The Icon

The Icon restaurant and tapas bar has started sliding its Spanish style tapas right into the main vein of the Mad City. Positioned directly on state street, this trendy restaurant is quickly making a name for itself by serving up a wide variety of appetizers, known in Spanish cuisine as tapas (think appetizer portions of upscale cuisine… this is not your typical fried curds and wings). The Icon’s vibe is hip, yet relaxed, a nice break from your typical Madison college bar. Large black and white prints plaster the walls, swanky lighting sets the mood, and its ultra sleek overall décor gives it that “big city” feel. The food is unique, without going overboard (for the less adventurous dinners), and ranges from a wide selection of tapas, to entrees (The entrée menu is short, but not on quality, and you can expect to pay between $15-25 bucks a plate), to desserts. Cold tapas items range from Spanish cured meats to their own version of potato salad, while the hot tapas items span from short ribs to Icon’s very own version of a Wisconsin classic… the fish fry (Crispy Fideau Noodle wrapped Tilapia; Sherry Tomato Sauce). If you’re craving a change from your average beer and wings bar ritual, Madison’s Icon restaurant and tapas bar is just the spot you’re looking for.