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
Rob D
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
Monica B.
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!
Mark G
Nice little cafe that pairs well with a trip to the book
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: blt Sandwich Grilled Cheese
Uttkarsh Singh
Best place for
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kathleen M.
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!
Hannah M.
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.
Dawn S
My favorite meal is the power grain salad with apple balsamic dressing. I also love the ginger peach iced tea. For dessert I always looked forward to an oatmeal raisin cookie. Not anymore, don’t know who the baker is now, but they need a lesson from Martha Stewart. They are very over baked and dry. When I mentioned this to the server I was told it’s just the way they come. No apology was made or an offer to take off my bill. I told them I didn’t want it and then it was taken off my bill. My dining experience ended with a cold stare from the server. Not going back for awhile.
Maddie D
I recently had the pleasure of dining at RJ Cafe in Madison, CT, and I can't say enough good things about it. The menu at RJ Cafe is truly outstanding, offering a wide variety of delectable options to suit every palate. I had the pleasure of trying their Chicken Cobb Salad, and it was absolutely delicious. The combination of fresh, crisp greens, tender chicken, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and perfectly boiled eggs was a flavor sensation. The portion size was generous, leaving me completely satisfied. Not only was the food top-notch, but the service was also exceptional. The staff at RJ Cafe were friendly, attentive, and ensured a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a salad lover or craving something else from their diverse menu, I highly recommend visiting RJ Cafe in Madison, CT. You won't be disappointed!In addition to their incredible menu and the delightful Chicken Cobb Salad, RJ Cafe in Madison, CT, also offers some truly fantastic chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are a chocolate lover's dream come true. Not only are they scrumptious, but they are also generously sized, making each bite a pure indulgence. The cookies have a perfect balance of gooey chocolate and a buttery, soft texture that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you're dining in or grabbing a treat to go, be sure to try their delectable chocolate chip cookies at RJ Cafe. They're large, delicious, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!While street parking in the area can be a bit challenging, there's good news—the cafe offers ample parking space at the back, near the shopping center area. This convenience makes it much easier for customers to find a parking spot without the hassle of searching for on-street parking.Parking: One of the additional advantages of visiting RJ Cafe in Madison, CT, is the availability of parking. While street parking in the area can be a bit challenging, there's good news—the cafe offers ample parking space at the back, near the shopping center area. This convenience makes it much easier for customers to find a parking spot without the hassle of searching for on-street parking. You can simply park your vehicle in the designated area and enjoy a stress-free dining experience. This thoughtful provision by RJ Cafe ensures that patrons can focus on savoring their meal and spending quality time with friends and family, rather than worrying about parking logistics. So, whether you're dropping by for a quick bite or planning a leisurely meal, rest assured that parking won't be an issue when you visit RJ Cafe in Madison, CT.
This is a must visit!!! Food was great.My Cobb salad was huge and the egg salad Was delicious. Definitely recommend A++
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
DANIELLE
Cute ambiance and great people. Yummy dessert and food, but stay away from the gazpacho
Tom H
A very friendly staff and much wider variety and higher quality of food than one would expect from a small cafe in a book store. Excellent coffee drinks as well, with many seasonal specials.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jessica Bureau
Food is good but limited...service isn't great. I ordered online for a take out order and got to the restaurant right on time. The girl at the counter asked my name and said it'd be just a couple more minutes, no problem - mind you she didn't even check on it, she just spoke. Now 15 minutes pass and I again ask the girl when my order will be ready. She goes to where her other workers are and grabs an order that's been sitting on top of an appliance since I got there - it was my order, done the entire time. Not only did I wait an extra 15 minutes for my food, but it was soggy and gross by the time I got to eat it. No one even apologized for the mistake, or tried to correct it or make a fresh order. The manager just looked at me and looked away. Unfortunate to say that I will not be returning. Customer service should always be the top priority.
Nancy Wobensmith
Delicious burrata salad special for lunch. This cafe is quaint and always has interesting menu items.Vegetarian options: Burrata salad
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
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
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!
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
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!
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.
My favorite meal is the power grain salad with apple balsamic dressing. I also love the ginger peach iced tea. For dessert I always looked forward to an oatmeal raisin cookie. Not anymore, don’t know who the baker is now, but they need a lesson from Martha Stewart. They are very over baked and dry. When I mentioned this to the server I was told it’s just the way they come. No apology was made or an offer to take off my bill. I told them I didn’t want it and then it was taken off my bill. My dining experience ended with a cold stare from the server. Not going back for awhile.
I recently had the pleasure of dining at RJ Cafe in Madison, CT, and I can't say enough good things about it. The menu at RJ Cafe is truly outstanding, offering a wide variety of delectable options to suit every palate. I had the pleasure of trying their Chicken Cobb Salad, and it was absolutely delicious. The combination of fresh, crisp greens, tender chicken, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and perfectly boiled eggs was a flavor sensation. The portion size was generous, leaving me completely satisfied. Not only was the food top-notch, but the service was also exceptional. The staff at RJ Cafe were friendly, attentive, and ensured a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a salad lover or craving something else from their diverse menu, I highly recommend visiting RJ Cafe in Madison, CT. You won't be disappointed!In addition to their incredible menu and the delightful Chicken Cobb Salad, RJ Cafe in Madison, CT, also offers some truly fantastic chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are a chocolate lover's dream come true. Not only are they scrumptious, but they are also generously sized, making each bite a pure indulgence. The cookies have a perfect balance of gooey chocolate and a buttery, soft texture that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you're dining in or grabbing a treat to go, be sure to try their delectable chocolate chip cookies at RJ Cafe. They're large, delicious, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!While street parking in the area can be a bit challenging, there's good news—the cafe offers ample parking space at the back, near the shopping center area. This convenience makes it much easier for customers to find a parking spot without the hassle of searching for on-street parking.Parking: One of the additional advantages of visiting RJ Cafe in Madison, CT, is the availability of parking. While street parking in the area can be a bit challenging, there's good news—the cafe offers ample parking space at the back, near the shopping center area. This convenience makes it much easier for customers to find a parking spot without the hassle of searching for on-street parking. You can simply park your vehicle in the designated area and enjoy a stress-free dining experience. This thoughtful provision by RJ Cafe ensures that patrons can focus on savoring their meal and spending quality time with friends and family, rather than worrying about parking logistics. So, whether you're dropping by for a quick bite or planning a leisurely meal, rest assured that parking won't be an issue when you visit RJ Cafe in Madison, CT.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Cobb
Restaurantji Recommends
This is a must visit!!! Food was great.My Cobb salad was huge and the egg salad Was delicious. Definitely recommend A++
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cute ambiance and great people. Yummy dessert and food, but stay away from the gazpacho
A very friendly staff and much wider variety and higher quality of food than one would expect from a small cafe in a book store. Excellent coffee drinks as well, with many seasonal specials.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Food is good but limited...service isn't great. I ordered online for a take out order and got to the restaurant right on time. The girl at the counter asked my name and said it'd be just a couple more minutes, no problem - mind you she didn't even check on it, she just spoke. Now 15 minutes pass and I again ask the girl when my order will be ready. She goes to where her other workers are and grabs an order that's been sitting on top of an appliance since I got there - it was my order, done the entire time. Not only did I wait an extra 15 minutes for my food, but it was soggy and gross by the time I got to eat it. No one even apologized for the mistake, or tried to correct it or make a fresh order. The manager just looked at me and looked away. Unfortunate to say that I will not be returning. Customer service should always be the top priority.
Delicious burrata salad special for lunch. This cafe is quaint and always has interesting menu items.Vegetarian options: Burrata salad