Best Madison Restaurants With Outdoor Seating

Built around a number of lakes, Madison is perfect for outdoor dining.

Madison, Wisconsin’s capital, is a great foodie destination. It serves innovative and traditional dishes from all over the world — without the hefty price tag of bigger cities.

Built around a number of lakes, Madison is also perfect for outdoor dining. Enjoy great meals with a side of gentle breezes and gorgeous water views.

These are the best restaurants in Madison with outdoor seating, ranked.

5. Mariner’s Inn

Mariner's Waterfront Restaurant Madison, Wisconsin

Management / Tripadvisor

Location: North

Price point: $

Yelp score: 3.5 stars

Dining Outdoors at Mariner’s Inn

Mariner’s Waterfront Restaurant / Facebook

There are two ways to arrive at Mariner’s Inn. You can be boring and arrive by land like everyone else, or you can arrive by boat. OK, we would definitely arrive by land because we don’t own a boat, but if you have a choice, always do like “Avatar” and choose the way of water.

Located on Lake Mendota, Mariner’s is waterfront dining at its best. The restaurant has been open since 1966 and specializes in steaks and seafood, a combination Wisconsin does to perfection.

Dining inside will get you nice views of the lake, while the outdoor patio is right on the marina. Stay for a beautiful sunset and to feel jealous of everyone lucky enough to have their own boat.

The restaurant also has a grassy lawn. In the summer, this is the setting for its “Live on the Lawn” concert series, an event the local community absolutely loves.

4. Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry

Outdoor seating at Dotty Dumpling's Dowry, Madison

Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry / Facebook

Location: University Campus

Price point: $

Yelp score: 4 stars

Dining Outdoors at Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry

Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry / Facebook

Normally, we would tell you to avoid restaurants located on a college campus. But Dotty is an exception to this rule.

While most cities have fights over who has the best burger in town, Madison’s joints fight over who’ll come second to Dotty. We’re not exaggerating. This establishment has won Best Burger in Madison for 40 years in a row. Forty.

The melting pot burger is a fan favorite and the one you should try on your first visit. Accompanying it with a good glass of local brew is a must.

3. The Biergarten at Olbrich Park

The Biergarten at Olbrich Park / Facebook

Location: East

Price point: $

Yelp score: 4 stars

Dining Outdoors at the Biergarten

The Biergarten at Olbrich Park / Facebook

If you care about the good vibes more than fancy food presentations, you’ll love Madison’s very own beer garden.

The Biergarten is located in Olbrich Park, right on Lake Monona. And because every seat is an outdoor seat, you are guaranteed pretty views. Informality is expected, so don’t be afraid to pull up with a blanket or a foldout chair. Bring your kids, bring your dog and dig into some delicious German sausage and cheese curds, washed down with a pint of beer.

What’s so wonderful about the beer garden is that it celebrates Wisconsin’s strong German heritage while supporting local industry. All ingredients served come from surrounding farms. Rather than whole meals, you’ll get snacks, but it’s this just means more delicious sausages for your belly!

2. Monty’s Blue Plate Diner

Sandwich at Monty's Blue Plate Diner in Madison

Monty’s Blue Plate Diner / Facebook

Location: East

Price point: $

Yelp score: 4 stars

Dining Outdoors at Monty’s

Burgers and milkshakes at Monty's, Madison

Monty’s Blue Plate Diner / Facebook

A certified Madison establishment, Monty’s Blue Plate Diner is easily recognizable by its white-and-blue diner aesthetic.

The restaurant is known for serving breakfast at any hour of the day, seven days a week. But unlike certain tired chains that claim the same, the food here is actually delicious. Besides breakfast, the menu is filled with classic American diner food like sandwiches, burgers, shakes and sundaes. Vegetarian and vegan selections are readily available.

Monty’s has a nice patio shaded by Mediterranean blue umbrellas. When the sun is out, it’s a pleasant place to enjoy the restaurant’s unique atmosphere.

1. Graze Restaurant

Outdoor seating at Graze restaurant, Madison

Graze / Facebook

Location: Capitol Square

Price point: $$

Yelp score: 4 stars

Dining Outdoors at Graze Restaurant

Graze / Facebook

Graze is an upscale restaurant with beautiful views of the Wisconsin State Capitol, one of the most coveted spots in the city.

You’ll get views of the iconic building both inside and outside, but if you can get a table on the patio, your dining experience will most definitely be enhanced.

But a good location isn’t the only thing that brings people to Graze. The restaurant is also very committed to working with local farmers, sourcing most of its food from Wisconsin. This not only supports the economy and reduces food’s environmental impact, but it also guarantees a fresher, richer taste for any item that you order.