New American cooking is where Madison's farm-driven, seasonal kitchens do their most distinctive work, much of it within reach of Capitol Square. Heritage Tavern downtown and Mint Mark out on East Washington Avenue lead the ingredient-led end, while Pasture and Plenty on the west side ties cooking to its own market and CSA. Settle Down Tavern rounds out the group with a refined take on the Wisconsin tavern.
New American restaurants in Madison
8 new american places in Madison we have eaten in, sorted by editor score. All cuisines in Madison · New American across every city.
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Heritage Tavern
- ★ 4.7
- $$$
- Capitol Square
Order The Heritage burger, plus whichever Wisconsin-farm preparation the kitchen is leading the menu with that week.
Heritage Tavern on East Mifflin, chef Dan Fox's farm-to-table dining room one block off Capitol Square, has anchored Madison's new-American tier since 2013.
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Mint Mark
- ★ 4.6
- $$$
- Atwood
Order Whichever Wisconsin-farm small plate the kitchen is featuring that week.
Mint Mark on East Washington Avenue, a produce-forward small-plates dining room with an open kitchen, runs Wisconsin farm ingredients with strong cocktails.
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Pasture and Plenty
Order Whichever Wisconsin-farm prepared meal is featured on the daily deli menu.
Pasture and Plenty on University Avenue, the farm-to-table meal-kit and deli on Madison's west side, runs plant-based and pasture-raised dishes since 2017.
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Schwoegler's Park Towne Lanes
Order The Friday fish fry plate with the brandy Old Fashioned at Keglers Sports Bar.
Schwoegler's Park Towne Lanes on Grand Canyon Drive, the Madison bowling-and-supper-club institution since 1919, runs a fish fry and a sports bar restaurant.
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Settle Down Tavern
Order The Settle Down burger plus one of the rotating Old Fashioned variations.
Settle Down Tavern on South Pinckney, in the First Settlement District a block off Capitol Square, runs a tight tavern menu and a strong cocktail program.
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Mint Mark
- ★ 4.5
- $$$$
Mint Mark on East Washington, the produce-forward small-plates room with an open kitchen, runs fine-dining brunch and dinner from Wisconsin farm produce.
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Mickey's Bait Shop
- ★ 4.1
- $$
Try Cheap tap beer, no kitchen
Mickey's Bait Shop on Williamson Street, the Marquette dive and Mickey's Tavern sibling, runs cheap drinks and live music on weekends until 02:00.
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State Street Brats
- ★ 4.2
- $
Try Red brat with a side of cheese curds
State Street Brats on State Street, the campus bar since 1953, sells red and white Wisconsin brats with cheese curds and Spotted Cow taps for game-day crowds.