Nestled in a charming blue brick building, this laid-back spot serves delightful small plates and boasts an impressive cocktail menu, perfect for sharing.
"Sean Pharr opened Mint Mark in the former Mermaid Cafe space on Madison’s east side — widely regarded as the cool side of town and yes I live on the east side, what of it — in 2017, immediately establishing it in the hierarchy of hip small plate spots in town. Pharr’s eclectic New American energy brushes up now and then against classic French technique; watch what he does with terrines. Mint Mark will close in early May 2024 to reopen later this summer in the Standard building on East Washington Avenue, with Madison’s nascent public market and a Starbucks as neighbors — from one mermaid cafe to another, as it were." - Kyle Nabilcy
"Mint Mark is a low-pressure spot that’s great for first dates. You can order as you go without having to commit to a full meal, in case the person across from you is a total weirdo. The small-plates menu changes week to week, but make sure to tack on a housemade pasta when it’s available, the cauliflower with bagna cauda and golden raisins, and the garlic-honey biscuit, which comes out warm and topped with a golf ball of whipped butter. Reservations and walk-ins are hard to come by during peak hours, but not so much at the kitchen counter or jade-green bar. That's why we sometimes like to just stop by for a few bites and a great cocktail like the Sky Rocket with mezcal, passionfruit, and dijon. " - sarah probst
"Mint Mark is a low-pressure spot that’s great for first dates. You can order as you go without having to commit to a full meal, in case the person across from you is a total weirdo. The small-plates menu changes week to week, but make sure to tack on a housemade pasta when it’s available, the cauliflower with bagna cauda and golden raisins, and the garlic-honey biscuit, which comes out warm and topped with a golf ball of whipped butter. Reservations and walk-ins are hard to come by during peak hours, but not so much at the kitchen counter or jade-green bar. That's why we sometimes like to just stop by for a few bites and a great cocktail like the Sky Rocket with mezcal, passionfruit, and dijon." - Sarah Probst
"Mint Mark is Madison’s destination fancy joint, featuring chef Sean Pharr’s homemade biscuits, local cheese selections, and a weekend brunch that has folks lined up out the door; the restaurant hosts a decidedly not-fancy Friday fish fry, too." - Kim Westerman
"What the future holds is anyone’s guess, but the likelihood of a new restaurant opening in 2018 to the same hype and praise of Mint Mark is pretty slim. It’s an all-star executive lineup, with lineage back to Madison’s Robin Room and Johnson Public House, as well as Chicago’s NoMI and the Bristol. Chef Sean Pharr crafts mostly small plates, with traditional presentation but creative techniques. He also whips up a mean Friday fish fry, so don’t think this isn’t still Wisconsin." - Kyle Nabilcy
