SMALL BITE: The Wise is an urban bar and bistro inside HotelRED in Madison, Wisconsin. It pays a respective and playful nod to the loyal alumni and student population of the University of Wisconsin, whose banner color is RED. The restaurant manager describes the menu as “Wisconsin bounty with a fun twist.” Features small and shared-plate menu that incorporates ingredients from more than 45 local farms. It is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and Happy Hour. It is well-known for its creative and classic cocktails.
SIGNATURE DISH: Milk stout braised short rib, served with a generous topping of pomegranate seeds.
THE DISH FROM DINERS: “I’m staying at the HotelRED, which is nice, but the restaurant is absolutely amazing. The food is fresh, fabulous, and always seems to be accompanied by something “house crafted” which makes everything that much better.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Wisconsin pride abounds at The Wise! Many of the menu ingredients are sourced from local farms, and even the furniture, tables, bar and artwork were made in Wisconsin. Something cool for hotel guests — they offer free paddle boards, kayaks and bikes for getting out an enjoying the city’s two lakes.
HOURS: Breakfast: Monday through Friday. 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Lunch: Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner: Monday through Thursday, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.;
Friday through Saturday, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
For reservations, call: 608.819.8230
ABOUT HOTELRED: A really fun place to stay, with playful splashes of red woven into many of the hotel’s details. (Even the fitness equipment is red!) HotelRed is independently owned by a family with strong roots in Madison. It is a boutique, 40-room hotel — all suites, all king beds — and 30 of the suites have balconies. The rooms are very modern, with polished concrete and glass, and have a “loft” feel. Almost like you are staying in a time-share, not a hotel room, as there’s a dishwasher, stovetop, microwave, sink, plates, bowls, silverware, glasses (wine glasses, too!) and even a martini shaker — everything you would need for a night or two away from home. It is located right across from the university’s football stadium, Camp Randall, so it’s the perfect place to “camp out” if you are coming into town to see a Badgers game. It also sits at an important intersection in Madison known as The Gateway to the West because this is the only way to get on and off the isthmus. Did we mention it is dog-friendly, too?
See other Great Hotel Restaurants in Madison!
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