Autumn has arrived in Madison. With the leaves changing colors and temperatures slowly falling, the start of spooky season, midterms, and of course pumpkin spice lattes are here. This year I urge you to skip the Starbucks and venture into one of the many local Madison coffee shops for your caffeine fix.
Madison has a rich coffee culture and one of the highest coffee shops per capita of any U.S. city. Luckily for UW students, some of the best cafes are located just blocks from campus! Join me as I lay out some of the best places to sip, study, and socialize around campus.
Colectivo Coffee:
This Milwaukee-based company has been serving coffee since 1993. Not only are they known for their delicious food and bakery items, but they are also home to one of the best coffee creations ever made (the cold brew-oat chata, ifykyk). With colorful seating inside and out, Colectivo is a great way to make your day a little better.
Valentia Coffee:
Located on East Campus mall, Valentia is easily one of the most conveniently located cafes on campus. This is the perfect place to stop on the way to your Journalism 202 lecture or for your awkwardly long break between classes. Although they serve a simple menu, Valentia has everything one would need. Enjoy a classy atmosphere and some of the prettiest iced and hot lattes on campus.
Michelangelo's Coffee House:
With a cozy indoor aesthetic and outdoor seating in summer, Michelangelo's is truly a cafe for all seasons. This is the perfect place to catch up on weeks of homework in one day or just to catch up with your closest friends. They have a wide variety of drink and food options perfect for any coffee connoisseur.
MOKA Iced Coffee
MOKA:
No matter if you like your coffee sweet or black, Moka has something for you! This shop started in Minnesota but now graces the presence of several Wisconsin cities. One of these locations happens to be located at Library Mall (right next to the bookstore). Stop by the next time you’re craving something sweet on the way to class!
Crescendo Espresso Bar:
Crescendo is yet another cafe serving high-quality coffee in Madison, Wisconsin. This is probably the furthest of the listed cafes, but it is the perfect stop for all of my Target lovers or movie goers. With the closest location at Hilldale Mall, Crescendo is the perfect reward for a successful grocery trip or the can provide the fuel needed to stay awake through the next screening of the Titanic.
Indie Coffee:
Calling all Regent Street residents! In addition to coffee, Indie has some of the best bagels, waffles, and sandwiches on campus. Spend your next Sunday sitting in the stylish indoor cafe or head around back for the heated patio this winter.
Fair Trade Coffee House:
Yet another State Street cafe, Fair Trade is as reliable as they come. Fair Trade has been operating since 2004 with a mission to source 100% fair trade coffee beans. The kindness and warmth of this cafe can be felt the second you step in. Plan your next study date at the spacious indoor cafe or the much lesser-known outdoor patio.
Wonderstate Coffee
Wonderstate Coffee:
With floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the store, one can take in all the beauty of Capitol Square at Wonderstate Coffee. The aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and delicious drinks are the perfect motivation to finally start that 10-page paper you’ve been putting off. Plus, check out the outdoor window during the Saturday Farmers Market this summer!
Barriques:
I have crammed for more finals at Barriques Coffee than I care to admit, but the calming atmosphere and classy menu make it the perfect place to do just that. With a location just a block from the Capitol as well as one on Monroe Street, one can truly weather any academic storm with the help of a Barriques cold brew.
Ancora Coffee + Bakery:
Last but not least, Ancora Coffee is the perfect place to socialize with friends. One can enjoy breakfast or lunch at this cafe while encountering a social atmosphere. Located steps from the Capitol and connecting with several other local Madison businesses, one can truly experience the city’s spirit at Ancora.
The Wisconsin Alumni Student Board is all about connecting students past, present, and future, and what better way to connect with friends old and new than cozying up in a coffee shop? Whether you’re grabbing a cup of coffee on your way to class, chatting with your favorite barista, or sitting down for a much-needed study session, I guarantee there is a Madison cafe perfect for you.
By Zach Schumacher
Professional Connections Marketing Rep, Blog Co-Chair
