Exploring New Eats

Last weekend, I ventured out to try two new local restaurants (only one of which is new to Madison), and both have quickly been added to my list of Madison favorites. On Friday night, I enjoyed a fish fry at Quivey's Grove Stable Grill (pictured above), and on Saturday afternoon, I enjoyed a gourmet burger at Sundance Cinema's Bar Bistro 608 before catching the film, Into the Wild. Both were excellent dining experiences. Below are brief reviews.

Quivey's Grove Stable House
6261 Nesbitt Road

Quivey's Grove Stable House is a unique and historical restaurant that serves up traditional Wisconsin comfort foods. Located on Madison's southwest side, the Stable Grill is a restored horse stable that was originally built in 1855 and is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The atmosphere is very Little House on the Prarie-ish. I found the restaurnt to be very similar to the Old Feed Mill in Mazomanie. Just so beautiful, quaint, romatic, and historical. It was quite crowded on Friday night, so we enjoyed a drink at the antique bar while waiting for a table. I chose a seasonal Oktoberfest brew. For dinner, we were seated at a small table infront of a cute, candle-lit window. Of course, I opted for my favorite friday night classic, the fish fry. It was one of the best I have ever had, incredibly flavorful, but slighly more greasy than my all-time favorite at the Lodge in Princeton, Wisconsin. My meal was decently priced too. Beer battered cod with parmesan potato or French fries, slaw, and sourdough bread, all for $11.75. You can view the dinner menu here. The Stable House offered a very enjoyable dining experience, and I would definitely return again.

Sundance Cinema's Bar Bistro 608
Hilldale Mall (702 North Midvale)

Amazing how Hilldale has so quickly transformed itself from trash to posh. Which is nice, since it's located so close to campus and my house. With the addition of North Face, Anthropology, Sundance Cinema, and eateries like Flat Top Grill, Flemings Steak House and Wine Bar, and Sushi Muramoto, it's definitely become a place to see and be seen. If such places even exist in Madison. As much as I love Anthropology, my favorite addition to Hilldale has definitely been the Sundance Cinema. Before seeing a film there on Saturday night, Karen and I decided to check out the Bar Bistro 608, which is located on the second floor of the theater. The restaurant is very posh and stylish, but without a pretentious feel. We sat in a great big booth that was very comfortable. Although business seemed slow when we first arrived, things were really hopping by the time we left to catch our movie. The prices are reasonable, and the food was great. I had a burger with goat cheese and sauteed onions, and Karen enjoyed a portabella sandwich . Both came with a side of papas frites. I love when they're called papas frites!