Hours: Monday 3 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Beer lovers: this is the place you want to be. World of Beer offers more than 500 beers from around the state, country and world on tap and in bottles, as well as tasty pub grub.

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WHERE: NITTY GRITTY, 1021 N. GAMMON RD.

Hours: 3 to 6 pm Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Nitty Gritty—Middleton’s birthday bar—offers great food and drink specials every day of the week. Stop by on your birthday for a free memento mug plus free refills of tap beer, birthday cocktails or soda.

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WHERE: THE FREE HOUSE PUB, 1902 PARMENTER ST.

Hours: Sunday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 11 to 12 a.m.

Get cozy at this gastropub that offers an expansive beer, wine, cocktail and whiskey menu. Sporting events are broadcasted throughout their restaurant. When the weather warms up, grab a seat (and a bite!) on their outdoor patio.

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WHERE: PAUL’S NEIGHBORHOOD BAR, 2401 PARMENTER ST.

Hours: Monday through Thursday 7 to 12 a.m., Friday through Saturday 7 to 2 a.m., Sunday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

This down-to-earth bar and grill is a place for everyone, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Every Friday night you can catch an all-you-can-eat fish fry, Saturday during the winter offer a meat raffle and Sunday’s offer a special prime rib breakfast. There are 14 TVs available to watch your favorite teams compete!

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WHERE: MONK’S BAR & GRILL, 8313 MURPHY DR.

Hours: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Take in some spring training games or tournament basketball at Monk’s, where you’ll find plenty of big-screen TVs, a welcoming atmosphere and great food.

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WHERE: CRAFTSMAN TABLE AND TAP, 6712 FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT AVE.

Hours:  Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.,

Whether crafted right here in the Madison area, across America, or around the globe, Craftsman Table & Tap brings you the best in in craft beer and offers a menu designed to reflect hearty rustic home cooking. Head to Craftsman for their “Wisconsin Happy Hour,” where you can enjoy unique cocktails.

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WHERE: MID TOWN PUB, 2405 ALLEN BLVD.

Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Mid Town Pub is Middleton’s lakeside neighborhood bar and grill. Stop by for weekly dinner specials, including their award-winning fish fry.

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WHERE: TANNER’S NEIGHBORHOOD BAR & GRILL, 2259 DEMING WAY

Hours: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday through Saturday 11 to 12 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Shopping near the Greenway Station? Stop by for a bite and a beer at this friendly neighborhood watering hole, where you can enjoy a menu filled with classic sandwiches and “boogas” (burgers).

See more Middleton bars & restaurants here.