Monty's Blue Plate Diner

A couple weeks ago, I was in search of Monty's Blue Plate Diner, but couldn't find it on Madison's Atwood Avenue.

Mission accomplished!

Just a peek at a Google Street Map let me see what I was looking for, and this time we drove right to it.

It's in an old service station.  The Severson's Texaco station, as evidenced by some vintage calendars on the restaurant walls from 1948 and 1952.  The only place inside that really reminded me it used to be a gas station was the icy cold restroom - however, I didn't need to use a key attached to a 2" x 4!"

Like 16 other spots around Madison, Monty's is part of the Food Fight Restaurant group.  A collection of spots that are aimed at serving different groups and appetites.

Yuletide season gave me a hankering for Hot Chocolate and their special French Toast, made on bread from the Madison Sourdough Company.

It was amazing!  The Hot Chocolate was topped with some chocolate on top of the whipped cream and the meal had just a touch of spice creating a memorable flavor that was filling and able to stave off the winter cold.

Monty's is a neighborhood diner in the best sense.  Counter seating and closely grouped tables and booths where you can greet your old friends or just make friends.  The waitress directed me to the highlights of the menu and happily brought a second special hot drink when the first was drained.

Across the street sits the Barrymore theater, right in the midst of the Schenk - Atwood neighborhood.  A short drive after breakfast revealed a Schoep's Ice Cream factory and homes built close together with a sense of style and purpose.

The trip to Monty's and this neighborhood is like jumping into the way-back machine.  It's easy to picture families gathered on porches and front yards or walking to the shores of Lake Monona.

They can't fill their cars up at what used to be the Severson Texaco, anymore... but they can enjoy filling up at breakfast, lunch, and supper for some home-cooked meals from home-grown food.

It's such a blessing to live in a place like Madison - it seems like I could visit a different independent restaurant (non-chain) every week - and need a couple years to see them all.

Another sign you're home in Mad Town.