Somehow this place has the best atmosphere for reading or drawing solo, meeting up with friends for a hang out, studying, a date night, or just grabbing a drink all in one awesome place. It is so cute and aesthetically pleasing, with a wonderful book section to browse, a bar (with outlets) and cozy couch or table seating. The refillable tea is a great play, and they are one of the only places in town with a solid Vietnamese iced coffee--and they are open late, with the bar and cafe running until midnight every day! read more

MATCHA -7.5/10 AMBIANCE/BADDIES -9/10 SERVICE-8/10 I ordered an iced matcha latte with oatmilk as always and it was pretty good! Very solid! The energy of this place is great It used to be one of my fav doughnut places as a kid The workers are nice and the design and aesthetic was great! read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - ICED OATMILK MATCHA LATTE - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

We really enjoy the trendy vibe of Leopoldo's and if you hit em at happy hour they have featured and discounted craft cocktails. We ordered oyster and cocktails this stop and everything was so delicious. Friendly and attentive service and the aesthetic couldn't be cooler. Who doesn't love a bookstore. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

This is a very unique spot to grab some coffee or alcohol and look around a cute bookshop! I like that the coffee shop also operates as a bar, and you even order that way. It has kind of a retro feel and very fun ambiance. I got an affogato and it was incredible! I believe they make their own gelato to use in it, and they also make their own flavor syrups. I got the seasonal banana bread syrup in it and it was so tasty! The baristas/bartenders were very friendly and accommodating, and drinks were made pretty quickly. The bookstore section is nice as well, with a small selection of books and pretty typical prices, but it's fun to look around. I like that they include handwritten recommendations from employees at the front. read more

See all

I love everything about this place. Coffee, alcohol, books, and vibes (and sometimes live music). What else could you ask for???

Fun vibe but absolutely packed and I had to wait at least 15 minutes at the bar to get a coffee, non-alcoholic mule, and slice of tiramisu for my date. Date found a seat in the corner at a small table, but we were too far apart to talk so I just kept waving, like "Still waiting, I'll come back at some point". The bartender took my order but was making other's drinks and running back to cash out people buying books, then came back and I reminded her of my order. Perhaps they were understaffed, but there were 3 bartenders and also someone over by the books, so maybe it is just always this chaotic on a Friday night? I wasn't able to get anything to eat as the 3 desserts were super dairy-heavy, and the food items are pretty weird old-school stuff like nuts, olives, pimento dip and deviled eggs. Not my jam. So I just got a non-alcoholic cocktail, which was fine but too sweet. Date liked his coffee and tiramisu. We didn't stay long though, just too loud and crowded. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I absolutely love this spot. It has such a warm, inviting energy that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. The mix of cozy seating, great music, and shelves of books gives it a really fun personality without feeling overdone. I've tried both their cocktails and their coffee, and everything has been delicious. The coffee is smooth and flavorful, and the cocktails are well balanced and worth the price. Even when it's busy, the atmosphere still feels relaxed in the best way. My friend and I had a great time wandering around the space after our drinks, and it's definitely a place I can see myself coming back to for anything from a casual night out to a slow weekend morning. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Leopold is my favorite place in Madison! What a cool concept of having both coffee and alcoholic drinks. All the drinks are so delicious and the ambience is so inviting. Seatings are limited in the evening but it is a fun spot to hang out, grab a drink, or just chill. I came here during the morning to work and it was quiet. I returned in the evening and the place is so lively. All the drink prices are reasonable. My friends and I love Leopold and we can't wait to come back. read more

See all

love the vibe and ambiance but always crowded and a bit performative. love the late hours to study tho. espresso martini love read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Leopold's Book Bar & Cafe is a Greenbush neighborhood mainstay where you may browse for a book with a coffee or adult beverage in hand. Leopold's Book Bar & Cafe is a night-owl-friendly mix of bookstore, bar, and coffee shop. I came around 7 p.m. on the suggestion of the gal I was meeting, and the place was absolutely packed--so much so that we basically had to stalk potential departures for seats while later others did the same for ours. Drinks are ordered at the bar, so you have to squeeze in. I never really got to relax and browse the bookstore as we opted to get out after one drink. Note parking is limited, so you will have to find a spot in the neighborhood. All that said, it's a clever, vibrant spot, but I'm giving 4 stars because I prefer being served and able to settle in without the scramble. read more

Very cute spot. Loved the vibes ambiance aesthetic. Very friendly staff. Tiramisu was good . Also really liked the French blonde drink. Sweet and not too strong. Hot chocolate was yummy too read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Tiramisu, hot chocolate, French blonde - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Great vibe, staff, and the cocktails were amazing. Cool atmosphere and the staff was friendly. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

4.5 stars!! This place has such a cool mixed vibe. I've been here a few times and have really enjoyed the drinks I've ordered. I also love their downstairs space. Some friends and I used it for a birthday celebration. Such a unique spot on recent street! Only took a half star off for not having sugar free syrups! read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Iced latte - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

Friendly, warm cozy spot. Great little collection of books. Yummy tacos. Wonderful selection of beers. A gem of a place.

Took 1/2 hr to check out because of the crush at the coffee bar, since there book store computer was not working.

w/ buddies (cf, tc, nk) Love the atmosphere, matcha is not flavorful enough though. The Cherry Vanilla Matcha tasted good but I could only taste the cherry with a little bit of vanilla. I think the Midwest matcha is just not for me because right now I'm 0/3. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Matcha Latte - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

My last night in WI, so we went out to try everything my son wanted me to try and haven't had time to - they have been telling me about this place - a book store, cafe and bar! The place didn't disappoint, with the uniqueness. We already had food elsewhere, so came here for drinks. The drinks was good. I ordered an old fashioned and it was nicely done. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Love this place!!! Fun cocktails for holidays and good coffee!! Food is ok but the ambience is awesome.

This is the coziest most adorable bar I've been to. I love the inside. It's so unique and quaint!!! My friend recommended I get an espresso martini since they're good here, so I did. Turns out I'm not a martini gal, but the people in my group that do like martinis said they were good so don't listen to be me lol. They have a bunch of drinks available and all of them look delicious. Truly I just loved the inside of the bar. Being able to browse books while sipping was a fantastic experience. I will definitely try to come back next time I'm in town! read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

5 stars for me just based on vibes!! i absolutely love coming to leopold's to browse books, get a coffee, and enjoy the ambience. this time i tried the pandan latte and it was really tasty! i expected it to have espresso in it, but i don't think it did, still it was quite good if you like pandan :) the vietnamese iced coffee was very light, normally i'm used to viet iced coffee being super strong and super sweet, but this was actually very light and pleasant--not what i was expecting but also not mad! whether you're coming to chat with a friend, read a book, or do work, leopolds is a great place to be :) read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - vietnamese iced coffee, pandan latte - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Love this place. Books and great coffee, what more could you ask for? I love the old school espresso machine!

This is the cutest book store bar cafe. We popped over after lunch nearby. Two of us got espresso martinis and one a flat white. The drinks were great and so pretty. The books are beautifully displayed. There is a variety of seating from a few couches to tables, a large bar, outdoor seating and what looked to be a cool downstairs area available by reservation called the book nook. I would make this a stop if you're in the area. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - I love the bar napkin and the beauty that is the espresso martini - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Dropped in after a walking tour of the nearby Greenbush neighborhood for a drink. The place was hopping on a Thursday. The bookstore in front is small with a nice bar and a few tables squeezed in the back of the building. Next door is a new Italian restaurant. This place reminds me of a small version of a place in the DuPont Circle area of Washington DC. We just had a drink at the bar and we did not really look at what they might have had for food. There is a hip fun vibe and the high drink prices go with the territory. Not sure if we would frequent this place but I can see why it is popular. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Prosecco - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Nature is loved by what is best in us is a wonderful quote by Emerson. I'd modify that quote and say bookstores are loved by what is best in us. But there is the ever worrisome trend that bookstores are disappearing. The warm, wholesome ones. Thankfully, bookstores are evolving. Like Leopold's (which make me think of King Leopold, but not holding it against them that King Leopold was a terrible person). The wine, the cocktails, coffee, the connection to delicious Italian food in the SAME building. I think I'd regularly show up here for a cocktail or coffee, read for an hour or two and then grab some dinner. In a world tht always needs books, Leopold's is prevailing. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Wine and books! - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

I lucked out and was able to get a spot at the bar before it got busy. I love seeing people bring their books to read here. Lots of great options between beer, wine, cocktails and coffee. The two bartenders had a great flow and were on top of everything when it did get busy. Unique atmosphere bringing people together. read more

See all

Came for date night. It's a fun concept to combine a bookstore and bar. In practice I don't know if anyone is really perusing the books. It does get loud in the bar area. They have tea options for those who don't drink which is nice. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Matcha - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

You've heard of "coffee shop" workspaces and reading room vibes, but what about the night life version? Enter: Leopold's. My friend brought me here to celebrate finishing my PhD and a particularly difficult semester. I had heard of Leopold's before, but wow, I fell in love! This is the coolest place in Madison for a great drink. We were served by the loveliest person who had also just finished school and chatted with us, being engaging, kind, and recommending the best drinks. There is also a "dark academia" vibe inside that is worth just soaking in. People meet to chat, to read, but it wasn't a laptop work environment, which I really loved. I will go back just to read and sip! They have books available, so why not?? Bring a journal and a book, order a fun cocktail and enjoy yourself. read more

Books, coffee and sweat treats all in one! Coffee and the sweat treats here are amazing! Service is friendly and fast! Such a cute spot downtown! Would definitely come back here! read more

Nice spot right outside of downtown Madison. Drink menu includes mocktails (even though my Garden Tour was more ice than drink). What I love most about this bookstore bar is the cataloging of the books by geographical location throughout most of the shelves - very creative. Will return! read more

Cute little bookstore/coffee shop! And right near the water, a great place to stop with a book and sit and relax! read more

See all

Leopold's is one of my favorite bars in Madison. Although it is small and can be crowded, it is a great place to visit with friends or to complete work. Their cocktails are always beautiful and delicious but I also love their tea deal. They give you an entire pot of tea for only $5. The staff is friendly and I recommend going on the earlier end of the night to get optimal seating! Definitely will be back. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Perfect spot to get coffee, pick out a new book, study, or grab a late night drink. Leopold's is a multipurpose spot that fits the needs of many, day or night. Great bartenders/baristas, fast service, and cozy ambiance - You can't go wrong with Leopold's. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Espresso Martini - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I was there on a weekday evening. The place was not too crowded. I loved the vibe of this place. There were books available to read. I didn't take any books though. I went wit a pandan iced tea. A lot of others were having the same thing. It had a slight pandan flavor, not too strong. It was a different flavor of tea from what I generally have. And a good one to try. I took a pistacho torte as well. I liked it. Overall this place is good for its ambiance. A lot of people were working on their laptops. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Pistachio torte - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

Great selection. Enjoyed the experience. Had fun with my mom. Really need to reassess requirement of 85 characters.

Great light and ambiance, killer drink menu, kind bartender, and a fun adventurous menu that didn't feel like the restaurant was overstretching its competencies. I got deviled eggs which felt creative, well priced, and most importantly very tasty. Can't recommend d enough! read more

Leopold's is such a cool spot! The space is small and cozy. I love their old school bar. We came in the evening and there wasn't much seating available. We sat up at the bar for drinks which was fun. They have bar seating, some tables, and a couch/lounge area. After our drinks it was fun to look around their book shelves. Love their concept! I had the St. Germain Spritz. It was delicious! It came in a large glass and the flavor was perfect. It was worth the $13. They have great music and a relaxing atmosphere, it truly has that friendly neighborhood vibe. There is a parking lot which makes it easy and it's connected to Fabiola's Spaghetti House & Deli which I want to try next time! read more

See all

I've heard good things so I was excited to come check this place out. Seating is minimal and tight inside. This place is unique in that you can order coffee, beer, cocktails, etc. during the evenings and then browse the small book shop. One major thing that frustrated me was the service we received, with an emphasis in regards to tipping. And yes, we tip. First, it took forever to put in our drink order - it felt like we were getting skipped if the employee recognized a friendly face. One employee finally took our drink order, served our beer on an already used cocktail napkin, and a different employee grabbed the cash tip away from right underneath me - before I even pushed it forward. This interaction came off as incredibly entitled. Later in the evening, I asked for another drink (literally 1 canned beer) and when I paid with cash, I wasn't given any change - umm... ok? And before you think "why didn't you just ask for it?" - that employee took my money and walked away from me, avoiding eye contact. Like damn, are the employees not being paid enough? Overall, this gets a ~generous~ 3 stars: 1.5/5 service, 2.5/5 beverages, 3.5/5 ambiance. From my observations, you'll get the star treatment if you're friends with someone who's working; if you don't know anyone, good luck. This was such a disappointing experience. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - chai - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

See all

stopped in for a coffee before waiting in line at el wiscorican and WOW! we sat at the bar which was pretty open, i got an iced latte and my fiancee got a cortado - both were AMAZING, and we also got 2 breakfast shots because why not. if we had more time, i would have loved to look around at the books. the ambiance was great - reminded me of a caffe in italy - and the music choice was perfect for a saturday morning. i could see this place getting busy, so i'd recommend being mindful of that. service was also phenomenal. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - iced vanilla latte. - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This place has figured out its vibe and it executes it well. Beware! You'll find many a friendly hipster here! You can peruse the book store while your mulleted friend with ripped Bermuda jorts orders at the bar. What do they order? Only a "Matcha Highball" using the only Highball machine in WI. If you didn't know highball, is champaignized whiskey. Blew my mind too. It's delicious. All of their cocktails I highly recommend. They are pricier $12+ a drink, but the vibes here are immaculate. They have live jazz occasionally outside, and they'll pass around blankets when it gets cold. SO COZY! TLDR; bring bae here! Bring the whole crew here! Or bring yourself and a mind ready to read. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Immaculate vibes - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Really amazing vibes with the book store, bar and coffee shop. The drinks are always good and the staff are always friendly and helpful. It is a great place to work or meet a friend of a drink or to find your next reading adventure. read more

Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin