Anytime I go in the area, I head out to the Bistro. You won't be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Liam Sheehan
This book store is adorable- like most of Madison. I was excited to take my family to eat here on a Sunday afternoon after a day at the Clinton Crossing outlets. I ordered the special baked mac and cheese, which turned out to be a mistake. It didn’t seem baked; instead very soupy and lukewarm. The texture was similar to Kraft. I promptly returned it, much to the manager’s apparent chagrin. They didn’t offer to make me anything else, and seemed a bit agitated to process a refund for me. Very disappointing. 2 stars because my family enjoyed their sandwiches, but my personal experience was very poor.
Britt Mirles
Such a cute book store, just like in the Meg Ryan movie. The music is at a comfortable level, it's clean, the staff is helpful and the wifi is available and strong, although I wouldn't plan to stay very long at the Cafe. They do try to keep things moving.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caprese
Lisa Black
I wish I could give 20 stars each. My mom ( Gloria Bell) & my step dad ( David Bell) went there every Tuesday & Saturday for lunch. When my mom passed I moved to Madison & I can’t tell u how much this place has meant to me & David. I got hurt & slipped & had to have spinal surgery on my neck shortly after my mom died.. This place was the constant in our lives.EXCELLENT Service EXCELLENT Food. & we love the art work & how caring & wonderful staff is. This is the best place for food, caring staff & a place to go for a really fun & great lunch. I can’t tell u enough how much they helped us & we’re so kind during this hard time. As I slowly start to heal (this is one of the constants in our lives) . Thank u RJ Julia’s Bistro. It makes u want to come back because the food is excellent & the service is just incredible & thank u for being a huge part of our lives. My mom loved coming there. & David continues going with me & family & I can’t tell u enough of how much we love going there. ITS so much more than food ( although food, bakery & daily soup is EXCELLENT) we just want to say THANK YOU.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alfred Coppola
From the Boss!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pauline Lucibello
Jackie served us and she was delightful; the service was excellent! Our food was delicious. Also the scones are the best. It has such a cozy atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kelly OBrien
I've been coming here for over 20 years. I must be under new ownership. The prices are crazy. We're not living in New York City. The sandwich that I normally get had half the amount of chicken curry in it. The owner said that I can only get half off even though I had one bite, horrible, horrible horrible horrible
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Maude Swearingen
Wonderful books friendly staff
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Kelsey Paff
They were the only cafe on the shoreline that had decaf chai lattes and then they switched to only offering caffeinated chais. I miss the decaf option!
Love everything about this bookstore! Staff, atmosphere, selection. I haven't eaten in the cafe.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
robert sorrentino
Had lunch with wife 3/27/24 who had curry chicken scoop which was miniscule. I had turkey avacado bacon club sandwich which had the least amount of meat I' ve ever had in a sandwich. The bacon were tiny chips and the avocado was just a spread. The bread was hard and stale. I have a difficult time giving it a #1
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Mark G
Nice little cafe that pairs well with a trip to the book
Really good food and great seasonal iced teas!
Anytime I go in the area, I head out to the Bistro. You won't be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This book store is adorable- like most of Madison. I was excited to take my family to eat here on a Sunday afternoon after a day at the Clinton Crossing outlets. I ordered the special baked mac and cheese, which turned out to be a mistake. It didn’t seem baked; instead very soupy and lukewarm. The texture was similar to Kraft. I promptly returned it, much to the manager’s apparent chagrin. They didn’t offer to make me anything else, and seemed a bit agitated to process a refund for me. Very disappointing. 2 stars because my family enjoyed their sandwiches, but my personal experience was very poor.
Such a cute book store, just like in the Meg Ryan movie. The music is at a comfortable level, it's clean, the staff is helpful and the wifi is available and strong, although I wouldn't plan to stay very long at the Cafe. They do try to keep things moving.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caprese
I wish I could give 20 stars each. My mom
( Gloria Bell) & my step dad ( David Bell) went there every Tuesday & Saturday for lunch. When my mom passed I moved to Madison & I can’t tell u how much this place has meant to me & David. I got hurt & slipped & had to have spinal surgery on my neck shortly after my mom died.. This place was the constant in our lives.EXCELLENT Service EXCELLENT Food. & we love the art work & how caring & wonderful staff is. This is the best place for food, caring staff & a place to go for a really fun & great lunch. I can’t tell u enough how much they helped us & we’re so kind during this hard time. As I slowly start to heal (this is one of the constants in our lives) . Thank u RJ Julia’s Bistro. It makes u want to come back because the food is excellent & the service is just incredible & thank u for being a huge part of our lives. My mom loved coming there. & David continues going with me & family & I can’t tell u enough of how much we love going there. ITS so much more than food ( although food, bakery & daily soup is EXCELLENT) we just want to say THANK YOU.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
From the Boss!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jackie served us and she was delightful; the service was excellent! Our food was delicious. Also the scones are the best. It has such a cozy atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've been coming here for over 20 years. I must be under new ownership. The prices are crazy. We're not living in New York City. The sandwich that I normally get had half the amount of chicken curry in it. The owner said that I can only get half off even though I had one bite, horrible, horrible horrible horrible
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Wonderful books friendly staff
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
They were the only cafe on the shoreline that had decaf chai lattes and then they switched to only offering caffeinated chais. I miss the decaf option!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Love everything about this bookstore! Staff, atmosphere, selection. I haven't eaten in the cafe.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Had lunch with wife 3/27/24 who had curry chicken scoop which was miniscule. I had turkey avacado bacon club sandwich which had the least amount of meat I' ve ever had in a sandwich. The bacon were tiny chips and the avocado was just a spread. The bread was hard and stale. I have a difficult time giving it a #1
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Nice little cafe that pairs well with a trip to the book
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: blt Sandwich Grilled Cheese
Best place for
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
New favorite place
Loading...