We sent our team to find the top 5 coffee shops in Madison, Wisconsin. You can learn a little about each café and get the inside scoop thanks to the team’s experience.
Wonderstate Coffee
Wonderstate Coffee has three locations: Madison, Bayfield, and Viroqua. Stop in and try their coffee roasted in Viroqua, Wisconsin, before biting into their “fresh house-made bakery” and seasonal “organic eats.”
Aside from coffee and espresso, you can purchase tea and other drinks, whole bean and ground coffee, as well as coffee gear. You can find their information down below to pop in today!
Team Member: Nichole
What Did You Order, and How Would You Describe it?
Chai latte with half & half, cinnamon, and clove. The flavor was good, strong, sweet and creamy.
Best and Worst Part of Your Order?
They made the order quickly. They were on the busy side, and we had to wait a little bit to order.
How Was the Customer Service?
The service was great.
Did You Find the Facilities Accommodating, Clean, and Comfortable?
Very clean and comfortable, perfect temperature there.
Did You Find That the Business Had Any of the Following Options to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Dairy-free, vegan, tree nut and peanut allergies
Team Member: Karen
What Did You Order, and How Would You Describe it?
Vanilla Bean Latte. Warm, wonderful flavor made with local, organic ingredients.
Best and Worst Part of Your Order?
Fast, friendly service. Nothing bad about this coffee shop other than limited daytime hours.
How Was the Customer Service?
Awesome service and staff.
Did You Find the Facilities Accommodating, Clean, and Comfortable?
Nice place to sit and have coffee, lunch, or breakfast.
Did the Business Have Alternative Options to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Dairy-free and vegan.
27 W Main St, Madison, WI 53703
Mon – Thur 7 AM – 2:30 PM, Fri – Sun 7 AM – 4 PM
(608) 283-9478
wonderstate.com
Barriques
Barriques opened in 1998 at 1831 Monroe Street because the owners “became convinced there was a better way [to] sell and share wine with people.” The dynamic duo worked day jobs to make ends meet, as “there was pretty much no money left over at the end of the week.”
Barriques became a coffee shop in 2003 when they realized how much they (and their wine customers) liked coffee and because they “could do this better” than what was available. In 2023, Barriques’ celebrated their 20th anniversary, so stop by and congratulate them on the spaces they, quite literally, built themselves.
Team Member: Nicole
What Did You Order, and How Would You Describe it?
Hot chai with half & half. I prefer Heavy whipping cream, but they didn’t have it.
Best and Worst Part of Your Order?
The atmosphere is really cool—no heavy cream.
How Was the Customer Service?
They were very nice and the service was quick.
Did You Find the Facilities Accommodating, Clean, and Comfortable?
Yes, but there were a lot of tables in a small space, and it was hard getting around people to get out.
Did the Business Have Alternative Options to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Dairy-free
Team Member: Morgan
What Did You Order, and How Would You Describe it?
I ordered a hot chai latte; it was the perfect temperature and well-spiced like a hug in a cup.
Best and Worst Part of Your Order?
The lady that helped us was wonderful, I didn’t know what I wanted, and she said, “take your time, and let me suggest X.” The art and ambiance were also excellent; there was lots to look at. It is a very laid back atmosphere built with character.
How Was the Customer Service?
Very welcoming, helpful, and kind.
Did You Find the Facilities Accommodating, Clean, and Comfortable?
Very much so. The tables and counter looked clean. Our drinks were made quickly by someone who seemed seasoned and proficient at the art.
Did the Business Have Alternative Options to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Gluten-free, vegan.
Team Member: Clint
What Did You Order, and How Would You Describe it?
Pork Quesadilla and garden greens with a yummy chipotle-like sauce. The pork was very juicy.
Best and Worst Part of Your Order?
The wait is a little long. The food was hot and delicious.
How Was the Customer Service?
The service was friendly, and the order was correct.
Did You Find the Facilities Accommodating, Clean, and Comfortable?
The facilities are clean and very comfortable. Nice place to relax, read a book, or hang out.
Did the Business Have Alternative Options to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Gluten-free, vegan, and paleo.
127 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53702
Mon – Sat 6:30 AM – 6 PM, Sun 7 AM – 6 PM
(608) 268-6264
barriquesmarket.com
Sencha Tea Bar
Sencha Tea Bar is Madison, Wisconsin’s foremost retailer of loose-leaf tea. Their diverse range of loose-leaf teas will appease the most discerning palates of traditional tea drinkers.
In addition, their top-rated online tea store offers a variety of bubble teas, a Taiwanese beverage that merges freshly brewed teas with many unique, natural fruit concentrates. Check out Sencha Tea Bar to try the delectable drink, typically served cold with tantalizing chewy tapioca pearls.
Team Member: Hannah
What Did You Order, and How Would You Describe it?
I ordered their “mystery drink” of the day, which was a hot coconut palm tea vanilla latte. This drink was very sweet, more so than I usually like, but that is to be expected with a mystery drink.
The latte was very creamy and smooth. There were hints of toasted coconut, vanilla, and chocolate.
Best and Worst Part of Your Order?
I loved the proximity to the Ovation 309. It’s a quick walk and the atmosphere is very inviting. My favorite part was the relaxing environment. My least favorite was that it was only tea options. I thought there may be some coffee drinks as well.
How Was the Customer Service?
They were friendly and efficient. They asked me if I had any allergies when I placed my order.
Did You Find the Facilities Accommodating, Clean, and Comfortable?
The place was very comfortable. It could have been slightly cleaner, but overall it was very nice.
Did the Business Have Alternative Options to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and tree nut and peanut allergies.
224 State St, Madison, WI 53703
10 AM – 11 PM, daily
(608) 819-8012
senchateabar.com
Michelangelo’s Coffee House
Sam Chehade founded Michelangelo’s Coffee House in 1997. Chehade has stayed true to himself, small farmers, and socially conscious fair-trade coffee for 26 years.
“We don’t just buy coffee beans,” Chehade says. “We are a full-on committed partner to our roasters, Equal Exchange and Cafe Social.”
Team Member: Isaac
What Did You Order, and How Would You Describe it?
I ordered a london fog. The milk is foamy, and they use vanilla syrup with lavender without making it too sweet.
Best and Worst Part of Your Order?
The best part is the familiarity and nostalgia I have when I go. The worst part was seeing all the delicious pastries I won’t be eating.
How Was the Customer Service?
Their service is always top-notch. The baristas are friendly and can prepare your order quickly.
Did You Find the Facilities Accommodating, Clean, and Comfortable?
There is plenty of seating, and the bathrooms are generally clean.
Did the Business Have Alternative Options to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
114 State St, Madison, WI 53703
8 AM – 8 PM, daily
(608) 251-5299
michelangeloscoffeehouse.com
Colectivo
Colectivo was founded by three friends listening to records in 1992. The trio established Alterra Coffee in 1994 and reached many milestones during the following 19 years.
2013 was a big year: Alterra celebrated its 20th anniversary, the company renamed itself Colectivo, and the first Madison café opened. Visit their website to learn more about their local food partners and Troubadour Bakery!
Team Member: Nichole
What Did You Order, and How Would You Describe it?
Hot chai with half & half.
Best and Worst Part of Your Order?
Longer wait than other cafés to place and receive our order.
How Was the Customer Service?
They were very nice, but it did take a long time to get our orders since they were so busy.
Did You Find the Facilities Accommodating, Clean, and Comfortable?
Yes, it had a good atmosphere and it looked clean.
Did the Business Have Alternative Options to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Dairy-free.
583 State St, Madison, WI 53703
7 AM – 6 PM, daily
(608) 709-1911
colectivocoffee.com
Be sure to visit each of the top 5 coffee shops in Madison, Wisconsin, and let us know your thoughts! Head to our blog to discover more neighborhood establishments!
