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    The Library Cafe & Bar

    3.8 (61 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    The Library Cafe & Bar Photos

    Business Info

    THE LIBRARY CAFE & BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - The Library Cafe & Bar

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    Cajun burger
    Sho R.

    I took out lunch on a weekday. Cajun burger was my item. Food was ready in about 10 minutes. It was a good burger, though it wasn't as spicy or flavorful as I was expecting it to be.

    two plates of food and a drink

    I wish I didn't wait until senior year before trying this place. Great food and drinks, and not overpriced. Staff if always friendly too. Easy to stop by when you're on campus.

    The Best Turkey Sandwich ever--NOT!!!!!
    Michelle F.

    The Library is one of several iterations that this location has gone through since I've been at the university. It offers upscale bar food, which I've usually found to be pretty good. It's funky and cool on the inside, with a good beer selection, an odd assortment of tables and chairs, and boasting actual books. It does tend toward crowded and noisy at peak hours. All that being said, my experience today somewhat soured my opinion of The Library. First, I would suggest that you sit in the patio area ONLY IF: 1.) You are fond of bees. 2.) You enjoy eating lunch within spitting distance of the Indy 500. 3.) You think it's cool to watch little bugs boiling gently in your beer as you slowly roast in a 150 degree oven. (Umbrellas would be a good idea.) Second, anyone who has read my recent ecstatic ravings about the smoked turkey sandwich at Brasserie V can appreciate that the bar in the turkey sandwich arena has been set very high. So I can speak with confidence when I say that The Library's Best Turkey Sandwich Ever was...not. Not even in the ballpark. To whit: 1) the turkey was cut thickly, but lacked the wonderful smokiness of B. V's offering. 2) I generally like my grilled sandwiches to be hot on the inside, and this was not even warm enough to melt the cheese. 3) The overwhelming mayo was gagifying. 4) Most distressingly, I opened my sandwich to see the inner workings, and I was greeted by a couple of chunks of turkey that were clearly not cooked. Please pass the salmonella? Not best ever. Not even good. DISGUSTING. Gross sandwich aside, the Cajun fries were screw-it-I'm-going-to-be-fat-and-happy awesomely good. The Library is a nice little hangout, and I'm sure I will be back for the odd after-work beer--but sans turkey sandwich.

    Caesar salad.
    Tracy C.

    I've been twice, but I'm still not a big fan of the library. The cheese curds and fried pickles are pretty good, but my main dishes have always left me feeling like I could get a better meal elsewhere for the price. Maybe it is because I ordered salads on both visits, and the salads just seemed "thrown together".

    Jerks

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    6 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Tuesday night trivia is pretty awesome but I'm also. Also really chill with me being picky as hell autism style.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Fast service, good coffee and excellent sandwiches. Ate lunch with colleagues before the holidays

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    3 years ago

    Great food, service and vibes. Odd location but it's part of its quirks. Lots of grad students

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    4 years ago

    love the vibes of this place and the drinks/food/coffee are all really good too. staff is super nice as well.

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    Ask the Community - The Library Cafe & Bar

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    Atico Lounge - Pina Callada

    Atico Lounge

    4.2(10 reviews)
    1.9 miWilliamson - Marquette

    Wow, I had no idea this place existed until a friend mentioned it. Madison is such a great place…read morefor a rooftop experience given that our buildings are generally lower than the Capitol and it is a lovely focal point. Alas, we have so few, and I'm so excited this concept opened! I came on a fall/winter evening, but definitely would love to come back in sunny outdoor weather. On the top floor of the Moxy hotel, Atico serves up a really lovely array of Mexican and Mexican-themed foods. They've got some really elevated entree options, but also have a host of street tacos. While their menu is a bit pricey (some were actually outrageous), the happy hour specials they had listed on the table were a great deal -- definitely would love to come back here for happy hour. I ordered 2 al pastor street tacos and a carne asada street taco. They're nicely sized and are decently full with meat. Onion and cilantro tops them off just like a street taco should be. I thought they were pretty tasty. I didn't love that the pineapple in the al pastor was chopped on top and was served cold (the pineapple, not the meat), but I still ate every ounce of both my tacos, so take my complaint with a grain of salt. My margarita was also good, I appreciated that they were willing to make it "up" instead of "on the rocks." Our server was very accommodating and able to answer questions. Overall, I don't know that the food is worth the price, but it would definitely be worth it on a rare occasion to enjoy the rooftop ambiance. The happy hour also solves for this conundrum. So, I'd certainly like to be back to Atico.

    I stopped here for a cocktail with a few friends right when it opened and I had a great experience!…read moreThe service was friendly and they were accommodating and knowledgeable. I haven't had any of their food but the drinks are always great here. They have an extensive menu. The space inside is beautiful and I love the bright fun colors! I would love to try their food before a show at the Sylvee or Breese Stevens as it's located in a prime spot on east wash.

    Photos
    Atico Lounge - Cute vibes inside and lots of tables

    Cute vibes inside and lots of tables

    Atico Lounge - Carne Asada and Al Pastor Street Tacos

    Carne Asada and Al Pastor Street Tacos

    Atico Lounge - Filet & Scallops (3/5)

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    Filet & Scallops (3/5)

    Cask & Ale

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    4.2(77 reviews)
    1.0 miCapitol
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    Another first-time experience in Madison, and this spot came highly recommended if you're a true…read morewhiskey or bourbon lover, and wow it did NOT disappoint! It happened to be near the theatre we went to, so we decided to stop in and check it out. They have nearly 775 different types of whiskey to choose from, which is wild! I loved that they offer different ounce sizes so you can sample a few, and they even pair it with water so you stay hydrated while tasting (smart touch). Price ranges between ~$7.50-$20.00+. The place had a cozy, lounge-like vibe and was pretty busy, but the staff was friendly and helpful. It's first come first served for seating, just like any bar. We sampled a few whiskeys and also tried their premade espresso martini. The whiskey selection was phenomenal, the espresso martini was decent, not the best I've had (it was premade), but still enjoyable (it's made with Tito's, which isn't my favorite base, but I appreciate the fresh coffee beans they used). All in all, this place is a hidden gem. Great whiskey, friendly staff, and the perfect cozy spot to escape the rain for a while. I'll definitely be back next time to try even more from their list!

    The perfect chill spot for a couple, if you need a cozy booth with dim lighting & good cocktails…read morethis is it! We also loved that the football game was on and it wasn't too loud. It's intimate and the drinks are fire. We stuck with the classic old fashioned and felt they were strong and well crafted - thank you for a true luxardo cherry too! We ordered at the bar but chilled in a booth. So many whiskey options!!! Service is friendly & quick!

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    Cask & Ale
    Cask & Ale
    Cask & Ale

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    The Library Cafe & Bar - coffee - Updated May 2026

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