Estacion Inka — Restaurant in Madison

It's no surprise that Estacion Inka is the first Peruvian sandwich restaurant I've ever patronized. The restaurant is housed in a humble storefront on University Avenue. If you're traveling by car, there's no parking in front of the restaurant, so you need to search for nearby street parking or try the Frances Street public parking ramp.

The restaurant provides counter service. There was a bit of a language barrier during the ordering process, but ultimately, through a series of nods and points at the menu board, the cashier and I agreed that I was ordering the El Chicharron de Esmeralda sandwich. The menu options, listed on a chalkboard above the cashier's station, are limited to burgers, sandwiches and roasted chicken. Given the interesting sandwich options, it took me a while to decide what to order. While it wasn't in the card for this visit, Estacion Inka also has a robust set of dessert options (suspiro limeno, tres leches, mouse de lucuma and alfajores to name a few) and 100% natural fruit juices (including options like lucuma, plantain, passion fruit and guanabana).

White is the operative word when describing the interior - white walls, white tables, white chairs. There are two flat screens in the restaurant - during my visit, one had sports programming and the other was tuned in to the Food Network. The latter had the volume turned up higher than necessary for the tiny interior. Compounding the noise problem are the densely packed tables. Given the initial popularity of the restaurant, you'll be privy to the conversation of others, so pray that your dining neighbors are fetching conversationalists. Unfortunately for me, the neighboring table during my visit was populated by a group of three bros sharing dating advice, resulting in a temporary reduction of this Yelper's IQ.

The restaurant offers free Wi-Fi but it took about 20 minutes to figure out the password. To the credit of the host, she was very persistent in helping to resolve this issue.

As I mentioned earlier, I ordered the $7.99 El Chicharron de Esmeralda sandwich, mainly because the menu description indicated was not one, but two "secret ingredients". When the server dropped off my sandwich, I was admittedly dismayed to see it served on a dry, sesame Kaiser roll and topped with a ton of raw red onions. But to my surprised, the sandwich featured a terrific flavor combination bright lime juice and deep roasted pork. While the combination of pork and lime is not a new concept, it was the intensity of the flavors that caught me off guard. A glorious sear on the pork, which included a little fat to boost the flavor, was instrumental in developing the symphony of flavor that greeted me. Those red onions that I initially worried about added some appreciated bite without contributing any overwhelming bitterness. A touch of cilantro (sorry Sallie Jo) provided added authenticity to the dish. While the sandwich provided peppery heat, I really didn't notice it until I had finished devouring my meal.

Even with the noisy atmosphere and wonky Wi-Fi, the bold flavors of the food have me eagerly anticipating a return visit to...

After eating richly all week, I was really craving some basic roast chicken and shazam there is a Peruvian place downtown. Instantly memories of lomo saltdo and roast chicken and chicken soup with quinoa came rushing back. I didn't want to go downtown on graduation weekend but had really wanted to dig into some Peruvian chicken. Luckily a lot of people already left town and traffic was very light and I was able to easily find a parking spot. The place was empty except for one table which was not a good sign since for a graduation weekend all the other places were fully packed. I imagine you don't make your parents splurge on a $10 plate of chicken when you can order $50 of steak. I ordered at the counter the 1/2 chicken and beans and rice. The chicken was finger licking good with some nice Peruvian spice and the green sauce for some spice. The rice was undercooked and more al dente then it should be. I liked the chicken and could have easily ordered the whole chicken. The next time I have a craving for roast chicken, I will definitely come here but my side will be...

Mouthwatering Peruvian Delights at Estacion Inka -

Popped in here because my niece who graduated from the Uni wanted Peruvian chicken for her post grad dinner and let me tell you, it was an absolute culinary delight! From the moment I stepped foot inside, I knew I was in for a treat.

The roasted chicken at Estacion Inka is simply out of this world. The flavors are incredible, and the chicken is perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender. Each bite bursts with a mouthwatering combination of spices that leave you wanting more. Magic on this Peruvian specialty.

Not only is the chicken superb, but the side dishes are equally exceptional. The cilantro rice is fragrant and fluffy, complementing the savory flavors of the chicken beautifully. It's evident that the rice is prepared with care and attention to detail. And let's not forget the plantains! They are cooked to perfection, slightly caramelized on the outside, and incredibly soft and sweet on the inside. They provide the perfect balance of sweetness to the...