Breakfast in Madison can be sort of a to-do. An eggsistential crisis, if you will — but they say those who eat together, stay together. So we’ve got you covered with a breakdown of some of the best breakfast spots around the Isthmus — dictated by the only thing we love more than eating — sleeping.
For the early birds:
Mickie’s Dairy Bar
📍1511 Monroe St.
⏰ Wed.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 6 a.m.-2 p.m. + Sun., 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
Menu + must-try: the pancake — enough for multiple grown adults, tread lightly.
Marigold Kitchen
📍 118 S. Pinckney St.
⏰ Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat., 7 a.m.-2 p.m. + Sun., 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Menu + must-try: the roasted sweet potato, kale & pesto hash + 24 Hour Party People Cold Brew.
Shortstack Eatery
📍 301 W. Johnson St.
⏰ Thurs.-Sun., 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Menu + must-try: the blind — a secret sweet or savory breakfast dish meant for risk takers.
Monty’s Blue Plate Diner
📍 2089 Atwood Ave.
⏰ Mon.-Sun., 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Menu + must-try: monty’s breakfast sandwich + a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie.
Willalby’s Cafe
📍 1351 Williamson St.
⏰ Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m.-2 p.m. + Sat.-Sun., 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Menu + must-try: the buttermilk pancake — as big as the plate it is served on.
For the regular sleepers:
Lazy Jane’s Cafe and Bakery
📍 1358 Williamson St.
⏰ Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-2 p.m. + Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Menu + must-try: seitan hash + cheesy grits
Bassett Street Brunch Club
📍 444 Johnson St.
⏰ Sun.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. + Fri.-Sat., 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Menu + must-try: chicken and a doughnut — it’s exactly what it sounds like…
Cafe Hollander
📍 701 Hilldale Way
⏰ Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 8 a.m.-11 p.m. + Sun., 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Menu + must-try: cinnamon streusel french toast + hot cider.
Black Locust Cafe
📍 829 E. Washington Ave.
⏰ Tues.-Sat., 8 a.m.-9 p.m. + Sun., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Menu + must-try: jian bing crepe — ask for the special sweet + savory crepes of the day.
Madison Sourdough
📍 916 Williamson St.
⏰ Mon.-Sun., 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Menu + must-try: eggs diablo + a maple sage latte.
For the late risers:
The Weary Traveler Freehouse
📍 1201 Williamson St.
⏰ Mon.-Sun., 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Menu + must-try: be sure to check out the late-risers brunch on Saturday + Sunday.
Johnson Public House
📍 908 E. Johnson St.
⏰ Mon.-Sun., 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Menu + must-try: yogurt and granola + zoom zoom juice — guaranteed to make you zoom.
Michelangelo’s Coffee House
📍 114 State St.
⏰ Mon.-Sun., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Menu + must-try: pesto tomato and cheese sandwich + a lemon bar.
Gotham Bagels
📍 112 E. Mifflin St.
⏰ Tues.-Sat., 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Menu + must-try: the Brighton beach bagel sandwich + rishi tea.
Greenbush Bakery
📍 1402 Regent St.
⏰ Mon.-Sat., 6 a.m.-8 p.m. + Sun., 6 a.m.-1 p.m.
Menu + must-try: the weekend apple fritter + a hot coffee — a match made in heaven.
If happiness really does depend on a leisurely breakfast, consider us one happy bunch. Let us know where else you find breakfast bliss in Madison + any tips or hacks you have for finding tables around town.
