5 Willy Street eateries to visit now (or anytime)

The Willy Street neighborhood in Madison, WI, full of diverse and delicious independently owned restaurants, eateries and bars. The history of this neighborhood lends to its richness as a food destination–it’s always been a place for people and businesses from different backgrounds. That diversity is reflected in myriad restaurants offering cuisine from across the globe, dive bars and craft cocktail bars, and beautiful parks and historic buildings.

As far as food goes, there is something for everyone! From bakeries, to bars to fine dining, you truly can find it all. The wealth of food options makes it stand out as a food destination in Madison. On Madison Eats’ Willy Street tour (seasonal) you can sample food and drink from 5 stops, or take your own tour and give this eclectic neighborhood the love it deserves.

Here are 5 restaurants and bars to visit on Willy Street now (or anytime)

1. Mediterranean Joint
   600 Williamson Street 
   themediterraneanjoint.com

This unassuming spot in the Gateway building is THE place to go for Turkish and Mediterranean fare. Always busy and open late, it’s perfect for a to go lunch or a dinner with friends. Owned by brothers Ender and Bunyamin who hail from Turkey, the food is well seasoned and served with kindness. Try the chicken shawarma or the mezze platter, don’t forget the Dubai chocolate cheesecake for dessert! Pro tip: access parking heading westbound on Williamson street.

2. Sultan
1054 Williamson Street 
sultanmadison.com

Sultan brings the flavors of Pakistan and Punjabi cuisine to Madison and introduced the first tipless restaurant in the city. The dishes are delicious – fresh naan, salads and sauces that play with flavor and color. Chef Sultan Ahmed started a Lab night Monday through Thursday, which is an innovative way to use the seasonal ingredients in new ways. No menu, just trust in the chef to create an experimental, small plates meal designed to test new recipes and eliminate kitchen waste. Pro tip: take friends so you can share!

3. Gib’s Bar
1380 Williamson Street 
www.gibs.bar

Gib’s bar has become a staple on WIlly Street, a place to gather with friends before dinner, or to spend an evening. The bar is located in a converted house and feels like, well, home. Upstairs you will find cozy velvet couches and a small bar and intimate tables, while downstairs you will find bench seating and cosy tables near the busy bar. They have a few cocktails on tap, and excel in craft cocktails. Each month they also create a special cocktail for a local non-profit and donate proceeds to that non profit. Pro Tip: be sure to check out rotating art from local artists. Also there is sometimes a DJ and it can be loud and crowded.

4. Buraka
1210 Williamson Street
buraka-madison.com

5. Bandung
600 Williamson Street
bandungindorestaurant.com

Another local fave, Bandung has been serving Indonesian fare for almost 30 years! This family run restaurant started out of a college dorm room, when now owners and husband and wife team, Julie and Pram, cooked and delivered food for the Indonesian students. Soon they realized they loved cooking and sharing food from Pram’s home country and opened Bandung. They even make tempeh in house! Crowd favorites are the Sambal goreng tempeh and mega satay, but it’s a great spot to be adventurous. Pro tip: go now since they are closing their doors in the summer of 2027. (They will be focused on making tempeh!)

This is just the tip of the Madison Eats iceberg – want to read and experience more of our favorite local food and drinks? Check out our socials for the latest updates and don’t forget to join us for a Food Tour! Tours run year round.

All but the last photo by the amazing Sharon Vanorny