For richer or for pour over. Madison’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. The 608 has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. If you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to 20+ of the best coffee shops in the 608.
Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.
Espresso yourself
Alice Good, 300 S. Main St., Verona | This specialty coffee shop sells your favorite goodies from Bloom Bakery as well as single-origin, sweet, and fruit blend coffees.
Bradbury’s, 127 N. Hamilton St. | The espresso is a must, but the crêpes are just as good. With limited seating, plan on getting there early or making this a grab + go stop.
Crescendo, 719 Hilldale Way | This espresso hot spot bar offers a mobile espresso bar and bus that you can rent to add a little buzz to your next event.
Grace Coffee Co., Multiple locations | This local shop has two locations in 608 and another one on the way. We recommend an iced vanilla latte + berry French toast made with brioche bread.
Leopold’s, 1301 Regent St. | Sip on an Italian-inspired drink made on an imported vintage Elektra espresso machine.
Roasts to boast
Skateboarders can fuel up + shop around at Broken Board. | Photo by Madtown About Coffee Reviews
Broken Board, 2358 E Springs Dr. | Located inside the Focus Boardshop, this cafe carries coffee from Wonderstate, Rusty Dog, and Misfit. No board? No problem, skaters and non-skaters are welcome.
Cafe Domestique, Multiple locations | Calling all cyclists. The owner of this cozy coffee spot spent 20 years in the bike industry before settling down in the coffee industry. Fuel up before your next ride with coffee from roasters including Intelligentsia, Ruby, Square Mile, and Onyx Coffee Lab.
Wonderstate, Multiple locations | You can almost taste the sustainability in this coffee, which is roasted 100% by solar power.
Best bites
Finca, 2500 Rimrock Road | This spot offers a menu featuring Salvadorian cuisine like pupusas, quesadillas, and classic cafe sips.
Ledger Coffee Roasters, 3241 Garver Green, Ste. 140 | Pair your latte, iced coffee, or pour over with a vegan Level5 Donut.
Indie Coffee, 1225 Regent St. | Snag a window seat and dig into some of Indie’s famous waffles.
Twisted Grounds, 6067 Gemini Dr. | This east side roastery will entice you with its high quality cups of coffee and you’ll keep coming back for items like the sweet and spicy pesto panini.
Zuzu Cafe, 1336 Drake St. | Pair your coffee with American and Mediterranean bites. Pro tip: Check the Facebook page for daily specials which change often, and don’t skip the from-scratch bakery items.
Where to write your novel
Lakeside Street Coffee House, 402 West Lakeside St. | With ample space, you’ll be able to find a nook of your own to hunker down with your laptop from morning to afternoon. Celebrate with a beer on the patio when you finish your work.
Mercies Coffee, 1748 Eagan Rd. | Find an open seat, sip your freshly made cortado, and crack away at that best seller. Or just enjoy the sights, sounds, and good coffee.
Michaelangelo’s, 114 State Street | A little bit of hustle and bustle paired with great food for brain fuel makes this a great place for those of us who have a hard time working in complete silence.
Events and pop-ups
Cargo Coffee, 750 E. Washington Ave. | Catch one of the recurring live music or open mic nights held at the family-owned cafe.
Mother Fool’s, 1101 Williamson St. | Stop by for monthly Story Slams featuring five-minute slots from local folks telling stories.
Joe to-go
Johnson Public House, 908 E. Johnson St. | Pop in for a quick brew, or place an order online after 2 p.m. for even more ease.
Valentia Coffee, 799 University Ave. | You’ve got places to be and Valentia offers quality coffee to busy badgers via its all day online ordering system.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- It all starts with the beans — for the best coffee (and tea), skip the big brands and shop this collection of coffee from local roasters. For a whole bean coffee, try Methodical Coffee’s Pink Lady, while these Loveland Coffee K-Cups are a great Keurig option.
- For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
- Bloom pourovers like a pro with elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- These double walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
- Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
- For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
- Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.
