This will be my second year at Canoecopia and am not very familiar with Madison.  I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for "can't miss" places to eat while in town.  I'm not looking for Outback or appleby's.  I am looking for those off the beaten path gems.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Having atttending school there, I could give you lots of places to go for a drink and some good food.  I would eat at the Great Dane Brewery for sure as they have great food and the beer is second to none.  Are you looking for a certain type of food?  Looking for a good place to grab a drink?  Want to avoid the college scene or embrace it?  Cheers.

Mostly to grab a bite to eat, but never hurts to be able to wash it down with a cold beverage.  The college scene does't matter.  

Ditto on the Great Dane. Brew their own beer. Good food too.

Beav

These guys nailed it, last year we went there with a buddy that lives in Madison.  For the authentic Wisconsin pub experience I had the Brats & Mashers.  Good stuff.
CW

If you have more than one night, I would also check out Casa de Lara on State St for some great Mexican Food.  Depending on your mood, I would go to Pauls Club for a relaxed, laid back atmosphere, and  would go to the State Bar and Grill for some candy, eye candy that is.  Or you could just stay at the Dane drinking Scotch Ale all night long.....9% ETOH goes a long way.  I'd end the night with a trip to Casa Bianca for some of the best pizza you ever had!

As a UW grad, I've got two suggestions. First, for mexican food, Pasquals Salsaria on Monroe St. is excellent. They've got great guacamole and it's a nice, informal place. It's also away from the typical rush of the campus area.

For a good burger, Dotty's Dumpling Dowry is the best in town. It closed for a few years (they were right near the capital) but have reopened right near campus. They're a block away from The Nitty Gritty, which is also a good place for pub food. Both are at the eastern edge of campus near the Kohl Center.

A few more recomendations. The first two are not for those wanting an economy meal. My two absolute favorite restaurants in Madison are La Paella and The Blue Marlin. Both are expensive but if you want to spend the money, it is well worth it.

La Paella specializes in Spanish food. I've never had the tapas, so I can't comment on them. It's been a few years since I've been there, but I remember it well. La Paella is a little bit outside of Madison.

The Blue Marlin, on the other hand, is about a block or two from the Capital on Hancock. The Blue Marlin is an excellent seafood restaurant. It's a smaller restaurant, so it's a bit cozy, and I believe that you need to dress up a little bit.

On the not so expensive side, Monty's Blue Plate Diner is a great place if you can get in for breakfast.