17 Best and Must-Try Coffee Shops in Madison, WI
If you love coffee, you will love Madison, Wisconsin. The city has a vibrant coffee culture with many independent coffee shops that offer a variety of roasts, flavors, and specialties.
You can discover various coffee options, from classic lattes and cappuccinos to cold brews. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the best coffee shops in Madison and what makes them stand out.
You will discover the trendy and sleek Wonderstate Coffee, which sources its beans from ethical and organic farms. You will also learn about the quaint and historic Michelangelo’s Coffee House, which has served coffee and art since 1997.
And that’s not all. More coffee shops in Madison will delight your senses and warm your soul. Read on to learn more about the best Madison coffee shops and how to enjoy them.
Coffee Shops in Madison
Bradbury’s Coffee
Bradbury’s is one of the famous Madison coffee shops, known for its quality, artisanal coffee, and delicious homemade baked goods.
Located on North Hamilton Street, Bradbury’s stands out with its little glass room and minimalist hipster aesthetic.
The menu may be small, but it emphasizes improving everything they offer. Bradbury’s exclusively uses organic and fair-trade certified coffee beans.
They offer a range of coffee options, from brewed coffee to beautifully crafted bar drinks with latte foam art.
Also, you can find non-coffee beverages such as herbal and sparkling tea and other options like golden milk, chai latte, or classic hot chocolate.
For a heartier treat, enjoy their freshly baked scones, muffins, and crepes, which change with the seasons to offer you something special.
Michelangelo’s Coffee House
Michelangelo’s Coffee House has been a staple of the downtown scene for over 26 years.
Visitors love their small-batch brews and their varied menu of sandwiches, soups, and homemade treats. That’s why you’ll find an artsy, young, vibrant, and student crowd here.
The atmosphere is modern and artsy, committed to customer service and principles. Their prices are comparable to other trendy coffee shops, and although a bit on the high side, their specialty coffees and flavors make it worth it.
Michelangelo’s Coffee House also offers quick service, ideal for a busy downtown lifestyle. Parking is challenging since it’s located on State Street, but it’s a minor setback compared to the experience.
Going somewhere else is best if you’re looking for fresh baked goods. Overall, Michelangelo’s Coffee House is a must-visit for coffee lovers and those seeking an artsy, modern vibe.
Colectivo Coffee
Colectivo on the Square is a unique coffee shop in Madison with a history of sourcing and roasting coffee by hand since 1993.
Among the Madison coffee shops, Colectivo is the most established coffee business in the city. They have several locations in Wisconsin, and Madison has three areas, but we love On the Square, which has a beautiful outdoor patio.
Visitors can enjoy their coffee and food on a beautiful outdoor patio, and the interior boasts custom murals painted.
Colectivo serves coffee, espresso, tea, smoothies, and an extensive all-day breakfast, soups, and sandwich menu.
They take pride in working with local producers and farmers around the Midwest to provide high-quality local ingredients.
If you’re looking for a coffee shop with a rich history and commitment to quality, Colectivo on the Square is a must-stop.
Finca Coffee
If you are looking for a coffee shop that offers a taste of El Salvador in Madison, you should check out Finca Coffee.
Finca Coffee is a Latinx-owned business run by Silas and Marleni Valle, who source their coffee beans directly from Salvadoran farmers.
Their coffee is fresh, sweet, and delicious, and you can enjoy it in various forms, such as latte, cappuccino, or mocha.
Finca Coffee also serves authentic Latin food, such as pupusas, quesadillas, tacos, and burritos, made with local ingredients and family recipes.
Fernando Llort’s artwork adorns the walls of Finca Coffee, inspiring its colorful ambiance. Finca Coffee is more than just a coffee shop; it is a place where you can experience the culture and hospitality of El Salvador. Come and visit Finca Coffee today and see for yourself!
Indie Coffee
Indie Coffee is more than just a place to get a cup of joe. It’s a cozy and welcoming spot to enjoy various drinks, food, and entertainment.
Indie Coffee offers a range of drinks to suit your mood and taste. You can sip a latte that is rich and smooth, a tea that is fresh and fragrant, or a microbrew that is crisp and satisfying.
You can also indulge in a delicious homemade pastry or a filling and flavorful sandwich. They use fresh and local ingredients to make their food. You can order their honey fig and goat cheese sandwich to try something new.
Indie Coffee also has free events for you to enjoy. You can watch a movie, hear music, or read a book. They have local and national artists for you to discover.
Indie Coffee is located at 1225 Regent Street, near the UW campus. They have served the community since 2004 and are always happy to see your smiling face. Come and visit them today!
Lakeside Street Coffee House
Lakeside Street Coffee House is a hidden gem in Madison. It is located on West Lakeside Street near Bernie’s Beach Park.
It is a perfect spot for a coffee break or a quick lunch during a busy workday. Enjoy spacious indoor and outdoor seating with stunning waterfront views.
Their creative team loves to share their talents and experiences through their menu, which includes their must-try cortado with almond milk. The London Fog and Chai Latte are also great options.
The coffee house also features a beer and wine bar with craft beers and wines worldwide. Overall, the Lakeside Street Coffee House is a cute and comfortable setting to enjoy coffee, food, and drinks in Madison.
Fair Trade Coffee House
This independent coffee shop serves only fair trade certified coffee and espresso, delicious panini sandwiches, soups, and homemade pastries and desserts.
Whether you are gluten-free, vegan, or a meat lover, you will find something to suit your taste buds. You can also order coffee catering or host events at the spacious 2,000 sq. ft. cafe.
Fair Trade Coffee House has been a part of the downtown Madison community since 2004 and is situated at 418 State Street, close to Capital Square and Overture Center.
Come and experience the friendly service, the warm atmosphere, and the mouth-watering menu at Fair Trade Coffee House today!
Wonderstate Coffee
Wonderstate has been roasting exceptional coffee since 2005, creating opportunities for people to connect, spark curiosity, and promote community integrity.
The coffee shop on Capitol Square boasts a contemporary, lit space with large windows and a chic ambiance. The decor is minimalistic and modern, featuring clean tables, chairs, and abundant natural light.
Inside, you’ll find a diverse selection of well-sourced beans, crafted drinks, tempting baked goods, and savory snacks. Try the Hot Maple Latte or Maple Oat Milk Latte to add a playful twist to your coffee order.
Wonderstate offers a convenient and enjoyable pit stop during your daily adventures, with satisfying beverages and reasonable prices.
Crescendo Espresso Bar
Crescendo Espresso Bar is a cozy and inviting place to enjoy coffee or snacks. Founded in 2013 on Monroe Street, Crescendo moved to Hilldale Mall in 2022, serving high-quality espresso, coffee, tea, and more.
The shop’s name reflects its passion for music and its mission to energize its customers with delicious drinks and food.
You can choose from various pastries, toast, sandwiches, burritos, and seasonal specials that showcase the year’s flavors.
If you’re not a coffee lover, don’t worry – Crescendo has tea from ChaCha Tea Company, a local fair trade tea supplier, as well as hot chocolate, matcha latte, chai latte, and steamers with over a dozen syrups to customize your drink.
Whether you need a place to work, relax, or meet with friends, Crescendo will make you feel welcome and happy.
Johnson Public House
You can find this charming cafe near Reynolds Park, in a lovely neighborhood with plenty of shops and attractions.
Their coffee options, from cold brew to espresso to drip, all roasted in-house under the Kin-Kin brand, will impress you.
You will love their tasty food, like the breakfast sandwich with egg, ham, cheese, and syrup or the bread pudding with strawberries. You get a lot of items for a fair price.
The staff is friendly and helpful; you can order at the counter and deliver your food to your table.
You may also sit outside and enjoy the weather or relax with a newspaper or a book. Johnson Public House is one of the best coffee shops in Madison, and you won’t regret trying it.
Mother Fool’s Coffeehouse
Started in 1995, Mother Fool’s has been committed to serving fair-trade and organic coffee and tea since its start.
This cozy coffee shop on Williamson Street is a great spot for vegans and a hub for coffee lovers.
They serve Colectivo coffee, and their house-blended cold brew is a must-try. On chilly days, their vegan hot chocolate hits the spot.
Besides coffee and tea, Mother Fool’s also offers organic seeds for the garden and the option to buy Colectivo coffee by the pound. There is a wide variety of daily bakery and soup offerings for vegans.
The coffeehouse is well known for hosting music shows and featuring a new visual artist in the cafe every month. Visitors can enjoy a presentation on most Friday and Saturday nights.
Grace Coffee Co.
Grace has a charming interior with many plants, artwork, and comfy couches. This local chain has two locations in Madison, serving premium coffee, fresh food, and heavenly pastries.
The coffee is impressive, and they have various options and flavors to suit your taste.
Try their signature vanilla latte or go for something more adventurous, like a lavender mocha or a matcha latte. They also sell cocktails to spice up your brunch with a mimosa or a bloody mary.
The food at Grace is fresh and delicious, and they have something for everyone. You can choose from their breakfast menu, which includes açaí bowls, croissants, sandwiches, wraps, and more.
Or you can opt for their lunch and dinner menu, which features salads, burgers, tacos, and other dishes. You can also find vegan and gluten-free choices on their menu.
Cargo Coffee
This family-owned cafe is situated in Old Market Place, and it offers more than delicious drinks and snacks.
Cargo Coffee has something for everyone, whether you prefer a smooth mocha, a refreshing tea, or a cold beer. You can also savor their sandwiches and wraps or create your own from various ingredients.
The shop has plenty of seating options, both indoors and outdoors, and the large windows let in natural light and views of the street. Cargo Coffee is a great place to study, socialize, or relax with a cup of joe.
Ledger Coffee Roasters
Ledger Coffee Roasters is the perfect place to grab a warm cup before wandering around the nearby botanic gardens.
Find this micro-roastery and full-service coffee shop at the Garver Feed Mill historic building.
If you visit this building, you can find Ian’s Pizza and Garver Lounge inside. And when it’s cold outside, don’t miss the winter market that offers a lot of fun.
Their nitro cold brew and iced latte are impressive – you should try them! Although the espresso in the iced latte tasted a bit smoky, it’s worth a try.
Moreover, their donuts are phenomenal, and the special ones are almost always worth grabbing. Even their regular vanilla glazed donuts are great, and they manage to do it while vegan!
Barriques Coffee
Barriques Coffee is a local coffee roaster and chain in Wisconsin. It has seven locations in and around Madison, offering roasted coffee, tea, and bakery items.
Customers can opt for online ordering, coffee delivery subscriptions, or the Barrique+ app for quick and easy mobile ordering and loyalty rewards.
Barriques Coffee strongly emphasizes sourcing high-quality and sustainable coffee beans from diverse parts of the world and roasting them to perfection in Madison.
Whether you prefer a light roast, dark roast, single origin, blend, or decaf, Barriques Coffee caters to every taste preference.
Forward Craft & Coffee
Forward Craft & Coffee is a small new spot in Madison for coffee and beer lovers. You must give it a try if you want to avoid the crowds.
Try their cold brew flights, a fun twist to your traditional coffee experience, or order a whole French press.
You can find lattes and other beverages to suit your mood. The espresso is phenomenal, and the staff is knowledgeable, kind, and warm.
They also host tap takeovers and fun bee and coffee food pairing events you don’t want to miss.
Whether you’re looking for a coffee date or a happy hour, Forward Craft & Coffee has you covered. We recommend checking it out!!
Black Locust Cafe
Black Locust is a welcoming cafe in Robinia Courtyard that stands out from other coffee shops in Madison. Its menu offers diverse food choices, catering to omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike.
The menu includes sandwiches, sweet and savory crepes, breakfast options, juices, and various baked goods unique to the cafe.
The kitchen is open every day except Mondays, but the cafe serves coffee, beer, and special kombucha well into the evening. Besides food and beverages, Black Locust Cafe hosts events regularly.
FAQs
What are the best coffee shops in Madison?
Madison has a diverse coffee shop scene, with many popular options for coffee lovers. Our top pick-up spots include Bradbury’s Coffee, Michelangelo’s Coffee House, Colectivo Coffee, and Indie Coffee.
Are there any coffee shops in Madison that roast their own coffee?
Yes, some Madison coffee shops roast their own coffee. Some of them are: Johnson Public House roasts its coffee under Kin-Kin. Finca Coffee also buys its coffee directly from farmers in El Salvador.
Do any coffee shops in Madison offer coffee delivery or online ordering?
Yes, some coffee shops in Madison offer delivery or online ordering. Wonderstate Coffee, Bradbury’s Coffee, and Lakeside Street Coffee House offer delivery through online orders through their website.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
