Dining alfresco is an elusive treat in Madison. Not only are we hemmed in by weather and mosquito conditions, the choices are limited. (Hello? Lakefront restaurants! Where are you?) Still, if you relish summer like we do, you make it happen.
In this unofficial GalTime roundup, we shine the spotlight on a few of our favorite spots to dine outdoors. Whether you want to break bread with grandma and the kids or share some seared sashimi with your soul mate, we’ve got a table for you.
Grandma & the Kids:
Barefoot kids play Frisbee on the lawn. There’s an old stone barn, a big white tent and beer in plastic cups. You’d think you were at a family reunion, except at Quivey’s Grove (www.quiveysgrove.com) you get billed for your food. Regardless, their all-you-can-eat Friday night fish fries offer a tasty way to spend an evening outdoors. If the baby chucks tartar sauce across the table, it’s no big deal. You’re outside and the scene is laidback. Another benefit: a secret underground tunnel that will impress the bigger kids.
Date Night, Mi Amour:
With newly expanded lounge seating on the patio, lovely views of State Street architecture and a seasonal menu that changes with the farmers’ market, the rooftop restaurant Fresco (www.frescomadison.com) sets the scene for a romantic night out. Even if your date is a dud, entrees like ricotta gnocchi will are sure to please. Plus, the Fresco Fives cocktail menu means refreshing signature cocktails for $5 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 9 to 11 p.m. Cucumber gin rickys, strawberry basil margaritas and mango mint juleps will make you swoon.
Culinary Capitol:
Salty, gooey vodka battered cheese curds with ranch dressing. Popcorn with black truffle oil and SarVecchio cheese. Salads made with fresh local greens. Nothing tastes better than little plates of salty goodness (and some healthy stuff) on a hot summer night. If you like cool, airy, modern spaces with lots of windows (and I do), you’ll have a hard time pulling yourself away from the interior of Graze (www.grazepub.com). But c’mon! Summer is fleeting and their outdoor patio is the perfect spot to kick back and do a little people watching. Located right across from the capitol on Pinckney, Graze has stellar views and a delicious, locally inspired menu that will impress even the foodiest foodies.
Movie Night:
You want to chat with friends over a drink pre-movie or relax in fresh air post-shopping, but where to go? That’s where the Rooftop Bar & Bistro at Sundance Cinemas (www.sundancecinemas.com/madison.html) comes in. This lofty perch gets mixed reviews for food and service lately, but it makes our list because of its unique rooftop location at Hilldale. There aren’t many places where you can order a cocktail at an outdoor table without ordering a meal. Plus, some of Madison’s best shopping is just a maraschino cherry toss away.
Still Hungry?
For something classic, try the shady deck at Otto’s (ottosrestaurant.com) on Madison’s West Side. Sardine (www.sardinemadison.com) is another smart option, offering a lively bar scene and an urban bistro vibe. At Sardine you’ll find a handful of outdoor tables overlooking Lake Monona. The downside is that the tables also overlook the parking lot. On Madison’s near Eastside, Jolly Bob’s Jerk Joint on Williamson Street serves up Caribbean food and delicious tropical drinks on their enclosed backyard patio. Perfect for a summer night.
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