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    Cottage Cafe

    4.2 (169 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Cottage Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    COTTAGE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Cottage Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos - Cottage Cafe

    Cottage Platter
    Chris T.

    I wanted to like this place, I really did. Did some research on solid diners in the Madison area and this is one of the ones that popped up. It was off the highway, so I thought I would give it a go. Walked in and it was what you would expect from a Wisconsin diner -- old carpeting, waitresses who are lifers, and signage from the bygone era. I sat at the bar, with barstools that came about 4 feet off the ground, and asked the cordially waitress what was good. She rattled off about 3/4 of the breakfast menu so I needed a few minutes. A few minutes passed and I went with the Krab Cakes Benedict (why the K?) and the Cottage Platter. The crab cakes were decent (definitely better than the Cottage Platter), but very crisp on the outside, straddling the line of burnt, and somewhat cooked on the inside. Light on the seasoning. As they say on the cooking shows, it was screaming for some acidity...or in this case some Old Bay. Then the Cottage Platter, which I was very much looking forward to, fell flat for me. The hashbrowns had a funky taste to them, which I couldn't quite place. And again, overall, the dish was lacking in flavor. Would I go out of my way to hit this place up again? Most likely not. If I was in the area and wanted to try something else, I probably would.

    Two eggs scrambled, sourdough toast, potatoes. What more does a girl need?
    Lindsay K.

    I've been here a few times, and I always appreciate the no frills community-oriented vibe Cottage Cafe provides. You seat yourself and service has always been efficient and friendly. There's nothing pretentious about this place, but it's a quality spot for breakfast and the food is pretty decent. If you weren't looking for it, you might never find it tucked off the road in a strip mall but that doesn't stop it from being a hopping, busy place especially on the weekends. They have a wide range of your standard breakfast foods on the menu. Breakfast is served all day so I've never ordered anything off of the lunch menu, but it's available if you feel so inclined. The coffee keeps coming.

    Chicken Breast with Coleslaw and fries.
    Angela S.

    We loved the local diner feel. Service was super fast and for the prices-- the quality was amazing! Definitely has a regular crowd and reputation for home-cooked meals in a jiffy.

    Cinnamon Roll
    Isabella K.

    Cottage Cafe isn't fine dining by any means, but it's a delicious greasy spoon diner with fantastic service. Every time I've gone to Cottage Cafe, it's been packed. However, they turn the tables over quickly, so I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes. The pancakes, eggs, and bacon are exactly what you'd expect from this type of restaurant -- yummy, but nothing special. But the cinnamon roll...you've GOT to get it. It is, hands down, the best cinnamon roll I have ever had in my life. As for why I'm taking off one star, it's because I'm not blown away by the quality or originality of the menu. Also, the dining area itself is a little uninspired. Nonetheless, I'll be back at Cottage Cafe in the future.

    Walleye & eggs

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    2 months ago

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    Lindsay F.

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    Lindsay F.

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    4 months ago

    Solid old school breakfast, tasty. Staff know their serving game. Jovial and satisfying for All Madisonians and visitors.

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    3 years ago

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    5 months ago

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    Lindsay F.

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    9 months ago

    Always good food at a reasonable price. We eat there often. Good soup and daily specials.

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    10 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Went for a late brunch, but breakfast was all day. Food had large portions and delicious. Great prices! Waitress and staff were friendly!

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    This is a bright, welcoming, beautifully decorated and spacious coffee shop that also sells ice…read morecream, baked treats, real meals, and has ice cold cans of Diet Coke!!!! The staff was exceptionally friendly and made us feel like regulars, even on my first ever visit. I didn't order a meal, but they offer a full menu, plus the baked goods looked delicious. There are art and pottery for sale, made by local artists and a young potter. I picked up two pieces of pottery, for a great price. The art was out of my budget, but was truly stunning! I wish there was a Java Cat in every town. So lucky to have found it on my visit to Madison last weekend. I'll definitely return!!

    A cozy nook we visited for lunch while passing through town. Not too far off the freeway, it was a…read morehome-cooked, convenient place for lunch. We split a club sandwich and Husband added a cup of broccoli cheddar to his order and I added a monster cookie. The sandwich was delicious. Fresh ingredients and lightly toasted. The monster cookie was delish as well. So fresh and chewy. You order at the counter then find your table and chat til they call your name to pick up your order. The place was packed. With a home dining room vibe, there were tables spread out throughout the area. Parking is rather limited but several parked across the street. Great stop.

    Photos
    Inside: more seating not shown. Store is shapes in an "L" shape. (I used AI to remove customers for their privacy)
    Inside: more seating not shown. Store is shapes in an "L" shape. (I used AI to remove customers for their privacy)
    Art
    Art
    Outside

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    Outside

    Cottage Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated August 2026

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