The Best Places to Eat in Madison During the CrossFit Games
If you have been to the CrossFit Games before, you know Madison is a great city for foodies.
Why is that you ask?
Madison has the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country. Partner that with local ingredients, award-winning chefs, and multiple food festivals, and you could eat your way through the week of the Games!
There is a vast variety of cuisine to choose from, from bar food and pub fare to more curated farm-to-table offerings, and here are some top recommendations!
Breakfast
Fuel yourself before you head into Alliant Energy Center to watch the fittest battle!
- Mickie’s Dairy Bar – 1511 Monroe St. Madison, WI 53711
- Opens 6 AM Friday / Saturday, 7 AM Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Closed Monday / Tuesday
A stone’s throw from the college stadium, Mickie’s has been serving up simple breakfasts for over 60 years. You will be transported back to the 1950s with the original menu on the wall and an old-fashioned shake machine on the counter. If you like your breakfasts hearty and no frills, Mickie’s is the place for you.
- Marigold Kitchen – 118 S. Pinckney St. Madison, WI 53703
- Opens 7 AM Monday-Saturday, 8 AM Sunday
Marigold Kitchen is a distinctive, upbeat urban restaurant. Since 2001, they have been serving breakfast, lunch and brunch to Madison locals and visitors. They source the finest local ingredients and prepare their food fresh daily, and is truly a unique Madison experience.
- Short Stack Eatery – 301 W. Johnson St. Madison, WI 53703
- Opens 6 AM Tuesday – Sunday, closed Monday
Head to Short Stack for the best pancakes in town! All of their dishes are made from scratch with fresh, organic, and local ingredients, and they work with various purveyors from Wisconsin to source the best products possible. They serve breakfast only, and they do it all day. They also offer tasty gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options!
Lunch and Dinner
- Graze – 1 S. Pinckney St., Madison, WI 53703
- Closed on Mondays
Located near the capitol building, this is a great spot to grab a meal before checking out downtown Madison. Graze is open Wednesday–Saturday for dinner only and Sunday for brunch, and this gastropub offers farm-to-table inspired comfort food with the option for online reservations.
- The Old Fashioned – 23 N. Pinckney St. #1, Madison, WI 53703
- Opens 9 AM Saturday, 11 AM Monday-Friday
Two words, cheese curds. We know that’s what you really want to try when you are visiting Wisconsin! Their “Old Fashioned” is the winner of Wisconsin’s Best Cheese Curds but they have a huge food and drink menu big enough to accommodate everyone in your group. Note: They are closed on Sundays.
- The Boathouse at the Edgewater – 1001 Wisconsin Pl., Madison, WI 53703
- Opens 11 AM Daily
If you like a view with your meal, head to The Boathouse. Located at the lake level in the historic Langdon Building at The Edgewater, it’s accessible by boat or land and is only 10 minutes away from the venue.
- Ahan – 2262 Winnebago St, Madison, WI 53704
- Closed on Mondays
Ahan is one of the best places to go in Madison if you are looking for a delicious Southeast Asian meal. The restaurant is inside The Bur Oak, which hosts events and musical performances and is very close to Lake Monona and Lake Mendota. It’s a great place if you have dietary restrictions–they have plenty of options, including dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, and pescatarian options.
Other Options:
- Mint Mark
- Ian’s Pizza
- Off-Broadway Drafthouse
- Pig in a Fur Coat
- Nook
Bon Appetit!
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