Ancora is my other favorite breakfast place (tied with Marigold). I usually go to the Ancora in Shorewood hills. It's a light, airy cafe with outdoor seating. You order at the counter and the staff brings the food out to you. It can get busy. When I'm here for breakfast, I invariably order the Honey Bacon Biscuit. It has a fried egg, bacon, cheddar, hot honey and scallion on a biscuit. It's perfect. I've gone for lunch a few times, but I always return to my first love, the Honey Bacon Biscuit. Their seasonal drinks are fantastic as well. No disappointments, no notes. read more

WOW. So glad my friend brought me here - this place is stunning! I was blown away when we walked in. The ambiance, decor, and style in here is incredible. Worth a visit in and of itself! They have patio, indoor, and upstairs seating with a mix of table types and styles. Their little bar seating on the main floor was so cute! We opted for upstairs - nice and quiet, and cozy. I ordered a matcha, and we both got breakfast sandwiches. I appreciate that they have gluten free bread! We ordered at the front, and delivery to our table took a while: 20+ minutes I'd guess? It felt a bit long for a casual cafe. My sandwich and side of potatoes were good - potatoes were a little cold, but still tasted good. The matcha was delicious! We got a fruity pebbles latte as well, and it was so bizarre - kinda good, but kinda weird?! Super interesting to try - I feel like it would work better as a matcha latte! read more

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Great spot for a breakfast sandwich! The Basic Bec is my favorite. The flavor combinations are so good, and the bagel is always so fresh. They have the best coffee in town in my opinion. I also like their unique homemade syrups. I was in a hurry today, so unfortunately I didn't get any pictures. Ordering to go is quick and easy. It's also a great spot for a casual lunch meeting. read more

Got the chorizo hash with gluten free toast and a cappuccino. I sat in the loft area and appreciated having the seating options inside and outside- there was a lot of thought to the interior design which was very nice. The gluten free toast was so tasty and not dry as a chalkboard- amazing! Also tried the coconut cold brew at another Ancora location and it was so good- all the food is so fresh and made with high quality ingredients. I was impressed! Would come back if I'm visiting again. read more

Ancora Cafe + Bakery - Cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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The breakfast BEC from Ancora might be my favorite breakfast sandwich I've ever had. Cheesy, savory, and filling. I've tried a variety of their drinks and decided on the banana cream cold brew today. They knocked it out of the park with this one! Highly recommend to anyone with a caffeinated sweet tooth, ha! Ancora has a funky boho vibe and is often busy, but service is always excellent and quick, whether you're eating there or getting it to-go. read more

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This spot is tried and true. Get there early because the word is already out and they fill up fast! Order at the counter, grab a seat, and enjoy the cute store and ambiance until your food is delivered. Never had a bad coffee or breakfast sandwich here and whoever there is a question regarding where to grab breakfast, "Ancora" is the answer we can all agree on! read more

The breakfast sandwiches with house-made biscuits are no joke really good. I've had the breakfast sandwich at Kasama in Chicago, which gets a Michelin star, and I feel like the one here in Ancora was just as good. I had the Southwest breakfast sandwich, which is a seasonal item. The biscuit was light and fluffy, the Chipotle aioli had the perfect balance of spiciness and tanginess, and the egg was light as a cloud. The only thing that could have been improved was the sausage. It was thin and not super flavorful. But overall, I enjoyed every last bite. Not like something that starts out strong but doesn't have lasting power, this sandwich was solid all the way. Service was mediocre. It took them a while to get to us because it seemed the person at the register also had to make the drinks. But the kitchen worked pretty quickly to get the food prepared. read more

Ancora Cafe + Bakery - Southwest breakfast sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Pleaseeee bring back your Turkey sandwich!!!! It was so yummy. I would literally order it couple times a week.

I stopped for breakfast on a Thursday morning, and it was packed! I luckily found seating upstairs. I ordered the breakfast tacos and a hazelnut matcha latte, and they were both incredible! The portion for the tacos was quite big, so I got to take home leftovers. This cafe is so cute and a perfect place to do work, catch up with a friend, or just chill! read more

Ancora Cafe + Bakery - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

The biscuit sandwich was DELICIOUS WOW! The lemonades and coffee were so good too! I really recommend trying out their specials. The vibe inside is bright and busy. It's a great spot to get some work done but I will say it can be loud. The cashiers are so nice and it's such a classy touch that they bring your food to you as opposed to most coffee shops that just call it out. read more

Ancora Cafe + Bakery - Honey Bacon Biscuit, and GF version - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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We love Ancora. My daughter and I ordered the seasonal rosemary chai latte drink hot and we also got a regular chai latte. They both were delicious! Prompt service with a smile and we sat to chat downstairs win the main area while we waited for our order. Beautiful location! read more

Ancora Cafe + Bakery - Chai latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

5/5 place. Ample parking and outdoor seating available, with indoor seating downstairs and upstairs. Everyone is really friendly too. We got the lavender cream cold brew, fruity pebbles matcha, strawberry rhubarb donut, breakfast burrito with sausage and the honey bacon biscuit. The lavender cream cold brew was delicious! I could drink that cream on any coffee for the next month without being sick of it. The fruity pebbles matcha has the hint of cereal milk in it, which I really enjoyed too. It felt very nostalgic and was a twist on the classic matcha latte. The strawberry rhubarb doughnut was a cool mix of flavors, and I enjoyed the streusel crumble on top. I wished that the dough itself could've been fluffier or lighter. When it came to the main breakfast dishes, I loved my breakfast burrito. I added the sausage for an additional $1 and every component of the burrito from the sausage, to the fluffy eggs, to the perfectly garlicky roasted potatoes was a good match. The honey bacon biscuit was good too, but I'm not a huge fan of biscuits in general, so my preference was the breakfast burrito. Inside decor is cheerful, and clean. I love the bright pops of green and teal mixed with the burnt orange. read more

The food is fine though a bit pricy. The big thing is the wait time. About an hour to get simple breakfast food. It was not that crowded compared to other brunch places on a weekend so it was kinda ridiculous that it took that long. read more

I recently stopped by and really enjoyed my visit. The atmosphere is super cute, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. I tried a breakfast burrito with added sausage, and it was so satisfying. Everything from the eggs to the roasted potatoes and sausage worked really well together. I also grabbed a seasonal drink, and it was tasty and fun to try something different. The only downside was that it was a bit busy, so finding a seat took some time and the wait for food was a little longer than I expected. Portion sizes felt a bit small for the price, but the quality of the food and drinks made up for it. Overall, a great spot for brunch or coffee, and I'll definitely be back to try more of their menu. read more

Ancora Cafe + Bakery - Eggs and potatoes - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Ancora is adorable, I love the aesthetic inside and the staff are sweet. That being said the wait to order and for food can be longer than I would I expect. It's a bustling cafe and can be a bit loud if you are looking for a homework spot. Finding seating can be challenging on weekends and the tables are not always cleaned promptly for new guests. The drinks and food have consistently been good in my experiences. However, I do not think the portion sizes match up with the price you have to pay. Ordered: lavender latte and honey bacon biscuit read more

Ancora Cafe + Bakery - latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I haven't been to this Ancora in a few months, and after yet another unpleasant experience just today, it might be months before I go in again. I had a very easy order to go at the counter (16 oz latte, skim milk, no foam). Repeated the order twice. Tipped for the order. Was served a cup that was 60-75% foam. Picked it up, immediately said "Um... i ordered this with no foam...this is ALL foam." Staff person poured it down the drain, giving me major attitude. Not a "sorry, I'll make you a new one" ...not a word actually. Little things matter. Headed back to EVP from now on...much, much friendlier service. read more

This is a review specifically for the fruity pebbles matcha! It definitely lives up to it's name and you can taste the fruity pebbles! However, I wish there was an hot option. I'm so glad I tried this seasonal item, but I will probably be sticking to the regular matcha as it is personally not with the extra couple of dollars. read more

Ancora Cafe + Bakery - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I have stopped by Ancora a few times this year, as it is very close to my office. I have been very impressed with the food! I enjoy that they update their menu every so often, as it gives a chance to switch things up. The first time I went, I ordered the grilled cheese, and thoroughly enjoyed it! The cheese pulls were *chef's kiss*, and the chips were perfectly crispy. The next time, I decided to try it for breakfast. The breakfast sandwich I ordered was delicious - egg, cheese, sausage, and aioli on a brioche bun. Simple, yet perfect! The third time I ordered, the grilled cheese was lackluster - not much cheese, and the challah bread was tasty but too much bread considering the amount of cheese they put on. The corn chowder didn't look super great, but once I mixed it up and tried it I loved it. The crunchy pepitas on top were the perfect addition. Ancora is a great spot, with delicious coffee (looking at you, Coconut Cream Cold Brew) and tasty food. It's definitely worth a stop by! It will continue to be a regular spot for me. read more

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An hour for a latte at the shore wood the weekend ? It's crazy lazy service .. they should turn off the app if they can't honor the time ..

Pros: * Quick service and friendly staff * Cinnamon roll was to die for * Cute decor * Decent parking options Cons: * Tables are ridiculously close together (could be really difficult for wheelchair users) * Seating isn't super comfortable and the tables are way too small to put both your food/beverage items and your laptop on for working, especially if you're with another person * Loud when busy read more

Ancora Cafe + Bakery - Iced Chai Latte with Almond Milk and a Cinnamon Roll - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I waited an hour for a latte yesterday and this is becoming the norm . I ordered it on the app and was given a pick up time . Still waited 25 mins after I arrived . read more

My favorite out of all the Ancora locations! I think they are the fastest service and the inside is super spacious. I love sitting on the top level if I need to get some work done or eating on the first floor if I'm with a group, We tried some new fall items today. I absolutely loved the Apple ham sandwich, I wish it had a little more apple on it, but the onion jam was so good. The toasted marshmallow cold brew was perfect, not too sweet. I also really liked the pumpkin cider, but I wish it was a little bit more pumpkin-y read more

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I took out lunch from here on a weekday. The place was not too busy. Inside everything looked very modern. Mango bango Benedict was my entree and loved it. It was flavorful. Egg was cooked perfect. I also went for a blueberry lavender donut. It was probably the best donut I had. The flavor was excellent. Especially the flavor of lavender. There were some lavender scattered on the donut top, which accentuated the flavor. read more

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My favorite neighborhood spot for a coffee. The staff are always so friendly and the ambiance is immaculate - so many plants and natural light! I've never had bad food or coffee here. Pro-tip to get there early because even on weekday mornings it can get busy. Even though it is usually busy, I've never had a problem with parking. While it can be a good place to work at the bar seating area, I would say this is a better location for group meet ups than working/reading because of how busy the place gets, since it seems like the majority of customers come to sit rather than get coffee to go. I felt a little bad the times I came with my laptop or a book and see a line practically out the door! But hey, there's a reason so many people enjoy coming here. :) read more

Wonderful and airy space inside, great pastry and food, but best of all is their White Zombie. I usually order this with a vanilla syrup to offset the earthiness. I look forward to this drink whenever I can get it. I do wish other coffee houses offered this. I would probably spend way too much on a daily basis if this were the case though. read more

We arrived and we're greeted at the counter. We ordered a breakfast sandwich, Hella Stella. We chose the potatoes as our side. The coffee was good and we appreciated the interactions with the staff. The sandwich was good and a little spicy but not overpowering the contents. The potatoes we're cooked well but were somewhat unremarkable. The shop was cleaned and tables were cleared and cleaned in a timely manner. Graham, More of a spice combination, more rosemary, some onion and other complimentary spice sets. read more

Ancora Cafe + Bakery - Hella Stella - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Ancora is finally back!!! This has always been a good spot to grab a coffee or brunch, but with its completed makeover and new location it's sure to be a staple for me! The new spot is absolutely gorgeous! Easily within the top 1% of coffeeshop aesthetics! It's bright and spacious with soft music and natural light streaming in from every window! I love it! The food is as good as ever--maybe better! I ordered a breakfast Sammie, and my roommate got the French toast dippers! Both were delicious. I often feel reluctant to give a full 5 stars, since it seems to say "this place couldn't get any better." In Ancora's case, however, this spot truly is the top! I can't wait to see it boom with success! read more

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I really like this place because of the menu, the drinks and the staff. Location: Don't go the wrong way--you'll have to loop around the entire shopping center to park in the front and to do curbside pickup. If you're coming with a group, consider carpooling/biking/bus because parking is limited due to the shared lot with other businesses. Food: My favorite is the honey butter biscuit sandwich. I always get either this or the chorizo hash. Something I love is the weekends when they post their specials on their social media (same specials across all locations). Their pastries are also delicious and they provide gluten free options! They also have seasonal drinks too. Currently I am digging the Salted Cream Maple Cold Brew. Service: Service is great. Everyone is so friendly. Also, they will bus your tables for you. Food may come out slow for some when it's busy but it's worth the wait. I love how they have an upstairs option as well. Great for lunch dates and brunch. Enjoy! read more

Ancora Cafe + Bakery - Strawberry Rhubarb Poptart - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I'm lactose intolerant and happened to order a breakfast sandwich with the cheese removed. The staff later found me and asked if I wanted a different bun because that also had cheese in it. I haven't had my coffee yet and chose a croissant. Minutes late, another staffer came back and suggested a dairy free bun instead, which I was grateful for. I haven't had never had such attention to detail at a coffee shop before. Kudos to the staff at the University Ave Ancora. You saved me from having a very unpleasant day. THANK YOU! Oh, and of course, the coffee and food are fantastic too. read more

Truly some of the best food and coffee in madison. I got the basic BEC but subbed Stella's cheese bread and it's always amazing every time. The bacon is thick cut, the eggs are made with cheese inside of them, the garlic aioli is perfect and of course, Stella's cheese bread is insanely good. I got an iced vanilla bean latte and it's truly one of the best and most consistent coffees around madison. Sweet yet strong espresso, very refreshing, and gives me a great caffeine buzz. The atmosphere inside is really nice, very calming and pretty, but the shorewood location is busy 24/7 so can be hard to find seating. The only reason for 4 stars is how insanely expensive it is. It is great quality food don't get me wrong, but for 2 breakfast sandwiches, a side of potatoes, and 1 drink it was $50 after tipping 18% ($42 before tip) It's a nice treat for once in a while, I wish I could come here more often but it is just SO expensive, which I understand but still a little sad that I can only afford on special occasions. read more

Amazing food and vibe. Great service. Teas were great and full flavor breakfast specials. Parking is typical limited city parking, but more than average number of spots given the number of businesses adjacent. Only real issue was that the three table tops/seats we considered sitting at seemed a bit grimy/sticky. The place was busy so maybe it was just this. If there were a wet bar towel I wouldn't have minded wiping our own spot. Definitely worth trying again! read more

Ancora was on my list for a while and finally tried it today and loved it. Such a cute coffee shop with lovely interiors and decor. We went to University Ave location. I love that have both indoor and outdoor seating. You have to order your food and then seat yourself. The staff is friendly and attentive . Smiling staff always makes a difference and Ancora staff makes you feel welcome. The menu has nice options for breakfast and lunch. We ordered the Chorizo Hash ( veg sausage) , Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Burritos. Each of the breakfast items were delicious and well prepared. I love that they have option of veg sausage. The chai tea latte was perfect but I wish the latte art was on point. Hot chocolate was perfect as well. They have a nice selection of coffee and refreshing drinks. read more

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Great place for brunch. Food was fresh and fantastic. Espresso was PERFECTLY made with nice crema. Fast and polite service!

Though I only stopped by to grab a coffee, I absolutely loved the indoor seating & atmosphere (very modern but warm) and will definitely be back for brunch with friends (will update this review once I do). Anyways, I tried the coconut cream cold brew (heard it's been really popular), which I enjoyed but found to be slightly too sweet. Seems like a nice place to grab breakfast/lunch with friends, and I will be back! read more

Ancora Cafe + Bakery - Coconut Cream Cold Brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Nice airy and sunlit cafe. Don't let the construction on University dissuade you! Lots of 2-4 table seating, both inside and out. Umbrellas at the outside table to increase the amount of shade available. Tons of vegetarian options or modifications on the menu. The loft upstairs was a quieter space to read or work. Coffee drinks (dark roast drip and a miel latte) were delicious. The service was prompt when we went which was a very busy Saturday morning. One hour WiFi limit on the weekends. read more

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Honestly, solid brunch place in Madison. I personally don't think anything comes even CLOSE to short stack, but this place impressed me enough to get to a second place. Super cute interior, classic modern café with a lot of wood, plants, and green. When you get to the restaurant, you order at the front desk, and then you can seat yourself outdoors or indoors (we ate outdoors since it was a nice day out) and they bring the food to ya when it's ready. - strawberry/hibiscus donut (8/10): solid ass donut, not really sure how you can improve a donut as a non-donut connoisseur but it's pretty damn good - pb cold brew (2/10): I'm sorry, wouldn't drink it. Thought i'd like it because I'm addicted to peanut butter, but it just tasted strangely sweet but also weird bitter aftertaste ?? just not a combo I'd try again - hella stella (8/10): love me a breakfast sandwich, she was delicious with a fluffy egg, fresh arugula, and punchy mango habanero jam-- only thing I might request is a toast on the bread since it was pretty one dimensional in terms of texture, but lovely overall - tex mex hash (5/10): it was definitely a hash and that's all i'll say... jk will say more it was standard, the meat was a bit inconsistent with some pieces being dry and others being nice and saucy, toast wasn't toasted, and potato was just being potato (not crispy, no crazy flavor, just potato which still tastes good !) I probably wouldn't order it again, but hey, at least my egg was still runny (which is more than I can say for other Madison area brunch spots..) Overall, I think they gotta take their mango habanero jam and run with it that shit was delicious-- otherwise pretty standard brunch, not amazing but solid and not expensive at all. pls avoid the pb cold brew if possible lol read more

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Fun coffee drink options and delicious biscuit breakfast sandwiches make this my go to spot!

Stopped in for a brunch after a visit downtown. The food it brought to your table after you order at the counter. The food was served hot and it was good. It wasn't as good as I hoped but it was a filling meal. read more

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Picked this place by luck and I wasn't disappointed. The coffee was good and the food was surprisingly delicious. They have plenty parking and an upstairs area with additional seating. The seating area downstairs is a bit small and can get congested. You order at the front and they give you a card for your table and the order is brought to you. We ordered the avocado toast and green wrap with vanilla lattes. All were pretty good!The service was also great. I would recommend! read more

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I really enjoyed this place for breakfast! The wait was insane, however it was Sunday morning and we were warned, but it gave me and my group time to hang out some more and enjoy the good drinks! When the food did coke it was great. Would definitely come back! read more

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