State Street in Madison

A One-of-a-Kind Experience

Jul 8, 2007 Kelly Whitt

From unique stores and restaurants to the great Halloween party, State Street always provides a unique visit.

State Street in Madison stretches from the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Approximately six blocks long, this stretch of road is closed to regular traffic. But watch your step, because it is still a busy bus route, along with delivery trucks parking in front of stores.

Directions: Access to State Street can be tricky. It is located on the isthmus where the roads are narrow and crowded with lots of one-way streets. One option is to come in on John Nolen Drive from the Beltline, turning away from Lake Monona onto Broom Street until you reach Mifflin. Take a right and find a large parking structure on your left. Another option is to approach from campus. Take West Johnson Street east until you reach Lake Street. On Lake Street make a left and travel about two blocks until you find a parking structure on your right. Parking in Madison is sparse and there can be a wait outside parking structures during busy periods.

State Street is a great place for people watching. In the course of one visit, you'd be hard pressed not to spot at least one tie-dye t-shirt, one colorful mohawk, a group of skateboarders, and a homeless street performer playing an instrument for spare change. State Street has always been popular with college students because of its location adjacent to the campus. War protestors rioted here in the 70s against the Vietnam War. There is always an interesting mix of people strolling along State Street.

To help you in your visit, the city has hired Information Ambassadors. People in bright green golf shirts at information booths direct you to hot spots or let you in on the events of the day.

The west end of State Street ends at Lake Street with the University Book Store, Memorial Library, and Library Mall steps in front of you. The east end of State Street ends at the Capitol.

Along it are stores that have been in business for decades and some that are relatively new. The following is a list of businesses found on State Street Mall. The list is a partial list of the places that would be of interest to tourists. Broken down into blocks, the 100 block starts at the Capitol and the 600 block is closest to campus. Places in bold are the most popular attractions.

100 Block of State Street

This area is close to the office buildings surrounding the Capitol and therefore caters more to the business men and women looking for a quick lunch. The Children's Museum is also located right by the Capitol with the Wisconsin Historical Museum diagonally across in front of the Capitol.

Madison Children's Museum
Michelangelo's Coffee House
Frida Mexican Grill
Ginza of Tokyo
Ian's Pizza and Salad
Myles' Teddywedgers Cornish Pasty
State Bar and Grill
Clary's Gourmet Popcorn
Vic's Corn Popper
State Street Gallery
The Comedy Club on State
Gazelle
Mango Boutique
Tiger Lily
House of Wisconsin Cheese
Shangri-La Collections
Utpala

200 Block of State Street

Espresso Royale Caffe
Paul's Club
Cosi
Fresco Restaurant
Nick's Restaurant
Noodles and Company
Ben and Jerry's
Twee and Luliloo
Orpheum Theatre
The Fanny Garver Gallery
Overture Center
Jack's Shoes
WinterSilks
Little Luxuries
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Fontana

300 Block of State Street

Irish Pub
Casa de Lara Mexican Restaurant
Chautara Restaurant
Himal Chuli Restaurant
Parthenon Gyros
Pizza Di Roma
Takara
Tutto Pasta
Paciugo Italian Gelato
Kanopy Dance Company
Shakti
Triangle Market
Citrine
Gap
Jazzman
Karen & Co.
Cook
Sassafras
Ragstock
Sedona
Tiger Lily Too
Pop Deluxe

400 Block of State Street

Hawk's Bar and Grill
Fair Trade Coffee House
Asian Kitchen
Chin's Asia Fresh
Jeff and Jim's Pizza
Real Chili
Subway
Wasabi Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
Cold Stone Creamery
Jamba Juice
Heartland Birkenstock
Lands' End Not Quite Perfect Store
Yellow Jersey
Sunshine Daydream
Tellus Mater
Tropic Jewel
Village Bagshop
Pink Panties Lingerie
Princess of India Imports
Sacred Feather
Scoshi

500 Block of State Street

Buffalo Wild Wings
Mondays
The Pub
Steep and Brew
Buraka
Gino's Restaurant
Husnu's
Jimmy John's
Kabul Afghanistan and Mediterranean Restaurant
Maza Cafe
Nadia's Restaurant
Pel-Meni
Potbelly Sandwich Works
Qdoba
Taco Bell
Za's
Clary's Gourmet Popcorn
Jamie's Cookies and Cakes
Poster Master
Stop and Shop Grocery
Lids
Mirage
The Peacock
Sukara Sterling
Freedom Skateboards
The Exclusive Company
Art Gecko
The Pipefitter

600 Block of State Street

The City Bar and Restaurant
State Street Brats
Espresso Royale Caffe
Starbucks
Charley's Steakery
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Fuddruckers
Mediterranean Cafe
Rising Sons Loatian and Thai Deli
Sunroom Cafe
Fine Posters and Print
Paul's Book Store
Underground Textbook Exchange
Insignia
UP Spatique
Urban Outfitters
Name of the Game
Steve & Barry's University Sportswear

The copyright of the article State Street in Madison in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Kelly Whitt. Permission to republish State Street in Madison in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.