Madison Journals

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In and Around Madison, WI

A travel journal to Madison by kbyfield

Plaka Tavrena Photo - Plaka Taverna, Madison, Wisconsin

Quote: A collection of various places we frequent in the Madison area

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The Great Taste of the Midwest

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Beer drinkers heaven, right here in Madison, WIsconsin"

Mmm...beer! Photo - The Great Taste of the Midwest, Madison, Wisconsin

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Every August in Madison, Wisconsin there is an event which can only be described as heaven on earth for those of us who enjoy a good beer. The Madison Home Brewers Guild sponsors what is now one of the largest and most prestigious beer festivals in the nation.

Situated in Olin-Turvle Park, on the edge of Lake Monona, the Great Taste of the Midwest is one of the oldest festivals of it's kind in the US. The event has grown to such size and of such ledgend that tickest sell out nearly as soon as they go on sale.

Over 100 brewers with nearly 500 beers will be on hand for one day only - the 2nd Saturday in August. Upon entry, you'll recieve a commerative glass and ferom there, the festival is yours. Walk up to any brewer, pass them you glass and get back a healthy dose of their product. The possibilties are endless - Stouts, IPA's, ESB's, Porters, Lambics, you names it and it's there - except for the mass market beers. As I recall, the limit is 50,000 bbls and under. No Miller, No Bud, No Cooers. Just good beer from small(er) brewers who want to meet you and share their love for good beers

Tickets are nearly impossible to score - While they sell 6,000 of them, the ones availabe in person will be sold out within 2 hours. If you can't stand the thought of sitting in line from Midnight until noon, your only hope is the mail-order lottery.

05/02/2010 - followup.

Tickets for the GT went on sale this past sunday (5/2) at noon. I had planned to get in line around 4:45 a.m. (yes, in the morning) to ensure that I would get the 2 that I needed. I overslept and managed to arrive at 5:30. At that hour, I was #75 in line and while that might not sound bad, the location I was at only had 400 tickets. (tickets are sold at a number of locations with all going on sale at noon). By 10:30 the line had exceeded the # of tickets available (assuming everyone bought their alloted 2).

Just something to keep in mind if you decide to go next year. Also remember to bring a chair, something to eat and something to read. 7 hours is a long time to wait. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 30, 2010

The Great Taste of the Midwest

Madison, Wisconsin

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Coopers Tavern (The)

Restaurant | "Small in Size, Huge in Service and Selection"

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20+ beers, on tap, near 100 in bottles, local food ranging from burgers to fish to roasted veal marrow (yes, you read the correctly)The Coopers Tavern is the latest addition to the Food Fight family of restaurants and they've already proven themselves to be an excellent addition. Located on the Sqwuare where the old McDonalds used to be, it's not a large space but they make good use of what they have. THe decor is simple and tasteful. None of that fake charm here - just a plane wood bar, comfortable tables and service that goes above and beyond what you'd expcted for the prices they charge.The manager and chef make a solid effort to use whatever local foods they can. On th...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on May 5, 2010

Coopers Tavern (The)
20 West Mifflin Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53707
(608) 256-1600

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Plaka Taverna

Restaurant | "R.I.P. Cleveland's - Long Live Plaka!"

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Clevelands is no longer with us. About a year or so ago, the owner, Telly and his brother Nic, decided to close shop and rterinvent Clevelands into something new. In it's place there now stands "Plaka Taverna". Plaka is an EXCELLENT Greek diner, still owned and managed by the 2 brothers (if you're lucky, you'll find the whole family at work) and if you look at the menu close enough, you'll still find some old Clevelends fav's like the Dicky Burger.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 27, 2010

Plaka Taverna
410 East Wilson Street
Madison, Wisconsin 55703
(608) 251-4455