Day 24: Ella’s Deli & Ice Cream Parlor Madison

I can still remember the first time I went to Ella’s Deli.  I was on a seventh grade field trip and we stopped there for lunch.  I got a gigantic shake and stared at the ceiling in awe the entire time.  There is something to look at in every square inch of this restaurant, whether up in the ceiling, under glass table tops, or on the floor.  It’s no wonder Ella’s Deli has been voted Madison’s “Best Place to take Kids” for over 20 years.

Opened in the 1960’s originally on State Street, Ella’s Deli was a small kosher style restaurant and deli.  In the mid-sixties the owners eliminated the grocery store concept and expanded into a full service kosher style deli/restaurant offering catering for all events, delivery services, and expanding to a full menu, with an additional and separate dessert menu.

The current location was opened in 1976, and now provides an entertainment experience, as well as delicious foods so that entire families enjoy coming to dine.

Although the food is great, what Ella’s is known for is their displays.  Ella’s Deli & Ice Cream Parlor offers a whimsical atmosphere filled with animated figures; homemade originals by the owner, various employees, and local artists in the Madison community.

The animations include jugglers, flying supermen, castles, and decorations that are either moving back and forth on wires overheard or popping out of trap doors in the ceiling. Many tables have glass tops with detailed scenes or moveable parts inside.

Ella’s Deli is one of those places that you just need to experience for yourself to truly understand.  So pack up the family and head on over!

Ella’s Deli & Ice Cream Parlor is located at 2902 East Washington Ave., Madison.  They are open Sunday through Thursday 10am-10pm, and Friday-Saturday 10am-11pm.  Kids eat free Monday and Tuesday nights.

Historical facts and more information can be found on Ella’s Deli website at: www.ellas-deli.com

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Tags: Madison

Category: 365 Things To Do in Madison