Madison Coffee Shop Study Guide
Whether you're looking to grab a latte and go, a quiet place to study and sip, or to debrief the night before at a buzzing cafe, the wide variety of coffee shops in Madison will not disappoint. While there are countless options to choose from, here is a study guide of my favorite spots with amazing coffee and the vibes to match.
Starting off with Fair Trade Coffee House, a spot you simply cannot miss out on. This friendly, independent coffee house is a bright and bustling space with each seat occupied by people both young and old enjoying their beverages. Fair Trade also has a range of food options; from simple offerings like yogurt and granola to sandwiches and salads. It is safe to say you will walk out satisfied.
A little farther down State Street, you'll run into Michelangelo's Coffee House. An aroma of fresh ground coffee, savory sandwiches and sweet pastries is omitted from this coffee house. The extended seating, from couches to large tables, makes it the perfect spot for when you're looking to settle down and get to work during a popular study time on a college campus. Michelangelo’s has become my go to bagel spot, consistently providing a hearty egg, cheese and pesto breakfast sandwich to devour. The local art displayed on the walls adds to the homey, community focused atmosphere. Michelangelo’s is definitely one of my top three Madison scenes.
Many on campus gravitate towards Colectivo. Their convenient State Street location makes it too easy to stop in between classes for their “oatchata” latte or a good old fashioned cold brew. This location features two floors, both filled with seating for students to study for their exam, or catch up with a friend. The chain has two other locations near campus as well. The Pinckney Street location has extensive windows, with counter seating featuring a view of the capital. The furthest location on Monroe Street has a cozy vibe with a fireplace and couch seating. It is a perfect place to venture off campus, while still being easy to get to on the bus. Colectivo offers a mobile app with online ordering (just make sure you pick the right location!). The app also allows you to collect points which build to a free item- I mean who could resist?
Ancora, located just past the capital, offers delicious food and amazing vibes. Even with plenty of seating it can still get crowded, so be prepared to go early. Their seating area has a huge skylight and plenty of plants, creating the perfect atmosphere to chat with friends or catch up on work. They have a rotating menu featuring both sweet and savory breakfast and lunch items. I tried the cranberry orange jelly doughnut, and it was incredible. Besides delicious food, they offer a wide variety of coffee drinks. Their coconut cream cold brew has the perfect sweetness, even if you aren’t a coconut fan.
While Barriques offers more than coffee, with weekly wine tastings and an extensive wine collection, their Monroe Street location (right across from Trader Joes) is the perfect place to lock in and get some work done. They have booths with large wooden tables, each with their own outlet. It is the perfect place to study with friends without feeling cramped, and your computer will be able to stay charged during those long study sessions.
These are just a few of the coffee shops in the Madison area and around campus. While Madison offers endless places to study, I highly recommend checking these out the next time you want to grab a coffee and get some work done.