Best of Monona, WI
The best restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and things to do in Monona, WI — mapped and organized by category.
About Monona
Monona is a city in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. It is an almost entirely surrounded suburb of Madison that lies on the southeastern shore of Lake Monona.
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UW Geology Museum
Located in Weeks Hall on the South Campus, the UW Geology Museum features exhibits focused on geology and paleontology. Admission is free, and it ranks as the second most visited museum at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Its attendance is exceeded only by the Chazen Museum of Art.
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Best Hotels in Monona
27 places · Where to stay, from budget-friendly to boutique.
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AC Hotel Madison Downtown
Located at 1 North Webster Street, the AC Hotel Madison Downtown serves as a lodging option in the city. It operates under the hotel category for travelers needing accommodation.
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Edgewater Hotel
The Edgewater Hotel sits on the shore of Lake Mendota near the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Wisconsin State Capitol. Originally built as the Edgewater Apartment and Hotel in 1946–48, it was greatly expanded by additions in 1973 and 2014.
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Graduate by Hilton Madison
Graduate by Hilton Madison is a hotel located at 601 Langdon Street.
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Hotel Ruby Marie
Located at 524 East Wilson Street, Hotel Ruby Marie offers lodging in the area. The property serves as a hotel for travelers seeking accommodation.
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Hyatt Place
Located at 333 West Washington Avenue, Hyatt Place is a hotel option in the area.
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Madison Concourse Hotel
Located at 1 West Dayton Street, the Madison Concourse Hotel offers lodging in the area.
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Madison Marriott South
Located at 706 John Nolen Drive, the Madison Marriott South serves as a hotel for visitors to the area. Its specific address provides a clear point of reference for guests seeking accommodation.
Best Restaurants in Monona
107 places · Where to eat, from neighborhood staples to standout kitchens.
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A La Brasa Mexican Grill
Located in the Mifflin West neighborhood, A La Brasa Mexican Grill serves Latin American and Mexican cuisine. It is a straightforward option for those seeking a local dining spot.
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Bandung Indonesian Restaurant
Bandung Indonesian Restaurant serves Thai and Indonesian cuisine for lunch and dinner. It is located in the First Settlement neighborhood.
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Bar Corallini
Located in Schenk's Corners, Bar Corallini serves Italian food and Italian pizza. It is a straightforward option for a meal in the neighborhood.
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Bassett Street Brunch Club
Located in Mifflin West, Bassett Street Brunch Club serves American breakfast and brunch.
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Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream
Located in Richmond Hill, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream serves as a restaurant specializing in ice cream. The brand is known for manufacturing and distributing products that include Italian ice and oat ice cream.
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Conrad's Grill
Located in Downtown, Conrad's Grill serves sandwiches. It is a local restaurant option for those seeking this specific cuisine.
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Coopers Tavern
Coopers Tavern serves regional cuisine in the Mansion Hill neighborhood.
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Crostini Sandwiches
Crostini Sandwiches serves Italian cuisine in the Eken Park neighborhood.
Best Cafés & Coffee in Monona
59 places · Coffee shops, roasters and casual spots to linger.
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Ancora Cafe
Located in the Sherman neighborhood, Ancora Cafe serves coffee, breakfast, and lunch. The menu also includes bakery items and brunch options.
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Barriques - West Wash
Located in the Bassett neighborhood, Barriques - West Wash is a coffee shop serving as a local café. It offers a dedicated space for coffee enthusiasts in the area.
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Black Locust Cafe
Located in the Tenney-Lapham neighborhood, Black Locust Cafe operates as a coffee shop. It serves as a local café option for residents and visitors in the area.
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Bradbury's Coffee
Located in James Madison Park, Bradbury's Coffee is a café known for serving crepes.
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Cafe Domestique
Cafe Domestique is a coffee shop located in the Marquette neighborhood. It serves as a local café option for residents and visitors in the area.
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Candy Cloud
Located in Downtown, Candy Cloud is a café serving coffee, bubble tea, and ice cream.
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Cargo Coffee
Cargo Coffee is a café located in the James Madison Park neighborhood. It serves as a local coffee shop for residents and visitors.
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Colectivo Coffee
Colectivo Coffee is a café in the First Settlement neighborhood. It serves as a coffee shop and bakery.
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Colectivo Coffee
Colectivo Coffee is a café located in the Tenney-Lapham neighborhood.
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Cottage Cafe
Cottage Cafe serves American and breakfast fare in the Rolling Meadows neighborhood. It is a local café option for those seeking a casual dining spot.
Best Bars & Nightlife in Monona
99 places · Cocktail bars, pubs and where the night goes.
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Aftershock Classic Arcade
Aftershock Classic Arcade is a bar located in the Marquette neighborhood.
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Come Back Inn
Come Back Inn is an American bar located in the First Settlement neighborhood. It offers a local spot for casual dining and drinks.
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Crystal Corner Bar
Crystal Corner Bar is a bar located in the Marquette neighborhood.
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Double Tap
Double Tap is a bar located in Downtown. It serves as a local spot for drinks in the area.
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Drackenberg's Cigar Bar
Drackenberg's Cigar Bar is a bar located in the Sherman neighborhood.
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Genna's Cocktail Lounge
Genna's Cocktail Lounge is a bar located in the Bassett neighborhood. It serves as a local spot for drinks within the area.
Best Things to Do in Monona
20 places · Museums, landmarks and the experiences worth your time.
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Chazen Museum of Art
Located on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus in Downtown, the Chazen Museum of Art is a local attraction. It serves as an art museum within the university grounds.
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Henry Vilas Zoo
Henry Vilas Zoo is a 28-acre public attraction in the Vilas neighborhood of Madison, Wisconsin. Owned by Dane County, the facility is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and welcomes over 750,000 visitors each year.
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Madison Children's Museum
Located in the Mansion Hill neighborhood, the Madison Children's Museum offers interactive exhibits covering arts, sciences, history, culture, health, and civic engagement. It serves as a dedicated space for young visitors to explore these diverse topics.
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Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Located in Downtown, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is an independent, non-profit institution. It was formerly known as the Madison Art Center.
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Talbot Studio And Gallery
Located in Schenk's Corners, Talbot Studio And Gallery serves as a local attraction.
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Tandem Press
Tandem Press is an attraction located in the Emerson East neighborhood.
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UW Geology Museum
Located in Weeks Hall on the South Campus, the UW Geology Museum features exhibits focused on geology and paleontology. Admission is free, and it ranks as the second most visited museum at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
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University of Wisconsin Space Place
Located in Bram's Addition, the University of Wisconsin Space Place is a local attraction.
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Gallery Marzen
Gallery Marzen is an attraction located in the Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara neighborhood.
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Backspace Gallery
Backspace Gallery is an attraction located in the Preglers Addition neighborhood.
Best Shops in Monona
36 places · Independent boutiques, bookstores and places to browse.
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Hatch Art House
Located in the Marquette neighborhood, Hatch Art House is a local shop.
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Good Style Shop
Good Style Shop is a retail store located in the Tenney-Lapham neighborhood.
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Ignite Glass & Gifts
Located in the Tenney-Lapham neighborhood, Ignite Glass & Gifts is a local shop. It offers a selection of glass items and gifts to visitors.
Best Parks & Outdoors in Monona
95 places · Green space, gardens and room to breathe.
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George Reger Park
Located at 201 Oak Street, George Reger Park is a local green space. The park serves as a neighborhood area for residents.
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Giddings Park
Giddings Park is located at 429 Castle Place. It serves as a local green space within the neighborhood.
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North Star Park
Located at 502 North Star Drive, North Star Park offers a green space for local residents. The site is categorized as a park within the community.
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Tenney Park
Located at 1414 East Johnson Street, Tenney Park is a local green space. It serves as a neighborhood park for residents and visitors.
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B.B. Clarke Beach Park
Located at 835 Spaight Street, B.B. Clarke Beach Park is a local green space. It serves as a park for the community.
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Elvehjem Park
Elvehjem Park is located at 1202 Painted Post Drive. It serves as a local green space for residents.
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James Madison Park
James Madison Park is a 12.63-acre waterfront park situated on Lake Mendota. It is owned by the city of Madison.
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Midland Park
Located at 1209 North Wingra Drive, Midland Park is a local green space. It serves as a neighborhood park for residents to enjoy.
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Acewood Park
Acewood Park is a local green space available for community use. It serves as a park within the neighborhood.
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Arrowhead Park
Arrowhead Park is a local green space available for community use. It serves as a park within the city.
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