A couple of miles south of Downtown in the Sheraton Inn, which is directly across from the Dane County Expo Center, the Heartland Grill specializes in Midwestern cuisine, showcasing a rotisserie in the dining room. Salads, sandwiches and daily specials are featured at lunch, and a wide selection of fresh fish, rotisserie dishes, pasta and grilled meats are available for dinner. The prairie-style design of the room reflects Madison's renewed interest in Frank Lloyd Wright. The full-service bar provides an ample selection of wines by the glass or bottle, a selection of microbrews, cognacs and cordials. The Heartland Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week and for brunch on Sunday.
Reservations are always a good idea, especially for brunch and parties of six or more.
Chuck Lane, owner of Lane's Bakery, a popular gathering spot for the over-60 crowd, shows off some of his creations from the height of last season's Super Bowl frenzy. This is a convenient spot by the Capitol Square for breakfast and lunch on weekdays. Take-out is another option for downtown workers. The dining room is attractively furnished, and service is cafeteria style. For anyone seriously pressed for time, there's a good selection of packaged to-go items to take back to your desk.