Conference Photos

Coffee, Cocktails and Conversation

Madison has a well-deserved reputation as a lively party town for college students, but it also has plenty to offer people looking for a quiet place to have a cocktail or coffee and a conversation. Here are some recommendations (in alphabetical order) in the area close to Monona Terrace. This list will be available by request at the Registration/Information desk during the conference.

Ancora Coffee Roasters (Description)
112 King St
255-0285
315 W. Gorham (in Canterbury Booksellers)
441-9917
Cozy fireplace at King St location if it's chilly. Delicious coffee and bakery.

Blue Velvet
430 W. Gilman
250-9900
A little close to the student bar scene but the stunning neon 50s décor makes it worth the risk. Lovely martinis.

The Edgewater
666 Wisconsin Ave
256-9071
The cocktail lounge overlooks a different lake, Mendota, for a change of pace. Weather permitting, try drinks on the pier watching the sunset.

Electric Earth Cafe (Description)
546 W Washington
255-2310
Soups and sandwiches are on the menu at this electric blue-painted, ultra casual coffeehouse. A bit off the beaten track, but a nice tree-lined walk from the convention center.

Ground Zero (Description)
744 Williamson St
294-8668
A few blocks down Williamson St and you're in a different world from the Capitol Square.

Java Escafe (Description)
14 W. Mifflin St
213-0109
Offering cyber-cafe services, along with sandwiches and other light fare, this coffee shop is on the square near the top of State St.

Kennedy Manor (Description)
1 Langdon St
256-5556
The Art Deco décor makes you feel as though Noel Coward could well be sitting at the next table. Lovely martinis here too.

L'Etoile Market Cafe (Description)
25 N. Pinckney St
251-2700
Possibly the best pastries you will ever eat.

Michaelangelos Coffee House (Description)
114 State St
251-5299
"The place to be seen" while sipping coffee on State Street. A good mix of studying students and lively conversation.

Mother Fools Coffeehouse (Description)
1101 Williamson St.
259-1301
Deep in the land of Willy St.

A Room of One's Own
307 W. Johnson
257-7888
The coffee shop is within the feminist bookstore.

Steep and Brew (Description)
544 State St
256-2902
Steep and Brew was a coffee house long before the Starbucks creatures were even born.

White Horse Inn (Description)
202 N. Henry
255-9933
Happy hour can be noisy but quiet cocktails are possible after that.