Student Choice 2019 by The Badger Herald

STUDENT MEDIA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019 · STUDENT CHOICE ISSUE · BADGERHERALD.COM

2019

Student CHOICE

Madison’s best restaurants, bars, stores, and more — as chosen by UW students.

Photo by Sarah Godfrey

152 W. Johnson Suite 202 Madison WI, 53703

Runners-up Best Landlord: JSM Properties Best Off-campus Bar: Genna’s Lounge Best Sports Bar: Double U Best Drink Specials: Whiskey Jack’s Best 21st Bar: Kollege Klub Best Smokeshop: The Pipefitter Best Off-campus Restaraunt: Tutto Pasta Best Late Night Food: Ian’s Pizza Best Pizza: Pizza di Roma Best Hangover Food: Bassett Street Street Brunch Club Best Place to Cure Your Sweet Tooth: The Chocolate Shoppe Best Bar on State: State Street Brats Best Trivia Night: Double U and State Street Brats Best Burger: Five Guys Best Sandwich: Cheba Hut Best Newcomer: Valentia Coffee Best Coffeehouse: Michaelangelo’s Best Grocery Store: Cap Centre Market Best Date Restaurant: Old Fashioned Best Last-Minute Booze Run: Regent Liquor Best Food Delivery: Jimmy John’s Best Clothing Store: Ragstock Best Fitness Center: CYC Fitness Best Music Venue: Piano Bar Best Hair Salon: Nogginz Best Student Service: University Health Services Best Way to Get Around Campus: Uber Best Gas Station: 7-Eleven Best Mexican Restaurant: Casa de Lara and La Hacienda

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The Best of Madison

Student Choice 2019

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Photo by Sarah Godfrey

Photo by Aaron Hathaway

Photo by Sarah Zimmerman

Best landlord: Steve Brown Apts.

Steve Brown Apartments owns 57 properties and houses more than 3,400 people, not only across the Isthmus, but also from Waterloo to Stoughton to Verona. Despite their mass reach across South Central Wisconsin, their management is personalized to each and every resident. From their first contact with prospective residents to the end of their lease, Steve Brown Apartments treats individuals with the utmost care. Some of their most notable properties include 625 Langdon St., Lucky, The Regent and Henry Gilman. But for those who want a more intimate living environment, Steve Brown has no shortage of units. In a crowded Madison market, Steve Brown also uniquely offers affordable prices. Shared rooms start at $525/month and private rooms at $775/month. Additionally, with units still available close to campus, Steve Brown offers students a way to avoid a stressful housing search. If you’re still looking for a lease for 2019-20, make sure Steve Brown Apartments is on your radar.

Best off-campus bar: The Great Dane

If you’re a beer aficionado, The Great Dane is the place for you. Also open late for food, The Great Dane is a one-stop-shop for all your needs. Need a quiet spot to get away from college stress? The downstairs bar area’s low-lighting and chill music is the perfect spot. The pool tables, dart boards and spacious bar is the perfect place to hang out with friends or take parents when they come to town. While the Great Dane is not the most convenient location for students, it is definitely worth the trip for the great beer, food and atmosphere. See the Madison Metro Bus Lines entry for the optimal transportation method.

Best sports bar: State Street Brats

The best thing about State Street Brats is its dual role as a bar and grill. Its restaurant service allows for Badgers of all ages to gather together during any sports event and cheer on their team — be it the first game of the football season or the women’s hockey championship. While many choose to order the titular “brats,” which come in both red and white varieties, the menu also features unique, fun food and drink specials six days per week. Share a $12 boot of Miller High Life with your friends as you watch the Badgers score another touchdown. With the bar open until “real late,” the party stays going after the game at State Street Brats.

Best entertainment: The Sylvee

Best hair salon: Aveda Institue

Once you’ve finally bought tickets to see your favorite artist, the excitement sets in. What songs will they play? How will they sound live? These questions and more begin to fester. But none of the answers to such questions will matter if the venue doesn’t deliver.

It’s that time of year when exams, final projects, work and God knows what else is making life a cesspool of stress and disaster — giving students the perfect excuse to throw their hair in a bun and run to put out the next fire.

At The Sylvee, such worries are obsolete. The venue features an intimate, yet spacious concert hall, so you feel close to the musicians, but not crowded by your fellow concert-goers. The sound system is crisp, yet you don’t leave with your ears ringing. Such attention to detail in designing the new Madison space means the memories you make there are all the clearer, and artists and fans alike couldn’t ask for much more.

Best student service: Sex Out Loud

Condoms, consent and comprehensive education, oh my! Through programs about safe sex, pleasure, kinks, sexual healing, healthy relationships, contraception and more, Sex Out Loud promotes healthy sexuality on campus through sex positive education and activism. They facilitate events in the freshman dorms, and they are available for events all around campus for apartments, classes and more. Their mission to empower students through inclusive programming surely earns them the top spot for best student service.

But when you want to let your hair down, relax and treat yourself to a new style, the Aveda Institute is there to give you a do that doesn’t break the bank, but looks like it does. With full salon and spa offerings, the Aveda Institute’s fun, comfortable atmosphere and reasonable prices keep UW students looking fresh and feeling good during the most hellish time of the semester.

Best way to get around campus: Madison Metro

With the Madison Metro Bus Pass subsidized by UW segregated fees, the city of Madison is at students’ fingertips. From the East Towne Mall to Parmenter Street in Middleton, the Metro Bus Line helps students escape from the “UW bubble.” Highlights of the bus include dipping out of a Bascom Hill climb on the 80, grabbing a Hurts donut on the 72 and shopping for everything one could ever need at Target with the 2, 10, 15 or 70. Obviously, Target is a big one, and the comparable $7 for an Uber is much sadder than the free ride afforded by the Metro Bus.

Be Active! Engage with Kids! Make a Difference! MSCR is looking for energetic, dedicated staff who love working with youth and changing the world one kid at a time! NOW HIRING - Get Your Summer Job Set Early! • Camp Leaders/Program Leaders/Directors/Asst. Directors (for Elementary or Middle School) • Swim Instructors/Lifeguards

• Sports Instructors, Referees, Field Supervisors (Soccer, T-ball, Tennis, etc.) • Bilingual Staff for many programs

• Specialized Recreation Staff (working with individuals with disabilities) • Outdoor/Adventure Staff

For full job descriptions and to apply online go to www.mscr.org/employment/job-openings Call 608-204-3000 for information. MSCR is a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District.

Best trivia night: Chaser’s Legend has it that Alex Trebek once attended Trivia Night at Chasers and shed a single tear at its beauty. This legend may not be true (it’s not true), but one thing is certain: students love drinking and competitively recalling random facts on a Tuesday. There is no place they love it more than at Chasers, where the deals are daily and the patio is open (seasonally). Whether it’s a frigid school night or a warm summer evening, trivia fiends flock to the bar and grille in pursuit of a first- or second-place gift card, a buzz and bragging rights. Even if you don’t win, $5 appetizers and $7 featured pitchers are still a pretty good consolation prize.

Best off-campus restaurant:

Best smokeshop: Knuckleheads Knuckleheads is the go-to smoke shop for everyone from the occasional toker to the midnight smoker. From hookahs to bongs, cigars to Juul pods, CBD oil to charcoal, Knuckleheads can satisfy any and every smoking need. The friendly, knowledgeable and non-judgmental staff are always available to answer questions about products, offer tips and tricks to beginner smokers, and provide opinions about whatever it is you’re searching for. But the best part about Knuckleheads is that you actually get to preemptively counteract the negative cardiovascular impact smoking will have by hiking up a flight of stairs first. Whether you’re looking to add to your pipe collection from their impressive gallery of glassware, or looking to buy your first cigar, Knuckleheads won’t steer you wrong.

Best late-night food:

The Old Fashioned

Paul’s Pel’meni

On the rare occasion that UW students venture from Gordon, Four Lakes, Memorial Union Terrace or other campus cuisine, The Old Fashioned is their spot of choice.

Beef or potato, Fixings or not — Paul’s has it all. Pel’meni are Russian-style dumplings, and Paul’s offers them filled with either meat or potato. For those looking to add a little spice to it, Paul’s also offers “the works” — curry powder, chilli oil, garlic oil, and cilantro.

The Old Fashioned was founded in 2005 with the idea of combining the restaurant experience with homestyle cooking. That’s why nightly specials like Saturday prime rib or Sunday chicken dinner are meant to feel like a meal at grandma’s. Dinner isn’t the only thing served at The Old Fashioned. Come by for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or an artisanal cheese plate and a few beers. Whether you’re searching for locally-sourced ingredients, a touch of hometown nostalgia or a wide selection of beers, you’ll find it at 23 N. Pinckney St.

Paul’s popularity among UW students is evident from its move from a smaller location to its current Gilman Street shop just a few years ago. Boasting a full-service bar, warm food, and ample seating, Paul’s offers a variety of dining experiences — whether you’re looking to grab some grub or catch up with some friends. What Paul’s lacks in menu options it makes up for in its concentrated expertise. No one makes pel’meni like Paul. And if you’re looking to get that post-bar-crawl fill, Paul’s is open until 3 a.m. on weekends.

Best State Street bar: City Bar

Best drink specials: Plaza Tavern & Grill

To say State Street has a lot to oﬀer would be an understatement. Restaurants and bars, shops and stores, more restaurants and bars. But one alcohol-serving establishment stands above — or below — the rest.

It’s Thursday, so you know what that means — time to wait in Plaza’s reliably long line, sometimes in the freezing cold, breathing in the fumes of cigarette smokers standing outside. All of this is worth it, though, for Plaza’s world famous $2.50 Long Island, which has long been the highlight of many students’ Thursday nights.

The City Bar, located down a flight of stairs at 636 State St., invites its guests to “sink to [its] level.” What the fan-favorite lacks in windows and sea level it makes up for in deals, beer selections and events. Gluten-tolerant and -intolerant people alike can beat the Monday blues with $4.50 Tito’s mixers and Trivia Night. The winners also pocket a $50 gift certificate. Never fear, City Bar offers plenty of other specialties to get you through the week. Wine Wednesdays mean half off all glasses, bottles and sparkling cocktails, while Friday means — yes, you guessed it — fish fry.

Best 21st bar: The Nitty Gritty Going to The Nitty Gritty on your birthday not only entails a huge discount, but also means you get a free cup and a pretty balloon. By just walking into this staple Madison birthday joint and flashing a — totally real, trust me it’s my birthday — ID, a mug is slapped into your hand and the drinks start flowing. It’s actually funny how just a birthday balloon and bottomless cocktails can make two people become friends so fast. Then there’s power hour, when people flood in for a short period of time and slam drinks like there’s no tomorrow. Non-stop drinking is cost-effective at The Nitty Gritty!

The Plaza Tavern and Grill, colloquially referred to as simply “Plaza,” has a rustic, charming interior, complete with pool tables, arcade games, a dart board, and plenty of booths for catching up with old friends and making new ones. The real draw to Plaza, however, lies in its clientele. If you go to the bar yourself, chances are that you’ll run into several people you know. And its Midwest nice draw means that you’ll probably meet some new friends waiting in line or in the bathroom.

Best hangover cure: Mickie’s Dairy Bar Mickie’s Dairy Bar undoubtedly takes the pancake for the best hangover cure. Their quintessential hashbrowns and massive portions are almost sure to soak up last night’s mistakes, and the traditional breakfast menu caters to the hangover food-purist. The long wait for a table serves as the perfect setting for the debrief of the night’s events and the conversation about, “Oh God, did I actually do that?” The friendly staff are certain to be understanding of your hangover-induced confusion. The retro decor is supplemented by a retro payment system — this is a cash-only establishment. Greasy and delicious, the food will almost certainly wake you up and make you feel better — so you can stop focusing on how terrible you feel physically, and start focusing on how many times you texted your ex last night.

Best sweet tooth cure:

Greenbush While walking up Regent Street to head home from Lucky’s or on your way to class, Greenbush Bakery has your sweet tooth covered. There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a soft, warm cinnamon sugar cake doughnut. Other Madison places might offer similar sweet options, but only Greenbush has that local charm that is so irreplaceable. You might miss it because it’s so small, but don’t let its unimposing presence fool you — Greenbush packs a punch into every bite. All of Greenbush’s sweets are not only delicious, but Kosher as well. The family-owned business provides mouth-watering smells of freshly baked doughnuts each and every day.

Best pizza joint: Ian’s Pizza

Best burger: Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry

From late night eats to middle of the day treats, Ian’s Pizza is the place to go. Their assorted array of speciality pizzas, elaborate salads and signature puppy chow are all staples of the establishment. Even with lines out the door on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, their service is unmatched.

There’s nothing more American than a thick, juicy hamburger stacked high with all the fixings. There’s nothing more Wisconsin than a batch of freshly fried cheese curds, preferably served with ranch. And there’s nothing more Madison than enjoying all these delicacies and more at Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry.

Their mouth-watering pizzas range from the best-seller mac n’ cheese to cheesy potato ranch, something that just screams Midwest. Not in the mood for anything fancy? Ian’s also offers classics like pepperoni and cheese slices. Not looking to spend money on pizza in the near future? Follow their Twitter page, where loyal followers have the chance to win #freepizzafridays and #wellnesswednesay salads. The chance for eight slice cards or eight free salads are more than worth cluttering up your Twitter feed with weekly retweets. If you haven’t visited this Madison staple, check it out on either North Frances Street or State Street.

Whether you fancy a classic hamburger or want to challenge your palette with lamb, bison or a homemade veggie burger, Dotty’s has a multitude of great-tasting options to satisfy your burger binge. If you’re looking for a fairly priced lunch, a hangover cure, a break from Top Ramen, look no further than Dotty’s — a Madison staple with options all Badgers can enjoy!

Best sandwich: Potbelly’s

Best newcomer: Poke Plus

Don’t let Potbelly’s nationwide name recognition dilute your opinion of this sandwich shop — its menu selections are sure to leave you as satisfied as any neighborhood dive or local classic.

Between the greasy burgers, bland subs and overpriced salads, finding new and exciting food on State Street can be nearly impossible. And after the late-night staple Disco Fries closed up shop, plenty of question marks loomed about the future of the space.

Home to prime downtown real estate at the corner of Frances Street and State Street, Potbelly’s receives a lot of foot traffic from students hurrying back-and-forth from classes throughout the day. There’s no better way to cure your midday slump than with a warm, toasted sandwich from Potbelly’s — and don’t forget their homemade cookies, milkshakes, mac-and-cheese and other offerings as well. Potbelly’s hold over Madison’s sandwich market appears to have deepened with the closure of Which Wich, but Jimmy John’s and Cheba Hut still pose a considerable threat to their crown.

Best coffeshop: Colectivo

A coffee shop can’t just serve coffee and provide seating. It needs to supply a spread of dining and drink options. It needs to strike the perfectly balanced atmosphere between social and secluded. It should offer up seating for the individual bookworm, and include tables big enough for a squad of study buddies. Colectivo’s Madison locations do just that. Between the calming yellow lighting, extensive allday breakfast and lunch options, gifted baristas and comforting environment, the establishment is more than a coffee shop, it’s a home away from home. So let the warm breezes roll in from their garage-style doors, fill up a mug or two of fresh brew and revel in the bright buzz of their stores — you’ll be back.

But, much to the delight of Madison food adventurers, Poke Plus opened its doors this year and has been serving fresh seafood rice bowls ever since. Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish featuring seasoned rice, your choice of seafood and a myriad of toppings. Think of it as the Chipotle of fast-casual seafood. Each bite is a new combination of flavor and texture, and with so many options, the endless possibilities make each visit a unique experience.

Best grocery store: Trader Joe’s

Need a quick step into the real-world while also craving some home-made food? Trader Joe’s is the place for you. One step into the homey, perfectly-nutritious store brings flashes of home and instant cravings. Anything organic you could ever need can be found amidst the shelves of this popular shopping joint — whether it’s locally-sourced cheese, organic honey or mini milk-chocolate peanut butter cups. When you’re looking for products that are organic or non-GMO, and you want to support producers who engage in those practices on a college-student budget, TJ’s is a good intersection.

Best fitness center: Inner Fire Yoga

Have you ever done yoga and thought to yourself, “Oh, this needs heat?” Inner Fire Yoga applies that philosophy to all of their classes on their locations across Madison. Featuring 60, 75 or 90 minute “hot yoga” sessions, Inner Fire puts a unique flair on the traditional meditation exercise. Inner Fire offers a variety of programs for students of all abilities so even beginners can experience the mental and physical benefits of hot yoga. With studios located conveniently across Madison, including a campus location on University Avenue, Inner Fire is there to help you sculpt your mind and body anywhere, any time.

Best Mexican restaurant: Los Gemelos

Tacos, guac, quesadillas, enchiladas, alcohol. Los Gemelos has all this and more for mere dollars. The restaurant is conveniently located at 244 W. Gilman St. But for those days when it’s either too cold outside or you just don’t feel like leaving home, fear not, for Los Gemelos delivers on EatStreet. Using that spare cash in your wallet, you can satisfy all your cravings with a couple of tacos and glass of sangria. Or, if you and your friends are looking for a non-alcoholic thirst-quencher that isn’t water, try the horchata pitcher for $10. With its variety of Mexican eats and beverages, its optimal location and its low prices, Los Gemelos is a favorite among students, and for good reason.

Best gas station: Kwik Trip Kwik Trip, arguably the Midwest’s favorite gas station, has locations in Madison that seem to fit the needs of all students. Though the campus location doesn’t actually sell gas, it sells everything else students could possibly want. The other locations in Madison, however, do sell gas — so be sure to give them a visit on your way out of town. Kwik Trip’s wide variety of bakery items, coffee and hot food makes grabbing dinner or a snack easy. Located on Monroe Street, conveniently across from the Shell, Kwik Trip is the perfect stop for students to grab a delicious and nutritious chocolate milk post-workout.

Best date restaurant: Tutto’s Pasta

It’s really hard to find a spot in Madison which won’t break the bank but also feels elevated from the typical Noodles and Company fare. Tutto’s has you covered. From pastas to chicken parmigiana to delicious sangria, the cozy State Street spot is sure to satisfy any couple’s taste buds. To create a truly scrumptious pasta dish, be aware the kitchen is usually able to substitute parts of dishes and switch sauces to your favorite one. Order the gnocchi pasta with vodka sauce for a truly Italian dish that cannot be encountered elsewhere on State Street. Request a seat on the more intimate upper level for preferred date dining. For a perfect mix of elegance and class that won’t break the bank, seek out Tutto’s Pasta.

Best food delivery: EatStreet

Finals got you stressed and you just can’t find the time to cook? Feeling sick and want a warm bowl of soup? Don’t want to take a bus or drive across the city to your favorite restaurant? Good news, EatStreet has you covered!

Best last-minute booze run:

Riley’s Wines of the World

Picture this: It’s 8:40 p.m., and you and your roommates just agreed to host tonight’s pregame. But then you open the beer fridge and realize it’s upsettingly empty! Fortunately, with a quick sprint up State Street and a turn down Gorham, you arrive at Riley’s. Greeted by friendly staff and a vast array of wines, liquors and beers, you have your pick of the lot. Riley’s layout makes it easy to find what you need, and they even have a second floor with a collection of fine wines, in case you’re looking to really impress. And with such a wide variety of options, from Burnett’s to Grey Goose, you are sure to find whatever you’re hoping to throw up later that night.

Best clothing store:

Urban Outfitters

Surviving a flooding scare earlier this semester, Urban Outfitters continues to deliver trendy fashion on State Street.

The food delivery service covers a variety of restaurants around the city — from Chinese to Mexican food, and everything in between — to satisfy any possible cravings.

Selections include fashionable choices for all genders, so shopping there is perfect for any group of friends. Clearance selections allow for quick solutions to any bar or formal outfits which suddenly fell through. Outfits in a large range of sizes can run under $20, saving dollars and tears in the process.

EatStreet’s quick service feeds hungry college students in record time. In the eyes of the thousands of Badgers that call Madison home, there are few things more valuable than hot food delivered straight to their door.

In addition to clothes, Urban builds off of its hipster image with unique furnishings, fuji film and gifts. Again, this range of available products provides amazing relief to any students looking for the perfect piece for their bestie or themselves.