Paul&#x27;s Pel&#x27;meni

184

309

9 years ago

This is a good place to hit up, especially after a night of drinking. Even they moved, they are still in the downtown area. For around $6.50, you can get a full order - is recommend the mixed with the "works" so that you get a little bit of everything. I definitely prefer the beef over just the potato, as the potatoes by itself might be a little to boring, since the mix def makes it interesting. It also seems like they do frozen bulk orders if you are super into their food. A cool mix of dumplings/pierogis. Definitely recommend anyone to pop in, especially late at night! read more

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Yvonne Y.

131

899

7 years ago

Amazingly fresh beef and potato dumplings. I love the toppings of chili sauce and curry powder plus cilantro. They boil them fresh and a full order comes with 30+ tiny dumplings. Delicious and very reasonably priced. read more

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sd a.

4 years ago

Super yummy! Very fast service and friendly staff. I personally liked the beef dumplings more than the potato ones but both were delicious. Definitely recommend!! read more

Paul's Pel'meni - Full size mixed order with no sour cream - Russian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Sarah K.

9 years ago

What can I say about Paul's? It's simple, delicious, and efficient. Wow this stuff is good and it's different than getting a fast food burger or pizza or taco. It's a great place to show off to guests for a cheap lunch and it's also a great post drinking spot. I love both the beef and dumpling potatoes. Get the mixture. Get everything on it. You won't regret it. And also get the full size, just do it. It'll be amazing. read more

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Cameron B.

344

4 years ago

I ordered the full order mix with the works, and it definitely got the job done. The idea seems so simple and is so unique. The food is filling, tasty, and different: kind of a slam dunk. read more

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Jeanette N.

4 years ago

Sometimes the wait is a bit excessive but man is it worth it. Make sure to get your order with the works!

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Bob S.

371

1305

8 years ago

There's not much to say that hasn't been said in other reviews, but this place is good, cheap eats. The Pel'meni aren't big as the ones I've had at Ukrainian joints elsewhere but they are every bit as tasty. read more

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Patrick G.

7 years ago

I once thought I knew what luxury was. Luxury is yachts. Luxury is stretch limousines. Luxury is diamond tiaras and Rolex watches. Luxury is Bentleys and Beverly Hills; Luxury is throwing wads of dollar bills and making it rain. I once thought luxury in its truest form was to only be attainable by the rich and the powerful - but boy was I wrong. People -- luxury IS attainable. I know this, because I recently experienced it at Paul's Pel'meni in Madison, WI. One of my favorite meals of all time. Visit after visit, same experience. read more

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Weston K.

131

141

5 years ago

This place is fantastic. A true hidden gem in the Madison area. The dumplings are very good and you must get "the works" if you go. They are a little spicy if you're into that stuff but if you can't handle spice then they offer sour cream which does a great job to combat the spice. read more

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Boom O Smash O.

9 years ago

What happen to dumps! It moved? Why?!? The new location is nasty! I'm confused why dumps needs a bar? I was served over cooked water down trash.... honestly ZERO flavor, at least a 1/8 cup of water in my bowl when served. I waited 25 mins for 3 orders of dumps with only one other couple in the entire place. I'm disappointed in the change of location, , staff and overall crappy service. A lot of other reviews have concern about the cleanliness of the staff.... I would agree. Bunch of super pot heads that don't like to wash there hands. Using cell phone while making dumps. I like to say I'm a long time Paul Pel'meni fan! But, this is a turn for the worst. I will no longer being going back due to my terrible experience today and I'm sadden by how this place has turned into another crappy downtown bar! In the end, check it out if you like crappy bar experience food. No longer has that hidden gem feel read more

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Mark W.

4 years ago

Quaint little place. Just like they say, simple one item menu. We went during day so quieter. Worth stopping at. The works is slightly spicy (not bad but caucasians beware. ) read more

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Chloe S.

189

131

10 years ago

I'll never say no to Paul's delish Russian dumplings. This joint is straightforward, and ordering doesn't require much thought. I usually go for the mix - meat dumplings and potato dumplings. You can get them alone if you prefer, but I encourage you get the works: butter, yellow curry, sweet chili sauce, cilantro, and sour cream. Toppings offered separately, too. The place was poppin' at 2:30am this weekend, but they handled the crowd seamlessly. There's not a lot of seating, but most peeps take it to go. Paul's consistently offers a great dish in fast fashion. Check this place out, day or night, sober or after the bars. read more

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Steve L.

5 years ago

, - . First the dumplings wake up your mouth and then they melt in it. Stop here and see for yourself. read more

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Ian W.

Elite 20

9 years ago

Awesome place! They on serve dumplings, your choice of beef, potato, or a mix. Get "the works" with it (it's a spice combo of curry powder, oil, cilantro, and some other forms of heat). It adds a great flavor to a simple, but tasty dish. You can eat outside or at the bar. Nice people work there... Definitely worth a visit! read more

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Vincent X.

Elite 21

105

6 years ago

I have eaten here way too much and I love it. I always do the beef with the works. Eat it with the sour cream and sriracha mixed together! Personally I don't like the potato too much. Service is always quick and friendly! read more

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Jo L.

128

6 years ago

Great service homemade dumplings good portions and cheap prices. Amazing it tastes so authentic and tasty. So I got the mixture and it's either meat or potato dumplings not a beef potato dumpling if that makes sense. read more

Paul's Pel'meni - Beef potato dumpling. - Russian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Martynas S.

4 years ago

The dumplings I got here were dry and flavorless. The restaurant must be run by western spy who has never visited the glorious Russian Federation to discover the fact that even frozen dumplings I get at the grocery store have more flavor. read more

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Dan D.

3 years ago

The people here were extremely helpful and the location was very convenient and atmosphere was great. The food was unique and delicious and extremely affordable. Couldn't recommend more, would give 6 stars if possible. read more

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Jack V.

5 years ago

I live a stone's throw away from here and get it all the time. Not often do you see a business succeed when selling only one thing, but the food here is simple yet amazing. All-time classic! read more

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Emily A.

121

842

7 years ago

Delicious. 10 out of 10. Would return everytime. Get the mixed with the works! Great prices...great space... they serve food until bar close. Alcohol stops at 100a read more

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Amy D.

911

3758

8819

10 years ago

Mini dumplings, yum!! I had to check out the pelmeni here, and we stopped by right when they opened on a Saturday, so it wasn't busy at the time. I tried the Beef & Potato Pelmeni The Works (Butter, Yellow Curry, Sweet Chili Sauce, Cilantro, Sour Cream, $5/Half Order, http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=RCx8NIuTuhDI0ItX8XQ1Yw&userid=76vIFZcC7owykCBjMfGVXg), which was delicious, and SO filling for only $5!! I liked both the pelmeni since the beef had a good flavor, but the potato was super fluffy. The works is definitely the way to go, since everything worked really well together. I would definitely recommend stopping by here to check them out if you haven't had pelmeni before! Parking downtown wasn't too bad early on a Saturday morning, since they're a couple blocks removed from the giant farmer's market. read more

Paul's Pel'meni - Beef & Potato Pelmeni The Works (Butter, Yellow Curry, Sweet Chili Sauce, Cilantro, Sour Cream, $5/Half Order) - Russian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Danny M.

4 years ago

Best comfort food. I love Paul's dumplings, I always get extra yellow curry and butter!

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Madison W.

4 years ago

Favorite late night (and any time) eat. Love the option to take some frozen goodies home to make!

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Vivian N.

151

115

9 years ago

This was my first time trying Russian food, and WOW, pelmeni (Russian meat dumplings) is REALLY good. I tried a half order of ground beef topped with "the works" and it was served with sour cream. It was a little busy for a late Tuesday afternoon, but it was worth the surprise. read more

Paul's Pel'meni - Ground Black Earth Ground Beef Pel'meni (Half Order) - Russian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Zac R.

7 years ago

Paul's = Nirvana I achieved enlightenment at Paul's Pel'meni. And you can too. read more

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Joey G.

3 years ago

Great food, great employees that get your order out super quick, and one of the few places that stays open late for me to grab a bite to eat after work read more

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Nikita B.

171

101

266

7 years ago

This restaurant sells traditional Russian pelmenis that taste delicious. The wait time is generally not too bad, unless you head here on a weekend. I ordered the potato pelmeni with the works. The pelmenis taste great initially because of the spices and sauces added on the top, but as you keep eating it gets more and more bland. Thankfully they have the spices and the sauce available if you need to add some more flavour. read more

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Genevieve D.

5 years ago

Paul's never disappoints- employees are nice and the food is always good. Just make sure to ask for the works, both the potato and beef Pel'meni slap! read more

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Meghan H.

Elite 23

388

358

4083

12 years ago

What the heck is a Russian dumpling. (my thoughts as I entered Paul's Pel'meni) It is good. That's what. These little dumplings o goodness make for one hearty and satisfying dish. As a meat and potatoes gal, these little pel'meni are excellently balanced between my need for some protein and my craving for some tummy-filling carbs. Plus, the flavor of these guys is so crazy good. Top the ground beef and potato with a drizzle of butter...vibrant yellow curry powder..sweet chili sauce..fresh chopped cilantro..and a dollop of sour cream..forget about it. I be back. And soon. read more

Paul's Pel'meni - ordering counter - Russian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Paul's Pel'meni - they've got a big ol bottle of the hot stuff on eVvery sinngle table! - Russian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Paul's Pel'meni - 1/2order mixed (ground beef & potato)-the works: drizzle of butter, yellow curry powder, sweet chili sauce, cilantro, sour cream - Russian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Paul's Pel'meni - Russian Dumplings!!! (ground beef and potato) with a slice of dark rye to add to the goodness - Russian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Erin C.

Elite 16

122

434

13 years ago

Come here for one thing and one thing only. Mini dumplings, the works, mixed. Be prepared to have new flavor and texture sensations. In between chewy bites of dough and beef with soupy squirts of meat broth, you'll have smooth and filling pockets of potato. Paul's Pel'meni are the ingenious late night alternative to pizza or donuts. It's a snack you'll go to sleep dreaming about and wake up wanting more of. Here is a commemorative haiku of my first visit: The curry warms, the Sriracha bites, cilantro brightens, sour cream. read more

Paul's Pel'meni - The works, mixed, full order, always. - Russian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Paul's Pel'meni - Ladling. - Russian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Matt W.

254

481

4116

13 years ago

THWUMP!!! (That's the sound of me jumping on the Pelmeni bandwagon.) OK, this is going to be a relatively short review for me since there are just two items on the menu. You can get A) potato dumplings B) meat dumplings C) a combo of both. I went with the combo option. While not gourmet dining, I thought the bite-sized dumplings were well made with fresh ingredients. The dumpling skins were thick enough to hold in the filling, but not too thick to dominate the dish. Both the meat and potato dumplings were well seasoned, unlike the bland Pierogies you find in the freezer section of the grocery store. It was a relief not to see any heat lamps or steam trays. After I ordered, person at the counter dropped the dumplings into a large vat of boiling water and they came out piping hot with a perfectly toothsome chew (the wrappers had no gumminess). What elevates the dumplings from good to great are the sauces. Don't spend any time pondering over which sauce to order - just go with The Works. I never would have imagined that a combination of butter, sour cream, Sriracha, cilantro and curry powder would work so well with Russian dumplings, but it's a game changer. Every bite was slightly difference and that variety is what hooked me. With the all the various permutations (beef with Sriracha, potato with cilantro and curry, potato with butter, etc.), it's liking you are eating a dozen different dishes. While spartan in appearance, the dining area was spotless when I visited on a Thursday evening. $6.50 for a culinary world tour!?! That's a winner in my book - I look forward to my next visit. read more

Paul's Pel'meni - Truth - Russian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Stacey L.

Elite 21

2077

1185

3265

11 years ago

Pel'meni was a staple of my college days and this was my first trip back to the land of tiny dumplings since the original shop shuttered some years ago. It's a simple, clean place (both in decoration and experience) - walk to the counter, pick meat, potato, or a mix, let them know if want "the works" (you do - I used to decline as a pickier young eater and had my world changed when I was accidentally served a dish with everything and chose to just eat it), and finally decide if you want a $1 beverage out of the case and/or a slice of rye bread. All options have tax included, which makes for easy transactions. On my last trip, the staff was really friendly and you could sense the chef's pride when he dropped our meals off at the table. It's a great experience from top to bottom, but the one-note nature of Pel'meni and its heavy dishes make for a very specific dining experience that you have to be in the mood for when choosing your destination. read more

Paul's Pel'meni - Potato Pel'meni with the works. - Russian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Maddie A.

327

7 years ago

Paul and his crew are the KINDEST people you could ever support... and the food is even better! I have lived in Madison most of my life, and now that I've moved away I always look forward to visiting my favorite restaurants when I go back. I went to Paul's for lunch over Christmas, and I opened the door only to be greeted by "Sorry, we're closed" by a painter who was doing some renovations. My face dropped, and I was headed to leave, when Paul himself offered me some frozen Pel'meni. I nearly cried, and he fixed up a nice little take home container of some mixed pel & all the fixings for me to take home BEST DAY EVER! read more

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Marie T.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

306

496

953

5 years ago

very good but dumplings were not as seasoned as they could've been

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Tyler D.

4 years ago

This was my first time in Madison and I'm happy I found Pal's Pel'meni. The dumplings were delicious, the mix was perfect to get a blend of potato and beef. Great spice, super tasty, and a good value. The bar is a perfect place to enjoy your pel'meni, they've got a great beer selection and the bartender whipped up a few tasty shots (not usually my style) but they were delicious. I would recommend the Hawaiian Milkshake to warm you up on a cold day or the refreshing Crabapple shot for a refreshing summer drink. read more

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Mare L.

4 years ago

Such a great place - food was great but the bartender - Jake - was even better. We asked him to make us something special to celebrate our visit to UW and wow did he deliver!!!! Thanks Jake!!! read more

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Ariel W.

Elite 14

136

658

13 years ago

There are tons of different varieties of dumpling depending what country your speaking of. When I first heard a dumpling place was opening. I wasn't to thrilled. I've had all the different Asian kinds and some. Potato dumplings? Really...sound yummy.......yeah right. Who are we kidding. Well I was wrong once I saw pictures & heard they come with hot sauce & curry powder! Big lover of both here but more for the first. I had to get ASAP. They didn't disappoint. I got the half order of the Mix with the works. The filling of both the meat and potato are dense. Not minced, loose filling in other kinds of dumplings. Also smaller in size. The side of sour cream was the icing on the cake. Bring everything together. The hot sauce was not hot at all, but I'm speaking for myself who can eat ghost peppers. Can eat then in the shop or get them to go and walk State St. The place was clean, employee was welcoming and the food came out in a timing matter with how busy they were. Can only imagine how much more busy it will be since its only the beginning. Hopefully this isn't a hype and stands strong. read more

Paul's Pel'meni - Mix w/ the Works - Russian Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Page 5 of 19

414 W Gilman St
Madison, WI 53703
Capitol
Directions
(608) 467-3234
Call Now
Visit Website
https://paulspelmenimadison.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Paul's Pel'meni open?

Paul's Pel'meni opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Paul's Pel'meni close?

Paul's Pel'meni closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.Paul's Pel'meni closes at 2:00 AM (Next day) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Paul's Pel'meni closes at 8:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Wed 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMThu-Sat 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Next day)Sun 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Paul's Pel'meni take credit cards?

Yes, Paul's Pel'meni takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Paul's Pel'meni have catering options?

No, Paul's Pel'meni does not have catering options.

Does Paul's Pel'meni have a happy hour?

Yes, Paul's Pel'meni has a happy hour.

Does Paul's Pel'meni serve alcohol?

Yes, Paul's Pel'meni serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Paul's Pel'meni allow dogs?

No, Paul's Pel'meni does not allow dogs.

Does Paul's Pel'meni have TVs?

Yes, Paul's Pel'meni has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Paul's Pel'meni have bike parking?

Yes, Paul's Pel'meni has bike parking.

Does Paul's Pel'meni have parking?

Yes, Paul's Pel'meni has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Paul's Pel'meni wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Paul's Pel'meni is wheelchair accessible.

Does Paul's Pel'meni have free WiFi?

No, Paul's Pel'meni does not have free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Paul's Pel'meni Reviews in Other Languages

Chinese
1 Review

Ask the Community - Paul's Pel'meni

Does the dough contain egg? I'm allergic to egg. Thx!

здравствуйте, Cheryl... I created an account on Yelp just to answer this question. if ever you do find pelmeni without eggs, you will have been the sole architect... & fated forth a total structural collapse.

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What are the Xmas hours?

Closed Christmas

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Is it true that you can buy frozen dumplings to make at home?

Yes it's true

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Does the new location serve alcohol or have any new additions to the menu?

The new location has a full service bar in the back. They're looking to add new items to the menu, but as of a couple weeks ago they hadn't yet.

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Essen Haus

Anywhere that will serve me a boot of beer gets five stars. They also have great pretzels.read more

The funny thing about this location is I haven't been here probably since 2016 when I came to…read moreMadison for business. I recall it being a German restaurant and decided to take my family there for Fourth of July since we really didn't know what else to do in town. We weren't gonna barbecue. We opted to start with the four soft pretzels, which were delicious although the Sauerkraut cheese sauce was not our favorite. I ordered the bratwurst on a pretzel roll as did my kid. We also ordered the fish and chips, which were also delicious. They have live entertainment as you can imagine it's polka centric. Cool dark pub interior. Service was friendly. We also enjoyed the cherry strudel. We parked on the street about a block away. It was nice to return and have some German food. We probably would visit again in the area.

Complementary pretzels, mustard, and horseradish

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Haven

4.6

(45 reviews)

0.0 mi

The environment in there was great! Nice lighting and a karaoke place upstairs. The food was solid,…read moreand the portion was huge. The staff was very friendly and quick! There's games to play too! I recommend!

A hidden gem! I came here on a Thursday night and just beat the dinner rush. I ordered the braised…read morebeef noodles and it was so good. It wasn't spicy, but there was chili oil on the table in case you wanted more. The beef was so tender and just melted in your mouth! The eggs were also wonderful. I think this restaurant is still pretty new, so they're still working out their kinks. My server was extremely nice and friendly, but the service was a little slow because of the amount of people. The environment in the restaurant makes up for it though, especially the Pokemon on the TV. Will definitely be back!

Stir-Fried House Made Noodles

Heaven

Apple Bavarian Tart

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Ahan

Everything tasted so good!!!! Loved the specials and apps!!! Wait staff rocked:). Cool vibe.read more

Ahan is a delight for the tastebuds and eyes! This restaurant offers a combination of classic…read moresoutheast Asian cuisine as well as creative and boundary pushing dishes. I went with a small group, and although the place was packed the wood ceilings and dim lights help to foster an intimate and cozy aesthetic! For start we ordered two delicious appetizers (see photos below) and drinks! The drink menu was especially interesting offering several cocktails that I've never seen before! My cocktail, for example, included popping boba! Our entrees were flavorful! The waiter was knowledgeable and friendly, giving recommendations and insights when asked. Overall this is a great addition to Madison, and I can't wait to go back!

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The Globe

I LOVE THE GLOBE so much!! I started going about 5 years ago in college and it was my go to…read morerestaurant when finals seasons came around and I needed a comfort meal or when people came and visited. When I say I've had the mango coconut curry 20 times. That is an understatement! I've had it more and I always get it because it's that good and flavorful. The staff there is so nice and I enjoy talking with them when I'm ordering and it's nice to see familiar faces when I'm back in town visiting. The ambiance of the restaurant is a cozy "hole in the wall" in the BEST way. It can get crowded if you go at a busy time so plan ahead (like go a little early or on a weeknight) and ENJOY! I can't recommend The Globe enough.

We came here after a recommendation online while visiting UW Madison. It was a small interior with…read morea couple tables and a couple tables outside as well. The menu was very diverse and had options from all around Asia. The food ended up being absolutely stellar. We ordered the butter chicken, Afghan Korma, garlic naan, and mango lassi. Everything was great and game out quick. The workers were friendly and asked questions about which dishes we liked. If you are in the area and are wanting asian food this is definitely the place!

Afghan Korma Curry with Rice

3 Piece Korean BBQ Taco

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Zen Ramen

The ramen is delicious, and I thought the Gyoza appetizer…read more was the best I've ever had. The server, (Jayai) was wonderful. She was very careful about our allergy concerns and made sure to take care of us (my daughter has a severe fish allergy and needed her ramen free of fish cake & sauce). The Thai boba tea was delicious, too. I discovered that I prefer Thai ice tea better without boba, but I really enjoyed it in this form, as well. I enjoyed the clean and comfortable atmosphere. I was thankful for the interior photograph left by a previous Yelper because the Yelp reviews I read didn't mention that the place had a dine-in an option. The dining space want just accommodating, but lovely, as well.

I'm a bit conflicted about the meal I had. First off, service was great, and the speed the food…read morearrived was perfect. So, absolutely no issues there. For an appetizer, I had the gyoza, and it was perfect. Evenly fried and steamed, even if it was just frozen stuff from the bag like at the Japanese restaurant I used to work at, it was at least prepared with skill. My main entree was the garlic miso ramen. And while each component worked on its own, all of them put together made it seem less as a whole. My biggest issues were the chashu pork which came out a little overcooked. I know the reason, and probably shouldn't hold it against them, but it reminded me a bit of the overcooked pork of my childhood. The other issue was the broth. It was sweet on the backend, which really didn't do it for me the more I've thought about it. I'm not sure if it was the pork broth or the tare. My suspicion lies heavier towards the tare than the broth, but I could be wrong. Either way, I felt that such noticeable sweetness was out of place especially since it did too much to counter the garlic flavor. I suspect it was there to do that for those who don't like a heavy garlic flavor, but then again, if you don't like garlic flavor, you shouldn't be ordering something labeled as garlic on the menu. I will say that marinating the egg was a nice touch and gave it a depth of flavor that typically isn't there from other ramen places I've tried. Otherwise, it was good overall, it just felt like it didn't completely come together with the sweetness of the broth and the pork being a tad overcooked. Still, despite perhaps not looking like it, Zen Ramen was a solid little ramen shop on the East Side and I would not oppose going back to try some of their other ramen bowls. It might not blow your mind if you're a regular ramen connoisseur, but is still a solid spot if you want something affordable and unpretentious.

Calamari - fried squid

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Dining room

Roll Play

We didn't play any of the games here, but we noticed they sold bubble tea, so we decided to order…read moresome drinks. When I arrived, there was only one person waiting for an order, so I was able to place mine right away. However, it ended up taking quite a while for the drinks to be prepared. We had also ordered a whole pizza from Ian's Pizza, and we received and finished the pizza before our drinks were ready. In fact, I didn't get the notification that the drinks were ready until after we were done eating. The drinks themselves were good, but the wait time was surprisingly long, especially considering how few people appeared to be waiting. When I picked up my order, the customer who had been waiting before me was still there as well. Overall, I enjoyed the bubble tea, but I would be prepared for a potentially long wait.

Listen, Roll Play has a pretty good Taro boba. However after being around for a couple years it…read morestill seems they are struggling. When they use the cup sealer it's not sealed properly, sometimes it's got two of the seals, sometimes it's just not sealed on all the way. And then if that's okay well then the straw is too small so every boba bit gets stuck. Oh man but if those two are okay then it's the boba pearls itself. Ahh. Boba is not a new concept for me, I've had my fair share but when the boba is so over cooked that some of it seems to be melted and that as you sip the slush you are also accidentally swallowing the pearls because they're so soft, small, and mushy that you can't even feel it in your mouth until its too late. Completely different from someone swallowing a boba pearl that is firm and round where the moment it enters your mouth and is no longer in the straw you are aware. And because the pearls are so warm, it melts the bottom of your slush. Sure you can swirl it around but it'll still melt the nearby slush. It shouldn't be too warm or borderline hot. If I wanted milk tea I would've just ordered that. And then, on top of all that if if IF all that seems to be fine. It's the wait time. It seems like it takes so long to get your drink if there's people ordering food. Like if you go in and it's a board game meet up, good luck. It's gonna be a half hour for 2 slushy drinks. If they cannot work under the pressure of having to serve their whole space full of people in a board game meet up group, then just say it's for a private event or something. You don't even wait that long at bubbling teapot if you're getting drinks when the nearby schools have just gotten out. Honestly so ridiculous, and I forgot to mention that the taro flavor varies. Sometimes it's good like something you'd get in the PNW and sometimes it's a hint of taro, sometimes it tastes like a mouth full of powder. I'll give it 2 stars because when it's good it's good, but when is it good? Hmm well not when they're in a rush so get there right when they open IF they open on time?

Game shop

Red Bean taiyaki

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Fugu

If you're looking for authentic Chinese food at a really good price point, I highly recommend this…read moreplace! The service was attentive and kind and the food came out relatively quickly. It helped that we were one of two parties eating at the time, but nonetheless we had a great time. The chicken had really great flavor, the tofu was just like my mom used to make it, and the eggplant was absolutely delicious. All dishes came with rice and it truly just completed the meal. I'll definitely come back if I'm ever in town!

Definitely go for the spicy options here, it's what they do best. Very solid Chinese food overall…read more Sometimes it does come out a little salty for me. I particularly like the intestines and fried chicken here. Staff is always nice.

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Hot-N-Spicy

4.6

(134 reviews)

3.5 mi

Hot-N-Spicy is one of my all time favorite restaurants which remains a cultural culinary gem!…read moreMadison, WI is beyond blessed to have Hot-N-Spicy which is the most authentic SouthEast Asian restaurant in the Madison area that shares the culture of countries like Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam with the community through their incredible delicious food/cuisine! They truly live up to their name "Hot-N-Spicy". The cultural significance of the chili pepper often represents hospitality, warmth, and resilience! They bring all the spice and don't hold back! If you are not used to spice/spicy hot dishes, I suggest you start at level one spice and work your way up. They will ask you on dishes made with chili peppers what spice level you want 1-4 and can even make it hotter also! Hot-N-Spicy is genuinely unique because they offer Issan food dishes and flavors that is uniquely from the Issan/Isan Northeast region of Thailand that is heavily influenced by Lao and Cambodian flavors with the use of heat, fresh herbs, and use of fish sauce that brings different flavors different from other regions of Thailand. Hot-N-Spicy used to be located in the back of the Viet Hoa Market. It is now located next door from the market in a larger space in the same strip mall that allows for a more comfortable sit-down seating experience of a full restaurant. I have tried almost everything on their menu and have never been disappointed! For appetizers, I love their angel wings which are deboned chicken wings stuffed with chicken, carrot, and bean thread noodles fried to pure crispy perfection! Their most popular selling appetizers are their amazingly addictively delicious crab rangoons! Their chicken satay is also a must try! I also recommend trying their beef jerky which is so delicious, it often sells out quickly during the day! Their main entrees are so outstanding, it is hard to order one entree! My absolute favorite that I recommend is their steak Laab which is the best Laab I have had in Madison! It is heavily influenced with Isaan flavors/culture with minced beef, tripe, red onion, cilantro, mint, fresh lime juice, rice powder, fish sauce and scallions. I love the beef steak Laab because it is unlike anything you will ever taste with so much flavor from a combination of flavors with hint of sour with the lime, salty/umami/pungence from the fish sauce, balanced with refreshing different herbs, texture with the tripe, while the toasted rice powder gives this dish a tiny bit of crunch/texture that gives a subtle nutty flavor! This dish is a minced meat salad traditionally eaten with your hands and sticky rice/vegetables like cucumber. I also really enjoy their Pad Thai, Pho, and Crispy Noodle Lad Na! Your visit wouldn't be complete without quenching your thirst with either their Thai iced coffee/tea! Hot-N-Spicy remains at the top of my list for Thai/Lao cuisine! If you are looking for true authentic flavors/traditionally prepared dishes, definitely try Hot-N-Spicy!

I recently visited Hot N Spicy again, and it was just as good as I remembered! The Summer Rolls…read morewith pork nem nuong were incredibly fresh and packed with flavor. The combination of romaine, cucumbers, carrots, cilantro, mint, homemade daikon, and the crispy fried egg roll wrapper created the perfect balance of freshness and crunch. The nem nuong dipping sauce was so good that I ordered extra. I also tried the Panang Red Curry, and it was outstanding. The curry was rich, creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor. I ordered level 1 spice, and it was the perfect amount of heat without overwhelming the dish. The homemade curry paste, coconut milk, basil, peppers, and jasmine rice came together beautifully. It's also been great to see this local business grow. What started as a takeout spot inside Viet Hoa Market has expanded into a larger space on Monona Drive, and it's easy to see why. The food is consistently delicious, the portions are generous, and the new location offers plenty of seating. If you're craving fresh spring rolls, flavorful curry, or simply a great meal, Hot N Spicy is absolutely worth a visit. Added bonus the service was AMAZING!!!

Sticky race containers

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Tofu Pad Thai

FreshFin - Madison Hilldale

4.2

(19 reviews)

2.9 mi

A lovely spot in Hilldale for fresh, healthy, and delicious food options! I tried their new Salmon…read moreCaesar and the Spicy Tuna (as a wrap)! The sauce that came with the wrap was SO GOOD I need it bottled and sold to me so I can have it with everything. The salad was solid and the salmon was seasoned and cooked well. I'd love to come back and try some of their other bowls.

Fresh fin has wonderful Poke. Surprisingly fresh and I love how many options there are to choose…read morefrom and customizable bowls. I thought the inside was really clean and had lots of seating options. I ordered to go, and my order was ready in 5 minutes. Staff were very kind and helpful. The spicy tuna bowl was perfectly spicy and i loved the sweet sauce on top

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Natt Spil

Some of my fav mussels ever! This spot is criminally underrated, and I found the drinks and the dim…read morelighting to be excellent. The service here is great, and my waiter answered all the questions I had and provided great recommendations. Can't wait to go back and try other items!

THE coziest gem you'll find in Madison! We walked in on a Thursday evening to a packed house! We…read morewere fortunate to be able to be seated right away at a cozy little booth/table. We were greeted promptly & drink order was taken. Anyplace that serves Verdejo as their house white gets an automatic 5 stars from me! We ordered the spicy cheese wontons which were deep fried & crispy. Think crab Rangoon sans crab. We also ordered the sichuan pork dumplings-good filling but not enough sauce for my taste. For dinner we each ordered the Three Cup Chicken. The chicken was tender, lots of gingery goodness! The tomato cucumber salad adds a nice freshness. We can't wait to go back to try other items! Definitely a favorite!

Interior space in the evening

Spicy Cheese Wonton

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The bar

Sardine

I don't even like seafood but this fish themed bar was a blast! We saw the good reviews and…read moredecided to try it out. On a busy Saturday we couldn't even get a reservation til 9:30. We arrived at 9 and tried to frt seated early. No dice. But we sat the bar and had spritzers and appetizers. Not bad! Lots of local brews and ciders, plus plenty of open sparkling wine. The signature sardines were imported and served in the tin. What, you thought they came from lake Monona? It's across the parking lot, but these were from Spain. I'm told they were good. Let my take a moment to mention how friendly the service was. At the bar and all the helpers, I can't believe how kind and friendly they were. Order a little or a lot they were there to serve. By the time we got a table we were well on our way. Our server was excellent. Super nice, and knowledgeable about the menu He talk to us about the menu and took our orders from memory. We ordered everything from his suggestions. It was good move. We had the special scallops. They were 10U size, meaning 10 her pound. Each plate came with three peices. Th hey were good. We also ordered the lamb chops. Seated with a burnt crust. I think wrapped in bacon. Wow we really enjoyed it too. Dessert almost got skipped we're so full from a weekend of eating. He highly recommended the butterscotch pudding. It was like a big cup of pudding. It was amazing, highly recommend. We also shared a standard vanilla crème brûlée, which was merely very good. Light fluffy and perfectly crusted. Yes the food was good. The vibe was energetic. But what really made it enjoyable me was the friendly service and knowledge of the food.

Food: 4/5 it was ok, I had the Steak Frite which was just steak and fries. It was cooked really to…read moremy temperature, but nothing special. Service: 5/5 good. Ambiance: good crowd, and it's by the lake. Would be nice to eat outside, but the lake smells slightly weird.

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Chen's Dumpling House

Food: - braised beef with rice 3.5/5. It was a little chewy…read morebut it has good flavor. It came with egg and some green vegetables which was a nice surprise. - scallion pancake 4/5 Service: 5/5 Ambiance: 2/5 - it's not the best looking place but the food & service makes up for it. I would come back and try the dumplings

First... So oooo much plastic And styrafoam.. Come on…read more Soup. Dumplings no. Soup. Bao definitely not made here. No ice. Soup was fantastic!

N3 Teriyaki Eel Noodle Soup 照烧鳗鱼面 ($13.95)

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B4 Taro Paste Buns (3 pcs) 芋头包 ($5.95) - fluffy, not too sweet

Marigold Kitchen

We stopped by for a late breakfast on a weekday when we were visiting Madison. Thankfully, we were…read moreable to walk right in. We tried about two months ago on a Sunday and there was quite a line so we tried somewhere else new to us. It was worth the trip back here! Marigold is a really cute place inside. We were between the breakfast and lunch rushes so we easily found a table after ordering. We noticed there was a steady flow of customers and the tables turned over at a decent pace so maybe we should have stood in line last time around. Hard to know sometimes. We ordered the breakfast burrito, avocado toast and buttermilk pancakes. Service was quick and friendly. The pancakes were fluffy and they looked good. The avocado toast and the breakfast burrito were delicious! We will definitely stop by Marigold when we're in town again!

Tried Marigold Kitchen while downtown and had a great experience overall. I sat outside on a…read morebeautiful day, which made for such a nice breakfast café atmosphere. The service was absolutely great, and the restaurant has a lively, charming vibe. It does tend to get busy, so I'd recommend arriving at a reasonable time. I ordered the French toast, which was clearly their own elevated take on the classic. The flavors were good, but the texture was a little different than I expected and threw me off slightly. It felt more like a chic, creative version of French toast rather than the traditional style, which is the only reason I'm giving it four stars instead of five. Everything else was fantastic, though, and I'd definitely come back to explore more of the menu. Worth checking out if you're in the area.

Sweet potato kale and pesto hash

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Three grain bowl

Ahan

Everything tasted so good!!!! Loved the specials and apps!!! Wait staff rocked:). Cool vibe.read more

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Cento

Had a late dinner at Cento and it did not disappoint! I ordered the Tuscan kale Cesar salad and the…read morescallops entree. Both were impeccable! My server, Prasad, was really the highlight! He was so sweet and informative. Went through the menu and described everything in such detail. My friend and I were visiting Madison for work and he offered us so many options to fill our free time. He takes so much pride in everything and it shows. The ambiance of the restaurant is a little on the nicer side, but they do allow casual attire. 10/10 recommend and can't wait to come back for the wine flight with the in house Somm.

First time at Cento for a friend's birthday today and spoiler, will be back! We all went ahead with…read morethe Boozy Brunch for $35 a person, which comes with 2 cocktails, unlimited coffee, a pastry of your choice, and any entree on the menu. Drip coffee was delicious to start. I had the lobster fettuccine and there was PLENTY of lobster in it. Pasta tasted fresh and it hit the spot! Some of our party got the French toast which looked amazing and I'll probably try next time-- peaches and pecans with it! A few of them ordered bacon on the side too and it came with plenty of it, 3-4 long strips. Cannoli was the pastry I chose and it was the perfect sweet treat. Filling had cinnamon and was dipped in pistachios, which I will be back for! Ella was our server-- simply amazing! Super attentive, knows the menu like the back of her hand, and went above and beyond for us many times. Michael was one of the hosts who went out of his way to practically give us a photo shoot to capture my friend's special day. Beautiful restaurant with an elevated feel. Open environment while still making the table feel private. They were piping pastries while we were there which was fun to see. Went on a summer Saturday around 11, and if you're from Madison, you know that means the farmer's market (aka, make a plan A/B/C for parking, plan plenty of time to get there and be patient with the crowd outdoors).

Restaurant looking from the kitchen.

Crab cake Benedict

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Fiore

Bar Corallini

Excellent food, service and atmosphere. It is a very cozy Italian restaurant setting with an open…read morekitchen concept, where you can also see them cooking the personal pizzas in a brick oven. I also love being in restaurants where they really bring in the traditions of the cuisine. For apps, we shared the eggplant fritters (which were amazing!), burrata and salad. Must get the eggplant fritters, they were little balls of eggplant delight! And I am a huge eggplant parm fan so this was right up my alley. For my main, I opted for the shrimp scampi with homemade pasta! I loved the homemade pasta! However, I felt the sauce was very light. I wish I could've ordered this pasta dish with the san marzano sauce. I think that would've made the flavor pop more for me. And for desserts, they were also incredible. Tiramisu, cannoli and the lemon sorbet! Highly recommend the lemon sorbet, was such a strong lemon flavor. Overall, definitely recommend in the Madison area, one of my favs so far!

Solid Italian food in Madison, Wisconsin. I thought the Rigatoni ala Bolognese was the best dish…read moreI've eaten in Wisconsin and if you served me that in the West Village I'd be impressed with it as well. Pasta cooked very nicely and a fantastic flavor profile on the sauce & meat. Pizza is also decent; I'd get it again although I I much prefer the Novanta in the area. I didn't like sauce on the pizza and the cheese & crust were only okay. I'd come back again.