SMALL BITE: Adorable! Just ADORABLE will be your first impression as you walk through the lobby of the Graduate Madison to get to The Madison Blind, located upstairs on the rooftop. If you’re into sweeping views of lakes and a beautiful city, and chef-crafted foods — and who isn’t? — then you will certainly be poised for a memorable experience at The Madison Blind.
SIGNATURE DISH: For starters, try the Edamame Guac (below), which looks EXACTLY like real guacamole, but more vegetarian-ish. The trio of tacos are amazing–especially the seafood version, made with halibut, crab and shrimp, surrounded by fresh mango and avocado–and the taco shells are made out of thinly sliced taro root. How creative is THAT? For bigger appetites, the Seared Scallops are divine, prepared with fresh corn, soy beans, bacon and watercress. Or try the Blind Burger with bacon-onion-jalapeno jam! Three of the best flavors around, right there.
DISH FROM DINERS: “Fantastic outdoor seating and views of Madison. Great service and friendly staff. ” AND: “This venue is amazing, you can’t beat the rooftop views and the quality of the food is impeccable. The restaurant itself is beautiful and unlike any other establishment downtown. The atmosphere is casual, but with an upscale feel definitely worth recommending to a friend.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Downstairs, in the hotel lobby, check out Portage Pi, a coffee and juice bar that also sells savory and sweet hand pies — such as the Chicken or Short-Rib Pi and the Banana S’More Pi. Pies, Pi — get it? Breakfast fare, salads and sandwiches available, too.
HOURS:
Monday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. — 12:00 a.m.
Friday, 3:00 p.m. — 2:00 a.m.
Saturday, 3:00 p.m. — 2:00 a.m.
Sunday, 4:30 p.m. — 12:00 a.m.
For reservations, call: 608.257.6949
ABOUT THE GRADUATE HOTEL MADISON: There really is no other hotel like it in all of Madison. This university-themed hotel has been designed to blend seamlessly into campus life, with respectful nods toward revered UW–Madison traditions, such as the “Jump Around.” You’ll find The Graduate on Langdon Street, right next to Greek Row. But don’t let that scare you. It just means that you’ll run into lots of happy people celebrating life and intellectual pursuits all around you. The hotel is within easy walking distance to State Street, the entertainment hub of Madison. And you’re close to the Capitol building, as well. Great selection of rooms and bed sizes–kings, queens and doubles–in addition to specially themed suites, like the Camp Wandawega Suite, a re-imagined two-bedroom lakeside retreat perfect for the whole family. What’s more, bikes are for rent and pets are welcome, too.
