Any good places to eat in and around Madison?

A good friend moved from Chicago to Madison.  We had a rather humorous conversation about the local food.  She is really missing Chicago restaurants/chow.  Does anyone have any decent food spots in or around the Madison-Sun Prarie areas?  Ethnic. Diners. Supper clubs.  Just plain good chow?  I'm sure she and her family would be willing to drive some miles if necessary.  This would be a nice Christmas gift for her.  Thanks all!

Anything in the Food Fight chain is a winner. 

They have 3 diners (Monty's, Hubbard Street, and another in Sun Prairie). 

Tex Tubbs makes killer Austin style tacos.  The one on Atwood Avenue has real character.

The Old Fashioned offers versions of the best of Wisconsin supper clubs.  That's another favorite of my family.

For Chicago hot dogs Poppa's on Buckeye Rd. in Madison has always been my favorite, but it's been awhile since I've been there.

There's a Rosati's Pizza on the far east side of Madison.  Glass Nickel Pizza has a Sun Prairie store and while it's not Chicago-style pizza it's still very good...well, I like it anyway.  If your friend and her family like Edwardo's in Chicago then they should try Pizza Extreme.

A coworker of mine lives in SP and she speaks highly of Gus's, which I understand to be a former 5-and-Diner that reopened as an independent.  The Pancake Cafe in SP serves up a good breakfast.

Sadly, though, White Castle is nowhere to be found.

Brad

Speaking of hot dogs, the last time I was at the Home Depot store on the east side of Madison the Best's Kosher stand was still in business.  The menu's limited but if the craving for a dog hits it's not far at all from Sun Prairie.

Brad

I don't get up to Madison too often,
but I've eaten at this spot on occasion and it's never dissapointed me...
it also has the bonus of having a nice selection of "home brews"
http://www.jtwhitneys.com/

JRP beat me to it. And Texas Tub has a real good cookbook also.
Joe

Gino's Italian Deli  4606 Verona Rd
Madison, WI 53711
Get Directions
(608) 273-1981
 
Damn good sandwiches and salads, good prices, too. 

If there are kids involved you could give Ella's Deli a shot.
I probably wouldn't go out of my way to eat there otherwise but it's an interesting place.
http://www.ellas-deli.com/

TD, has your friend been to Erin's Snug yet?  It's a faux-Irish place off of 151 in the American Family area and I had dinner there a few months ago with a friend who was in town on business.  I had a good corned beef sandwich and one of the others had a lamb shank, although I've heard that it's no longer on the menu.
http://www.erinssnug.com/madison/

Also, there are at least 5 websites that offer dining deals.  If your friend wants to either go out more or just spend less money they're worth looking into.
http://www.dinemadison.com/intro.php
http://wmtv.nbc15deals.com/
http://wmmm.entercomdeals.com/
http://www.isthmussaves.com/intro.php
http://madcitydeals.com/intro.php

Brad

Thanks for all of the great suggestions.  I have sent them on to my very grateful friend up in "Mad City Wiz".
Cheers All!!!

My post may not be very timely but I must add my thoughts:  MADISON HAS GREAT RESTAURANTS!!!  Here are a few suggestions:  Kabul's for Afghani (try the Mashawa soup and the lamb cous cous).  Husnus (another middle eastern place) is also good.  If you like spicy east African, try Baraka and order Minchet Abish!  Chaurara features the cuisine of Nepal.  If you like spicy, try their Bangur Ko Secuwa in vindaloo sauce!

Have a good day.

Mike Sneddon