Stepping into Ogden North Street Diner feels like a warm embrace. Maybe it’s the inviting blue hues of the walls and chairs, reminiscent of a classic cornflower crayon, or perhaps it’s the sunlight flooding through the expansive windows. Whatever the reason, this diner exudes a comforting and cheerful atmosphere, instantly making you feel at home. During my visit, even the simple sight of blueberry pancakes on the menu seemed to call out, and they delivered on that promise – fluffy, perfectly crisp edges, and bursting with juicy blueberries. It was, simply put, the Platonic ideal of a diner breakfast.
A truly great diner is a rare and wonderful find, and Ogden North Street Diner undoubtedly fits the bill. This spot is all about community and comfort. While visitors are certainly welcome, its charm lies in being a neighborhood hub. The diner’s modest size, limited hours, and straightforward menu encourage locals to wander over for a relaxed coffee and a leisurely late-morning breakfast. It’s not designed to be a destination that draws crowds from across the city, but rather a beloved local secret.
Located at 560 North St., in a repurposed brick storefront, Ogden’s North Street Diner sits just across from the Tip Top Tavern, at the corner of North and Commercial. The diner is the brainchild of Cari Scott and Will Tracy, neighborhood residents with extensive experience in Madison’s restaurant scene. Their journey began in October 2014 with an Indiegogo campaign to gather initial funding, and their vision finally materialized with the diner’s opening in early May.
When it comes to breakfast, eggs are a central feature, prepared in numerous ways. The Denver omelet stands out with its generous chunks of meat and fresh vegetables – a refreshing departure from the finely diced versions often found in chain establishments. The spinach and feta omelet, while tasty, could perhaps benefit from a slightly more generous hand with the feta or a touch more seasoning. A standout from the specials board was the lox and cream cheese scramble. While not the most visually appealing dish, its rich and satisfying flavor, thanks to the creamy cheese blended throughout, more than made up for it.
The specials board at Ogden North Street Diner is where you’ll discover some truly unique offerings. The mocha almond chip pancake french toast is a prime example – a decadent treat that lives up to its name in every bite. These chocolatey pancakes, studded with crunchy almonds, are batter-dipped and pan-fried like french toast, then lavishly topped with fresh whipped cream and extra chocolate drizzle. It’s an absolute must-try for anyone with a sweet inclination.
Hash browns, a breakfast staple, were being perfected during my visits. One instance brought well-browned but somewhat dry hash browns. On a return visit, a touch more butter in the pan resulted in a significant improvement. It seems they are still finding the perfect balance of crispy and moist.
For breakfast meats, you’ll find classic options like crisp bacon and snappy sausage links. However, Ogden North Street Diner adds a unique twist with the option of meatloaf as your breakfast meat. The cumin-forward seasoning gives it a distinctly savory and slightly Southwestern flavor profile. Notably, the meatloaf sandwich on the lunch menu can be ordered cold upon request – a delightful option for those who appreciate a good leftover meatloaf sandwich.
While breakfast is available all day and takes center stage, the lunch menu, starting at 11 a.m., is equally compelling. The classic cheeseburger is a juicy and satisfying choice, elevated by the addition of crispy bacon slices. The tuna melt is a simple yet delicious rendition, featuring a subtle lemony zest in the tuna salad and Hook’s 5-year cheddar, reminiscent of a homemade favorite. However, the absence of a diner classic like the patty melt is a slight miss.
The “Owen Miles Proulx” sandwich elevates the standard ham and provolone with the unexpected addition of potato chips as a filling, complemented by a sweet red pepper jelly. My attempt to order the turkey and Swiss sandwich resulted in a sandwich with slaw and some missing advertised toppings. However, the turkey itself, brined and roasted in-house, was sliced to an ideal thickness.
The sesame chicken sandwich, if made slightly less chewy, could easily become a signature dish. The robust Madison Sourdough ciabatta roll is a perfect foundation, and the deep soy marinade on the chicken breast is subtly refined with nutty sesame oil. For a lighter option, the same sesame chicken is also available as a salad served on a bed of fresh greens.
Finally, no visit to Ogden North Street Diner is complete without indulging in a cup of coffee and a slice of pie at the front counter. Their pies are served in charming individual muffin-shaped portions rather than traditional slices. The cherry pie edged out the blackberry as my personal favorite, but ultimately, it’s best to choose the flavor that appeals to you most. Just like those irresistible blueberry pancakes, answering the call of the diner’s offerings is always a rewarding experience at Ogden North Street Diner.
Ogden’s North Street Diner
560 North St. 53704; 608-467-3930; Price range: $2-$10; Wheelchair accessible (note: steep ramp outside and narrow aisles inside); Hours: Sun. 8 am-2 pm, Mon., Wed.-Fri. 7 am-2:30 pm, Sat. 8 am-2 pm.
