Patio season is finally back. Whether you prefer the quaint ambiance of a charming café or the lively atmosphere of a bustling restaurant, Madison‘s dining scene is ready to help you enjoy an outdoor brunch this season at the following five destinations.
Everly
A Southern California-inspired eatery, Everly on Monroe Street is a bright and airy neighborhood restaurant surrounded by vibrant botanics and good vibes. Everly is the perfect site to enjoy outdoor brunch in Madison year-round, with a patio equipped with heating for the colder months and cover for the warmer. The ample patio space flows into the restaurant’s interior with garage-style windows and is adorned with cozy string lights and a variety of plants. To eat, Everly offers a brunch menu on the weekends, with options catering to those with diet restrictions, including gluten sensitivities and vegan and vegetarian plates. This menu is available Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with highlights including a bagel breakfast sandwich with confit pork, egg, garlic aioli, house-pickled peppers, arugula, an everything bagel and herb-smashed fingerlings; Challah French Toast with espresso custard, cinnamon créme fraîche and espresso honey; and The Standard with two eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, herb-smashed fingerlings and wheat toast. If you want to elevate your brunch experience, opt for one of the mimosas, bloody marys or craft sips from the espresso and tea menu. For more information, visit everlymadison.com.
DLUX
Though known for its smash burgers, DLUX in Capitol Square offers a swanky, boozy brunch on a vibrant street-side patio with yellow umbrellas and colorful furnishings. The spacious outdoor patio is the perfect spot to enjoy innovative brunch creations from DLUX, including the signature brunch burgers, like the savory Bacon Brunchwich with bacon, pepper jack, fried egg, avocado, chipotle aioli and Stella’s spicy cheese bun; the sweet Strawberry Crunch French Toast, with thick Challah bread, fresh strawberries, vanilla whipped cream, house granola and strawberry syrup; and, for a mix of sweet and savory, grab the Maple Sausage Brunchwich, with griddled sausage, fried egg, cheddar, onion, maple syrup and aioli. To further enhance the experience, enjoy bottomless mimosas (must be paired with a food item) or grab one of the signature brunch cocktails, with menu highlights including the Apple Cider Maple Margarita, Cali Chai and DLUX Bloody Mary. Brunch is only available at the restaurant on weekends, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit dluxmadison.com.
Café Hollander
With a “cult-like” following, Café Hollander is a must-visit for those looking for a patio to enjoy an outdoor brunch in Madison. Inspired by Dutch and Belgian dishes, this café features a rooftop patio and a large street-level dining area, customizing your view and dining experience. Regardless of the space you choose, Café Hollander is sure to please with its decadent lineup of brunch favorites, including Olliebollen (a traditional Dutch doughnut), Smorrebrods (Danish-style open-faced sandwiches), main plates, frites cones (with your choice of over 12 housemade dipping sauces), soups, salads, benedicts, omelets, French toast, waffles and so much more. As you take in the great outdoors, this packed menu will satisfy all cravings, even the most discerning palates. A gluten-free brunch menu and a handcrafted cocktail and café menu are also available. Brunch is served daily, Monday to Friday, from 8 to 11 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit cafehollander.com.
BelAir Cantina
Enjoy brunch with a breath of fresh air at BelAir Cantina, offering a unique take on street-style plates in Madison Square. This spot for outdoor brunch in Madison offers an assortment of items (including vegan and gluten-free plates) to be enjoyed on its street-side outdoor dining space, complete with string lights, blue accents and the vibrant ambiance of Madison Square. This lively cantina offers a flavorful brunch menu featuring dishes like the churro pancakes with cinnamon, sugar, Chantilly cream, whipped cream and syrup; the chicken and waffle taco with a waffle “tortilla,” crispy chicken, Chantilly cream, strawberries, green apple and bacon; or the Surfer Breakfast, with two over easy-eggs, corn tortillas, black beans, corn, sliced avocado, watermelon salsa and a chipotle ancho mayo. This weekend brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday only, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit belaircantina.com.
Marigold Kitchen
Located near Capitol Square, Marigold Kitchen is a beloved brunch destination known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and inventive dishes. The outdoor sidewalk seating allows you to soak up the sights and sounds of Downtown Madison while savoring mouthwatering brunch options like the huevos rancheros, with two egg sunny side up, salsa, corn tortilla, black bean, cilantro, radish, jalapeno and avocado; gluten-free salted caramel churro pancakes with cinnamon swirl buckwheat cakes, whipped butter and fresh berries; and the spicy chili poached eggs, with two eggs, shaved prosciutto, chili flakes, rosemary toast and petite greens. To wash everything down, Marigold Kitchen boasts an expansive lineup of drinks, including handcrafted cocktails, teas, specialty espresso-based sips, freshly pressed juice and horchatas. This spot for outdoor brunch in Madison serves up the morning staple on the weekends, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit marigoldkitchen.com.