No Longer Weary

I can pretty much guarantee that if you are an out-of-towner coming to visit me in Madison, I will probably take you to the Weary Traveler for dinner. It is my all-time favorite restaurant, and one that delightfully captures the essence of Madison. Last night, feeling a little weary myself after a long day of work, I dined at the restaurant with my friend Abby and roommate Karen. Abby is one of my most favorite friends, and we share a great love for the Weary. After reading my first blog entry about New Orleans Take-Out and how I strive to try a new local restaurant each week, she sent me an e-mail and said she’d love to try a new one with me. But then at the end of her e-mail, she mentioned that we could always just go to the Weary. And once she threw that one out there, I couldn't get the West of the Andes Sandwich off my mind. I had to go there.

Words cannot capture the true spirit of the Weary. Pictures cannot do it justice. I will humbly try to portray what little I can of this unique haven, but know that you must experience it yourself to really know. The Weary Traveler sits on a corner in the heart of the Marquette Neighborhood on Willy Street. The eclectic décor features kitschy art covering the walls, an intricate tin ceiling, and mismatched wooden furniture. With subdued lighting and lively conversation, the Weary Traveler feels like an intimate coffee shop. There’s often vinyl playing in the background or live acoustic music. The atmosphere is completely low-key and unpretentious—a place where a diverse crowd of hippies and yuppies happily co-mingle. A wall of board games is available for diners, and last night we were surrounded by three tables of patrons who were quietly enthralled in games of scrabble and cards.

While the restaurant always features a few tempting and well-priced gourmet specials, I usually opt for one of my two favorites—the West of the Andes Sandwich or Bob’s Bad Breath Burger. Bob’s Bad Breath Burger ($8.50) is an Angus beef patty topped with cream cheese, green goddess dressing, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. It comes with sides of mixed greens and potatoes. Last night I ordered a Spotted Cow beer and the West of the Andes Sandwich, with a side of potatoes. The West of the Andes Sandwich ($7.50) is available with beef tenderloin, tuna, or roasted veggies. Mine was a tasty combination of succulent beef tenderloin, avocado, Pico de Gallo, and chipotle mayo on a soft roll. The mixed greens on the side were sprinkled with green goddess dressing, and my side of potatoes was heavenly as always—thinly-sliced potato discs baked until crispy and drenched in a simple bath of garlic, olive oil, and rosemary.

What more can I say—I love the Weary Traveler. It is my retreat from the real world and a place where I am made to feel no longer weary. If you visit, oh weary one, I will lead you to this promised place and they will fill your belly with goodness and melt away your troubles.