Around the Square Tour

Duration: 12:00pm-3:00pm (3 hours)

Location: The tour will start at The Great Dane located at 123 E Doty St

Adult

$55

USD

Child

$35

USD

Tour operates Wednesday-Sunday, Memorial Day-Labor Day.

Tour capacity is 8 participants.

Children between the ages of 3-10 require a ticket, anyone over the age of 10 requires an adult ticket.

Tickets are not able to be refunded or exchanged.

Gift Certificates Private tours

Stroll around the Capitol Square savoring classic Wisconsin dishes and learning about the history and architecture of downtown Madison.

  • Mouthwatering assortment of sweet and savory tastings as well as 2 refreshing Madison brews
  • Guided tour of restaurants and buildings that have had an impact on the city since the 1850's
  • The story behind James Doty and his journey to creating Madison, the capital of Wisconsin

All ages and fitness levels

Vegetarian friendly

Restrooms available

Tours operate rain or shine

Wheelchair accessible

Easy, 1.5 mile walk

Begins at 12:00pm

Offered Wednesday-Sunday (Memorial Day-Labor Day)

True to Wisconsin tastings We are known for our brats, beer and cheese but the Around the Square Tour takes you into the history as to how Wisconsin became known for those things. During the walking and eating experience our stops include one of the “quintessential brew pubs of the nation”, the only bagel shop in Madison that creates NYC style bagels, and a chocolate shop that has perfected Mackinac Island style fudge. Samples are all included in the ticket price and there is enough food to leave you feeling satisfied for the rest of the afternoon.

An enjoyable walk around downtown Madison All of the tasting locations that we visit are within walking distance from one another allowing you to spend the afternoon outdoors taking in the historic Capitol Square area of Madison. The walk is an easy, 1.5 mile adventure that is easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. We move at a comfortable pace that allows you to relax and take in all of the sights of Madison.

The perfect experience for visitors and residents Our goal at Capital City Food Tours is to provide all of our guests with an enjoyable afternoon eating delicious food while learning about the history, architecture and culture of Madison. Tour guides provide you with interesting stories that we’ve gathered from the restaurant owner’s themselves, giving you the VIP experience at each tasting location. We delve into the history of some of the most unique architecture in downtown Madison, including a peek inside our impressive Capitol that will take your breath away. Along the walk learn about our famous Dane County Farmer’s Market, the forever bustling State Street, and some of our other favorite spots around town. Whether you’re visiting the area or a local resident, you’re sure to leave with new knowledge that will make you fall in love with Madison.

Indulge in Wisconsin delicacies at each of our tasting locations.

The Great Dane

An award winning Brewery-Restaurant that boasts refreshing, hand crafted brews made on site and hearty pub style fare

Gotham Bagels

The old-school, New York style bagel shop of Madison that has been family owned and operated since 2007

Kilwins

A chocolate, fudge and ice cream shop that has perfected the art of Mackinac Island style fudge on Madison’s State Street

Buck & Badger

A true North Woods style tavern in a historic building that serves locally made beer and other Wisconsin favorites - including deep fried cheese curds

DLUX

Swanky, modern eatery that specializes in gourmet burgers, brunch, and milkshakes

Your tour guide will be wearing a hot pink t-shirt and will meet you out front of The Great Dane located on:

123 E Doty St
Madison, WI

Get Directions

Have questions? Here's the most frequently asked.

Is the tour only about food?

Not even close! Our goal is to not only feed your stomachs but also your minds. On our tours we also incorporate the history, architecture and culture of the area we are walking through.

What should I bring with me?

There will be water available at most tasting locations, however you may consider bringing a small water bottle with you.

Depending on the weather you will also want to bring a jacket, umbrella or sunscreen.

We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes as we will be walking outside.

Do you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions or preferences?

All of our tours are able to accommodate vegetarians.

Our Around the Square tour is able to accommodate other dietary restrictions and allergies on an “as needed” basis. You will be asked to select dietary restrictions or allergies during the checkout process when purchasing a ticket.

*Please note that we take food allergies very seriously, and the tastings may not be the same if you select that you have an allergy.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, tickets need to be purchased by 10:00PM the day before the tour. Tickets are only available for purchase with a Visa, AMEX, or MasterCard through our website or by calling (866) 736-6343. Cash is not accepted.

Is there parking available?

For the Around the Square tour parking is available at nearby parking garages, on the street, or other lots around the downtown area. Please be sure to find a space that is at least a three hour minimum. We recommend using the Government East Parking ramp located at:

298 S Pickney St

Madison, WI 53703

 

For the Middleton Dinner tour there is various street parking and lots that are all open and free to the public. We recommend using the public lot located at:

7438 Hubbard Avenue

Middleton, WI 53562

Still have questions?   Visit our FAQ page to submit your own

My boyfriend has lived here his entire life and still tried new amazing dishes and places that have been downtown for years that he has never heard of or thought about trying!

Jessica K, Trip Advisor