🥃 Madison’s best new bars and restaurants

🌊 Get Ready For More Flash Floods

• The forecast calls for more heavy rains that could cause flash flooding on roadways as stormwater drainage systems are temporarily overwhelmed. City officials are reminding motorists not to drive through flooded spots, even if they have a large truck or SUV. Such floods usually dissipate after 20 minutes or so.
• This week’s floods have already wreaked havoc across town. At Woodman’s East flooding caused a partial roof collapse Monday night, and Camp Createability, a nonprofit that teaches arts skills to people with autism and other disabilities, sustained tens of thousands of dollars in flood damage. They’re moving to a temporary space later this week and have set up a GoFundMe to raise money to rebuild.
• 🎧 Dig deeper: We’re no stranger to severe weather in Wisconsin, so get some more tips on staying safe from Dane County Emergency Management’s Andrew Beckett. [City of Madison, News 3, Camp Createability, GoFundMe, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

💰 School Board Passes $664M Preliminary Budget

• In the wake of voters approving a $100 million operating budget referendum last November, the Madison School Board approved a $664 million preliminary 2025-26 budget Monday night.
• Madison Metropolitan School District Superintendent Joe Gothard said the referendum’s passage gave the district a “financial foundation for the future.” As a result, the district’s property tax hike, though hefty, will be less than expected. The average homeowner will see a $729 increase rather than the originally estimated $834.
• But Gothard noted that the school district still faces serious financial challenges, saying that the state’s reimbursement on special education funding will be 3% lower than budgeted. [ 🔒 WSJ]

🗳️ Meet the Newest Dane County Board Supervisor

• Tonight, Colin Barushok will be sworn in as the newest Dane County Supervisor, representing District 1. Barushok defeated Adrian Lampron in the June 17 special election to replace Elizabeth Doyle, who resigned her seat on the Dane County Board because she said she can no longer afford to live in the district.
• Barushok, who defeated Lampron by a margin of 51.6% to 48.4% (just 35 votes!), is vice chair of the Democratic Party of Dane County and vice president of Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc. [News 3, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

Welcome to our list of the best new restaurants and bars opening in and around Madison! We’ll update this list each month. If we’ve missed a new spot you think we should feature, let us know!

Burgers! Churros! The folks at Cinn City Smash had the genius idea to put them together for their food truck venture. As they launch their second truck, host Bianca Martin talked to co-owners Rutger Schiesser and Maximus “Noodle” Perdomo about why their idea has caught fire.

June 2025

HWY 1 (Monroe Street)

The new fast-casual spot from Food Fight is now open on Monroe Street next to Everly, offering Baja-inspired burritos and bowls. They also have a Happy Hour special on weekdays with half price drinks and nachos.

Honey Barrel (Verona)

Located in the former location of Hodge Podge, this new lounge specializes in good whiskey and well-made Old Fashioneds, including offering “Old Fashioned flights” for the adventurous.

Wings Over Madison (University Ave.)

After closing for a while, this franchise relaunched this month, offering wings and chicken tenders in a wide range of flavors, from Cajun Voodoo dry rub to Full Throttle buffalo sauce.

Baked Wings & Things (State Street)

Speaking of wings, this long-awaiting locally-owned restaurant will (finally) open in July in the prominent space at State and Johnson streets that has been vacant since Cosi closed in 2015.

Gobi Hot Pot & Mongolian Grill (Far West Side)

The former HuHot Mongolian Grill location on Junction Road is now Gobi Hot Pot, which promises “bold flavors” and customizable options along with bubble tea and wine.

Candy Cloud (Downtown)

This specialty drink cafe just opened on West University Avenue down the block from Liquid, offering a wide variety of flavored tea, coffee, lemonade, and plant-based caffeine drinks.

Sern Sapp (Willy Street)

Laotian food returns to 1146 Williamson St., formerly home to Lao Laan-Xang’s second location. Sern Sapp will focus on the lunch crowd with its mix of Laotian specialties and Southwest Asian dishes.

Each week, City Cast Madison Neighbors get to shout out their favorite local people, places, and things on the podcast and in the Madison Minutes newsletter. This week, our members shout out three local businesses that are doing it right.

📣 Jeff H. loves shopping at Metcalfe’s at Hilldale, which “not only features local food products but also displays the number of miles away from the products’ source. If you can’t find it at Hilldale, it can’t be found.”

📣 Laurie F. wants to shout out Tree House Arbor Science for giving her flora some TLC. “Great job caring for our trees! Quick to respond and lovely to work with!”

📣 Sophie B. has good things to say about The Conscious Carnivore. “They have incredible meat and very knowledgeable staff.”

And we also want to welcome our new City Cast Madison Neighbors, Robin K. and Erik O! Robin said “supporting City Cast Madison is a way to keep me connected to our community and what is important to our everyday lives.” We think so too!

If you want to become a member and get your shoutout in the newsletter, we’d love your support!