Bram's Addition - Madison, WI Area Guide

Madison was founded in 1837, but remained a small village for some 20 years. Over the ensuing decades, a variety of people from many different backgrounds came together to create a vibrant and interesting community. The establishment of the University of Wisconsin, along with major employers such as Oscar Mayer in 1900, brought many new faces for academic and commercial reasons.

South Madison has an artistic vibe, with many musicians and artists calling the area home. Every year, local foodies join the Savor South Madison Taste Race, a scavenger-hunt event at participating restaurants in the South Madison area.

Bram's Addition's location near South Park Street provides great access to restaurants and cafes. Nearby Monroe Street also provides great dining options within a short commute.

Barriques is a hip, wine-focused cafe featuring salads, sandwiches, and espresso drinks. The low-lit space with exposed rafters and brick walls evokes a Parisian cool, especially when paired with Barrique's outstanding wine list. Try the Mediterranean Experience salad featuring roasted red pepper hummus, olive tapenade, marinated artichoke, feta cheese, red peppers, and mixed greens with a side of pita bread. Barriques also sells wine by the bottle, artisan teas, and locally roasted coffee.

Enjoy authentic Indian food at Taj Indian Restaurant, a South Madison favorite for almost 10 years. Meals at Taj begin with freshly cooked papadums with dipping sauces such as cilantro and tamarind chutney. For starters, try the Mulligatawny soup of carefully seasoned lentils and vegetables or a rich coconut soup topped with crushed pistachios. For those who can't decide on a main course, have it all with Taj's tandoori mixed grill featuting a mammoth offering of tandoori chicken, lamb seehk kabob, reshmi kabob, and tandoori shrimp, all served with fresh onions and green peppers.

Nightlife fans enjoy the 1920s vibe at the Wonder Bar Steakhouse which features innovative drinks in a nostalgic setting. The Mason Lounge presents another late night option with over 15 craft beers on tap.

The central position of Bram's Addition puts a variety of restaurants, grocery stores, and parks within walking and bicycling distance. Bike routes provide safe and convenient routes to major destinations. Public transportation presents a great option for the neighborhood, with bus service to downtown in less than 20 minutes. Hailing a cab can be difficult but not impossible from Park Street. For guaranteed service, call one of the local taxi outfits or use Uber for ride-sharing. Public parking in the area remains accessible, with no fee. Expressways and highways can be accessed easily as well, making for an easy commute downtown or to other parts of the city and beyond.

Bram's Addition offers unparalleled access to some of Madison's best parks and natural areas. To the west of the neighborhood lies the extensive University of Wisconsin Arboretum, a massive natural area showcasing regional tree species and wildlife. Guided tours of the Arboretum, available year round, provide insight into bird watching and plant identification. In the center of the Arboretum sits Lake Wingra, an idyllic small lake with water sports and picnicking opportunities. The northern bank of the lake houses Vilas Park and the Henry Villas Zoo, a great spot for kids and families.

To the east of Bram's Addition lie the twin parks of Quann and Bowman, with over a dozen tennis courts, baseball fields and a 12-acre, off-leash dog park. Quann Park is also home to a beautiful community garden. Just a bit farther east of Bowman and Quann, Olin Park on Lake Monona stands as one of the most popular parks in the Madison area, featuring a gorgeous view of downtown with ample recreation options including swimming, kayaking, and hiking. Turville Point, the southern half of the park, features over three miles of hiking trails and wooded areas providing a respite from the city.

Great Taste of the Midwest, an annual event at Olin Park, highlights over 1,000 beers from 150 craft brewers in a beautiful location during the month of August.

The cost of living in Bram's Addition stands at about nine percent lower than the city average, making the neighborhood quite affordable. Transportation to downtown from the neighborhood on public transit buses costs $2. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bram's Addition averages around $520. The typical price of a beer at a local pub stands at between $3 and $5. Gas prices are comparable to the national average.

Shopping areas around Park Street include Asian markets, hardware stores and other retail.

Bicycle fanatics appreciate Cronometro, nationally recognized as one of the top 10 bike shops for fitting services and expertise. Co-owner Colin does 200 to 300 fitting sessions per year, assisting bicyclists from all over the Midwest to achieve the perfect complement of rider and bike. Stop in and view the selection of artisan Italian and American bikes, components, and gear. Bicyclists on a budget can also check out local non-profit bike workshop Freewheel Bikes, offering volunteer-based repair lessons and workshops available to the public.

Grocery options in the Bram's Addition neighborhood include Copps and several Asian markets such as Oriental Shop and Oriental Food Mart, with kimchee, sushi-grade fish, and other specialties.