By Kevin Revolinski | Photography by Hillary Schave
TAI’S ASIAN BISTRO & NOODLE HOUSE
In a strip mall just north of Odana Road off of Whitney Way, this eatery offers a Chinese menu supplemented with some pad thai options. Lo mein choices run about $10, but for a few dollars more, try the stir-fried eggplant or General Tso’s with your choice of meat or tofu. You even get a discount for paying with cash. taismadison.com
PALENQUE MEXICAN BAR & GRILL
The fajitas and house horchata are most popular at this neighborly McFarland joint, but try the Acapulco chimichanga with chicken, steak and shrimp. While the Molcajete — served in the namesake traditional stone mortar — runs just over $20, it combines chicken, steak, chorizo and shrimp and is big enough for two people! palenquemexicanbarandgrillwi.com
THE SIDE DOOR GRILL & TAP
Downstairs from Samba Brazilian Grill, the Side Door is rarely super busy, yet the food is great — it comes from the same kitchen as Samba! And the prices are reasonable. The restaurant makes its own loaded tater tots, which can be a meal in itself. Try the all-you-can-eat fish tacos on Fridays. thesidedoorgrill.com
COTTAGE CAFÉ
At this simple diner tucked away in a strip mall off Cottage Grove Road, nearly everything on the menu is under $10, with only steak or walleye with eggs clocking in a bit over that, at $10.50. Breakfast is served until 2 p.m., and includes waffles and a couple of Benedicts, and the lunch menu has some of the cheapest burgers in town. cottagecafe.co
PAUL’S PEL’MENI
Paul’s started out as a late-night munchies joint, and while it is still counter service, the current location on Gilman Street has a full bar. The menu is simple: an order of little Russian dumplings — potato, meat or mixed — seasoned with curry powder, cilantro, a mild sriracha-based sauce and a side of sour cream. They hit the spot for $7 (half order) or just $2 more gets you a full order. paulspelmeni.com
MURPHY’S BAR AND RESTAURANT
Home to an affordable and delicious Friday fish fry, this oft-overlooked bar and grill in Westport serves a wide assortment of burgers, wraps and sandwiches hovering around the $10 mark. Watch for nightly dinner specials from lasagna to prime rib. murphysbarwestport.com
MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ
While State Street has changed a lot in recent years, this unassuming café, opened in 1996, remains an old reliable, serving delicious hummus, shawarma, lamb, vegan lentil soup and daily specials. Where else can you get a soup/salad/pita combo for less than $10? medcafemadison.com
THE SOW’S EAR
This Verona coffee shop (that doubles as a yarn retailer!) has a few simple breakfast items, sandwiches a soup of the day and a couple of salads. Try the daily quiche or the Main Street — toasted cheese on sourdough with garlic mayo. knitandsip.com
THE VILLAGE
A Middleton institution, the family-owned tavern with a divey, comfortable vibe has a notable fish fry at a reasonable price, but also numerous burgers, sammies and salads, with a kid’s menu and some vegetarian options. Watch for weekly lunch specials. vgtavern.com
THE PRICE IS RIGHT
Looking for date-night deals? Here are a few places courting couples for a night out.
- Turnkey Supper Club
Thursday is Cheap Date Night: an appetizer, two entrees, dessert and a bottle of wine or pitcher of beer for $60. turnkeymadison.com - Cento
Get tickets to a show at Overture and come here for the three-course Theater Menu for $50 per person. centomadison.com - Grampa’s Pizzeria
Tuesday date night offers a small plate or salad, a specialty pizza, dessert and bottle of wine for $60. grampaspizzeria.com - L’Etoile
Watch for Tapas Nights through spring, featuring Spanish tapas, paella, Basque cake and wine pairings. letoile-restaurant.com, exploretock.com/letoile - The Melting Pot
“Thursdate” features a four-course dinner for two with chocolate fondue, rose petals and candles and an optional bottle of Prosecco. meltingpot.com
