Best Budget Eats in Madison, Wisconsin, United States
1. Isthmus Cafe
Affordable breakfast spot offering a variety of eggs dishes and sandwiches, with a unique outdoor courtyard.
- Variety: Offers a wide range of breakfast options
- Outdoor Seating: Unique outdoor courtyard setting
- Location: Centrally located on State Street
2. Monroe Street Coop
Community-owned grocery store with an in-house deli serving budget-friendly sandwiches and salads.
- Community-Owned: Proceeds support the local community
- In-House Deli: Fresh sandwiches and salads made daily
- Grocery Store: Offers the convenience of grocery shopping along with meals
3. Farmer John's Market
Affordable Mexican food joint known for its delicious tacos and burritos using fresh ingredients.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Taco Variety: Offers a variety of taco fillings
- Location: Conveniently located near the University of Wisconsin-Madison
4. Babock Hall Dining
UW-Madison dining hall offering budget-friendly meals for students and visitors.
- Student Pricing: Affordable pricing due to being a university dining facility
- Variety: Large selection of dishes including vegetarian and vegan options
- Location: Located on the UW-Madison campus
5. The Old Fashioned
Popular eatery serving Wisconsin comfort food classics like fish fry and cheese curds at budget-friendly prices.
- Comfort Food: Offers classic Midwestern dishes
- Budget-Friendly Prices: Affordable pricing for delicious meals
- Location: Conveniently located on the Capitol Square
6. SriPraPhai Thai Food
Authentic Thai restaurant offering a variety of dishes at budget-friendly prices.
- Authentic Thai Cuisine: Serves authentic, flavorful Thai dishes
- Variety: Offers a wide variety of Thai dishes
- Location: Located on the east side of Madison
7. Iron Grate BBQ Co.
Barbecue joint offering delicious smoked meats and sides at budget-friendly prices.
- Barbecue Variety: Offers a variety of smoked meats
- Budget-Friendly Prices: Affordable pricing for hearty meals
- Location: Located on the west side of Madison
8. North Street Cabaret
Vegan and vegetarian restaurant serving creative dishes at affordable prices.
- Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes
- Creative Dishes: Serves unique, tasty plant-based meals
- Location: Located in the heart of Monroe Street
9. Tornado Club
Affordable sandwich shop known for its unique and delicious creations.
- Unique Sandwiches: Offers creative and tasty sandwich combinations
- Budget-Friendly Prices: Affordable pricing for generous sandwiches
- Location: Located on the near east side of Madison
10. Ale Asylum Restaurant and Tap Room
Brewpub offering a variety of beers along with pub-style food at budget-friendly prices.
- Beer Selection: Offers a wide variety of house-brewed beers
- Pub-Style Food: Serves delicious pub-style dishes
- Location: Located on the east side of Madison
11. Short Stack Eatery
Pancake house serving a variety of unique and delicious pancakes at budget-friendly prices.
- Unique Pancake Options: Offers creative and tasty pancake combinations
- Budget-Friendly Prices: Affordable pricing for generous servings of pancakes
- Location: Located on the east side of Madison
12. East Johnson Street
Street filled with diverse eateries offering budget-friendly meals.
- Diverse Food Options: Offers a wide variety of food options
- Budget-Friendly Prices: Affordable pricing at most eateries along the street
- Location: Located on the east side of Madison
13. University Avenue
Street lined with budget-friendly eateries offering a variety of cuisines.
- Diverse Food Options: Offers a wide variety of food options
- Budget-Friendly Prices: Affordable pricing at most eateries along the street
- Location: Located on the east side of Madison
14. Liberty Prairie Cafe
Casual restaurant serving homemade breakfast and lunch items at budget-friendly prices.
- Homemade Food: Prepares food from scratch using fresh ingredients
- Budget-Friendly Prices: Affordable pricing for generous servings of comfort food
- Location: Located on the west side of Madison
15. The Sardine Can
Tiny seafood restaurant offering affordable and delicious dishes.
- Seafood Variety: Offers a variety of seafood dishes
- Budget-Friendly Prices: Affordable pricing for fresh, tasty seafood
- Location: Located in the heart of Madison's near east side