The food is delicious. I got the curry chicken sandwich. Probably need a disclaimer that it's a bit spicy! We also got the egg salad BLT which was phenomenal with a generous portion of egg salad. And we got a Cobb salad which was solid. Only reason this was a 4 instead of a 5 - nobody came to check on us or refill water after we got the food. And the food took a while to come out. And we had to wait quite a while after we finished eating to flag someone down to get the check. Understandable given it was a gorgeous Saturday of a holiday weekend. There's great outdoor seating, although limited table space. There's a line to sit outside most days. read more

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Stopped in finally to try this place. For a Monday we were shocked at how busy it was! Waited 40 minutes for a seat inside but we did have time to walk around and read book reviews. The food was very good and surprisingly since they are working in such a small kitchen. The clientele leaves a bit to be desired a lot of people just seem rude and also sat at their tables way too long and not considerate knowing so many people were waiting to be seated but not much you can do about that. Our waitress was nice and took out order pretty promptly but after that we never saw her or anyone again. Still I would eat there again read more

RJ Cafe & Bistro - Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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Stopped here with a for a bite to eat. This place very much reminded me of a place in Springfield, MA called Nosh where everything looked to be prepared from scratch. I had the fig flatbread, friend had the mango salad. Both were equally good. One note, if you are sitting outside and the umbrellas are up, be cautious if there is wind, they will fall over and hit you or the table next to you. Thankfully I was ok and our server knocked off our drinks from our tab. read more

RJ Cafe & Bistro - Sandwiches Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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Throwback to when we would come here on a monthly basis to enjoy a great read and some special curated coffee. It's good to be back!! Service as always is excellent as are their drinks. Try the Iced Oreo Latte or Honey Lavender Latte - yum! read more

I always wanted to visit the bookstore but never knew they have a small cafe in the back. My daughter didn't had any breakfast that day and I can always find a good excuse to try a new place, so we decided to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised. Staff was super nice and friendly, they greeted us right away. They had a menu for Valentine's Day and looked so good we decided to try 2 drinks and share a breakfast sandwich. Our coffee drinks were very good, I had a hot mocha and my daughter opted for an iced special. Our California sandwich had boiled egg and a spicy spread with apple slices on the side. I will definitely come back or take something to go on my way to the beach! read more

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Who doesn't love a local bookstore & cafe? This place has the best vibes, and I love the variety. The staff are patient and helpful, and I never walk out empty-handed. They lure shoppers with the beautifully up-kept outside and a colorful spread of books under $10. I didn't eat at the cafe this time, but we did try their violet lemonade special - so good! There are two public bathrooms, a clearance section, and lots of free street parking. Overall, it's just a fun experience and caters to every kind of reader. read more

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After hearing about this in place behind the bookstore, I figured I'd give it a try. Doesn't disappoint in quality, but a tad small. The food here is delicious, albeit a little pricey. Got a red clever cupcake, and it had to be the best cupcake I've ever had. It was about $5, but the cupcake was large and extremely rich in filling and cream topping. Very good and definitely worth the price. Came here with another person and they agreed their cupcake was also excellent. Though the price may seem daunting, don't let it discourage you from having a good time here. The service here was very nice, with the staff polite, quick, and skilled. They were nice to other patrons as well as myself. They seemed a bit rushed, but it was a busy day and didn't affect my experience. The ambiance was good, but not great. It was small, as is the venue in general with little seating both in and outside. Inside, it was a bit noisy, with the sound of patrons and music being a bit too much for me; I had my meal out and around the corner at a bench which was nice. Will come here again when I want to treat myself and overall had a very pleasant experience read more

RJ Cafe & Bistro - Red Velvet Cupcake - Sandwiches Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

My family enjoyed a lovely summer luncheon outdoors today. We shared the patio's space of umbrella covered tables with well-mannered, reserved guests and cool breezes. Lobster salad BLT was today's special which was fresh, ample and delicious. Warm, attentive service was provided by Maeve and Grace enhancing our overall experience. Well done! read more

Pretty good coffee and great ambiance! I got the pumpkin pie latte and it was good but kinda wanted more pumpkin flavor.

I got a mocha on a dreary day and it woke me right up! Pretty standard mocha. I also tried their cinnamon scone and wasn't disappointed. They have a full menu and expanded to back patio seating too. I'm always going to love a full cafe on top of a cute bookstore. It's an adorable spot to meet a friend. read more

I've been going here for years and would only buy a book here. 10 plus in variety of books, personal assistance, lunch bistro, menu, and location in a quaint town! The authors and book signings never cease to amaze me. Perfect way to spend your day alone or bring a new friend to introduce them to this store, originally a pub! I could go on and on! read more

Obsessed with the food here. The chai has personally saved my life on more than one occasion. Plenty of milk options for alts, I go with oat milk! Grilled cheese? Amazing. Caprese? Excellent. Tuna melt? Divine. I have yet to have something bad here. read more

The food was delicious and nicely prepared. You have to try their desserts too; the freshly baked scones are fantastic. The service was very good and the staff is very friendly. I love the quaint atmosphere of the café. The restaurant is very clean. There is plenty of parking in the street or the back of the stores. It was very nice to visit the book store connected with it and walk around the town after. read more

Delicious food healthy options all in a charming bistro to eat! Absolutely love it here!

FUN!!! We enjoyed the local feel of the bookstore and the food was delicious and SO WELL PRICED!!!! Maybe I'm just used to insane Westchester and NYC prices but this place has it down. Wonderful outdoor space. read more

Quaint atmosphere. Delicious food. Quenching Drinks. Located in bookstore. Clean kitchen. Friendly staff. Cobb salad so good. Caprese Panini also good. Easy ordering. Order online for pick up. In and out quick. Can stay long time if desired. Highly recommend. read more

Love this cafe. Always a go to for my kids and I! Amazing coffee, good food, and awesome customer service. read more

Tucked away in back of the RJ Julia booksellers is a quaint little coffee and tea store that serves muffins, scones and to our surprise - lunch! Service is very attentive and efficient. I am always pleased to see a tea menu but when I ask the tea to be steeped when the water is hot when first poured I do get disappointed when the tea bag comes separate and the water now less than hot...The food is fair - not bad not great but its homey and pleasant and makes the visit to the book store complete. The tuna salad was a little light but tasty - make sure you ask if they can toast and the Quessadilla tasty but the steak wasway over cooked. Salad looked good and will try those next time. read more

Always a good place to grab a light meal or snack between lunch and dinner. Ordered the Ava ado toast with goat cheese and honey. And a cappuccino. Partner ordered Ava ado toast with egg and cucumber and a pomegranate iced tea. $20 total. Good to top off and then a quick walk at the beach to set yourself for dinner at 6:30! read more

Wanted to go out to lunch when visiting a friend who just relocated to Madison. She can walk to town from her condo. She suggested the bookstore. What? Well, this is the quaintest bookstore in America. And out back they have a cafe (indoor and outdoor seating) adorable! We sat under a tree! Norman Rockwell, this is your next painting. Tasty pesto mozzarella panini and massive lunch salads (hers with lovely nuts and cheese.) Great service. But this picturesque experience...Madison Conn is the epitome of unpretentious yet truly posh Americana. Lunch price here...very reasonable...about $10 per meal. Gorgeous baked goods which we looked at! Then go walk to the Green and check out Madison's pretty sound beaches. read more

The sandwiches and panini's are awesome- I frequent this place often and the food is good the staff friendly and outside patio very comfortable. read more

Delicious food, but waitstaff are, well, clueless. 3 young women working, 2 tables occupied and we had to ask her to bring our plates, which sat ready for several minutes while she puttered around. Never offered my husband a refill on coffee. They need better training, and the food on the floor in the food prep are isn't too appetizing either. Yes, they've gone downhill . So sad. read more

I wish I would've yelped this cafe before trying. Oh well, we were starving at the time. A sign out front signaled that there was a Cafe & Bistro in the bookstore calling it "Madison's Hidden Gem". They wish. While the interior was cute and the menu appetizing, our experience was most unpleasant. At 7:00 they stop serving food and switch to coffee and dessert only. An elderly man tried to place his order right after us, but was denied even though it was only 7:01 (I checked). In a sickly sweet, false voice she tried telling him that they were no longer serving food. At this point we couldn't believe what was happening and I think they noticed our stares of disapproval, so they took his order. After waiting upwards of 25 minutes for three paninis, our food arrived. The sandwiches were surprisingly good. We especially enjoyed their artichoke spread. The problem was the service. Our waitress was apathetic and couldn't be bothered to do her job. I'm not sure that she realizes she's a waitress. Unfortunately, her attitude seemed to be shared by everyone working there. Good food, long wait, terrible service. read more

This place is so cute and quaint. I stumbled upon this place and from the cafe to the book store you won't be disappointed. If u live in the area or need a place to venture thru. You need to make this a spot to be at. read more

RJ Cafe & Bistro - Sandwiches Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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Sadly after three tries I must say nope. The cupcakes are very dry, stale even ;three tries!) and very overpriced. The staff are amazingly patient and sweet. Stick with the books here! read more

It's too bad this cafe just doesn't get it and up their game. I've been dropping in here for years. Perhaps they have a hard time finding staff in the cafe with Covid. But someone needs to tell the snarly counter guy that sorry he isn't the manager of Balthazar and maybe drop the attitude? Because at the end of the day that's what you remember. I can't say this place was ever a destination- a small backroom in the back of a bookstore where sometimes you can grab tea or lunch- but really why bother? read more

This is my heaven on earth. Books and food. I spent about an hour looking at books, admiring all the autographed pics on the walls of the famous authors that had book signings here. For lunch I had the Mac 'n'Cheese and Lobster Bisque. It was so good and perfect for a cold, blizzardy day. I'd definitely go back if I'm in Madison again. The service was great and our server was attentive, I have no complaints. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because the tables were so tiny and it felt cramped for a meal. If you're having coffee/tea, then I think it would be cozy. read more

Came across this charming place while passing through town and what a find it was! Sat outside on a perfect fall day and it was like something out of a book. Small patio with bistro tables surrounded by mums and pumpkins. Had a delicious, fresh Cobb salad and chicken bacon tacos with pomegranate tea. Great service and the quaint book store inside was a great bonus! read more

The food itself if sub par. The prep work to get the meal to the customer usually involves a microwave. I have found that this makes the food rubbery and less appealing than the prices for the food would suggest you are paying for. High-end food prices for so-so food. read more

Perfect place for lunch.Attached to best book store in the world and right in middle of town.In nice weather outdoor seating.Everything they serve is fresh and wonderful.Cup cakes are unbelievable!Staff is efficient and friendly.Yummy:) read more

I had been here before in the summer. We sat outside and I had an amazing fig and arugula flatbread but forgot to do a yelp review. Yesterday was a rainy and cold afternoon when I had about 30 minutes to grab lunch with my 8-year-old. We sat inside on a comfortable cushioned window seat. There were pretty, fresh flowers on the table and the atmosphere was cozy and quiet. The service was quick, friendly, and professional. We both had an amazing sandwich. I thought I was just ordering a simple grilled cheese but it came on the most delicious ciabatta roll, grilled to perfection. Huge slices of bacon, big slices of ripe tomato, and oodles of delicious cheddar. I am drooling just thinking about it. I have never had a bad experience at this bistro, although I can't rate the famous cupcakes because I am always too full to have dessert! read more

This place is quickly becoming my favorite lunch spot in Madison. They have wonderful things to choose from on their menu- paninis, sandwiches, salads, etc. Not to mention their extensive hot beverage list. Their caramel lattes are so yummy! Sometimes there is a wait for a table, but it's understandable because of the popularity and size of the cafe. The size is perfect and the atmosphere is comfortable and chic. read more

Great food and atmosphere! Love the bookstore too, went for lunch but ended up browsing the store for an hour!

We stopped in here one weekend for some coffee and sampled some of their delicious pastries. Since then I have been back countless times for coffee and even lunch. So far I haven't had a bad experience. Tip your servers generously--they really work hard. read more

My sister found a dead grasshopper in her salad a few months ago and we haven't been back since ! The staff are rude there and it's overpriced. read more

I used to eat here all the time when I worked across the street. But honestly, it's because there's not much around in the area. The flavors are great but the salads are so skimpy - and expensive! My go to was the chicken salad salad with field greens. Chicken salad is amazing but there were probably 15 field greens on my plate. It's technically a salad and 15 leaves does not a salad make. If I asked for more greens, I would get an eye roll and they would not add more on. There should be some substance to the salad when it's priced at $11. read more

Great little spot! They have the best soups and salads- love the Asian salad dressing. Amazing cookies and desserts but they get a bit crowded in there sometimes. read more

I have got to say the food here is quite delectable. I moved to Madison late last year and was pleasantly surprised to find a nice bookstore. When I found the cafe hidden within I figured, "probably a nice place for some coffee". I had no idea how great the food and desserts are! I go there often now and normally get the Tomato and Mozzarella panini and the ingredients are just so delicious and fresh. The bread is top quality and the cupcakes there, I could go on and on. You can actually taste that the cupcakes were homemade that morning, you can taste that it has real butter in it. I thought that it was basically impossible to find real cupcakes around here, but this place proved me wrong :) Service staff was friendly, but not annoying and I just really really love the atmosphere. It would be nice if there was more seating though and I don't really like that there is a back door, it would be much cozier without. Oh and it is really pricy for a cafe,I think its worth it as a treat, probably most couldn't afford it as a regular hangout. read more

Had an amazing lunch on their back patio this past Saturday. Food was amazing and the servers were super friendly and efficient. I had a curry chicken with mango chutney sandwich on gluten free bread. One of the best GF sandwiches I've ever had! My husband had a really good panini. I liked the option of chips or sliced apples. Will definitely be back! read more

So the food is decent and the setting adorable, the downside is the staff and service. There was a multitude of them behind the counter but it took 35 minuted to get a sandwich...yet nobody seemed to be making it, just hovering behind the register. And, then they forgot our beverages (making it might have interrupted their indolence). They were rude about their oversights and seemed to think it beneath then to apologize. Rude, heavily staffed and simultaneously poor of service. read more