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garmonbozia Jun 2, 2010 07:21 PM

Birthday dinner for 10 in Madison, WI

Hello Chowhound,
Frequent lurker, lazy poster, retired badger (now living in Canada) here. I will be celebrating my birthday in Madison, WI with 9 of my friends during a conference. I originally thought of The Old Fashioned, but unfortunately they don't take reservations; being this a Saturday, I don't want my guests to become impatient.

My favorite restaurants in town (after living 7 years) are Lombardinos and Lao Laan Xang. Unfortunately, we don't have transportation to go either; my folks would not be patient enough to walk more than 500 ms. We'll be in the campus area, and will need a festive, fun, not too stuffy place to hang out. Where shall we go?

Merci!

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Lao Laan Xang Restaurant
2098 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704

Lombardino's Restaurant
2500 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705
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›4 Replies . Latest Jun 17, 2010 by garmonbozia
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     garmonbozia Jun 17, 2010 06:44 PM

    Thanks for the suggestions. We found wheels and ended up in Sardine, and had a lovely dinner with very reasonably priced wines. The skatewing and the pasta with lamb were fantastic and the service was gracious. We also tried Cooper's Tavern for a second birthday dinner next day, and lucked out for a table at the "snug". 10 of us, it was a little snuggy but oh well. My mac and cheese with pork belly is still stuck to my thighs :) Must run tomorrow. And what a beer list!
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       bzdchris Jun 8, 2010 12:05 PM

      You could try the new Brickhouse BBQ on Gorham just before it turns onto University Ave. Or Nick's on State - totally old school but prepared for large parties. But Porta Bella would probably be great for your needs - fun, not stuffy at all.

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      Porta Bella
      425 N Frances St, Madison, WI 53703
      ›1 Reply
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      1. re: bzdchris
        Monch Jun 8, 2010 06:05 PM

        How IS the Brickhouse? I'm skeptical about how thin, ALL things considered, ownership is spreading themselves with the store, Samba, and this.

        If it's good Cue, for Madison, I'm game.
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      2. Monch Jun 3, 2010 06:15 AM

        Garmon,

        Welcome back.

        Given everything you're saying (and Lombo's is our absolute favorite), maybe you should try Porta Bella. Just off State Street on Frances. It's more traditional American/Italian...red sauce, etc, but it's a fun place. Each separate dining room is done in it's own kitchshy theme.

        Good food...nice bar.

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        State Street Restaurant
        1118 S State St, Lockport, IL 60441

        Porta Bella
        425 N Frances St, Madison, WI 53703
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