Ahh yes my old stomping grounds. Where do I start? Not sure so instead ill just list every place worth trying and a brief description. Hope this helps.
Pel Meni- This State St. shack was actually started by a freind of mine who spent time in Alaska and while there started making pel meni (russian dumplings). This is a small storefront and they offer pel meni in 2 ways, meat and potato, done 2 ways, traditional (lots of butter and sour cream) and their verison which is vinegar, curry powder, hot sauce and cilantro. I always ordered a large($7) half and half done their way. This place is excellent for lunch.
Tornado Room- This no frills steakhouse is usually packed with everything from students celebrating to families in town visiting or politicans discussing scams over steak. This is a real meat and potaots type of place, you cant go wrong with the bone in ribeye. Also if you sit at the bar they slang a top notch steak sandwich which is only about $9 and worth even more.
New Orleans Takeout- This place has 2 locations and they both serve up some of the best cajun food outside Louisiana. The owner is a former resident of Nawlins and he brought with him recipes from as far back as his great grandma. You really cant go wrong at this place, everything is good. The fried oyster po boy and Deb's BBQ'd shrimp are big winners as is the Mardi Gras combo.
Great Dane Pub and Brewing- Located downtown, the dane offers up some of the better brew in the state, try everything although my favorite is their old glory pale ale. If you want to eat the Dane does upscale barfood thats above average. They have one of the better pot pies ive eaten as well as daily specials. This is the best place to drink and eat.
Real Chili- The owner of this Milwaukee original has opened up a spot on State St. They offer Chili done with the spaghetti or just striaght up, with all the fixin's and the result is perfect for a cold winter day. Alot of love goes into the chili as the owner drives up from Milwaukee to make it himself. They stay open late so its a great stop on the way home from the bar.
Himal Chuli- Madison has a very diverse dining selection and the fact that their are 2 himalayan spots on the same block proves this. Himal Chuli is the more upscale one of the two yet it is still resonably priced. They make a mean chai and their momochas--little dumplings -- are a culinary treat. I usually took girls on dates here.
The Stamm House- Actually located in Middleton, this place has been around for 150 years! so you know its good. To go alonhg with the best oinion rings ive ever had they offer a fish fry that is also one of the best ive ate, ever. they also have a killer chicken and dumplings special served once a week, I forget what day. This is the palce to go if you want to get a locals feel of dining.
Guantanamera- An authentic little corner of Havana in downtown Mad Town, and it’s a bargain, home-style Cuban meals, delicious, abundant and very reasonably priced. This place was def. on my weekly radar. Dont miss Yolanda's home made hot sauce, it is out of this world and maybe the best condiment ever, period.
Chautara- The other Himalayan restaurant on State St. this one is better for take out, they also slang the dumpling which are like crack as well. I forget what thyre called but the veggies in batter should also not be missed. This place was on my weekly radar.
Essen House- Gernman food and beer that will satisfy the largest appetites. Grab a boot filled withh beer and start chugging you probaly wont remember your night so eat whatever looks good.
Ians Pizza- If pizza is your thing, give this place a try. They offer slices of innovative pizza like, mac and cheese or steak and potato. The choices are endless but they change daily so check it out and im sure you can find something you like.
Myles Teddywedger's Cornish Pasty- Another great snack place. Located downtown this place cooks up some top notch pastys that dont cose an arm and a leg. A half is easilyt enough for one and its only a little more than $3. They also offer breakfest pasties, these are pretty good too but I always got a steak and potato.
Nick's Restaurant- This place is an old neighborhood greek favorite and the inside hasnt changed in 40 years. Most people dont know this but their feta cheeseburger is by far the best burger in the city. I cant vouch for anything else because I ordered the burger every time.
Saz- Run by Husnu (who also runs Husnu's across the street) this place serves up mexican and med food. The lamb kebab and daily specials are always good and very reasonably priced.
Weary Traveler- This Willy St favorite serves all the local hippies both vegan and meat eating. Home of "Bob's Bad Breath Burger" (adorned with garlic and onions, of course, as well as cream cheese), this is easilyt the second best and most unique burger in the city. As far as barfood goes it really doesnt get any better than this, in fact to call it barfood isnt fair its top quality restaurant food served in a casual atmosphere for a greta price. The grilled grouper sandwich is the best seafood find youll find in Mad Town.
Campus Biryani and Kebab- some of the best bargain dining around. Order one of the biryani dishes, which comes with, fluffy rice and your choice of mutton, chicken or mixed vegetable and you'll be stuffed for next to nothing.
These were all off the top of my head, ill probaly think of more later in the meantime I hope this list works for you.