Support Us Button Widget

Cold treats for a hot day in Madison, WI

IMG_1366

Have you seen the goodness at Ice Cream Social? An absolute IG moment. | Photo by 608today team

Table of Contents

Grab your sunscreen + throw on those shades, a heatwave is rolling into the 608 with temperatures in the 90s expected all week long.

We asked Madison for the best spots to grab a cold treat + sprinkled in a few of our personal favorites too. Here’s the scoop.

Brew-tifal ways to start the day

Fuel up for a long day in the sun.

Cafe Domestique | 1408 Williamson St.
At the intersection of bikes + espresso is this Willy St. coffee cafe. Cyclists welcome.

Leopold’s Books Bar Caffè | 1301 Regent St.
Beat the heat + grab a cold coffee or cocktail while relaxing and reading.
Pro tip: Check out Leopold’s recently launched wine of the week program.

Bandit Tacos + Coffee | 640 W Washington Ave.
Hangout in Madison’s historic train depot and grab an iced coffee, juice, or maybe even something a bit stiffer if it’s going to be that kind of day.

Beat the midday heat

For when even a warm meal is too much.

Miko Poke | 2701 Monroe St.
The neighborhood favorite known for Hawaiian-style rice + salad bowls, shaved ice, plus beer and wine.
Pro tip: Reader Sam S. says level up your meal with a Dole Whip for dessert.

Blended | 717 Hilldale Wy.
Hilldale’s smoothie and acai bowl spot with an eclectic mix of smoothies, juices, and shots.

Casetta Kitchen and Counter | 222 W Washington Ave.
A downtown eatery shop that has mastered the art of the cold sandwich.
Editor’s Pick: Ryan insists that The Paradigm might just be the best bite in the 608.

Worth desserting the rest of the evening for

Cap the day off with a sweet treat.

Ice Cream Social | 2421 University Ave.
A sweet treat shop with a mission to give back to the community + fight for equality.
Pro tip: Reader Courtney M. says the lavender honeycomb is a must try.

Good News Ice Cream | 117 King St.
Downtown’s one-stop-shop for ice cream, coffee + grab-and-go sandwiches.
Editors pick: Ryan tried a non-dairy scoop and won’t stop talking about it. It was that good.

La Michoacana Homemade Ice Cream | 6712 Odana Rd.
Cool off with popsicles, fruit drinks, and ice cream inspired by the state of Michoacan in Mexico.

More from 608today
A grassroots effort is helping local properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
Taking the train isn’t just for commuters — it’s also a method of leisure travel that’s growing in popularity.
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in Madtown.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
Whatever sport you like, there’s a local bar for you.
Raking in the leaves? Here’s how to bag, bundle, and bin them the 608-approved way this fall and spring.
Dining in Madison is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.