We live in a city where there is a lot … and I mean A LOT of great food. It’s one of our favorite things about living in Madison because we love going out to eat … whether it’s every couple of weeks for a date night, or for a night out with friends. I’ve shared in the past that I grew up with a momma who loves to cook — and is amazing at it! — so trying new, unique, + tasty foods is something I love to do!! Now if only I could actually cook myself … 

If possible, we always try to go to a new restaurant when we’re going out to eat because, like I said, Madison has SO many to offer + there are always new restaurants opening up around the city, so why always eat at the same place when there is so much yet to experience!? However, inevitably, there are certain places that we just LOVE, so we’ll make exceptions for the one-time rule : ) 

Currently, these are five restaurants we’re absolutely loving!!

1. Tex Tubb’s Taco Palace

Mexican food is hands down my FAVORITE type of food! Again, blaming this all on my mom!! She loves Mexican food too, so we grew up eating a lot of Latin-inspired dishes. Tex Tubb’s is a modern twist on Mexican flavors, famous for their incredible tacos!! There are so many different ones to choose from, + you can order a plate with two or three different tacos! You can’t forget the chips + salsa bar, or margarita flights either!!

2. Eno Vino

This wine bar + bistro is a great date night location … whether just you two OR for a double date! The plates are all ordered + meant for sharing, so it’s really fun in a group because you can order a bunch of different things + try them all together!! My personal favorites are the peanut-sautéed green beans + the short rib! They also always have really good cocktail specials … my favorite ever was a fall-inspired green apple + cinnamon “moscow” mule! 

3. Craftsman Table & Tap

Best cheese curds in Madison. In our opinion at least!! Craftsman Table & Tap is a fun atmosphere to grab drinks with friends, play (free!) bingo on Sundays, or share a bucket of their mouth-watering cheese curds. I think we would eat them every day if we could! Oh, to live in Wisconsin … !!! If you’re reading this + you’ve never had a fried Wisconsin cheese curd, come visit us + we will treat you!! : )

4. Estrellón

This restaurant is newer to Madison, recently opened by award-winning chef Tory Miller, who also owns two other incredible restaurants in downtown Madison. I mean, this guy is doing everything right!! We recently tried Estrellón for the first time + we both quickly agreed it was topping our list of favorites!! The restaurant features Spanish flavors with its tapas (or bite-size dishes), cured meats, + seafood! Since I lived in Spain for six months, + Caleb loves seafood, you can see why we so quickly fell in love!!

5. DLUX

Last but not least, DLUX on the Capitol Square is famous for its creative burgers + complementing fries. With a husband who is always up for a burger + fries, this is a great choice for both of us because of it’s atmosphere + unique flavor pairings! My favorite burger is the couch potato … and no, I don’t want to know how many calories are in that thing!! DLUX is also known around town for it’s creamy milkshakes + amazing brunch!! Both we have yet to try : )