Pike Place Market Creamery
The Three Girls Bakery is a perfect place to stop for lunch if you are cruising around the Pike Place Market or need a break from work. They have a variety of very fresh sandwiches all on fresh bread. The salads are also very good. They have an excellent location right in the Pike Place Market, near the free market parking and free bus zone.
PROS: free parking in the market
CONS:
Warner Park Community Rec
I love Warner Park, they have a great (kind of small) workout facility with a bunch of different machines and free-weights. Very affordable for Madison residents and offers punch cards at a discounted rate. I have participated in the classes offered through the community center and have also attended community meetings in the many rooms set aside for the community. The front desk staff is always nice and the facility is beautiful.
PROS: lots of parking
CONS:
Buraka Restaurant
There are two places to get great East African cuisine, at the Buraka restaurant on State Street and in the Buraka cart on Library Mall and various festivals around Madison. The Doro Wot is the best, tasty chicken and vegetables in a spicy sauce served with injera bread. The restaurant on State Street is in the basement below and nicely decorated. It is a fun place to go with friends and share the combination family dinners.
David's Jamaican Cuisine
David's Jamaican Cuisine is the best Jamaican in the Madison area. The restaurant is in an old Taco Bell with a great island like atmosphere. The jerk chicken is tender and has the right amount of spice. Most entrees come with beans and rice and this great cabbage salad. If you go, you must try the mango drink, it is so good! I have heard that David's has a really good lunch buffet.
PROS: Jerk Chicken....yum!
CONS:
Jolly Bob's
Jolly Bob's makes you feel like you are in the Carribean, don't expect a rushed, in a hurry restaurant. The outdoor patio is comfortable and nicely decorated. They have many different rums and tequilas to choose from! I would recommend the blended drinks, averaging between $4-$7. They have a wide variety of appetizers, including steamed mussels. The only bad thing is that they don't accept debit or credit cards, only cash.
PROS:
CONS: no credit cards, only cash
Willy Street Co-Op
The Willy St. Co-op is a great grocery store offering a bunch of organic produce a other natural items. The salad bar is always stocked with fresh items and the deli has a great pita sandwich chocked with veggies for only $3.00. They make a lot of different tasty sauces and dips, everything from pesto to baba ganouj. This is the only place (besides the farmer's market) where I shop for produce!
PROS:
CONS: parking, walk or take your bike
FERGUSON
Ferguson's is located south of Hwy 12/18 (the beltline) and offers a wide variety of bathroom appliances. I was shopping for bathroom appliances only so am unable to comment on the kitchen items. There were many available brands but it seemed that the staff wanted to talk mostly about Kohler Brands. The staff was nice and knew a lot about the appliances they were selling. The items we chose were shipped to the warehouse within 2 weeks. Pretty quick!
Village Pedaler
The Village Pedaler is conveniently located on Monona Drive, approximately a mile north of the Beltline. I just bought a new commuter bike and also had another bike tuned-up for a reasonable price. They seem to be a bit more affordable than other Madison bike stores. The staff is very knowlegeable and will help you find the bike that works best for you. There were many varieties of bikes and accessories!
Ballard Dental Clinic
I love the Ballard Dental Clinic! The exam rooms are very clean and the have televisions for the patients in every room (with a remote that you can control). The receptionist, Deb, is so nice and friendly. She remembers your name right when you walk in. It is almost like walking in to a family member's house. The dentist is super nice, caring and professional. It seemed that he had cutting-edge technology available.
PROS: Very Friendly Staff!
CONS:
Broadway Tires East
I brought my car in for an oil change that took over 2 hours when they told me it would take less than an hour. I was happy with the price and the staff seemed friendly and knowledgeable. The second and last time I brought my car in, I pulled out of the parking lot and opened my window. I immediately noticed the window was off track. When I went back to question them on this, they did not accept responsibility. He did acknowledge that it was off track but said it was like that when I brought the car in (it wasn't). :(