By Kevin Revolinski | Photography by Hillary Schave
It never hurts to have options and in Madison, the coffee shop scene continues to provide. Check out these newbies, ranging from Middle Eastern specialties and coffee with a mission to new outlets of local favorites.
COLECTIVO WILLY STREET
In December 2025, the Milwaukee-based coffee roaster opened its fourth Madison shop in the new Irwin mixed-use development on Williamson Street. The interior is spacious with reclaimed barnwood, plenty of greenery and statement light fixtures. A patio with built-in umbrellas offers room for 25 patrons and there’s some off-street parking. Expect the usual menu.
EMERALD COFFEE BAKERY
Known for Inka Heritage and Pikkito, Peruvian-born, Le Cordon Bleu- trained chef, Esmeralda Bascones, and her husband, Daniel Rodriguez, dreamed up this soothing, light and green space featuring Bascones’ delectable magic. An all-day brunch menu offers breakfast bagels, sandwiches and a variety of craft empanadas plus tantalizing baked items, including scones. (The Mango Dulce de Leche scones go fast!) The fair-trade, organic coffee is roasted locally by Rusty Dog Coffee.
JAVAABILITIES COFFEE & CAFE
Co-founders Tim McDonald and Mary Kay Clark’s coffee shop provides opportunities for workers with disabilities (most of whom work alongside coaches from AchieveAbilities) to provide quality coffee and a menu of great breakfast and lunch items. All pastries are made in house, as is the focaccia used for the sandwiches. The Lil Jitterbugs menu offers drinks that make the kiddos feel like they’re part of your morning coffee run — but without the caffeine. Artwork from participants in Arts for All and other organizations adorn the walls, and some of it is for sale.
LEDGER COFFEE ROASTERS
The Garver Feed Mill-based roaster opened its second location in a former design studio. The Cardamom Mocha and the Cardamom Latte are quite popular and, while Ledger makes its own flavored syrups, the drinks aim to showcase the espresso. The One and One is a double espresso served as a single shot alongside a three-ounce macchiato. Also on the menu are vegan scones and other baked goods from Heirloom Bakery.
QAMARIA YEMENI COFFEE CO.
Founded by two Yemeni immigrants in Michigan, Qamaria opened its first cafe in 2020 and has since added nearly 40 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Featuring Yemen-sourced beans, the menu goes beyond the typical to include Turkish coffee served in a traditional copper pot, and coffees or black tea served with spices such as cardamom, ginger and cinnamon. The iced pistachio latte is popular, and eats include assorted pastries, pies and more.
VITRUVIUS COFFEE AND TEA
With an Italian La Marzocco coffee machine, founder and architect Hamid Noughani transformed a meeting space in the back of his office into a delightful java joint overlooking an adjacent green space with outdoor seating. Featured coffee roasters rotate on the menu and the housemade chai is a hit. Three draft beers and wines are on offer along with a selection of Madison Sourdough pastries. Live music (often jazz) is frequent both inside and outside on a small outdoor stage.
