For the love of latte-rature 📚

Bookstores and coffee shops in Madison, WI

close up on latte in white mug with foam art on top

Stop by Wonderstate for some coffee that’s as pleasing on the eye as it is on your tastebuds. | Photo by @pauline_le_higgins

Fall in Madison has a certain charm to it — you know, the short window between the extreme hot + extreme cold — that makes us want to curl up with a pumpkin spice latte and a good book.

Whether you’re already feeling those fall vibes or want to ease into the season, check out some of our favorite spots that are sure to please bookworms + coffee fanatics alike.

☕ Start with some java

Indie Coffee | 1225 Regent St. | For students and young professionals, Indie is a great place to bring your laptop and get some work done. Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying the waffles — served all day long.

Wonderstate | 27 W. Main St. | Explore a classic menu accompanied by a sleek and modern interior. Use this as a quick pick-me-up if you’re walking the square and need to retreat from the chilly fall air.

📚 Pick up new reads for the season

Paul’s Book Store | 670 State St. | Do you want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of State Street? This quaint, cozy retailer with a mix of used + out-of-print books is the perfect place for you.

Mystery to Me | 1863 Monroe St. | With a whimsical aesthetic + an expansive kid’s selection, it’s no mystery to us why this shop is a family favorite in the Dudgeon-Monroe neighborhood.

🎭 Best of both worlds

Leopold’s Books Bar Caffè | 1301 Regent St. | Worldly novels, cocktails, and coffee — Leopold’s has a little something for everybody. Feeling fancy? Try something pulled from their imported vintage Elektra espresso machine.

Moka at UW Bookstore | 711 State St. | A walk-up window facing Library Mall makes this the perfect pit stop to grab some Badger gear and a latte to fuel you before the walk (climb) up Bascom Hill. (Think: Where State Street meets campus.)

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Today

Mindful Moments | Mon., Sept. 12 | 12:15 p.m. | Sequoya Library, 4340 Tokay Blvd. | Free | Join this drop-in meditation class to focus on the art of mindfulness + listening to your heart. ☮️
The Moth Madison StorySLAM | Mon., Sept. 12 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave. | Prepare + perform a 5-minute story about a turning point in your life.

Tuesday

Bachata Lessons | Tues., Sept. 13 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | The Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave. | Price of purchase | Learn basic bachata, a Dominican dance genre you may recognize from “Dirty Dancing.” 🎶
Hidden History of Madison’s Capitol Square Walking Tour | Tues., Sept. 13 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Wisconsin Historical Museum, 30 N. Carroll St. | Discover how downtown has changed (and stayed the same) over hundreds of years.
Textiles 1 Fundamentals | Tues., Sept. 13 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Makerspace Textiles Area, Wendt Commons, 215 N. Randall Ave. | This fundamentals workshop covers the basics of hand stitching and using standard sewing machines. 🪡

Wednesday

Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge | Wed., Sept. 14 | 8-9 a.m. | The Edgewater, 1001 Wisconsin Pl. | Free | Join in-person or online to learn about the effort to reimagine Lake Monona’s downtown shoreline. 🏖️

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100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

64º | Rainy | 80% chance of rain

Development

City leaders inch closer to approving a full-service grocery store on the south side. The 24,000-sqft space would open by the end of the year, before the South Park Pick ‘n Save closes. The planned development also includes 150 units of affordable housing. 🚧 (NBC15)

Civic

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced that $740,000 will be directed to address the opioid crisis. The Harm Reduction and Prevention Act will create two prevention specialist positions + fund harm reduction curriculums in Dane County schools. (WKOW)

Award

Madison’s Veterans Hospital won the Veterans Health Administration Overall Best Experience Award — the most prestigious national accolade. It ranked highest across all VA hospitals in areas like customer trust + inpatient experience, and is one of 11 to receive a 5-star rating. 🏥 (Madison.com)

Community

Alders unveiled the first rainbow crosswalk in Madison at the corner of State + Mifflin. The mural is intended to "[serve] as a metaphor for the journey LGBTQIA+ people have traveled,” and is one of several pride murals planned across the city.
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Traffic

Old Sauk Road will join other area roads receiving speed reductions around the 608. A 35 mph to 30 mph slowdown goes into effect this Monday, from Westfield Road to the beltline. In case you’re wondering, the reduced speed limits have worked to cut serious injuries by 29%, according to Vision Zero. (WKOW)

Coming Soon

A new chain clothing store is coming to Hilldale. J.McLaughlin‘s second Wisconsin location will open on Midvale Boulevard (next to UNTUCKit) in October. 🛍️ (NBC 15)

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City

Cap Times Idea Fest in Madison, WI

Put your thinking Cap on. | Photo by @laraannphotography

Now through Sat., Sept. 17, grab tickets to any of the 24+ sessions at the Cap Times Idea Fest.

Speakers like legendary Watergate reporter Carl Bernstein and local South Madison leaders will discuss ideas from 608 civics to nationally relevant topics — there’s even a trivia experience.

Ready to think big? Times + locations vary, but most of the action will take place around Memorial Union, or at free virtual sessions. Pick your presentation and RSVP at the Idea Fest website.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Dayten.

Editor’s pick: You may notice a new name at the bottom of the newsletter. Ally will be taking over (expect a formal intro soon), meaning it’s farewell for now from your favorite Multi-City Editor (that’s me). It’s been a blast writing for you, Madison — thanks for all the Midwestern hospitality. Catch you soon.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Check out our new + improved events calendar.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Ally Geiger, Ryan Waldman, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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