Celebrating the Best of Madison, WI 2016

  • March 02, 2016

Best of Madison

Every year, Madison Magazine releases a list called the "Best of Madison." This list comes from the results of a readers' pool and ranks area businesses within specific categories. More than 300 businesses are honored every year ranging from restaurants to fitness centers and everything in between.

Food & Drink

Food and DrinkOne of the most popular categories is the Food & Drink category. Within this category restaurants, dining options, chefs and other Food & Drink establishments are ranked. Many residents and visitors count on this list to help with dining choices whenever they head out for a night out in Madison.

Some of the winners for 2016 include:

  • Best Restaurant - Harvest, Runner up Rare Steakhouse
  • Best Breakfast - Marigold Kitchen, Runner Up Hubbard Avenue Diner
  • Best Brewery/Brewpub - New Glarus Brewing Co., Runner up Ale Asylum
  • Best Chef - Tory Miller from Estrellon, Graze, Sujeo and L'Etoile, Runner up Jonny Hunter from Forequarter
  • Best Farmers' Market - Hilldale Farmers' Market, Runner up Monona Farmers' Market
  • Best Outdoor Dining - Harvest, Runner Up Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.

Many other restaurants were honored in a number of other categories. For a complete list of the Best of Madison 2016: Food & Drink, go here.

Night Life

Night LifeFinding the best bars, drinks and bartenders in Madison, WI is very easy with the Best of Madison list for Night Life. This category helps both residents and visitors find the right place to go for a drink or a night out on the town.

Some of the winners for 2016 include:

  • Best Bar for Cocktails - Merchant, Runner up Gib's
  • Best Bar for Beer - The Old Fashioned, Runner up The Malt House
  • Best Dive Bar - Caribou Tavern, Runner up Paradise Lounge
  • Best Neighborhood Bar - Varsity Bar & Grill, Runner up Tip Top Tavern
  • Best Live Music Venue - High Noon Saloon, Runner up Memorial Union
  • Best Sports Bar - Jordan's Big 10 Pub, Runner up Varsity Bar & Grill

Whether you're looking for the top wine bar or the best place for late night food, this category provides the top night life choices in Madison. For a complete list of the Best of Madison 2016: Night Life, go here.

Arts & Entertainment

Arts & EntertainmentFinding the best museums, galleries and artists in Madison, WI isn't easy. The Best of Madison 2016 list provides plenty of great choice within the Arts & Entertainment category.

Some of the Best of Madison winners for 2016 include:

  • Best Art Gallery/Museum - Chazen Museum of Art, Runner up Olbrich Botanical Gardens
  • Best Comedy Group - Atlas Improv Co., Runner up The Monkey Business Institute
  • Best Local Blog - Madison Moms Blog, Runner up Eat Laugh Craft
  • Best Movie Theater - Sundance Cinemas, Runner up Marcus Palace Cinemas
  • Best Photographer - Paulius Musteikis Photography, Runner up Maureen Cassidy Photography

The Arts & Entertainment category provides everything from the top local celebrities to performance venues and more. For a complete listing of the Best of Madison 2016: Arts & Entertainment, go here.

Home & Lifestyle

Home & LifestyleThe home and lifestyle businesses in Madison have been ranked and now you can find the best choices for your specific needs.

Some of the Best of Madison winners for 2016 include:

  • Best Barber Shop - THORPS Haircuts & Color, Runner up Monona Barber Shop
  • Best Bookstore - The University Book Store, Runner up Frugal Muse
  • Best Consignment Store - The Pink Poodle, Runner up Happily Ever After
  • Best Florist - Farm to Vase, Runner up Felly's Flowers
  • Best Music Store - Strictly Discs, Runner up Ward-Brodt Music
  • Best Spa - Elevation Salon & Spa, Runner up RZ & Company

Many of the service related businesses in Madison, WI are found within this category. For a complete listing of the Best of Madison 2016: Home & Lifestyle, go here.

Recreation & Fitness

Recreation & FitnessIf you're looking to get in shape and you want the best Madison has to offer, this is the category for you.

Some of the Best of Madison winners for 2016 include:

  • Best Bike Shop - Budget Bicycle Center, Runner up Machinery Row Bicycles
  • Best Golf Course - Pleasant View Golf Course, Runner up University Ridge Golf Course
  • Best Park - Tenney Park, Runner up Vilas Park
  • Best Fitness Center - The Princeton Club, Runner up Prairie Athletic Club
  • Best Running/Biking Trail - UW Arboretum, Runner up Capital City State Trail

No matter what type of activity you enjoy, you'll find plenty of the top Madison choices in this category. For a complete listing of the Best of Madison 2016: Recreation & Fitness, go here.

If you just moved to Madison, WI or you just want to discover the best the city has to offer, use the categories above to find everything you need.

About Ryan Koch

Consistently a top Madison, Wisconsin area Real Estate agent. Connect with me on Google+ at +Ryan Koch