Mickies Dairy Bar
1 / 10

Mickies Dairy Bar

,

An iconic Madison diner near Camp Randall, serving up huge portions of classic American comfort food in a nostalgic 1950s setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Mickies Dairy Bar

Mickies Dairy Bar

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic Madison diner near Camp Randall, serving up huge portions of classic American comfort food in a nostalgic 1950s setting.

"You won't leave hungry from this legendary diner with its massive portions and retro charm!"

TIP

Arrive Early

Beat the crowds, especially on weekends and game days. Expect a wait!

Cash Only!

Mickies Dairy Bar is cash-only. There's an ATM inside but it has a fee.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 7AM

Cuisine

American Diner

Price

$

Phone

(608) 256-9476

Address

1511 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Legendary Scrambler

The Legendary Scrambler

A hearty mound of fried potatoes, eggs, meat, and cheese smothered in gravy. A must-try classic!

The 14 Best Restaurants In Madison, Wisconsin - MadisonFun things to do in Madison from Terrace to State Street and Mickies7 Stops for Unforgettable Breakfasts+1
Colossal Cinnamon Rolls

Colossal Cinnamon Rolls

Indulge in massive, decadent cinnamon rolls topped with sweet icing. Perfect for sharing!

The 10 Best Brunches In Madison, WisconsinGoogle Review
Throwback Diner Atmosphere

Throwback Diner Atmosphere

Step back in time with 1950s decor, communal tables, and friendly, old-school service.

TikTokThe Best Brunches In Madison WisconsinGoogle Review
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A must go if you’re in Madison! This place is iconic, so get there early to avoid the line. Feels like you’re shot back in time to an old dinner. The best breakfast food ever! #wisconsin #mickiesdairybar #madisonwi #uwmadison
@kayla_oak
2.1K likes • 24.6K views

Arrive Early

Beat the crowds, especially on weekends and game days. Expect a wait!

Cash Only!

Mickies Dairy Bar is cash-only. There's an ATM inside but it has a fee.

Milkshakes, cheese curds, and yanks. The three food groups. 🔥 #food #foodie #madisonwisconsin #wisconsin #travel #thingstoeat #breakfast
@destinationmadison
314 likes • 10.6K views
Cash only Diner in Madison WI #madison #UW
@keepitsaucy0
139 likes • 3.1K views

Portions Are HUGE

Generous servings mean you'll likely have leftovers. Consider sharing!

Try the 'Yanks'

Don't miss the 'yanks,' which are their delicious fried potatoes.

📍 Mickie’s Dairy Bar, 6am with my parents
@chappyshome
76 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Arrive Early

Beat the crowds, especially on weekends and game days. Expect a wait!

Cash Only!

Mickies Dairy Bar is cash-only. There's an ATM inside but it has a fee.

Portions Are HUGE

Generous servings mean you'll likely have leftovers. Consider sharing!

Try the 'Yanks'

Don't miss the 'yanks,' which are their delicious fried potatoes.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mickies Dairy Bar is a beloved Madison institution, celebrated for its enormous portions of classic comfort food and its authentic, nostalgic diner atmosphere. Diners rave about the hearty breakfast and lunch options, especially the signature Scrambler and colossal cinnamon rolls. While the cozy space often leads to long lines, particularly on weekends, the fast and friendly service makes the wait feel worthwhile for many.

"Awesome local place for a hearty breakfast. The pancakes are huge and the “scramble” was awesome: eggs, cheese, potatos, and your choice of meat. Cash only, but service was fast, frequent and friendly. BTW, the fried potatoes are called “yanks.” Never heard that term before, but if your food is this good for a fair price, you get to call it whatever you want."

Marc H

"Notorious classic, greasy spoon diner across Camp Randall Stadium. Always busy, always friendly and the food is always good. The fried pork chop plate is delicious and is wonderfully seasoned. The pancakes are thick and wholesome. A destination eatery when visiting Madison. Cash only."

Michael Waite

"Me and my husband stopped here for the first time. He got the corn beef scrambler and I got the blueberry pancakes. The portions are amazing, the food superb. The sitting was unique and I can say we will be coming back. Our server was knowledgeable and gave recommendations, which helped us decide. We absolutely will be returning"

Angel Marie

What People Like

Massive, hearty portions
Authentic 1950s diner vibe
Friendly and fast service

What People Dislike

Long wait times on weekends
Cash only policy

Frequently Asked Questions

The most famous dishes are the 'Scrambler,' a generous mix of potatoes, eggs, meat, cheese, and gravy, and the colossal cinnamon rolls.

The 14 Best Restaurants In Madison, Wisconsin - Madison7 Stops for Unforgettable BreakfastsGoogle Review

Yes, Mickies Dairy Bar is strictly cash-only. There is an ATM on-site, but it does charge a fee.

TikTokEnjoy Classic Cuisine at These 6 Madison Area DinersGoogle Review

Mickies Dairy Bar is typically open from 7 am to 2 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Google Review

Reservations are not typically accepted. Due to its popularity, expect to wait in line, especially during peak hours and weekends.

TikTokGoogle Review

Yes, Mickies Dairy Bar is known for its incredibly generous portions, often large enough to share or provide leftovers.

The 10 Best Brunches In Madison, WisconsinGoogle Review

The restaurant offers a true throwback diner experience with 1950s decor, communal tables, and a lively, old-school ambiance.

TikTokThe Best Brunches In Madison WisconsinGoogle Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

The Infatuation

The 14 Best Restaurants In Madison, Wisconsin - Madison

Mickie’s Dairy Bar is a spot with a retro interior where UW-Madison students, alumni, and families go before heading to a Badgers game (which also means there will be long lines on Saturday mornings). If that’s not your scene, just swing by for breakfast or lunch on a weekday. The best thing here is the scrambler: a mound of fried potatoes, eggs, meat, and cheese smothered in gravy.

Visit Source →
The Culture Trip

The Best Brunches In Madison Wisconsin

While the Camp Randall area has been considerably built up over the last few years, the décor inside Mickies Dairy Bar hasn’t changed a bit since the 1950s. The original menu still hangs on the wall and the recipes are still the same. Though there’s usually a long line to get in, especially on Badger football game days, but know that your patience will have rewards.

Visit Source →
Thrillist

Best Bars and Restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin

1511 Monroe StMickies has been around since the '40s, as the throwback menu on one wall attests to. It’s a small diner with a line out the door most mornings, and especially on Badger game days. It’s a favorite of the football players, both because of its proximity to Camp Randall across the street, and its giant portions.

Visit Source →
Prime Urban Properties

The 10 Best Brunches In Madison, Wisconsin

While the Camp Randall area has been considerably built up over the last few years, the décor inside Mickies Dairy Barhasn’t changed a bit since the 1950s – the original menu still hangs on the wall – and, thankfully, neither have its recipes. Though there’s usually a long line to get in, especially on Badger football game days, know that your patience will have rewards: the generous helpings will likely provide you with enough food for the next two meals. After plunging into massive plates of its classic American-style dishes such as banana pecan pancakes, the legendary scrambler or a colossal cinnamon roll, you’ll understand the hype.

Visit Source →
Journal Sentinel

Fun things to do in Madison from Terrace to State Street and Mickies

An institution in the shadow of Camp Randall, Mickies serves football-sized portions for breakfast and lunch in a diner setting that hasn’t changed much from when it opened in 1946. Red swivel stools still surround the counter in the center of the room, with small booths lining the walls. Malts and milkshakes, massive chocolate-chip pancakes, and the Scrambler — potatoes topped with three scrambled eggs, a choice of meat, two vegetables, cheese and gravy — are favorites.

Visit Source →
Channel3000.com

Breakfast is served at these 14 restaurants | Dining & Drink

Just step into Mickies Dairy Bar across from Camp Randall Stadium. Founded in 1946 by Andrew Weidemann, his wife, Mickie, and Evan “Van” Reese, this spot offers hearty portions for more-than-reasonable prices, all served within a nostalgic atmosphere. A lunch counter complete with chrome stools, an original 1950s menu mounted on the wall and ample red detailing nicely complement the breakfast standards served at Mickies.

Visit Source →
Experience Wisconsin

Enjoy Classic Cuisine at These 6 Madison Area Diners

Founded in 1946, the iconic campus- area diner is famed for its malts and shakes, served with that little bit extra in a metal cup on the side. The scramble is a mound of food — eggs plus your choice of breakfast meat (or two veggies) with cheddar and gravy — on top of a mound of yanks, which are fried potatoes. Lunch items include burgers, open- face sandwiches and a tuna melt with copious amounts of cheese.

Visit Source →
TravelWisconsin

7 Stops for Unforgettable Breakfasts

Mickies Dairy Bar is a classic diner that will have your mouth watering as you smell their Scrambler being prepared. The specialty dish consists of three fluffy eggs over their signature chopped hashbrowns, bacon or sausage topped with veggies, cheese and gravy served with toast. It’s a local favorite, and folks line up for it every Saturday, especially when there’s a Badger game happening nearby.

Visit Source →
Ovation 309

5 Best Breakfast Restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin

Classic breakfast options with lunch & dinner sandwiches available for takeout currently 1511 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711(608) 256 9476 Thurs-Sun 7am-2pm. Mickies Dairy Bar is the small, old-timey diner that everyone needs to fill their soul once in a while. Serving up hearty breakfasts and large, scrumptious shakes in a glass with the extras still in the metal cup, Mickies is that diner.

Visit Source →
Spoon University

The Best Places to Find Cheap Brunch in Madison

Mickies Dairy Bar is a tiny spot over by Camp Randall that still has the menus from its early days in the ’50s hanging on the wall. Sadly, you can’t get French toast for fifty cents anymore, but their prices still beat most places in Madison. The portions are also massive, so a $7.50 scrambler or even a single pancake will feed you for the whole weekend, or you can split it with a friend.

Visit Source →
lakeandcityhomes.com

The 5 Best Brunch Spots in Madison, Wisconsin

Cozy and communal, Mickies Dairy Bar is an easy-going brunch spot that does classic American breakfasts. Settle in at one of the long wooden tables and tuck into tasty plates like the Steak and Eggs, French Toast and Pancakes. If you’re really hungry, go for the Scrambler with scrambled eggs, your choice of meat or veggies, cheese and yanks with house gravy on the top or on the side.

Visit Source →
guides.apple.com

The Best Restaurants In Madison, WI

Visit Source →
JoshLavik.com

Madison Wisconsin Brunch Restaurants

Mickies Dairy Bar is another classic diner that is perfect for enjoying a quick breakfast or lunch with friends. Featuring cozy booths and communal seating, this restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy some delicious grub. The fried chicken and waffles are a must-try, and you can also get their powdered donut holes to go along with your bottomless mimosas.

Visit Source →
Retirement Travelers

The 7 Best Madison Restaurants

A staple in downtown Madison restaurants, Mickie’s Dairy Bar, is a favorite among locals and visitors. Serving customers since the 1950’s, this old-fashioned diner style restaurant is full of hungry guests from open to close, especially on the weekends. Enjoy American classics like burgers, patty melts, shakes, malts, and root beer floats.

Visit Source →
Whimsy Soul

How To Have An Epic Weekend in Madison, WI Full Of Food, Beer, Sights & Fun

Speaking of Camp Randall, across the street is Mickies Dairy Bar, a truly iconic brunch and breakfast spot in Madison. It’s a cash-only, huge plates of pancake, line-out-the-door type of place. It was built in 1946 and has been the go-to breakfast spot before badger games (and for really hungover students.)

Visit Source →
The Badger Herald

The best places in Madison to celebrate National Pancake Day

When you’re looking for yummy, cheap food in massive quantities, Mickies Dairy Bar is the place to go. The pancakes are monstrous and delicious, but it’s their Griddle Cake that is dangerously addictive. Stuffed with oatmeal, apples, raisins and cinnamon, this is one hella good pancake.

Visit Source →
justasklayla.com

5-Day Madison To Studio City Adventure: Itinerary 2024

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Mickies Dairy Bar, a local favorite known for its generous portions and classic diner feel. Afterward, embark on the Madison Wisconsin Guided Downtown eBike Tour to get an overview of the city's key landmarks and scenic spots.

Visit Source →
brunchexpert.com

Discover Madison's Hidden Gems: Top Unmissable Brunch Spots in the City

Mickies Dairy Bar in Madison is an exemplary brunch spot with delicious food and massive portion sizes. The Scrambler, the French toast and the single cornmeal pancake were all delectable. The sides, like bacon, were also generously portioned and well-prepared.

Visit Source →
Traverse - Travel + Food Blog for Millenial Travelers

The Very Best Brunch and Breakfast Restaurants in Madison

A long time staple on the Madison breakfast circuit is Mickie’s Dairy Bar. It has been around since the 1940s!. You’ll sense this iconic eatery’s age in the charming vintage decor and color scheme inside the cafe – the original menu still hangs on the wall.

Visit Source →
reddit.com

Reddit - Dive into anything

I really liked QQ Express, Sarku Japan, and most recently I tried the Scrambler from Mickies Dairy bar which was pretty good and a lot of food for 10 bucks. Any other places (other than like fast food) you guys recommend for food like this?

Visit Source →
Stacker

Highest-rated Brunch Restaurants in Madison, According to Tripadvisor

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (299 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Diner- Price: $- Address: 1511 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711-2086- Read more on Tripadvisor

Visit Source →
Samantha Brown's Places to Love

How to Spend a Marvelous Weekend in Madison, Wisconsin

I love a classic diner, andMickie’s Dairy Bar seriously delivers. Open since 1946, little has changed about this place since your grandparent’s day. Think inexpensive staples, like steak and eggs, pancakes, and egg sandwiches.

Visit Source →
Traveling Cheesehead

Best Breakfast Spots in Madison Wisconsin: Start Your Day Right with These Delicious Options

One of the most popular is Mickie’s Dairy Bar which has been serving up delicious breakfasts since 1946. Their menu features classic diner fare like pancakes, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches, all at affordable prices.

Visit Source →
Our Madison Life

BEST BRUNCH PLACES IN MADISON WI

This is a staple if you went to school or grew up in Madison!. It hasn’t changed much since its opening, and they even have the original menu with prices on the wall!. If you have a big appetite, this place is for you!

Visit Source →
iHeart

This Wisconsin Breakfast Restaurant Has Best Pancakes In The Whole State

If you only get one thing off the menu at Mickies, be sure it's the cornmeal pancakes. These savory pancakes hold up well to lots of butter, and consider asking for honey instead of syrup.

Visit Source →
Family Destinations Guide

15 Best Restaurants in Madison, WI for 2025 (Top Eats!)

1511 Monroe StMadison, WI 53711(608) 256-9476 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. Mickies Dairy Bar, nicknamed Mickies, is a diner and breakfast restaurant founded in 1946.

Visit Source →
midwestweekends.com

Where to eat in Madison, home of cheese-lovers and locavores

We'd noticed the lines outside Mickies Dairy Bar on Monroe, a hole in the wall that has fed students since 1947. But we never managed to get there before its 2:30 p.m.

Visit Source →
From Tent to Takeoff

22 BEST Restaurants Near Monroe Street in Madison, WI

Visit Source →
Travel Squire

A Great Foodie Destination in Madison, Wisconsin

Visit Source →
Mickies Dairy Bar (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide