Supporting Local Madison Restaurants
Mickies Dairy Bar, Teddywedgers, Estacion Inka, and Osteria Papavero. What do all these restaurants have in common? They all reside solely in Madison, WI, each owner-operated, and reliant on Madisonians to support them and their hard work. Supporting local restaurants is an investment in our local community, each of us benefiting from the locally grown ingredients that produce tastier and healthier meals made with care.
At the very end of State Street, I'm sure you have passed by Teddywedgers, open every day of the week. Teddywedsgers has a long and rich history in Madison, beginning in 1976 when Myles Allen “decided to open his shop serving pasties (meat potatoes and veggies baked inside a flaky dough crust).” Allen named them after the miners who would eat them for lunch in the mines; creating the name Teddywedgers. Now, a pair of siblings Anthony Rineer and Karima Berkani own the Madison breakfast and lunch eatery, selling all menu items for under $10. Next time you pass by this iconic green awning, “stop in, say hi, and grab a delicious, hearty pastry.”
Mickies Dairy Bar has been serving Madison residents since 1946, open from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and 6:00 am to 2:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. This retro-feeling diner which only accepts cash is known for its famous Scrambler and delicious breakfast cinnamon rolls. The diner even has a fan page on Instagram called MickieFridays, which posts breakfasts every Friday. I think we all should participate in MickieFridays, don’t you?
Although this spot opened less than 10 years ago in 2016, Estacion Inka has provided Madison with iconic, quick, and flavorful Peruvian dining and continues to satisfy in doing so. Family-owned and operated, Inka was formed by the Pezua siblings from Peru, who currently reside in Madison. Moving to the US in the eighties, this restaurant has always been the siblings’ dream, striving to create a space welcoming for all, and celebrate the flavors of Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, homemade smoothies, desserts and much more. Filled with rich tradition, great food, and vibrant culture, Estacion Inka should be on everyone's list.
Osteria Papavero is a hub of Italian cuisine tucked away on East Wilson Street, elevating each dish with flair. I had a great experience here; our server was accommodating, and felt passionate about the ingredients and story behind each dish. The head chef, Francesco Mangano, is from Bologna, Italy, and forages for the vegetables which go straight into each dish he crafts. Specials are updated daily, with the restaurant open for lunch from Wednesday to Friday, and dinner from Monday to Saturday. For a nicer meal with a cozy ambiance, Osteria Papavero cannot be overlooked.
There are countless more local restaurants in Madison that we as consumers can support and choose over chain restaurants when we go out to eat. Contributing to local businesses boosts Madison’s economy, while allowing us to connect with our neighbors, and enjoy delicious food in the process- go enjoy!