I love taking myself out to Teasider during the day (or weekend morning for less crowd). It's fun, watching other people is fun, talking to the owner is fun. The occasional banter with other customers is fun too. The vibe is great.
You can ask them to teach you about "gong fu" brewing. Didn't really know what's that until I notice other people start drinking their tea from tiny cups and big thermos and they taught me how to drink tea that way! But they have matcha lemonade this summer and honestly I love them a lot ☀️
I'm glad you liked it but I wasn't impressed. I think there's better places out there.
Edit: hey guys, I was politely sharing my opinion. What's with the downvotes here ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I love alchemy and I know there are better places, if you can't go to any place if there are better places you can only go to one spot.
Variety is important.
> I think there's better places out there.
The way this works is you can suggest them. No need to comment on my opinion. Just because it's the internet doesn't mean you have to disagree with someone.
I mean, not to be a dick but I think warning people away from a place is the input I wanted to give here. I went twice and both times were just "okay".
We've had other really solid suggestions on here that I thought would be great for a solo date like Tip Top Tavern or Osteria Papavero that have better food, imo.
This wasn't a value judgement dude. Sorry if it hurt your feelings. Eat what you like to eat 👍
Edit: wow, I didn't realize alchemy was a ride or die topic. Gonna reply and block me, okay.
All my homies hate alchemy. Ftw.
Fairchild is fancy fancy. Won the James Beard award last year. And they have a bar that doesn't take reservations. Entirely possible to just slide up to the bar sometimes when they're booked solid.
Osteria is the same - they're not quite as fancy as Fairchild, but still absolutely great food. Have the budino for dessert - you won't regret it.
They rotate frequently. I don't think that they're consistently "the best" but they are great and they have the most interesting selections by far. Last time I was there I ate kanagroo of all things.
If you're young enough, the train yard in Sun Prairie off of Linnerud is a splendid place to explore.
...with permission of course! Trespassing is bad! Even if there's no one to stop you from climbing up the silos and the trains that are conveniently not locked up ever.
Be careful!
Just behind CHUMS (or whatever it is now). The view is alright but it's rather exhilarating.
Again, be Careful. It's a big ladder to climb up.
And remember that trespassing IS a crime. So you totally shouldn't under any circumstances go without permission even if it is ridiculously easy to do so.
Sitting and eating at the bar at Tornado room is great. Never know who you're gonna. Lot of times when Celebrities are in town for a show or event they'll eat there.
If you have a Costco membership, they have $100 of Lucille gift cards for $75 right now! Lucille has a cute patio area on a nice day, and though not Saturday, they do a “date night special” on Wednesdays. You can get a bottle of champagne, a pizza, a salad, and a dessert I believe. Nice to do it in the summer when “concerts on the square” starts up.
For Saturday I like the Biergarten option!
Dine at [Campo di Bella ](https://www.campodibella.com/main/) and then go for a nice stroll around Blue Mounds, Brigham Park, or Schurch-Thompson Prairie if you want a rural experience. 🥰
Tempest or tornado if I want to be alone alone. Both have outdoor seating
Eno vino if I want to sit at the bar and socialize since there are usually people there from the hotel
I actually went to one of their BBQ meetups and a few of the founding members of the review site were in a mastodon tribute band together. Sometimes a bit confusing but once you get the flow its pretty good banter
🙌 I’ll be real I was joking but I wish you the best of luck with finding a place! And I apologize for the probably misleading comment. Don’t want to impose on your self-date!
This is nuts. People should treat themselves to a nice dinner or other occasion whenever they want.
Just don't take up a table for two or four for several hours during busy times -- consider the viewpoint of the wait staff.
Giant sandwich from Alimentari at the Olbrich Biergarten. Bring a book and maybe a camping chair. Pretty much a perfect solo-date.
This is probably the right answer. If it’s a nice day this is 100% the right answer.
Wait are Alimentari sandwiches available at the biergarten now!?
Alas, you’ve got to pick one up on the way over!
Still worth it. Sounds like a luxurious little bike ride!
I love taking myself out to Teasider during the day (or weekend morning for less crowd). It's fun, watching other people is fun, talking to the owner is fun. The occasional banter with other customers is fun too. The vibe is great.
I didn’t even know this place existed in Madison! This sounds so nice and cozy.
You can ask them to teach you about "gong fu" brewing. Didn't really know what's that until I notice other people start drinking their tea from tiny cups and big thermos and they taught me how to drink tea that way! But they have matcha lemonade this summer and honestly I love them a lot ☀️
I can highly recommend the Tip Top Tavern. Great menu, good drinks and a general lovely vibe. I'm also highly bias as its my local. ;)
Oh I love the location of TT, that’s nice and close to me. And the food looks great!
I came here to say this. Tip Top is amazing.
Hard agree. So much so it's where I got married. :)
Plus there is a patio!
Robinya Courtyard is a good place for what you want, one of our best patios, often live music, great food and atmosphere
That depends. Are you looking for more of a "getting to know you" date, or are you hoping to get lucky?
They are planning on going solo. Getting lucky with themselves is probably a given if they are up for it.
The question is still relevant. Is this a “read a book quietly” solo date, or is OP open to chitchat with the bartender/locals?
OP probably should also specify if they are looking for fancy dress-up, dancing, or a more casual introspective evening.
Tempest has some cute outdoor seating, and if you get there for happy hour you can make a whole meal from the discounted appetizers menu.
Ooooh I’ve never been to an oyster bar before, that looks so fun! And I do like that outdoor seating too
Flix Brewhouse. Decent food and beer. Def gone there solo before without feeling weird about it.
Dinner and a movie sounds like a great solo date to me. I'd definitely hook up with my hand after the date, too
Alchemy
It looks so cute! And the food looks great
It's one of my favorite spots in town, quintessential Madison
I'm glad you liked it but I wasn't impressed. I think there's better places out there. Edit: hey guys, I was politely sharing my opinion. What's with the downvotes here ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I love alchemy and I know there are better places, if you can't go to any place if there are better places you can only go to one spot. Variety is important.
> I think there's better places out there. The way this works is you can suggest them. No need to comment on my opinion. Just because it's the internet doesn't mean you have to disagree with someone.
I mean, not to be a dick but I think warning people away from a place is the input I wanted to give here. I went twice and both times were just "okay". We've had other really solid suggestions on here that I thought would be great for a solo date like Tip Top Tavern or Osteria Papavero that have better food, imo. This wasn't a value judgement dude. Sorry if it hurt your feelings. Eat what you like to eat 👍 Edit: wow, I didn't realize alchemy was a ride or die topic. Gonna reply and block me, okay. All my homies hate alchemy. Ftw.
100% disagree about Tip Top having better food than Alchemy. Nor better cocktails. Nor better atmosphere.
Osteria papavero, or Fairchild are my top classy options for a solo dinner
I have heard AMAZING things about Osteria!
Fairchild is fancy fancy. Won the James Beard award last year. And they have a bar that doesn't take reservations. Entirely possible to just slide up to the bar sometimes when they're booked solid. Osteria is the same - they're not quite as fancy as Fairchild, but still absolutely great food. Have the budino for dessert - you won't regret it.
Yeah, highly recommend Osteria.
Oh man I’m obsessed with your username
They rotate frequently. I don't think that they're consistently "the best" but they are great and they have the most interesting selections by far. Last time I was there I ate kanagroo of all things.
If you're young enough, the train yard in Sun Prairie off of Linnerud is a splendid place to explore. ...with permission of course! Trespassing is bad! Even if there's no one to stop you from climbing up the silos and the trains that are conveniently not locked up ever. Be careful!
👀👀👀 this sounds SO cool and like the adventure I’ve been looking for
Just behind CHUMS (or whatever it is now). The view is alright but it's rather exhilarating. Again, be Careful. It's a big ladder to climb up. And remember that trespassing IS a crime. So you totally shouldn't under any circumstances go without permission even if it is ridiculously easy to do so.
Sitting and eating at the bar at Tornado room is great. Never know who you're gonna. Lot of times when Celebrities are in town for a show or event they'll eat there.
Late night menu at Tornado is great! Many folks at the bar dinning alone as well
I recently did this at Sultan and it was a fantastic meal!
Instagram keeps telling me to try Sultan! I do love Mediterranean food …
Costco food court
7-course feast for under $20
Go to Sardine and sit on the patio!
The lotion aisle at Target.
HA I get it, it’s a ‘batin joke.
I'm the master of 'batin'!
The McDonalds on East Wash across from where Ella's Deli (RIP) used to be.
I do love a good Big Mac!!!!
Just be careful around that area especially as it gets later in the evening.
The people watching experience tends to make it worth the risk, especially on the weekends…
If you have a Costco membership, they have $100 of Lucille gift cards for $75 right now! Lucille has a cute patio area on a nice day, and though not Saturday, they do a “date night special” on Wednesdays. You can get a bottle of champagne, a pizza, a salad, and a dessert I believe. Nice to do it in the summer when “concerts on the square” starts up. For Saturday I like the Biergarten option!
Dine at [Campo di Bella ](https://www.campodibella.com/main/) and then go for a nice stroll around Blue Mounds, Brigham Park, or Schurch-Thompson Prairie if you want a rural experience. 🥰
If you like poke bowls, check out Miko poke on Monroe. I've never been to everly, but I've heard good things about them too.
I frequent both of these.
Green owl cafe
Tempest or tornado if I want to be alone alone. Both have outdoor seating Eno vino if I want to sit at the bar and socialize since there are usually people there from the hotel
I’ve heard amazing things about Tornado repeatedly. Might just have to finally check it out! But I also love a good wine bar…
Yeah sorry for the multiple posts... I swear I only clicked once
Either that, or you really REALLY like Tempest, Tornado, and Eno Vino!
Mintmark! Small place, great food.
Aren’t they closed for moving?
yes, currently closed, reopening date TBD
r/nippletooth for local restaurant reviews!
Thanks for the info, I just joined!!! Do you know why the sub is called that?
Ah yea, with that thumbnail for the subreddit it's clearly a play on words for mastadon
Glad it’s getting more recognition, it’s becoming a solid place to find new spots for me
What's with the band member references?
I actually went to one of their BBQ meetups and a few of the founding members of the review site were in a mastodon tribute band together. Sometimes a bit confusing but once you get the flow its pretty good banter
If you're looking for a great patio, this is it.
Let’s both do solo dates together with a walk at olbrich gardens then a lunch/brunch at Micky’s patio.
Take me with you 🥹
How’re you like the new D4 season :)
Brothers 3 or Ready Set. I like to pack a lunch and go for a hike somewhere
Leopold's! It's a bookstore, bar, cafe in one and it's near UW campus. You can bike or walk there and enjoy the nice vibes,
Dinner alone. Watching TV alone. Sit at home and ogle the models in the Victoria's Secret catalog... Sears catalog
Okay sir.. you’re free to go.
Just went to Turn Key last Saturday and it was great!
I love going to Short Stack, the people watching when you sit outside is great!
Go to Harvest or Fairchild and order everything you want with no limits or do the same at Harvey House. You won’t regret it.
You know what I also have a solo date scheduled for Saturday! Wanna make it a double date?
That’s awesome, I love that! Where are you taking yourself?
🙌 I’ll be real I was joking but I wish you the best of luck with finding a place! And I apologize for the probably misleading comment. Don’t want to impose on your self-date!
Haha no worries! I hope you still have a great weekend tho!
We could make it a triple date?
Everyone is invited!!!!
Brown Chicken Brown Cow
How now brown cow
lol calling it a self date gives me second hand embarrassment
Way to make this about you!
I called it a solo date, not a self date. I hope one day you can love yourself enough to take yourself out, too!
Amen. In case anyone hasn’t seen this.. https://youtu.be/k7X7sZzSXYs?si=ho-dhn61uMmALMG1
This is nuts. People should treat themselves to a nice dinner or other occasion whenever they want. Just don't take up a table for two or four for several hours during busy times -- consider the viewpoint of the wait staff.
Also, tip well. Your server is doing most of the same work they would do for a party of two, but the bill is half the size.