Great coffee. Baked goods are pretty good but better a few years ago. Wonderful wine selection. read more

Barriques - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Middleton, Wisconsin

I visited this location of Barriques and had such a bad experience that I wrote to the company using their website's contact submission form while I was sitting in their cafe. I carefully stated my concerns while it was fresh in my mind and I wouldn't forget anything. That was two weeks ago. No one contacted me to ask more questions or apologize or suggest that they might actually take some action so, guess what? I'm writing a public review and I'll recount what happened for everyone to see. It's important to note that I actually usually like Barriques. The one on Atwood Ave is a daily stop for me. This review is for the Old Sauk Rd location and this exact incident only. I stopped in and went straight to the restroom as I'd been in the car for a bit. The restroom was really a mess - not clean, the cover was off the empty soap dispenser as if someone had started filling it and then walked away, and there were no towels. I rinsed my hands and walked back into the cafe to see two women and a man standing behind the counter chatting while one person was milling about behind them doing something. None of these people acknowledged me. When I approached the cash register, the four people I had seen continued doing what they were doing and a fifth person came from the kitchen to take my order. I held up my hands and said, "do you have a towel, the bathroom dispenser is empty". He apologized and disappeared into the back. He came back out front to the customer side of the counter with a HUGE roll of towels and offered it to me. I almost laughed... I tore off some and he headed back to put the towels in the bathroom. At this point, person 4 came to the register and took my order. Persons 1-3 literally hadn't moved from their conversation throughout all of this, including while I was standing with wet hands at the register. I placed my order and went to a table near the pick-up counter which, I might add, is exactly where Persons 1-3 were congregated for their conversation. My drink came up quickly and one of the women called it. I stepped up and grabbed the remaining two packets of "brown" sugar from the little condiment stand by the pick up counter. I got the woman's attention and said, "hey, I just took the last two sugars." She responded, "there are more over there" and pointed to the condiment stand by the door. I said, "oh... I don't need more, I just wanted you to know it was empty in case you wanted to refill it" and her response was this... "don't take it out on us if you're having a bad day." WTH?? I was completely shocked by this. How is my being a helpful customer taken as some kind of attack on the staff? I just ignored her, used one of the spoons that was right there, and then, when I couldn't find a bus tub to put the spoon in without walking to the other end of the store, I left the spoon there, on the counter, one foot from the woman. I sat down at my table and, after I opened my computer, she walked three feet to my table, put the spoon down next to me and said, "the bus tub is by the door". Passive aggressive bullshit doesn't make for good customer service. At this point, I opened the Barriques' website and looked for a feedback form. I added to my email the following: the bowl that the sugar packets were in was filthy. I noticed it when I took the last two packets out but I didn't call the woman's attention to that fact. Also, the floor looked like it hadn't been vacuumed, swept, or mopped in ages. There was stuff all over the carpet and along the edges under the displays. If it had been the end of the day, I'd have let it slide but it wasn't even noon and, you know, they had at least three people standing around with nothing to do who could have been cleaning, or restocking the bathroom, or treating their customers like they actually cared about serving them. I might have forgiven all of this if Barriques corporate had bothered to respond to my feedback but, as it stands, I'll never step foot in the Old Sauk location again and I'll be hesitant to choose any Barriques as my first choice for coffee since it's apparent that the customer is not the company's first concern. read more

My friend and I sat around the cozy fireplace while sipping some really good coffee. I had a smooth cold brew that I didn't need to add any cream or sugar because it was great black. My friend did find plastic in her sandwich; presumably from the cheese. Though the food was delicious so she just picked it out. read more

Based on my experience this morning, I will not be back! I ordered a large decaf cafe au lait. I watched as they opened the cooler, took out OLD, COLD decaf coffee dumped it into the steamer with milk and heated it up. How's that for hot, fresh coffee??? If you didn't have fresh decaf made, you should have told me when I ordered. That is not the definition of a cafe au lait that I paid $3+ dollars for. Not to mention, the milk was then not frothy nor foamy as its supposed to be because it was BLENDED WITH ICE COLD OLD COFFEE. Ridiculous coming from a place that prides itself on serving some of Madison's best. See ya. read more

I used to be a big fan and think this Barriques was as good as it gets -- but alas, not anymore. My critique is not about their employees, who I have always found to be stellar. The issue is that their alternatives to milk fell short of my needs so I brought my own product. For quite some time, they allowed me to leave a couple of the very small bottles of same there so I could just stop in from wherever and pay for and get the coffee (and ice). Some time ago, they indicated they could no longer keep the milk alternative there, so I would bring it with me. Today they indicated they could no longer charge me for just the coffee in that case and the increased charge, which I was told was for the ice, was $.75... so, no more Barriques for me. Thankfully, the coffee is just as good and a lot less expensive at Yola's, and the owners are super people who are eager to accommodate their customers without gouging them. read more

I want to give this place 4 stars, but I've been here enough and the baristas never seem to be in a good mood. Coffee shops are supposed to be happy places, and I get it... But as a customer it's a little bit of a downer. Otherwise, decent coffee and pretty reliable free wifi make it a good choice. I'd like to try one of their wine events as well. Also, you can't really go wrong with the food--good ingredients make for tasty options! read more

Sunday morning coffee experience totally sucked. I was "kidnapped" by wife and friends who suggested we go here. I long ago stopped drinking their coffee. The last time I bought one here I walked out, too a sip and deposited it in the trash before I drove off to Starbucks. On this fine Sunday morning their pastry shelf was bare. Their attempt at a menu of breakfast selections is dismal. Overpriced and small portions. One of the staff commented in front of us that she was too busy with other things. The place does not feel clean. It was not busy which is a sign on a Sunday morning after church time. Yuck. Never again. Avoid. read more

The coffee is great and I prefer over Starbucks but the last few visits the service has been terrible. It is now 11 minutes since my order and my drink is just being made. There are also 6 people in line and there behind me waiting for a drink. Unfortunately when I am in a hurry to get to work I have to skip coming here read more

I'm at the Barriques on the West side of Madison and I can overhear a manager training a new employee - she is carefully explaining every single menu item and whether or not it is vegan or vegetarian, including substitutions that could make it vegan. Thank you for making such an effort to ensure your vegan customers can get accurate information from every employee! read more

Lovely little place off Old Sauk - service can be hit or miss, so I recently dropped the # of stars to 3. Full menu of soups, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, and coffee and such. Nice atmosphere, not too crowded. Have tried the blueberry salad, white bean and chicken chili, and grilled cheese with bacon. All very tasty. The chai and coffee are good, too. Great bread. Good breakfast food - have tried all the wraps. Perhaps a little pricey, but the greens were all very fresh and the food overall seemed high quality. The service was variable. They did forget my salad, but made it right away when they realized I was waiting. On another occasion they forgot to put sausage in my wrap, but when I pointed it out they made me another one right away. It depends on the day, but sometimes the staff is young and not very mature - they talk loudly to each other the whole time so everyone can hear about their personal lives and one of them was laughing so hard she could barely hand me the food. Not real professional. Convenient location, easy parking usually. Lots of windows and natural light. The tables and chairs are comfortable for lunching, studying, or socializing. The tables are sometimes a little dirty, but it depends on who was there before you. Overall better than average casual eatery based on food and atmosphere, its only downfall is the variability in service. read more

My favorite coffee shop in Madiso. Their tea selection is awesome. My fave is the the Golden Yunan. Smooth. Malty. Mild chocolaty undertones. Great with honey. No milk. read more

I have spent a fair amount of time at the various Barriques locations studying. The Middleton location is okay. Not bad, and probably better than most coffeeshops I've found in Madison, but certainly not as good as their Fitchburg location. This location has a fire place and comfy leather chairs around the fire place. I think I am just not crazy about the very linear presentation of their wine selection that reminds me more of a grocery store than an inviting coffee shop, along with large glass windows that look out on the depressing view of a strip mall. read more

Barriques is fine. The coffee is good but not anything special. Their iced Americano is better than most but nothing that will knock your socks off. They have rotating speciality drinks but the signs posted on the door don't actually say what's in them and the staff taking orders never seem to know what it is. Staff is usually pleasant but service is also usually a bit slow. They have plenty of treats available and I've only tried a few because most haven't been quite up my alley. Most of the baked goods are made in house but they do also carry some gluten-free varieties from the Silly Yak as well as gluten-a-plenty goodies from Batch Bakehouse. It is a plus that everything is local. They also have sandwiches, wraps, salads, soup, etc but I haven't been in for lunch so can't speak to that. The also sell wine. It's a decent space to sit and chat with various seating options-the majority being your standard table and chairs but also some comfy ones near a fireplace. Music isn't too loud and the place is usually spilt 50/50 with people chatting vs those doing work or reading. read more

Because I like the decor, food, and wine selection I have tried this place several times and wanted to like it. They have seriously been stingy on the coffee and latte pours, several times. What a shame. read more

Great coffee, very wide selection of wine with fun add-ons, and food is great as well.

Friendly staff, nice atmosphere, the Gluten Safe chocolate chip cookies were excellent!

I have been going to this Barriques to work while my son has a 1 hour appointment nearby for 2 months now. The employee Jen makes this something I look forward to! She's the best!! read more

This place is great! Delicious homemade rolls, sells local bakery, and makes great espresso & coffee. The Old Sauk location has a wonderful staff & a delicious menu. I'd recommend it to anyone, whether you need a nice space to get work done or are meeting a few friends to catch up. read more

This place will really surprise. Coffee is good, burritos are better than expected, service is the type where they make you feel you should be happy to be at their place. Food and coffee make up for it. read more

Of all the coffee shops in Madison this is the best! Quality coffee, great wine selections, and a great menu. I love their signature breakfast sandwich or their breakfast Mexican wrap! And if you go on a regular basis...Tuesday's are double-punch card days! read more

It is overpriced, yet good. I guess it's a tradeoff. During winter, it's like a fireplace. Their coffee.... ooooohhhh their coffee! It is expensive (really small cups) yet really good. The pastries are also not bad. The kids love the fruit smoothies. It is good for meeting for coffee (or other beverages) with friends. The bike parking is near the other shops. They have Bicycle Rewards and Belly Rewards. Overall, it would be 7.5 out of 10, or 3.75 out of 5. read more

what a genius concept: a quality wine shop, coffee shop, and great appetizers and baked goods all combined with friendly/knowledgeable staff and a comfy ambiance for either individuals or a group. I don't know if they still sell them, but the double wine pull that they used to sell has been a favorite go-to wine opener in our house for YEARS. read more

Great coffee, and the breakfast sandwich has kept me alive through trying times. Fireplace on a cold morning like this is heaven.

No internet and mediocre latte! If you only want to have coffee this place is very nice and clean. But if you want to get some work done this is not the place!! Beware that internet is not working. read more

Great coffee and service. The food is decent, a little overpriced. Definitely busier than they used to be, but I'll take it if it means they stick around. This location is a little worse for wear if you ask me. The other locations are definitely cleaner, especially the bathrooms. read more

Had the best mocha of my life! Such a cool atmosphere and great breakfast sandwiches as well!

I have been coming here on and off for roughly a year. This place used to be so much better. The coffee is good, but the help leaves everything to be desired. They are exceedingly slow. They mess up orders with increasing frequency. Many just seem to stand around doing little to nothing. If something goes wrong at the cash register they just look at you like they are lost. Mistakes on their part get nothing but a, "Sorry about that," AGAIN. Find another place or just dive to the new Starbucks. read more

My sister, who loves wine, recommended this place, but it turned out to be a big disappointment on the coffee side. Maybe it was just a bad morning there, but we had an awful experience. The coffee was really poor (for five bucks), our drinks were wrong and somehow simultaneously scorched and cold. To my shock, my drink was served in a significantly chipped glass with a crack running down the side and a leak. I didn't notice the problem until I had already taken a sip from a sharp edge. I asked for a new drink, and the barista didn't want to remake it (and it was not busy). The manager overheard and told the barista to remake it to her credit. I hope that our experience was a fluke, but I have to give Barriques a one star. read more

Barriques is definitely my favorite coffee shop in town. Their coffee is awesome, as are all of their specialty drinks. My favorites: the Miel (espresso, spices, milk & honey aka best drink ever!) and their Mexican mocha. They also have awesome seasonal drinks in winter & fall that put other chain coffee shops to shame :). Their baked goods are awesome too! The scones are some of the best I've ever had, as are the cookies. They also serve pastries from Claussen's bakery. YUM! They even have a great variety of very reasonably priced wines. The service has almost always been great and the environment it cool & relaxing. I love that they are a growing business and their quality hasn't suffered at all. I wish that was always the case! read more

My latte is fantastic. I've always had a good experience at Barriques on McKee. The service I received today was pretty bad. Rude and crabby. I bought a yogurt parfait with yogurt, fresh fruit and granola. All it was was a 12oz. cup of yogurt with 2 pieces of strawberry in it. No granola. When I asked for it, the employee was very crabby and put a spoonful of granola on the counter in front of me and walked away. read more

Great coffee & decent snacks/food. I really like that they have the Belly rewards! It's a great place to study and grab a drink if you come by in the evening. read more

The Cayuga street location is my favorite place in Middleton! The staff is always friendly, food and drink is awesome and a cozy atmosphere. I work right by a Starbucks but take the extra drive to come to Barriques! Unfortunately I cannot say the same about the Old Sauk location, the staff always seems grumpy and they're pretty slow at making orders. read more

Love this place for breakfast. Great pain au chocolat and great coffee. Going back tomorrow.

I've been here about 5 times now. Generally in the evenings. Service has been poor all but one of those times. They act as if they have something else they'd rather be doing. One night a gentlemen actually vacuum around my feet 1 hour before closing. Tonight I ordered a tuna wrap. The employee asked if I'd like it cold or hot. Asked for it to be a melt (hot). It came out mircowaved. read more

I always get good service and great coffee! The staff is kind and knowledgeable and almost always remembers my unique drink. The food is delicious, though a bit pricey. read more

We often have our Saturday morning coffee date here. Great service, great coffee and usually great food. The last time we were in there the rolls they use for sandwiches were very stale and crumbly, it was a disappointment but, it's minor in comparison with the positive experiences we've had. read more

Great coffee, very good food, and the most reliable wifi connection of all the coffee houses in Madison.

Combination coffee shop, wine bar, and liquor store! Espcially considering the mutliple hats this coffee shop wears, the atmosphere is so nice and cozy. The drinks taste great and there's a cute little fireplace too. read more

Stopped here for lunch and coffee one day. I started with one of their breakfast wraps which had scrambled egg, avocado, and tomato, and with a pour-over coffee. I could be mistaken, but the eggs in the wrap appeared to be from a fake egg mix (I've worked at a summer camp that served that for breakfast so I've learned their appearance all too well), which was disappointing, but the avocado, bacon, and tomato disguised it. The pour-over was pretty good, though. I wound up staying for a few hours with my laptop to write, so I ordered an iced mocha a bit later. It was also good--not overly sweet, which I appreciated. The shop is small but there's plenty of seating and outlets for folks who want to bring laptops and tablets. I came on a Saturday after peak lunch hours so it wasn't too busy or loud. Overall a good experience--it's just a shame that the wrap I had didn't appear to use real whole eggs. read more