The Near East Side: A Hotspot With Heart

Tucked in the Isthmus sits Madison’s Near East Side neighborhood — a treasured pocket of deeply-rooted, revitalized living, and one of the many Madison neighborhoods we love helping clients explore. Hugging our scenic lakes, its streets are dotted with hip-and-cool meetspots for coffee, cuisine + creativity; gorgeous, mature trees; and a range of homes from quaint cozy to lakeside luxe. Holding dear to neighborhood events, independent shopkeeps and unrivaled access to beautiful paths + waterways, it has an elevated trendy, yet homegrown vibe. The standout for us? Its steadfast dedication to building community, which shines through the many community events in Madison. With iconic spaces for engagement + connection, the Near East Side offers unbeatable urban authenticity.

Breese Stevens Field

Established 1926, Breese Stevens Field is a fixture of the East Washington Avenue corridor. With impressive masonry grandstands + iron gates, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places — yet far from just a page in history. A full schedule of open-air festivals, concerts, sporting events + markets means ‘“Breese” (as locals say) is the place to be. It hosts nationally-known bands, local artisan bodegas, family movie nights + fireworks, and an enviable range of food + drink fetes. For rousing games + fanfare, it’s also the stomping grounds of professional sports teams Forward Madison FC Soccer + Madison Radicals Ultimate. And with fellow A-list concert venue The Sylvee nearby, it’s the entertainment hub of the Near East Side.

Madison Public Market

Coming soon to the corner of North First + East Johnson Streets, Madison Public Market has everyone a buzz! Highly-anticipated, our first brick-and-mortar public market promises to be a year-round epicenter for locally grown and prepared food + beverages, handcrafted artwork, jewelry, wearables + collectibles. Slating over 130 local vendors, it will be a growth enterprise for small business entrepreneurship + community engagement. Myriad green space + gathering spots will include outdoor patios + lounge areas with food carts, B-cycle rentals + public art — perfect for those relocating to Madison and seeking vibrant places to connect. With Burr Jones Park on the Yahara River + Tenney Park on Lake Mendota just a hop skip away, options will be endless for picnicking, biking + boating.

Foodie Favorites

Down-to-earth style that doesn’t sacrifice the details, there’s a nook for every nosh on the Near East Side. We could spend all day listing favorites, but here are a few top picks: 

A PIG IN A FUR COAT — with warm planked tables + soft glow of Edison bulbs, this intimate eatery offers delectable Mediterranean comfort food in an inviting, communal atmosphere. Featuring influences of Spain, France + Italy, the menu showcases locally-sourced, seasonal products and evolving beer, wine + handcrafted cocktail selection. If you’re craving more, stop by Alimentari — a European deli + market from the same ownership, featuring freshly-made pasta, charcuterie + sandwiches with bread from fellow Near Eastsider, Madison Sourdough.

BATCH BAKEHOUSE — nestled into dynamic Williamson Street (Willy Street if you’re in the know), this delightful bakery features made-from-scratch goodies perfect for any palette. With old-fashioned quality, its case is filled with golden, crusty breads like baguettes, focaccia + sweet-and-savory croissants, and delicate treats like tarts, cookies + cakes. Can’t decide? A fresh weekly menu + friendly counter staff always make the perfect recommendation. A sweet stop after shopping at Hazel General Store or Stillgoods, it never disappoints.

SARDINE — our go-to weekend brunch spot, this classic French bistro offers a comfortable, upscale experience befitting the streets of SoHo — but with sweeping lake views. Highlighting fresh white subway tile, dark wood accents, open-backed bistro chairs + trademark café floors, our brunch bestie features a menu of petite plates, pastries, omelettes, salads + entrées. Complete with fresh cocktails + choices for the younger set, it’s a perennial favorite to peruse the paper, stop off the Monona Lake Loop, or recharge after the Farmer’s Market. Bon appétit!