Nestled in Madison, Wisconsin, Ogden’s North Street Diner offers a delightful and comforting dining experience that feels just like home. Stepping inside, you’re immediately greeted by the warm, inviting ambiance, perhaps accentuated by the cheerful blue hues of the walls and furniture, reminiscent of a classic American diner. It’s the kind of place where sunlight streams through large windows, creating a bright and airy atmosphere perfect for starting your day or enjoying a leisurely lunch.
For breakfast enthusiasts, Ogden’s North Street Diner in Madison WI is a true haven. While their menu boasts a wide array of classic diner fare, the blueberry pancakes are an absolute must-try. Imagine fluffy pancakes, slightly crisp at the edges, generously studded with juicy blueberries – a Platonic ideal of diner pancakes. Even for those who prefer simple pancakes, the blueberry version here is irresistible.
Ogden’s North Street Diner embodies the essence of a great neighborhood diner. It’s cozy, welcoming, and clearly a beloved spot for Madison locals. While visitors are always welcome, the diner’s charm lies in its intimate scale, reflected in its shorter operating hours, compact space, and straightforward menu. These elements encourage locals to casually walk over, savor a cup of coffee, and enjoy a relaxed late-morning breakfast without the need for a long drive or elaborate plans.
Located at 560 North St., at the intersection with Commercial, Ogden’s North Street Diner has transformed a simple brick storefront into a culinary gem, just kitty-corner from the iconic Tip Top Tavern. The diner is the realization of a dream for Cari Scott and Will Tracy, neighborhood residents with extensive experience in Madison’s dining scene. Their journey began in October 2014 with an Indiegogo campaign to gather community support and funds, culminating in the diner’s grand opening in early May.
Of course, a diner breakfast isn’t complete without eggs, and Ogden’s North Street Diner delivers in spades. Their Denver omelet is a hearty offering, packed with substantial chunks of meat and fresh vegetables, a welcome departure from the finely diced fillings often found in chain diner versions. The spinach and feta omelet, while flavorful, could benefit from a touch more feta or a pinch of salt to elevate the taste. For a more indulgent option, the specials board might feature a lox and cream cheese scramble. While perhaps not the most visually refined dish, it’s undeniably rich, flavorful, and satisfying, thanks to the generous incorporation of cream cheese.
The specials board at Ogden’s is where you’ll discover unique and tempting creations. The mocha almond chip pancake french toast is a prime example – a truly decadent treat. These chocolatey pancakes, studded with crunchy almond pieces, are batter-dipped and pan-fried like french toast, then lavishly topped with fresh whipped cream and even more chocolate. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth looking for a memorable breakfast experience at Ogden’s North Street Diner Madison WI.
Hash browns are a breakfast staple, and Ogden’s North Street Diner continually refines theirs. While one visit might bring well-browned but slightly dry hash browns, a subsequent experience could reveal perfectly golden and moist potatoes, thanks to a touch more butter on the griddle. It’s clear they are striving for hash brown perfection.
When it comes to breakfast meats, Ogden’s offers the classics – crispy bacon and snappy sausage links. However, for a truly unique twist, consider opting for a slice of meatloaf as your breakfast meat. This unexpected choice, with its cumin-forward surface, delivers a deeply savory and slightly Southwestern flavor profile, adding an adventurous element to your breakfast. The meatloaf also makes an appearance on the lunch menu as a sandwich, and for those who appreciate a cold meatloaf sandwich, Ogden’s will happily prepare it cold upon request.
While breakfast is served all day and undoubtedly shines at Ogden’s North Street Diner Madison WI, the lunch menu, available from 11 a.m. until closing, is equally compelling. The classic cheeseburger is juicy and elevated by the addition of crispy bacon slices. The tuna melt is a simple yet satisfying choice, featuring a tuna salad with a subtle lemony zest and Hook’s 5-year cheddar, reminiscent of a high-quality homemade version. However, those seeking a diner-style patty melt might be slightly disappointed as it’s not currently on the menu.
For a sandwich with a playful twist, the “Owen Miles Proulx” is more than just a ham and provolone. The addition of potato chips as a filling adds a delightful crunch and textural contrast, while the red pepper jelly provides a touch of sweetness rather than intense spice. While a turkey and Swiss order might occasionally lead to a surprise slaw-filled variation, the quality of the turkey itself is consistently impressive. House-brined and roasted, the turkey is sliced to the ideal thickness for a perfect sandwich bite.
The sesame chicken sandwich stands out as a potential classic, though perhaps slightly challenging to eat gracefully. The sturdy Madison Sourdough ciabatta is an excellent choice for holding the flavorful chicken, and the deep soy marinade with a hint of nutty sesame oil elevates the chicken breast. For a slightly easier eating experience, the same sesame chicken is also available as a salad on a bed of greens.
Finally, no visit to Ogden’s North Street Diner Madison WI is complete without indulging in a slice of pie and a cup of coffee at the front counter. Their pies are served in charming individual muffin-shaped portions rather than traditional slices. While both cherry and blackberry are excellent choices, cherry edges out blackberry as a personal favorite. Ultimately, choosing your pie at Ogden’s is about trusting your instincts and answering the diner’s irresistible call.
Ogden’s North Street Diner
560 North St. Madison, WI 53704
(608) 467-3930
Price Range: $2-$10
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, though there is a steep ramp outside and narrow aisles inside.
Hours: Sunday 8 AM – 2 PM, Monday, Wednesday-Friday 7 AM – 2:30 PM, Saturday 8 AM – 2 PM.
