November 11, 2008

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Forté Favorites: Bars & Restaurants

Photo courtesy of The Icon

The Icon is a local reader favorite.

Ale Asylum
3698 Kinsman Boulevard, Madison | 608.663.3926
Submitted by: Patrick McGuire

Atmosphere: A place to linger in conversation, a good book or play pool with no TV in sight to distract from the terrific beers on tap.
Order: The sandwiches are made with local breads and quality meats and cheeses. Be sure to try their buffalo chicken pizza or the smoked gouda with ham and red onions – even the pizza crust is great! They brew their own beer and there isn’t a bad one among selection. For the craft beer novice, the Goldenshine is a safe bet. Hop lovers can enjoy the Hopolicious or Ambergeddon, an amber ale hopped up for a refreshing taste. The adventurous can try the Tripel Nova Belgian Ale or the Bamboozolater Dopplebock. Both of these provide quite the kick, so enjoy the company of friends or bring a book and savor the taste and the warmth the potent ABV these beers posses.
It’s a great place for young professionals because: You’re out of college and the days of Old Milwaukee Light keg stands are behind you. This is a wonderful place to be educated about craft beers and sample a variety of styles, including three different Belgians. The lack of a TV allows you to socialize and enjoy conversations.

Argus Bar and Grille
123 E Main Street, Madison | 608.256.4141
Submitted by: Amanda Sherry

Atmosphere: The atmosphere at the Argus is eclectic and diverse. In the upper bar, regulars often come in and are known by their first names and their drinks of choice. On any given night there is a mix of professionals, ranging from people in suits to people just leaving the their jobs at neighboring restaurants. Good friends sit in the back, playing one of the many board games provided by Argus. When the weather is nice, some sit outside on the patio and watch the passersby. Downstairs is perfect for a private party or just a fun night out with its full bar and billiard tables.
Order: Enjoy any of the many beers they have on tap – with a frosty glass, if you’d prefer. Personally, I enjoy their Old Fashioneds, but have never had a drink mixed wrong. The staff is very knowledgeable and will make anything you ask for – they like a challenge. If you happen to be hungry, their menu is outstanding (and diverse!) with classic sandwiches with a little twist, and many vegetarian options. Their homemade fries are a must. My favorite is the Sweet Loraine: fresh mozzarella, pesto, tomatoes and mushrooms.
It’s a great place for young professionals because: Not only are Owners Rick and Gwen great people who are at the Argus every night, but they go out of their way to make people feel welcome and at home. Their bar offers many different areas types of areas to accommodate virtually any need with privacy downstairs or a relaxed setting up at the bar. There is always a diverse crowd at the Argus, making it a great, comfortable place to network.

Café Porta Alba
15 N Butler Street, Madison | 608.441.0202
Submitted by: Laurel Cavalluzzo

Atmosphere: You feel like you’re in Italy. It’s relaxed, yet hip and European.
Order: The food is all fabulous: true Neapolitan pizza and terrific pasta. The wine list is also great and extensive enough to choose the correct wine to pair with your entrée. Their cappuccinos and espressos are also the real deal.
It’s a great place for young professionals because: The food is excellent, upscale and affordable. It’s also a convenient place to meet friends or have a business meal.

Dotty Dumplings Dowry
317 N Frances Street, Madison | 608.259.0000
Submitted by: Jefferson Stanley

Atmosphere: There’s great music spanning several generations, soft lighting, colorful décor, interesting memorabilia such as books, blimps, basketballs and pictures from the early 1900s, friendly staff, beautiful stained wood and glass, flat screen TVs playing American movie classics and sports
Order: Melting pot, classic burger, salmon sandwich, hot chili, fudge bottom pie, chocolate malt. There are more than 25 beers on tap, homemade lemonade, draft root beer, high end bourbons and other top shelf liquors.
It’s a great place for young professionals because: It offers the right atmosphere for casual business, catching up with old friends, as well as entertaining out of town guests, or even having a casual dinner alone at the bar. The music is energized but not overly loud or sophomoric; the televisions are available but fade into the background if you aren’t interested. It really has a level of taste that appeals to young professionals who have a few more years under their belt and appreciate U.S. history, music and the University town life. The food is great and the cocktails range from traditional to extravagant top-end bourbon or tequila.

The Icon
206 State Street, Madison
Submitted by: Ginny Haight

Atmosphere: A little retro, upscale and swanky.
Order: Sangria and flatbreads.
It’s a great place for young professionals because: It’s sophisticated, yet fun.

The Madison Club
5 E Wilson Street, Madison | 608.255.4861
Submitted by: Jason Beren and Kathy Kurth

Atmosphere: The atmosphere is classic and elegant, but not intimidating or outdated. The staff is very warm and personable, and the menu is always interesting. Plus, the outdoor patio in the restaurant is stunning in the summer, with a wonderful view of the lake and a cool refreshing breeze. When the Monona Terrace has music events on their rooftop garden, eat outside and enjoy the music, the view and a wonderful meal.
Order: The menu changes, but I've never ordered something that I didn't like. The Prairie Farms Beef option is always a sure bet, and the flavorful sauces make the meal spectacular. Plus, you have to try the desserts, which are always very tasty and unique. The third floor bar is a great place to stop in for a burger, appetizers, desert and drinks. It's a way to meet new people outside of your usual circle of friends. In conjunction with wine tastings, they will have special small plate menu with the wine.
It’s a great place for young professionals because: The Madison Club can host both personal and professional events. The environment is quiet enough to hold a lunch business meeting, but also lively enough to entertain clients at dinner. The bar is classy and could be a great place for drinks with business connections. On the other hand, it's also a wonderful place to take a spouse for a special dinner or to bring the in-laws for lunch on a weekend.

Mercury Cafe and Lounge
117 E Mifflin Street, Madison | 608.255.8624
Submitted by: Jenn Asselin

Atmosphere: Cozy, neighborhood bar and restaurant with fantastic (and very affordable!) Greek and fusion food.
Order: The saganaki appetizer is fabulous – and it’s actually even better than it is in Greece! I'd also suggest the spinach pies, cheese pies and dolma. As far as the dinners go, I have a lot of favorites: the gyro plate, the tilapia, the salmon, the chicken and penne. If you like spicy food, try the rasta pasta. Also, the specials of the evening are quite tasty and never disappoint. There are plenty of microbrews and cocktails to choose from or go for a traditional shot of Ouzo.
It’s a great place for young professionals because: The prices are extremely reasonable, especially for young professionals who are just starting out and aren't making a lot of money yet – you get a lot of food for your buck, and it's always fresh and flavorful. You can't beat the central location a half block off the Capitol Square, right next to the Bartell Theater. It's easy to get to after a hard day at the office. There is a lot of seating that can be moved together for networking purposes. The atmosphere is very friendly and the staff is always willing to help (and the owner is especially wonderful).

Atmosphere: Casual.
Order: The lunch specials are huge and their hamburgers are second to none.
It’s a great place for young professionals because: Location, location, location. It’s a very up and coming area of development and established businessmen frequent this grill.

Atmosphere: Chicago style. It’s edgy, modern and hip with cool beats on Friday and Saturday nights.
Order: Share small tapas: Mediterranean snack plate, grilled tofu, or one of their great brick-oven pizzas. For the ladies who like to sip something yummy, try the Zygo, infused Vodka with 7up. They’re tasty.
It’s a great place for young professionals because: Many young professionals stop here for a cocktail after work or a night cap after a long day. Great atmosphere for mingling: just take a seat at the bar – you never know who you’ll meet.

Atmosphere: Dive Bar
Order: Beer specials are always good. The Wisco burger and cheese curds are the best in town.
It’s a great place for young professionals because: You don't have to act like, a young professional, but they are there. It’s just a chill place with a great jukebox and the bartenders are cool.

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