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    Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe

    4.5 (100 reviews)
    Open 2:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe Photos

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    Matcha affogato and affogato with banana bread syrup
    Alyssa M.

    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.

    Susie D.

    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.

    Navatnie E.

    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.

    Holiday cappuccino
    Stephanie L.

    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.

    Tiramisu, hot chocolate, French blonde
    Christine M.

    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

    Raymond S.

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

    Iced latte
    Aurora A.

    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!

    Clara l.

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

    Megan M.

    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!

    Matcha Latte
    Chiana C.

    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.

    Josie T.

    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.

    Prosecco
    PJ C.

    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.

    vietnamese iced coffee, pandan latte
    Maddie T.

    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 :)

    I love the bar napkin and the beauty that is the espresso martini

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    21 days ago

    Great coffee and great atmosphere! Would definitely go back here next time I'm in town.

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    5 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    2 months ago

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

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    6 months ago

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

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 months ago

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

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    3 months ago

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

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    6 months ago

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

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    6 months ago

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

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    1 year ago

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    Ask the Community - Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe

    Review Highlights - Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe

    The espresso martini had expresso beans in the drink which was a beautiful garnish (also tasted pretty good!).

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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