Capital Brewery offers an exceptional dining and drinking experience that perfectly complements its renowned craft beers. Nestled in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin, the brewery has crafted a menu that showcases both traditional and innovative dishes, designed to pair seamlessly with its wide selection of brews.
Whether you’re a beer aficionado or simply seeking a welcoming atmosphere for a meal, Capital Brewery’s menu delivers quality, flavor, and variety. From hearty appetizers and fresh salads to mouth-watering entrees and decadent desserts, the menu reflects a commitment to fresh, local ingredients and culinary creativity.
Each item is thoughtfully curated to enhance the taste experience alongside Capital Brewery’s award-winning beers.
The menu’s versatility caters to a range of palates and dietary preferences, making it an ideal destination for groups, families, or solo diners. The casual yet refined setting encourages guests to explore and enjoy the intricate flavor profiles of both food and drink.
Whether indulging in a light snack or a full-course meal, the synergy between the brewery’s food offerings and its craft beer selection is unmistakable. This harmonious balance of taste and atmosphere elevates the overall experience, inviting visitors to savor every bite and sip.
Embark on a culinary journey where every dish tells a story and every beer complements the narrative perfectly.
Appetizers and Small Plates
Capital Brewery’s appetizers and small plates are designed to ignite the palate and set the tone for the meal ahead. These dishes emphasize bold flavors and shareable portions, making them perfect for groups or those looking to sample a variety of tastes.
Each appetizer is crafted with fresh ingredients and pairs wonderfully with the brewery’s lighter and more aromatic beers.
Popular choices include the pretzel bites served with a tangy beer cheese dip and the crispy chicken wings tossed in house-made sauces. These starters offer a balance of comfort and creativity, appealing to both traditionalists and adventurous diners.
The menu also features vegetarian-friendly options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Signature Starters
- Beer Cheese Pretzel Bites: Soft pretzel pieces served warm with a creamy beer cheese sauce made from Capital Brewery’s own brews.
- Classic Chicken Wings: Tossed in a choice of buffalo, BBQ, or honey mustard sauce, perfect for pairing with an IPA or pale ale.
- Loaded Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, olives, and a side of salsa and sour cream.
“Every great meal starts with a perfect bite. Our appetizers are crafted to complement the unique flavors of our beers and invite guests to share and savor together.” – Capital Brewery Chef
These small plates not only deliver robust taste but also encourage social dining, enhancing the community feel that Capital Brewery is known for. Whether enjoyed with friends or as a prelude to a main course, the appetizers provide a satisfying introduction to the menu.
Salads and Lighter Fare
For those seeking lighter options without sacrificing flavor, Capital Brewery’s salad and lighter fare selections offer refreshing choices. These dishes highlight fresh, seasonal produce and often feature house-made dressings, providing a crisp contrast to the richness of some beer styles.
These salads are perfect for a midday meal or a healthier complement to a hearty beer. Many options include protein add-ons like grilled chicken or salmon, making them versatile enough to satisfy a range of appetites.
The attention to detail in ingredient sourcing and preparation ensures that each salad bursts with vibrant flavors.
Popular Salad Options
- Capital House Salad: Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and croutons tossed in a light vinaigrette.
- Grilled Chicken Caesar: Crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and grilled chicken breast with a classic Caesar dressing.
- Seasonal Beet Salad: Roasted beets, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and arugula dressed with a balsamic glaze.
| Salad | Calories | Pairing Suggestion |
| Capital House Salad | 220 | Blonde Ale |
| Grilled Chicken Caesar | 450 | Amber Lager |
| Seasonal Beet Salad | 380 | Belgian Wit |
Each salad is thoughtfully paired with a recommended beer to enhance the dining experience. The crispness of a Blonde Ale can brighten the subtle flavors of the house salad, while the maltiness of an Amber Lager complements the savory chicken Caesar.
For those who appreciate a nuanced profile, the Belgian Wit’s citrus notes provide a delightful counterpoint to the earthiness of the beets.
Signature Entrees
The heart of Capital Brewery’s menu lies in its signature entrees, which showcase a rich blend of classic and contemporary dishes. These meals are designed to satisfy a variety of tastes, offering everything from robust meat dishes to innovative vegetarian plates.
Each entree is prepared with the same commitment to quality and flavor that defines the brewery’s beers.
Whether you crave a perfectly cooked steak or a flavorful vegetarian risotto, the entrees provide ample options. The kitchen’s attention to detail is evident in the careful seasoning, cooking techniques, and thoughtful presentation of each dish.
These entrees are ideal for pairing with fuller-bodied beers, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Featured Dishes
- Capital Burger: A juicy, hand-formed beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Capital’s house sauce on a toasted bun.
- Herb-Crusted Salmon: Fresh salmon with a savory herb crust, served alongside roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes.
- Mushroom Risotto: Creamy Arborio rice cooked with wild mushrooms, parmesan cheese, and finished with truffle oil.
“Our entrees are crafted to be as bold and memorable as our craft beers, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as the last sip.” – Head Chef, Capital Brewery
The Capital Burger remains a crowd favorite for its perfect balance of flavors and textures, while the herb-crusted salmon offers a lighter yet equally flavorful option. For plant-based diners or those seeking something rich and comforting without meat, the mushroom risotto stands out as a testament to the kitchen’s versatility and skill.
Craft Beer Pairings
Capital Brewery’s menu is uniquely enhanced by its extensive craft beer selection, which includes a variety of styles meticulously brewed on-site. Pairing food with beer is an art form at Capital Brewery, where each dish is considered in relation to the beer’s flavor profile, bitterness, maltiness, and aroma.
Whether you prefer a crisp lager or a hoppy IPA, the brewery offers expert recommendations to elevate your meal. Understanding the relationship between beer and food can transform a simple dinner into a memorable tasting event.
The brewery staff are well-versed in guiding guests through these pairings, ensuring every bite and sip harmonizes beautifully.
Beer Styles and Suggested Pairings
| Beer Style | Flavor Profile | Recommended Food Pairing |
| Capital Blonde | Light, crisp, slightly sweet | Salads, light seafood |
| Wisconsin Amber | Rich malt, caramel notes | Grilled meats, burgers |
| IPA | Hoppy, bitter, citrusy | Spicy appetizers, wings |
| Dark Lager | Roasty, smooth, chocolate undertones | Hearty stews, mushroom dishes |
Expert Tip: Pairing a spicy dish with an IPA helps to balance the heat, while the caramel notes of an amber beer can highlight the savory richness of grilled entrees. The brewery encourages guests to experiment and discover their own perfect matches.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
To conclude the meal on a high note, Capital Brewery offers a selection of desserts that blend traditional favorites with unique twists. These sweet treats are crafted to provide a satisfying finish and complement the flavors of the brewery’s dessert beers and stouts.
From classic chocolate cake to seasonal fruit crisps, the desserts are indulgent yet balanced. Many are paired with dessert beers such as porters or stouts, which offer rich, deep flavors that enhance the sweetness of the dishes.
Popular Dessert Options
- Chocolate Stout Cake: Moist chocolate cake infused with stout beer, topped with a rich ganache.
- Apple Crisp: Warm baked apples with cinnamon, topped with vanilla ice cream.
- Cheesecake with Berry Compote: Creamy cheesecake served with a tangy mixed berry sauce.
“Dessert at Capital Brewery is designed to be a celebration of both beer and flavor, offering guests a sweet ending that lingers on the palate.” – Pastry Chef
Each dessert is thoughtfully crafted to balance sweetness with texture and complementary flavors. For example, the stout-infused chocolate cake offers a deep, complex flavor that pairs wonderfully with a glass of the brewery’s own robust porter.
Meanwhile, the apple crisp’s warm spices and fresh fruit provide a comforting contrast to lighter dessert beers.
Seasonal and Special Menus
Capital Brewery embraces the changing seasons by offering special menu items that reflect the freshest ingredients available. These seasonal dishes provide an opportunity to enjoy unique flavors and limited-time offerings that celebrate Wisconsin’s agricultural bounty.
Special menus often coincide with brewery events or holidays, adding an extra layer of excitement and exclusivity. These dishes typically highlight local produce, artisanal products, and innovative culinary techniques, ensuring each season brings something new and enticing.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring Asparagus Tart: A flaky pastry filled with fresh asparagus and ricotta cheese, drizzled with lemon zest.
- Summer Grilled Corn Salad: Charred corn with fresh herbs, feta, and a light vinaigrette.
- Fall Pumpkin Ravioli: Handmade ravioli stuffed with spiced pumpkin, served in a sage butter sauce.
- Winter Braised Short Ribs: Slow-cooked ribs in a rich red wine reduction, paired with root vegetables.
Seasonal menus provide a fresh twist on traditional fare, inviting guests to explore new tastes and textures. The brewery’s commitment to sourcing locally and seasonally ensures the highest quality and sustainability.
These limited-time dishes often become favorites, drawing patrons back for repeat visits and new experiences.
Beverage Alternatives and Non-Alcoholic Options
Capital Brewery recognizes the importance of offering diverse beverage choices beyond their signature beers. The menu includes a variety of non-alcoholic drinks and alternatives to accommodate all guests, including designated drivers, non-drinkers, and those seeking a lighter refreshment.
These options range from handcrafted sodas and sparkling waters to expertly brewed coffee and tea selections. The brewery’s dedication to quality extends to these beverages, ensuring that every sip complements the dining experience just as well as the beers.
Non-Alcoholic Selections
- House-Made Root Beer: A classic, rich root beer crafted in-house for a nostalgic, flavorful experience.
- Seasonal Lemonade: Freshly squeezed and often infused with herbs or fruits depending on the season.
- Coffee and Espresso: Locally roasted beans brewed to perfection, offering a robust finish to any meal.
- Herbal and Traditional Teas: A selection featuring calming and invigorating blends.
“Providing thoughtful non-alcoholic options is essential to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.” – Beverage Director
By offering a broad range of beverages, Capital Brewery ensures that every guest can find something delightful to enjoy alongside their meal. These alternatives also serve as excellent palate cleansers or refreshing companions to the rich flavors of the food and beer.
Conclusion
Capital Brewery’s menu stands as a testament to the harmonious marriage of craft beer and thoughtfully prepared food. Each section of the menu is carefully designed to complement the brewery’s extensive beer offerings, creating a well-rounded and immersive dining experience.
From the first bite of an appetizer to the last spoonful of dessert, every dish showcases fresh ingredients, expert craftsmanship, and a passion for flavor.
The menu’s diversity caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences without sacrificing quality or creativity. Whether indulging in hearty entrees, savoring light salads, or exploring seasonal specials, guests are encouraged to engage with the food and beer in a way that enhances both.
The brewery’s knowledgeable staff and expertly crafted pairings elevate the dining experience, making each visit memorable and satisfying.
Ultimately, Capital Brewery offers more than just a meal—it provides a culinary journey that reflects the spirit of Wisconsin’s craft beer culture. It invites guests to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the art of great food and beer in a welcoming, vibrant setting.
For those seeking quality, flavor, and a genuine sense of community, Capital Brewery’s menu is an exceptional choice that promises to delight every palate.
