Once upon a time I visited a restaurant somewhere in Chicago. At each table there was a mason jar full of jelly beans and a spoon in each jar. None of the plates matched and everyone drank from a different sized coffee cup. I’ve often thought of that restaurant, trying in vain to remember the name. Even today as we accidentally break plates from our matching wedding set, I quietly smile at the idea of replacing them one garage sale purchase at a time.

When we stumbled upon the Daisy Café & Cupcakery in Madison, Wisconsin this winter, that magical feeling returned. Imagine your dining room table in a room filled with your neighbor’s table, your grandmother’s table, and so on. My favorite spot is the table-for-two with drawers; you can find it next to the over-stuffed couch and wicker basket of board books and wooden toys. Vivid local artwork covers the walls, and while nothing goes together, everything does.

The Daisy Café & Cupcakery website claims Cafe, Cupcakes, Coffee, and Community. And that about sums it up. Baked daily on site, the cupcakes are to die for. We each order one from the display case at the front and then find our table. The menu subtly (but proudly) touts the use of seasonal fruits and vegetables obtained from local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and co-ops.

Kids and Adults love to eat cupcakes at the cafe!

On the Daisy Kids’ Menu, are silver dollar pancakes, eggs and toast, grilled cheese sandwich (sans crust), or grilled (not deep fried) chicken strips. Served with fresh fruit and a glass of milk, $3.99 is a great price. Order an extra milk and two toddlers could easily share (or just nibble from their plate as they sneak off to find another book to read).

We’ve always found parking and an open table at the café, even during Sunday brunch.  Ever so slightly off the beaten path, the Daisy Café & Cupcakery is worth venturing astray. The café can accommodate larger groups, private events, and generously offers Porchlight meals to boot.  If you have a place in your heart for amazing food, great atmosphere, and a general sense of good will, trust me, you’ve found your next meal.

www.daisycafeandcupcakery.com
2827 Atwood Avenue
Madison, WI  53704
608-241-2200