I just recently had the great pleasure of having a weekend where I was able to enjoy brunch two mornings in a row. I remember back to the early 2000’s when I arrived in Madison from New York City and there was maybe one place open for brunch and the rest of central Madison was a ghost town. Now there are so many new places to enjoy, and it’s something that every downtown Madison condo owner knows and appreciates about living near the Capitol Square.

I had planned on dining at a few places and I wound up at The Madison Club on Saturday and then The Tempest on Sunday, which to my surprise had just recently started serving Brunch.

I will admit I stopped at The Madison Club because I am a member there and don’t find myself going to this joint very often. Saturday was a bright Summer morning and perfect weather for sitting outside. The Madison Club has one of the best views from their restaurant Churchill’s on the third floor. On this day I tried the Eggs Benedict with a nice mixed green salad from the Farmer’s Market and a cup of coffee and sat back to enjoy. It was a lovely time and I would return with friends and family to share the great views of Lake Mendota from downtown Madison.

On Sunday I went to Tempest with a large group. I am a huge fan of going with a large group because it means that I get to taste more than just my dish and not pay for the entire plate. Tempest has a great bistro vibe to it with a large old wooden boat that greets you as you walk in and a shell cove just past the bar for their late night music and fun seating. Henry Doane has done a wonderful job here.

Several dishes stood out on my visit. The Lobster Mac and Cheese with large hunks of lobster meat was divine and creamy. The Crabcake Benedict looked and tasted delicious, although as a disclaimer here they served their Benedict with a biscuit as the bottom, a bit of different take from the classic approach. The omelettes that floated by looked to be thin and light and the parmesan grits were out of this world!

Champagne cocktails and the Bosun’s Whistle seemed to be the sipping order along with a few Three Sheeps added in for the beer lovers in the group. It was a really enjoyable experience and the staff was very attentive and accommodated requests graciously from our large group of people.

Next time you find yourself with a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday morning in Downtown Madison I would highly recommend you stop in to The Tempest Or Madison Club for Brunch. There are also a number of places that I plan on visiting again soon like  Sardine, Bassett Street Brunch Club, Shamrock Bar & Grille, Short Stack to name just a few.

You don’t need to live in a downtown Madison condo to enjoy brunching here, but it sure makes it easier. If you are looking for new digs in Downtown Madison? See all homes and condos for sale at our Downtown Real Estate Guide