My Madison FavoriteS

Madison Capitol Building, Madison Wisconsin

Restaurants

Sardine — Lively French bistro right on the water, with sweeping views of Lake Monona. Great for oysters, moules frites, and a classic cocktail at the bar.

Lombardino's — A Madison institution since 1952. Old-school, kitschy-elegant Italian on University Ave — think homemade pasta, wood-grilled steaks, and a Lampshade Martini.

Ahan — Lao and Southeast Asian–inspired plates from James Beard–semifinalist chef Jamie Brown-Soukaseume. Bold flavors, small cozy Williamson St space — book ahead, it fills fast.

Mint Mark — East side neighborhood favorite known for its biscuit and inventive, seasonal small plates. Warm, buzzy room with palm-leaf wallpaper; now has a rooftop bar (The Perch) above it.

Heritage — Approachable New American tavern-style spot, good for a casual but elevated dinner or drinks.

Bar Coralini — Cozy Italian seaside-style joint in the Atwood neighborhood. Hand-crafted pasta and Neapolitan wood-fired pizza, great Negronis, feels like a little slice of the Amalfi coast.

Osteria Papavero — Quiet, romantic downtown Italian spot from Bologna-born chef Francesco Mangano. Rustic, saucy, traditional dishes — a favorite for a low-key date night.

Toby's Supper Club — Classic Wisconsin supper club near McFarland: relish tray, brandy old fashioneds, steak and fish fry, red carpet and dark wood paneling. Time-capsule charm.

Attico — Rooftop-style Italian spot known for its views and see-and-be-seen patio scene downtown.

Delaney's Supper Club — Old-school Madison steakhouse and supper club — a classic surf-and-turf night out.

Lucille - cool ambiance

Tornado Club Steakhouse — In their words: “Famouse for Steaks”— Historic downtown steakhouse, a fixture of Madison's supper club scene since the mid-1900s — classic chophouse vibe with a super swanky bar.

Fairchild — Award-winning New American fine dining downtown; polished, seasonal tasting-menu-caliber food.

Cento — Downtown Italian blending Old World technique with modern presentation, sourcing ingredients locally and from Italy.

Sushi Red — Solid go-to for sushi and Japanese small plates.

Eno Vino - An upscale dinner with great views of the Capitol.

Lallande - On a charming block of Monroe St. this little bistro, owned by neighborhood darling Anne Marie of Bloom Bake Shop is french at it's best.

Gates and Brovi — Upscale American steak-and-seafood spot, popular for special-occasion dinners.

Ian's Pizza - late night pizza (Mac and cheese)

One Social Food Hall — Multi-vendor food hall downtown — good for groups who can't agree on one cuisine.

Tip Top Tavern — Neighborhood corner tavern feel — burgers, beer, low-key hangout.

Harvey House — Award-winning downtown restaurant known for elevated comfort food and a great bar program.

One Prime Steakhouse — Upscale, cosmopolitan steakhouse on the Capitol Square with polished service.

Johnny Delmonico's - this is one of those restaurants that just does everything right. The food is delicious and the service is top notch.

Coffee shops/provisions

Ancora — The best local coffee roaster/café with 4 locations in the area- each with a unique charm. The breakfast sandwiches are a favorite and their avocado toast is a work of art.

Madison Sourdough — Beloved neighborhood bakery for naturally leavened bread, pastries, and a simple breakfast/lunch menu.

Pasture & Plenty — Grab-and-go prepared foods, meal kits, and provisions from a well-loved local food company — great for a healthy lunch or dinner shortcut. They also host private classes/dinners.

Lola's —in their words: “Wisconsin fancy” a Midwestern spin on the HiFi bar. A HiFi love letter to the low brow, if you will. High end sound and finishes mixed with quality food and cocktails, with a no frills attitude, plenty of canned beer, and a vibe that we hope fills your soul with the warmth of home. Welcome to Lola’s. She’s a vibe… In my words- this place never disappoints, it’s a good time always- go there if you’re in a bad mood, you won’t be when you leave. The Prosciutto pizza is a favorite and their Vodka Gimlets are the best. Also- cans of ice cold Diet Coke if you’re into that. 10/10 recommend.

Casetta Kitchen — Small Italian-American deli known for porchetta sandwiches on house focaccia and a cult-favorite chocolate chip cookie. Some say this is the best sandwhich shop in Madison and it often has lines out the door.

Alimentari — Upscale Italian market/deli for specialty groceries, sandwiches, and imported goods.

Bloom Bake Shop — Neighborhood bakery known for pastries and baked goods with many gluten-free options (also the team behind Lallande).

Batch Bakhouse — Small-batch neighborhood bakery for bread and pastries. In my opinion the best bakery in Madison.

Fromagination — Cheese shop on the Capitol Square specializing in Wisconsin artisan cheeses, plus sandwiches, wine and gourmet gifts. They put together the MOST beautiful cheese boards and also host classes.

La Baguette — Classic French bakery/café for croissants, baguettes, and quiche.

Mickey's Dairy Bar — Retro diner near campus, famous for old-fashioned breakfasts and milkshakes. (please double check, they’re currently closed)

Labrioche — French-inspired bakery and café for pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.

Marigold — Charming downtown café/kitchen known for a well-loved breakfast and lunch menu.

Leopold's — Neighborhood coffee/wine bar with a cozy, low-key vibe.

Ice Cream Social — Playful ice cream shop with rotating, inventive flavors and a little outdoor area for meet-ups.

Chocolate Shop Ice Cream — Longtime local ice cream and chocolate shop, a Madison classic treat stop. Their motto is “If you want nutrition, eat carrots.”

Shops

Lake City Books — Independent bookstore for browsing and picking up a good read.

Good Day Shop — Local boutique for thoughtfully curated home goods and gifts.

Hilldale — Open-air shopping center with Twigs, Faherty, Evereve, Madewell, Anthropologie, and Lululemon — a solid one-stop shopping afternoon.

Atomic Antiques — Fun spot for vintage finds and antiques.

Orange Tree Imports — Beloved gift and home shop on Monroe St., known for its huge, whimsical selection — kitchen goods, cards, toys, jewelry.

Bars

La Tigre — Stylish lounge for a well-made cocktail.

Lola's — Doubles as a relaxed evening cocktail spot.

The Ivory Room (Piano Bar) — Elegant piano bar for a classy, dress-up night out.

Ohio Tavern — Laid-back neighborhood dive-y tavern.

Muskellounge — East side strip-mall gem with taxidermy on the walls, ping-pong and shuffleboard, and excellent brandy old fashioneds — locals call it "The Musky."

Paul's Club — Old-school Madison bar with a big personality (and a giant fish tank).

Public Parking — Trendy cocktail bar, playful name, well-crafted drinks.

Olbrich Biergarten (seasonal) — Outdoor beer garden next to Olbrich Botanical Gardens — great for a warm-weather beer overlooking the lagoon.

Robin Room — Intimate, speakeasy-style cocktail bar with vintage decor and one of the best whiskey/cocktail menus in the city.

The Perch — above Mint Mark — Rooftop bar on the 6th floor with cocktails and some of the best skyline views in Madison.

Parks/hikes

Olbrich Botanic Gardens — Beautiful public gardens on Lake Monona, plus the Bolz Conservatory (a tropical greenhouse) — free and gorgeous year-round.

Brittingham Boats - SUP or kayak

B-cycle / bike paths — Madison's bike-share system plugged into a huge network of lakefront and city bike paths.

Picnic Point — Iconic UW Arboretum-adjacent peninsula walk on Lake Mendota, a classic sunset spot.

Rutabaga Kayak Rentals (Yahara) — Well-known local outfitter for kayak/canoe rentals on the Yahara River chain of lakes.

UW Arboretum — 1,200 acres of restored prairie, forest, and wetland trails right in the city.

Raymer's Cove — Quiet little lakeside park and swimming spot.

Ice Age Trail — Segment of the long-distance National Scenic Trail that winds through the Madison area.

Wellness

Saunaday — Communal outdoor sauna experience, popular for lakeside sweat-and-plunge sessions.

Perennial Yoga — Garver Feed Mill — Yoga studio in the reclaimed historic Garver Feed Mill space.

Edgewater Spa — Full-service spa inside The Edgewater hotel with lake views.

Face Foundrie — Facial and skincare studio.

Fieldhouse — Boutique fitness studio.

Kosa Day Spa — Full-service day spa for massage, facials, and treatments.

With kids

Madison Children's Museum — Hands-on downtown museum with a rooftop garden and play spaces for all ages.

Vilas Zoo — Free zoo (Henry Vilas Zoo) — a Madison favorite for families, right next to a park and beach.

Madison Mallards — Minor league summer collegiate baseball team; games at Warner Park are a fun, affordable family night out.

Lake life

The Edgewater — Iconic lakefront hotel with a rooftop and lakeside patio — great for a sunset drink on Lake Mendota.

Memorial Union Terrace — The quintessential Madison hangout: lakeside chairs, live music, a beer, and a sunset over Lake Mendota.

Christy's Landing — Lakeside restaurant/bar for boat-in dining and drinks.

Greater Madison area

Dune Gift and Home (Stoughton) — Charming home and gift shop in nearby Stoughton.

The Little Marketplace (Mt. Horeb) — Boutique shop in Mt. Horeb's "Trollway" main street.

Paoli — Tiny, scenic riverside village south of Madison, good for an afternoon drive with shops and a mill pond.

School House and Seven Acre Dairy - Paoli — Local shop and creamery/cheese spot in Paoli.

Supper Clubs: Hilltop, Del Bar, Daylenes, Hi Point, Ishnala — Classic Wisconsin supper clubs scattered around the greater Madison/Wisconsin Dells area — old-fashioneds, relish trays, and prime rib in a nostalgic setting (Ishnala is especially known for its dramatic Mirror Lake, Wisconsin Dells location).

Taliesin — Frank Lloyd Wright's home and school near Spring Green — tours of the architecture and grounds.

Summer Outdoors

Concerts on the Square — Free Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra concerts on the Capitol lawn each summer — bring a blanket and a picnic.

Farmers' Market — The Dane County Farmers' Market circles the Capitol Square every Saturday morning, one of the largest producer-only markets in the country.

American Players Theatre — Outdoor classical theater in the woods near Spring Green, a beloved summer tradition.

Art Fairs, Inspirations and a Workshop Recap

Art Fair Booth Photo, Katie J Stephenson

I'm so nervous and excited to participate in my first official juried fair this weekend at Spring Green Art Fair. I still have the acceptance letter hanging in my pantry to remind me of this milestone. I set a goal last year to prepare and apply for shows, and now, seeing it come to fruition feels really rewarding. I have a nice assortment of paintings and monoprints to bring and I can't wait to show them off!

Spring Green is such a special place, known for its charming arts community and stunning landscapes. It’s hard to describe the feel of the area to someone who has not been, but there is just something about it that stays with you. It’s the perfect setting for a fair. If you're in the area, I would love for you to come by. I’ll be near BMO Harris Bank on Jefferson Street. I hope to see you!

Events Coming Up 2024

I was honored to host a full roster of 16 amazing students at my encaustic workshops last month. It was a beautiful day, and the beach house in Maple Bluff is such an inspiring location—I wish it were my own personal studio. I loved seeing everyone's unique ideas and creativity come to life. Thank you to my students for making the workshops so special. I can't wait to see what we create together next time! Take a look at some of the student work below:

If you’d like to get on my email list to sign up for the next round of workshops, click here.

Introducing: The Unfolded Collection

The Unfolded Collection by Katie J Stephenson

I'm thrilled to introduce my Unfolded Collection! This group of paintings just poured out of me, and I'm completely smitten with each piece. Originally, I planned to create just 4-5 due to time constraints, but once I started, I couldn't stop!

Last week, I showcased these beauties at MMOCA’s Spring Gallery Night at Atelier and loved introducing them in person. The hand-dyed and upcycled cashmere, silk, cotton, and linen fabrics breathed life into my vision, embedding beautifully with the wax to create stunning textures.

What truly captivates me is how each fabric is frozen in time, yet brims with a sense of movement. I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I do.

The Unfolded Collection

If you're in the Madison area, mark your calendar for this Friday's MMoCA Gallery Night. Atelier is graciously hosting me, where I'll be showcasing a selection of new works from the Unfolded Collection. These paintings are crafted from hand-dyed fabrics in exquisite colors, and have an incredible texture you have to see. Join us at Atelier, 924 E. Johnson St., from 5-9 pm to experience them in person.

I also wanted to let you know that I have some Sun Print Kits available on my website for local pick-up. These are a bit too delicate for shipping, which I’m working on for future iterations. But for now, if you’re in the Madison area, I’d love to hand one off to you.

May 2024 Workshop Availability

Laslty, there are still spots left for my Encaustic Workshop on May 18th from 3-6pm. It's the only day I teach this class all year, and I'd be over the moon if you could join me.

New Artwork and Events Coming Up

The Golden Hour Collection by Katie J Stephenson

Happy Spring! The ice has finally melted, and Wisconsin is blooming with life. As much as I cherish every season, Spring holds a special place in my heart for its freshness and sense of rebirth. We’ve been able to attend a few lakeside sunset gatherings already this season and they have been truly magical. That golden hour before dusk inspired my Golden Hour Collection, now available on my website. While some pieces have already found new homes at recent in-person events, there are still some special pieces waiting for you.

Gallery Night Spring 2024

If you're in the Madison area, mark your calendar for this Friday's MMoCA Gallery Night. Atelier is graciously hosting me, where I'll be showcasing a selection of new works from the Unfolded Collection. These paintings are crafted from hand-dyed fabrics in exquisite colors, and have an incredible texture you have to see. Join us at Atelier, 924 E. Johnson St., from 5-9 pm to experience them in person.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for being a part of my community. Your support means the world to me.

XOXO,

-KJS

May Workshops & an Exclusive Giveaway!

May Workshops Taught by Katie J Stephenson

Original Encaustic Monotype Print by Katie J Stephenson

As I approach the halfway mark of the 100-day project, I have a sense of gratitude. I’m thankful for the time I have to dedicate to this project each day but mostly grateful for the support and encouragement to keep going. To celebrate, I've decided to host a giveaway. Throughout this project, I've been creating a lot of encaustic monotype prints, and I'm thrilled to offer one of these unique pieces to a lucky email subscriber. Each one is double-matted to fit a standard 16x20 frame, valued at $125. With a selection of around 30 pieces to choose from, there's something special waiting for the winner. And if you're reading this email, you're already entered into the draw - thank you! The winner will be announced on April 7th, day 50 of the project.

I have also been working on a new mini-collection titled "Golden Hour." Originally planned for an in-person event this weekend that was cancelled, the pieces will be available on April 16th for email subscribers. Inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of summer, this collection features a calming mix of transparent and opaque blues, pinks, and metallic gold and pearl highlights with lots of texture and movement.

Thank you for being a valued part of my community. Your support means the world to me, and I'm grateful to have you as a part of my squad! I look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you soon!

XOXO,

-KJS

New Work and 100 Days of Creativity

Dock Daze Original Encaustic Painting by Katie J Stephenson

Hi there, I wanted to share some of what I’ve been up to lately and what I’ve got on the horizon. I never know what to call this time of year. Winter doesn’t quite feel right, but it’s not yet spring. We’re having a ‘fool’s spring’ currently in Wisconsin – 56 degrees today!

Even though the Madison lakes are still partially frozen, the warmer weather this week provides an opportune moment to introduce my latest artwork on the website. This piece, titled 'Dock Daze,' is a recent creation featuring photographic imagery embedded into the wax. Sometimes, when I have a very specific idea, it doesn't always materialize as planned, requiring a few shifts in direction before it evolves into something that feels right. Fortunately, for this painting, my vision came to life exactly as I had hoped. 'Dock Daze' is framed, measures 20x20, and captures a place I hold dear.

Dock Daze Original Encaustic Painting by Katie J Stephenson Inspiration

This is the actual photo I used for the project. It was taken last September at Lake Wingra behind my kids’ school. It’s a special place we go when we need to kill time or just want to be outside.

I’m also participating in the 100 day project this year. I do well with a challenge and some accountability. I’m starting with some ideas that have been in the back of my head and also trying to use supplies I have on hand – some of which have not yet been touched. We’ll see what comes out!

I hope you are having some untimely warmth in your area. Even in February, nature has a way of surprising us. Here's to embracing the early signs of spring!

Love, KJS

The Dream Side Collection

The Dream Side Collection of Original Encaustic Paintings by Katie J Stephenson

I’m excited to share my newest collection of paintings. Over the last few months, I’ve been working on a group centered around the bit of land we see when we look out across Lake Mendota in Madison. It's my daily dose of inspiration, and I feel incredibly lucky to lay my eyes on it each day. Nature has a way of keeping things interesting—the view is never the same from one day to the next. Some days, it's a mystery where the water ends and the sky begins—pure magic.

I brought pieces from this collection with me to two fun events this fall. First up was Gallery Night at State Line Distillery on November 3rd. The evening was cozy and cool—as you can only expect at State Line. It was so much fun sharing stories and the inspiration behind each piece with both old friends and new.

The second event was last week at Nakoma’s Jingle and Mingle. It was a really fun night with a great mix of people with different talents and passions to bring. I saw many familiar faces and also met the most lovely new friends and collectors. Both events were a great reminder of how important community is.

Holiday 2023 Original Handmade Encaustic Painted Ornaments

I also have a few of these handmade ornaments left to share with you. I had so much fun making these tiny works of art. I just love how it’s acceptable to add a bit more sparkle and shine to everything this time of year.

Each ornament is unique, tied up with a silk ribbon, and packaged in a cute little box—perfect for gifting. Plus, enjoy a flat rate of $5 for shipping within the US when you select the ' $5 Ornament Flat Rate Shipping' option at checkout.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday filled with warmth, joy, and gratitude. I’m grateful for you.

Love, KJS