BCCE 2026 will provide breakfast (for those staying on campus), refreshments during morning and afternoon breaks, sweet treats during poster sessions, and heavy hors d’oeuvres during evening events. Lunch is not provided, so we encourage you to explore the many dining options in Madison.
Madison offers a wide range of restaurants, cafés, and quick dining options within walking distance of campus and downtown. Learn more about Madison's iconic eats!
Hours and availability may vary. Please check each location’s website for the most current information and for reservation information.
On-Campus Dining
- Gordon Avenue Market (Gordon Commons). A large, all-you-care-to-eat, buffet-style, pay-at-entry dining hall offering a wide range of options including pizza, sandwiches, salads, global cuisine, and Tex-Mex, along with a convenience store and café for grab-and-go items.
- Memorial Union. A central campus hub offering a wide range of dining options along with indoor seating and access to the iconic Terrace overlooking Lake Mendota.
- Der Rathskeller – burgers, wraps, fries, and classic pub food in a historic setting
- Lakeview Lounge – pizza, shareable appetizers, and drinks with Terrace access
- The Brat Stand (Terrace) – brats, burgers, and quick bites in an outdoor setting
- Strada – hearth-fired pizza and pasta bowls
- Carte – sandwiches, salads, and fresh grab-and-go options
- Daily Scoop – Babcock Dairy ice cream, shakes, and desserts
- Peet’s Coffee – coffee, espresso drinks, and light café fare
- Der Stiftskeller – beer, wine, and snack options in a bierhall-style space
- Badger Market – snacks, drinks, and quick bites
- BBQ Stand (Terrace, seasonal) – smoked sandwiches and sides
- Union South. A modern student union offering a variety of dining options, coffee, and comfortable indoor seating—ideal for quick meals or meeting between sessions.
- South Cantina – build-your-own burritos, tacos, and bowls
- Naan Stop South – Indian-inspired bowls, snacks, and entrées
- Ginger Root – pan-Asian dishes including bento bowls and appetizers
- Prairie Fire – coffee, espresso drinks, and a café that transitions to wine and beer service
- Sett Pub – burgers, sandwiches, and classic pub fare with a large tap list
- Sett Recreation – appetizers, pizza, and casual bites alongside bowling and games
- Daily Scoop – Babcock Dairy ice cream, shakes, and desserts
- Badger Market – grab-and-go meals, snacks, coffee, and convenience items
Quick and Causal
- Forage Kitchen – fresh, fast bowls and salads
- Naf Naf Grill – fast-casual Middle Eastern options
- Paul’s Pelmeni – quick, affordable dumplings
- Mediterranean Cafe – quick, affordable Mediterranean fare
- QQ Express – fast Chinese takeout near campus
- Estación Inka – Peruvian cuisine near campus
- Strings Ramen Shop – casual ramen spot
- Fresh Fin Poké – build-your-own poke bowls
Restaurants and Bars
- The Great Dane – brewpub with a large menu and plenty of seating
- Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry – classic burgers and casual fare
- Lucille – pizza, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere
- Tipsy Cow – casual burgers and bar food
- Jalisco Cocina Mexicana – Mexican favorites in the downtown core
- Nattspil – late-night Asian-inspired small plates
- Parthenon – Greek-American restaurant on State Street
- Cooper’s Tavern – European-style tavern overlooking the Capitol
- State Street Brats – casual bar with late-night options
- Vintage Spirits and Grill – casual American dining near the Capitol
- Sol’s on the Square – Korean small plates on Capitol Square
- Bandit Tacos & Coffee – tacos, coffee, and quick bites
- Butterbird – fried chicken and comfort food
- Canteen – tacos and margaritas in a lively setting
- Izakaya Kuroyama – Japanese small plates and drinks
- Haven – modern, vegetable-forward dining and small plates
- Madison On Tap - your pass to beer, bubbles, bourbon and beyond!
Breakfast & Brunch Favorites
- Bassett Street Brunch Club – hearty brunch favorites
- Marigold Kitchen – popular breakfast and lunch spot near the Capitol
- Gotham Bagels – bagels and breakfast sandwiches
- Pink Flamingo Brunch Cafe – bright, casual brunch spot
- Mickies Dairy Bar – iconic, no-frills diner near campus
- Ancora Coffee (King Street) – coffee, breakfast, and baked goods near the Capitol
Notable Local Dining (Reservations Recommended)
- Graze – modern American dining on Capitol Square
- Sardine – French-inspired bistro on the lake
- L’Etoile – fine dining and seasonal tasting menus overlooking the Capitol
- RED Sushi – sushi and Japanese cuisine
- Heritage Tavern – seasonal, locally sourced cuisine
- Osteria Papavero – intimate Italian dining
- The Harvey House – upscale Midwestern dining
- Tornado Room – classic steakhouse/supper-club experience
Coffee Shops
- Colectivo Coffee – popular café on State Street with ample seating
- Wonderstate Coffee – high-quality coffee in a relaxed downtown space
- Bradbury’s Coffee – small café known for crepes and espresso
- Fair Trade Coffee House – long-standing State Street café with plenty of seating
- Michelangelo’s Coffee House – classic café for a quieter break or work session
- Indie Coffee – cozy café near campus with coffee and light fare
- Java Den – casual campus café popular with students