Alchemy

The thing about craving bar food is that the reality rarely lives up to the dream, leaving you filled with greasy remorse. Not so here at Alchemy, a new business in an old Atwood Avenue building that used to play host to the now-defunct Wonders pub. The food is, in a word, delicious. We think the appetizers are even more impressive than the entrees, particularly the dolmades--grape vine leaves stuffed with herbed rice, roasted and served with garlic dill cucumber yogurt and feta ($6). And if you fancy yourself a sweet potato fries connoisseur, we guarantee the ones at Alchemy (slim, crisp chips twice-fried and served with the most incredible tarragon mayo and local jalepeno blackberry jam dipping sauces) will forever own a slot in your top five. Soups are fresh and prepared in-house, salads are hearty, green, and surprising, and burgers are above and beyond bar expectations, like the Apple Rum Burger--1/3 lb applewood bacon-infused Angus beef patty topped with sweet onion rum relish, Wisconsin cheddar, lettuce and tomato, served on a fresh baked roll ($8). There's the stuffed Wisconsin swiss grilled cheese, grilled tilapia ($11), the free range grass-fed bison patty melt, several vegetarian and vegan choices, and a kid-friendly menu. Alchemy is located on the near-east side of the Capitol, in an area of Madison much beloved by its residents and completely overlooked by tourists. It's a neighborhood defined by creative, free-spirited independent shopkeepers and residents. This is where you can find the progressive locals Madison is famous for, and, since the city is 100% smoke-free, you get the cozy pub vibe without the hacking cough and stinky hair. Best of all, you get the food. Did we mention the sweet potato fries? (Note: No credit cards accepted, but there is an ATM on-site)