🪧 15,000 protesters expected for ‘No Kings’ rally

🪧 ‘No Kings’ Protest Could Draw 15,000 Downtown

• Organizers are anticipating as many as 15,000 people could take part in the “No Kings” protest Saturday in downtown Madison opposing the policies of President Donald Trump. The protest will begin at 2 p.m. with a march from UW Library Mall up State Street to the Capitol Square.
• The demonstration, one of 1,500 nationwide that are expected to draw millions, is billed as a “national day of defiance” aimed to coincide with a military parade in Washington, D.C. in honor of Trump’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. It comes as Trump has escalated his campaign against undocumented immigrants, including calling in 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 U.S. Marines following protests in Los Angeles.
• “No Kings” organizers urged participants to de-escalate any personal confrontations they might have with people who disagree with their cause. [Cap Times, No Kings, NPR]

🍕 Novanta Pizza Restaurant on University Ave. To Close

• The owner of Novanta, a Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant, will close the restaurant’s location on University Avenue at the end of the month. Owner Nick Mattioli said he wants to focus on Novanta’s original location on Old Sauk Road.
• In 2023, Novanta was one of two Wisconsin locations to make Yelp’s list of the Top 100 pizza restaurants in North America. Mattioli said businesses at the far west side location remains strong. [ 🔒 WSJ, Yelp]

🏗️ Developer Wants to Supersize Hilldale Apartment Building

• A developer who won approval to build a five-story apartment building on University Avenue is now asking to double the size of the project.
• The original proposal was to build a 71-unit apartment building with 1,400 square feet of commercial space, replacing two commercial buildings near Hilldale. But the developers since acquired two adjacent single-family homes, and are now proposing a six-story, 146-unit building with 4,000 feet of commercial space.
• City Council will vote July 1 on the proposal. [ 🔒WSJ]

There’s no scientific evidence to back up the fact that food and drink tastes better when you’re enjoying it outdoors in the summertime. Then again, there aren’t any studies that refute it, either.

Either way, there’s something about patio dining that just hits right, especially in a part of the world where the warm summer months fly by too fast.

On the City Cast Madison podcast today, Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians talks to host Bianca Martina about the best spots for patio dining in Madison.

While you may already have your favorite outdoor dining spots, here are a few new restaurants that you might want to try.

Atico Lounge

This rooftop bar on the eighth floor of the Moxy Hotel on East Washington Avenue has absolutely stunning views of the city to go along with its street tacos and craft cocktails.

Cafe Domestique/Glou Glou Wine Bar

Whether you’re getting a latte at the coffee shop during the day or a glass of cabernet sauvignon at night, this multi-use space just off Regent Street has a hidden patio space that’s a perfect little oasis.

Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge

The parking lot of a Sherman Avenue strip mall may not be the greatest view, but like Ancora Coffee Roasters down the way, Lola’s new patio space makes up for it with a secluded space and drink and app specials.

One of the perks of becoming a City Cast Madison Neighbor is the chance to shout out a local business, nonprofit, or some other cool Madison thing you love and have it featured in our newsletter.

Here’s a few things our Neighbors are celebrating this week:

Moses M. wanted to shout out the good work done by the American Parkinson Disease Association’s Wisconsin chapter. Moses wanted to let people know that “we’re putting on a charity golf outing and party open to the public at Capital Brewery in Middleton, June 22nd from 1-3:30pm!”

Sam W. wanted to draw attention to “From the Front Row,” a fun video series that captures live performances from musicians in unique venues across the Midwest, including the Bur Oak and the Sh*tty Barn Sessions.

And Ross L. said that the food at The Mediterranean Joint on Willy Street is worth braving the nearby hairball intersection. “My kids like the Greek fries with garlic aioli.”

And we wanted to shout out our newest City Cast Madison Neighbor, Anne W.! If you want to give a Neighbor Shoutout, become a City Cast Madison Neighbor like Anne!