Happy New Year! It’s winter in Wisconsin and the days are long but daylight is short. What do you do when you need to get out of the house and you want to meet a friend for a cup of hot chocolate, tea or coffee? Or would like to read a book with peace and quiet in a cozy nook that is not your sofa, where your family demands you every second of your free time? Somewhere you would simply like to have a nice conversation with a friend-where do you go in Madison? We found the TOP 10 cozy spots and we will tell you why …
Any coffee shop is often times nice, has your favorite beverage and pastries, and has a spot to charge your laptop. But we found a couple of local coffee shops that have comfy chairs, sofas and a fireplace to warm-up and feel like home. Comfy and cozy at the same time. Our top favorites are:
- Collectivo Coffee Shop, 2530 Monroe Street, Madison
& - Firefly Coffee House, 114 N. Main Str., Oregon
When it comes to absolute cozy-ness, try this establishment which is super unique combining books, a bar and a coffee shop in one. Where else can you read at the bar and drink a cocktail or browse for a book with a coffee in your hand? Whether you are diving into a novel or enjoying a beverage with your friend, Leopold’s is a must to try as your next cozy retreat.
- Leopold’s, 1301 Regent Str., Madison
When it comes to cozy and a soothing vibe, the Weary Traveler is a great place to check out, plus it’s been in Madison for a long time. The place features a “vintage hideaway’ with cozy lighting, eclectic decor and comfortable seating. It’s recommended to read or work on late afternoons, early evenings and then meet friends for a casual drink or bite to eat. It’s definitely a perfect place to feel cozy in the winter.
- Weary Traveler Firehouse, 1201 Williamson Str., Madison
Get cozy by the fire! Located in the heart of downtown Madison, discover the Edgewater Hotel with its Icehouse, an ice rink overlooking Lake Mendota to skate and inside and outside fireplaces (fee) to feel cozy, enjoy a beverage or a hot pizza with a friend or relax with a book. It doesn’t have to be expensive to enjoy a cozy nook at this absolutely beautiful hotel we call our own.
- The Edgewater Hotel, 1001 Wisconsin Place, Madison
It was a special outing during the pandemic but this place still has them: The “winter globe”! Cafe Hollander at Hilldale, Madison offers a few seasonal heated domes for cozy, private outdoor dining, featuring heat, fresh air, and absolutely cozy-ness. With a blanket and a hot beverage, this is the perfect place to meet a friend and talk. We recommend to call ahead to make a reservation (fee).
- Cafe Hollander, 701 Hilldale Way, Madison
Where else could you go that is not your own office or living room to sit cozy by the fire and work or read? Exactly, our own university. Check out the Wisconsin Union, Rathkeller which is also called “the living room of the campus”. It offers murals and fireplaces and ample seating to read, work or have a chat with a friend. It’s really cozy and right by the lake. It’s a top address for warmth and atmosphere for sure.
- The Rathkeller, 800 Langdon Str., Madison
Check out this gem of downtown Madison with a view of the Capitol. Lucille’s offers a cozy bar experience with comfortable seating to meet a friend or be solo enjoying a drink while reading a book. Lucille has a unique, vintage LL lounge built in a former bank vault from 1920 with velvet seating, offering great cocktails and amazing pizzas.
- Lucille Restaurant and Bar, 101 King Str. Madison
Now check out Madison’s neighborhood taproom for coffee, cocktails and craft beers. Stay a while and feel at home at this cozy place. Get there early and save yourself a spot to read or work on your laptop. Forward Craft is known for its relaxed vibe and varied seating, including couches, ample outlets, and a quiet atmosphere.
- Forward Craft and Coffee, 2166 Atwood Ave., Madison
Do you look for a cozy lounge with plenty of different nooks and spaces that reminds you of your own house? Check out Gib’s bar. Gib’s is a craft cocktail bar built into a two-story Victorian house in the Willy Street neighborhood. Offering a charming, relaxing environment to enjoy a drink and conversation with friends. When you get hungry, you order a pizza from next door’s Grandpa’s Pizzeria.
- Gib’s Bar, 1380 Williamson Str., Madison
Lastly, of course we wanted to point out a couple of our favorite and most cozy libraries. Check out Verona’s Public Library with its reading room, featuring a private and quiet atmosphere with a cozy fireplace. It’s the perfect place to study, read or work outside your office or home.
- Verona Public Library, 500 Silent Street, Verona
And of course, visit our Madison Public Library with its lots of different locations. If you have the time, grab a good book or your laptop and spend some hours at the newest beautiful downtown location right by the Capitol Square. When it gets warmer, people particularly love the third-floor patio for sunny reading with city views, plus you will find ample possibilities, comfortable chairs and reading nooks throughout the library.
- Madison Public Library, 201 W. Mifflin Str., Madison
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