Heritage Tavern

Heritage Tavern is the downtown farm-to-table option for a sit-down birthday dinner where the food is the conversation — chef Dan Fox runs his own heritage hog program, and the menu rotates with what's coming off the farm and out of the seasonal Wisconsin pantry. For 30th, 40th, 50th birthdays where you want a polished dinner without the steakhouse formality, this is the sweet spot.

The restaurant offers private dining options ranging from a semi-private dining area for parties of 10 to 20 up to full venue buyouts on slower weeknights. The events team will pre-build a course or family-style menu depending on dietary needs and budget, and the bar program — Wisconsin spirits, an unusual sparkling list, classic cocktails done well — runs a tab or pre-set package. The Mifflin Street location puts you a block off Capitol Square, walkable to hotels and after-dinner cocktail bars. Email or use the events form on the site three to four weeks ahead for a Friday or Saturday booking.