Walk into some restaurants and you feel like you're in a franchise prototype designed by a committee in a boardroom three states away. It’s sterile. It’s predictable. Touch of Ukraine Bar and Grill isn't that. Honestly, it's the exact opposite.
Located on the East Side of Madison, Wisconsin, this spot feels like someone’s living room—if that someone happened to be an incredible cook with a deep-seated need to make sure you never leave hungry. It’s tucked away on East Washington Avenue. Blink and you might miss the sign, which would be a genuine tragedy for your taste buds.
The Vibe at Touch of Ukraine Bar and Grill
Most people expect a "bar and grill" to be all neon beer signs and greasy wings. While you can certainly grab a drink here, the "Touch of Ukraine" part of the name is what actually carries the weight. The atmosphere is cozy. It's unpretentious. You’ll see families celebrating birthdays right next to couples on a low-key date.
The decor isn't trying too hard. You’ve got traditional Ukrainian embroidery—rushnyky—draped around, giving it an authentic, soulful feel that most modern "fusion" spots completely lack. It feels lived-in. It feels real.
Let's Talk About the Varenyky
If you come to Touch of Ukraine Bar and Grill and don't order the varenyky, did you even go? These are the Ukrainian version of pierogi, but calling them just "dumplings" feels like a bit of an insult. They are handmade. You can taste the labor in the dough.
Most folks go for the potato and cheese, which is the classic move, obviously. They come topped with sautéed onions and a side of sour cream that is thick enough to hold a spoon upright. But if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, the sauerkraut or meat fillings offer a depth of flavor that hits different on a cold Wisconsin Tuesday.
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The portions are massive. Seriously.
Don't expect a tiny, curated plate with three drops of sauce. This is "grandma is worried you look thin" levels of food. One plate of these dumplings is basically a weighted blanket for your stomach. It’s comfort food in its purest, most caloric form.
The Borscht Factor
Borscht is a polarizing soup. People who haven't had it think it's just cold beet juice. It's not. At Touch of Ukraine, the borscht is served hot, and it's a vibrant, deep crimson that looks like art. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and earthy. There’s a complexity to the broth—usually made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and sometimes meat—that takes hours to develop.
It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel healthy and decadent at the exact same time.
Beyond the Classics: The Grill Side
While the traditional Ukrainian dishes are the stars, the "Bar and Grill" side of the menu handles the basics surprisingly well. You can find kebabs—shashlik—that are marinated until the meat practically gives up and melts on your tongue. The pork shashlik is usually the winner here. It’s smoky from the grill but remains incredibly juicy.
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They also do a stuffed cabbage roll—holubtsi—that is massive. It’s rice and meat tucked into a tender cabbage leaf, smothered in a tomato-based sauce. It’s a slow-cooked masterpiece.
Wait times can be a thing.
This isn't fast food. If the restaurant is full, expect to wait a bit for your entree. That’s because the kitchen isn't just pulling bags out of a freezer and dropping them in a fryer. They are actually cooking. Grab a Ukrainian beer or a glass of wine and just settle in. The pace is European, not "drive-thru."
What Most People Get Wrong About Ukrainian Food
There’s this weird myth that Eastern European food is just bland potatoes and boiled meat. That’s just wrong. The flavor profiles at Touch of Ukraine Bar and Grill are built on fermentation, fresh herbs like dill (they use a lot of dill, and it’s glorious), and slow-rendered fats.
It’s about "Umami" before that was a trendy buzzword.
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Take the Deruny for example. These are potato pancakes. On paper? Simple. In reality? They are grated finely, fried until the edges are lacy and crisp, and served with mushroom gravy or sour cream. It’s a texture game. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the soft, pillowy inside is something a frozen hashbrown could never achieve.
The Cultural Context
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, restaurants like this have become more than just places to eat. They are cultural hubs. Touch of Ukraine has often been a focal point for the local community to support humanitarian efforts. Eating here feels like a small way to connect with a culture that is currently fighting to preserve itself.
It adds a layer of meaning to the meal that you won't find at a chain steakhouse.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Parking can be a bit of a squeeze since it's on a busy stretch of East Wash, so keep that in mind. If you’re going on a Friday or Saturday night, calling ahead for a reservation is a smart move. They aren't always on the big reservation apps, so a good old-fashioned phone call is usually the way to go.
- Try the Honey Cake: If they have the Medovyk (honey cake) available, get it. It’s many thin layers of honey-infused biscuit and cream. It’s not overly sweet, which makes it dangerous because you can eat the whole slice without realizing it.
- The Bread: Usually, they serve some fresh bread. Don't skip it. Use it to mop up whatever sauce is left on your plate.
- Dietary Note: While it's a meat-heavy menu, vegetarians can actually do quite well with the potato varenyky, deruny, and various salads.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re in the Madison area and tired of the same three burger joints, head over to Touch of Ukraine Bar and Grill. Start with the borscht to wake up your palate. Order a mix of varenyky for the table to share—get the potato and the sauerkraut ones to compare. Finish with the pork shashlik if you still have room.
Check their social media or website before heading out, as their hours can occasionally shift for private events or holidays. Support a local business that brings a genuine piece of Kyiv to the Midwest. It's rare to find a place that feeds your soul as much as it feeds your stomach, but this spot manages to pull it off without any pretension.