Williamson Street, dubbed “Willy Street” by locals, is a funky neighborhood filled with bars, restaurants, live-music venues and more. According to the Greater Madison CVB, this hip hood, which mixes new urbanism architecture and handsome historic buildings, is a great place for groups to explore and enjoy.
In the morning, attendees can stop by Madison Sourdough Cafe @ 916 Williamson St. for a coffee and eggs diablo or French toast, among other tasty dishes. The cafe is open for lunch, too, and those craving just a snack can stop by for macaroons, sorbet and other sweet treats.
Situated next door to each other are Hazel General Store @ 1250 Williamson St., and Hatch Art House (www.hatcharthouse.com) @ 1248 Williamson St., two must-stops during a Willy Street excursion. Hazel sells everything from wallets and water bottles to eco-crayons and body scrubs, and at Hatch local artists display and sell their works.
Red Sage Health @ 1251 Williamson St., a clinic and herb shop that offers drop-in mini acupuncture treatments for $15, and Change Boutique @ 1252 Williamson St., a fairtrade fashion purveyor specializing in women’s clothing, can also be found on Willy Street.
At the end of a visit in this fun neighborhood, hungry groups can stop by Grampa’s Pizzeria @ 1374 Williamson St. for a delicious pie. Among the pizzas on the menu is the Pinocchio, which has tomato sauce, cheese, sausage, fennel and Anaheim chiles, and the Goomba, with garlic cream sauce, cheese, mushrooms and herbs. Grampa’s menu also features soups, salads and appetizers including a cheese board, olives, scallops and calamari.
