Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Italian
Well, the decor can be a bit garish, what with fountains and all, but Madisonians absolutely
remain rock solid behind
Lombardino's
(2500 University Ave., 608/238-1922,
www.lombardinos.com
,
5pm-9pmTues.-Thurs.andSun.,5pm-10pmFri.-Sat.,$6-21),with
a seasonally adjusted menu of freshly prepared high-quality Italian fare.
Mexican
Ask a local for Mexican food, and they'll probably take you to
Taqueria Guadalajara
(1033 S. Park St., 608/441-9536,
www.lataqueriaguadalajara.com
, lunch and dinner daily,
$4-12). The menu features a heart attack-inducing steak torta that is irresistible.
A couple of friends insist that
Taqueria El Pastor
(2010 S. Park St., 608/280-8898,
www.pastorrestaurant.com
,
7am-11pmdaily,$3-9),amostunassuminglittleplace,isbetter
than Taqueria Guadalajara. Ask for the house specialties.
Thai
Diminutive
Sa Bai Thong
(2840 University Ave., 608/238-3100,
www.sabaithong.com
,
11am-9 or 10pm Mon.-Sat., 5pm-9pm Sun., $5-15) is among the best Thai restaurants in
the state. Ensconced drearily in another of those endless strip-malls on the near west side,
its menu really isn't extensive, but the food is generally done to perfection. It's so popular
that it recently expanded into the suite next door.
Steak Houses
M
Smoky's Club
(3005 University Ave., 608/233-2120,
www.smokysclub.com
,
5pm-10pm Mon. and Wed.-Sat., $12-35) is one of a dying breed. It's a real charcoal-killer
place. The classic supper club-cum-steak house, Smoky's is the type of place where the
waitresses have been bustling for four decades and the bartender will remember your drink
on your second visit. Big 10 sporting teams make pilgrimages here when they're in town.
The decor is simple but homey, and the atmosphere most definitely frenetic. Reservations
are essential.
