10 Best Breweries in Madison

"Thanks to the lingering influence of New Glarus Brewing (its Spotted Cow cream ale is practically the state mascot), quality beer is a given in Madison. However, if you wanna get weird and see a glimpse of the industry's future, nothing can touch the grand ambition and artful execution of this tiny Bay Creek taproom. Belgian-inspired while carving out its own corner of the increasingly competitive sour/wild ale community, this is where you go to try a bold Méthode Traditionnelle blend of purple raspberries or a meerts-schooled marriage of mangoes, pink guava, and French oak foeders."

"Karben4 was founded in 2012 by natives of Appleton, Wisconsin (a couple hours north of Madison) in Ale Asylum’s original space. Now that we’ve disseminated the obligatory interesting fact, we’ll turn to Karben4’s mission statement, which sums things up much better than we can: “Passion."

"They have tours every Saturday and several other events throughout the month. The have an energetic taproom serving their great, uniquely named beers on tap and TVs for watching Wisconsin sports. They also serve some good gastropub food."

"Vintage Brewing Company is a working brewery that produces craft beer on tap and features a casual bar and laid-back restaurant. The brewery creates 18 beers on tap, including stouts, ales, Bavarian-style Weissbier, and American IPA, all of which can be enjoyed on tap at the bar, along with a variety of bottled beer, Vintage Brewing sodas, handcrafted cocktails and boutique wines. The kitchen presents a menu of innovative pub-style grub with a modern twist, including soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps, signature burgers, entrées, and desserts."

"Vintage Brewing Co has three locations that all offer something a little different. The location on Whitney Way where they brew their beer, has a great outdoor patio and delicious food!. The downtown location on University Ave. serves Vintage Brews on tap and has a retro vibe and energetic atmosphere."

"ALT Brew has all your gluten-free beer needs covered with their creations. None of their beers are made with gluten, which means that everyone can have a great time at this brewery. ALT Brew doesn’t need gluten to make some of Madison’s most interesting Kolsch, blondes, farmhouse ales, porters, IPAs, and more."

"This nature center was established in the spirit of naturalist legend Aldo Leopold. The site offers adult workshops, as well as special events like a maple syrup festival in the spring. The facility is home to a diversity of outdoor areas to explore, including savannah, wetlands, prairies, and woodlands."

"Nature programs for students, families and visitors of all ages. Take a nature hike through native habitats, explore our indoor exhibits and..."

"Restaurant Muramoto's offering of one of the largest sake selections in Wisconsin will warm both of your hearts and their concept of shared plate dining will inspire a mood of intimacy. Enjoy king crab tempura, a bumble bee roll, or steamed duck wonton alongside the gunsmoke roll or porkbelly buns at this tapas-like Japanese restaurant where east meets west. And how about the strawberry and red bean spring rolls with honey ginger ice cream pictured above?"