Then & Now
A Look Back at Buck & Badger
Madison is fortunate to host a dynamic and ever-evolving culinary scene. While that often means new culinary experiences join the city, it also means established eateries occasionally close down. A restaurant might close due to a number of factors, but the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in especially high rates of closure in Madison and around the country. Buck & Badger was one such eatery that was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. They announced their closure at the end of 2020.
Opened in 2013, Buck & Badger was inspired by the “look of a Northwoods lodge.” The food and aesthetic of the restaurant were centered around all things Wisconsin, with a twist. Early reviews of the restaurant identify Wisconsin staples like brats and curds. Unlike your typical Wisconsin eatery, Buck & Badger also served unique offerings, like their "Norwegian Meatball Sandwich" with marinara sauce and a trio of duck sliders.
Although they’re no longer operating, Buck & Badger brought a unique experience to Madison’s culinary scene. While the city is proud to host cuisines from Peru to Nepal and beyond, Buck & Badger reminded Madisonians of something a little closer to home. They sought to encapsulate what it’s like to dine at a lodge up in the Northwoods. It's good to appreciate the homegrown quirks and traditions that exist nowhere else.
These days, the storefront that once hosted Buck & Badger is now The High Ground Cafe. This cafe opened in 2023 to serve THC/CBD infused beverages and baked goods. They have locations in Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago.
Madison’s State Street is always adapting and responding to changes. It's a bittersweet thing that eateries come and go. Sometimes we lose vibrant community cornerstones, and sometimes it means something fresh and innovative comes to town.
Writers of The Dish visited Buck & Badger not long after they opened in 2013. In one of The Dish’s earliest pieces, it was contemplated what it means for cuisine to feel “Wisconsin.” Even if Buck & Badger is no longer serving meals, we can still remember their mission in serving a Northwoods experience and celebrating Wisconsin's culinary classics.
Read Grubbing at the Buck & Badger Northwoods Lodge below.
Grubbing at the Buck & Badger Northwoods Lodge
By Lexie Winiecke
Many students associate Capitol Square with fancy, upscale restaurants that are perfect for both dates and large get-togethers, so I decided to venture to that side of campus to check out one of Madison’s newest restaurants, Buck & Badger.
This month, I wanted to reflect on Wisconsin and what it means to be a true Wisconsinite. Luckily for me, Buck & Badger, located at 115 State Street, embodies the Wisconsin Culture I’ve come to love so much.
Having numerous relatives outside of the state, I often get asked what it means to be a Wisconsinite. The answer is quite simple: loving the Packers, cheese, and beer. When my editor told me about a lodge restaurant opening in the area, I had to check it out for myself to see whether or not it fit the “Wisconsin” experience.
Sure enough, the inside of Buck & Badger has the feel of a log cabin. Dragging a friend with me, I naturally left it up to her to decide where to sit, and was delighted to find myself sitting by a warm rustic fire. Even though it was a Thursday evening, we were seated right away without having to wait in line.
Being worn out from the week, we decided to have something light for dinner, smiling at the “burger” portion of the menu. Along with burgers, the restaurant also serves soups, salads, sandwiches, and even pot pies. Our waitress was prompt at providing us with menus and our meal was ready within 20 minutes. Despite being disappointed with the meal itself, I thought the complementary cookies at the end of the meal was a cute touch.
Buck & Badger also has a wide selection of tap beer and various wines to choose from. To guys who are looking for a place to have a good time with a date or girlfriend, Buck & Badger should definitely be on your list. The log cabin feel combined with the lighting and the fire definitely creates the romantic mood.
Feeling spontaneous, I decided to order s’mores for dessert, which proved to be the part of the meal that redeemed the rest. A simple, campfire dessert brought into the meal is a brilliant way to remind guests of the simulated Wisconsin atmosphere. Not being able to travel out to the scenic areas of the state will make any college student appreciative of this “cottage” within a reasonable walking distance.
This being said, I encourage you all to check out Buck & Badger. Every UW student deserves to have a quintessential Wisconsin experience.
Grubbing at the Buck & Badger Northwoods Lodge was featured in The Dish’s Spring 2013 publication. To read past Dish magazines, visit the Publications Page.