Welcome to the world of cheese curds in Madison, Wisconsin, where the battle for the title of best cheese curds is hotter than the frying oil at your local bar! With so many contenders boasting their own unique twists on this classic snack, the search for the perfect curd takes us on a tantalizing journey through Madison's best restaurants.
Old Fashioned: Voted best in Wisconsin
At The Old Fashioned, it's all about tradition. Our fresh, house-made cheese curds topped with Wisconsin beer are lightly battered and crisped to a golden brown. No wonder they've earned the title of best cheese curds in Wisconsin! The crunchy exterior gives way to melty, gooey cheese, a delightful symphony of flavors that keeps customers coming back for more.
Thirsty Goat: Hand-Baked Delight
The Thirsty Goat serves a generous portion of hand-baked fried curds that are a crunchy delight. Served with their house-made ranch, these curds feature a light crust and Cajun sauce that elevates the flavor. Feeling adventurous? Try it on top of burgers for a curd twist on a classic dish!
Graze: Beer Blend Bliss
Graze offers its own take on the classic cheese curds with a beer mixture that hits just the right notes. Paired with Hook and Ranch cheese curds, these curds combine crunch and gooey taste. The secret? Good sauce and high quality cheese!
Curd Girl: The Award-Winning Sensation
Curd Girl, a 2022 and 2023 Taste of Madison Award winner, offers curds more than just a snack – it's an experience! These curds are available most Saturdays at the Madison Farmers Market (America's largest producers-only farmers market), and come with a fantastic selection of homemade sauces, making every bite a delicious adventure.
Merchant: The magic of the milk mixture
Merchant's fried cheese curds are a testament to the wonders of the buttermilk mixture. Served with a delicious blend of ranch and hot honey, these curds are a balance between a crunchy exterior and a creamy interior, leaving your taste buds dancing in delight.
Our favorite curd: Drunken Cow
Last but not least, The Tipsy Cow brings the local flair with their fried cheese curds. As a unique twist, they also serve local goat cheese beer mixed with Spotted Cow beer, which really stole the show for us! Served with ranch dressing, these curds are a testament to the local flavors that make Madison's culinary scene vibrant.
Wrapping up the Madison Cheese Curd Showdown
Picking the ultimate champion in a city full of curdled cheese is a task that even the most seasoned foodie may find challenging. Whether you prefer your beer topped with butter, whipped with milk, hand-baked, or with a unique twist, Madison, Wisconsin, offers curds to suit every taste… even for those who are lactose intolerant (we're looking at you Guided Cow with Curds Goat cheese!).
Work up an appetite and start your delicious adventure through this amazing city! Some people take their cheese curds a little too seriously, so if you think we've missed something, please let us know in the comments!
More from Coleman Concierge:
Here's a quick look – Madison, Wisconsin's restaurant scene goes way beyond cheese curds. Let's start with the possibilities of farm-to-table catering when you're in the heart of the largest producer-only farmers' market in the country. Enjoy some international flair from being one of the ten most educated cities in the United States and its proximity to Chicago (the third largest city in America). And finish it off with a good beer and some cheese curds, because – in Wisconsin!
14 Restaurants In Madison Wisconsin You'll Want To Go To!
Hello! We are Jane and Ed Coleman also known as Coleman Concierge. In short, we are a 10th generation couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative and experiential activity-based travel.
