Leopold's Books Bar Caffè

This Caffe was unexpected. We stopped in after the Badger Game not knowing what to expect. We had no idea it was a Book & Coffee bar that sold cocktails and beer as well. They do offer a snack menu. Very cozy setting with ambiance lighting. I was surprised that it was a book store too. Bartenders were very knowledgeable and friendly. We both opted for a coffee. I had the Nola Cold brew with Carmel and my friend had a latte. Both were delicious and needed.

I can't go to Madison without stopping at Leopold's. The book selections are a little smaller than the other indies around but guaranteed you will find books not seem everywhere else. Then stop and grab a coffee (or like me a cocktail) and read fur a bit. Love this place!

Leopold's is one of my favorite places in Madison. The space is cozy and inviting. The bookstore has a great selection. The staff is amazing. The coffee, food and cocktails are delicious. If your in Madison check it out.

I’m a bookstore geek… and this little place didn’t disappoint. I found some of the most interesting books here - loved how they are arranged! Super unique, feels almost like The Secret Garden of bookstores:) And then you walk back to the coffee shop section and it feels like a place you would want to bring your book (or by looking around, your laptop!) and order something to drink and snack on and stay for a long while. Super cool boho vibe with lots of different seating options (at the bar, in the sofa area, little cafe tables) For as small as it seems at first, there are a surprising amount of seating options. We ordered the iced oatmilk latte and hot latte, but service was quick. Parking lot in front makes for easy parking.

Dan and Alayna are the best duo for the bar. Whenever I see them, it’s going to be a great night that turns into a great week. The drinks are always perfect and Instagram ready.

I would give this place a failing grade on customer service. My daughter and I ordered our coffees for inside. They handed us the drinks in paper cups. To top it off my coffee was luke warm at best. The place is chaotic. Staff does not bother to make eye contact. I waited five minutes before calling a staff member who was just starting her shift to get her attention. She replaced my coffee. My daughter and I are never going.

Leopoldo’s is a cute cafe / bar / bookshop. Don’t let these photos fool you thought this place is small. So going at the right time on the right day can be key to having a good experience. The book selection was interesting and widely varied. The menu was also interesting and they had some interesting cocktail choices. I would assume their cafe choices would be similar.

fellow canadian exploring the madison food scene. this place was reccomended by a coworker. I had a solo dining experience yesterday (August 14th 2025). It was pretty busy. At first I sat outside. I was super impressed by the server, she was friendly, attentive and great customer service (blonde and had glasses). the oysters were satisfying! her service was 10/10. the oysters were fine overall. the star of the show was this gorgonzaga wedge salad, which gets a 10/10. it was simple but so well executed. absolutely delicious. it was too hot so i moved to sit inside at the bar. i was extremely impressed by the bartenders working very hard, just seeing how they quickly serve everybody. even though i didnt order anything at the bar and paid my bill outside, i was surprised how friendly the bartenders were and that they greeted me and ask how my food was. this place has really high service standards. i am impressed!

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.

The Espresso Martini is the drink that was served everywhere in 2024! I finally got to try it, and let me tell you, it's every bit as good as the hype suggests. The perfect balance of vodka and espresso creates a smooth, bold flavor that feels like a sophisticated pick-me-up in a glass. And what better setting for my first sip than Leopold's blends books, cocktails, and coffee? The cozy, literary vibe made it all the more memorable. I'm hooked, and I get why everyone's raving. Cheers to the perfect sip!

I love this spot - it's cozy, intimate & fun! My only beef is that it's always very busy ha ha ha I'd love to sit here and write in my journal for an hour - but every time I try, there's no seating left! So that tells you something about the shop's popularity. Great selection of the best books - not overwhelming to browse. Adorable coffee and other drinks bar, staff seems friendly from my experiences.

I lucked out and was able to get a spot at the bar before it got busy. I love seeing people bring their books to read here. Lots of great options between beer, wine, cocktails and coffee. The two bartenders had a great flow and were on top of everything when it did get busy. Unique atmosphere bringing people together.

Came for date night. It's a fun concept to combine a bookstore and bar. In practice I don't know if anyone is really perusing the books. It does get loud in the bar area. They have tea options for those who don't drink which is nice.

You've heard of "coffee shop" workspaces and reading room vibes, but what about the night life version? Enter: Leopold's. My friend brought me here to celebrate finishing my PhD and a particularly difficult semester. I had heard of Leopold's before, but wow, I fell in love! This is the coolest place in Madison for a great drink. We were served by the loveliest person who had also just finished school and chatted with us, being engaging, kind, and recommending the best drinks. There is also a "dark academia" vibe inside that is worth just soaking in. People meet to chat, to read, but it wasn't a laptop work environment, which I really loved. I will go back just to read and sip! They have books available, so why not?? Bring a journal and a book, order a fun cocktail and enjoy yourself.

This is the cutest book store bar cafe. We popped over after lunch nearby. Two of us got espresso martinis and one a flat white. The drinks were great and so pretty. The books are beautifully displayed. There is a variety of seating from a few couches to tables, a large bar, outdoor seating and what looked to be a cool downstairs area available by reservation called the book nook. I would make this a stop if you're in the area.

Fine unpretentious, creative atmosphere in excellent location bear tge UW Field House. My 14 y.o. granddaughter andI have spent w joyable times there, ending tge visit by buying interesting books

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!

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.

Nature is loved by what is best in us is a wonderful quote by Emerson. I'd modify that quote and say bookstores are loved by what is best in us. But there is the ever worrisome trend that bookstores are disappearing. The warm, wholesome ones. Thankfully, bookstores are evolving. Like Leopold's (which make me think of King Leopold, but not holding it against them that King Leopold was a terrible person). The wine, the cocktails, coffee, the connection to delicious Italian food in the SAME building. I think I'd regularly show up here for a cocktail or coffee, read for an hour or two and then grab some dinner. In a world tht always needs books, Leopold's is prevailing.

Cute little bookstore/coffee shop! And right near the water, a great place to stop with a book and sit and relax!

Leopold's is such a cool spot! The space is small and cozy. I love their old school bar. We came in the evening and there wasn't much seating available. We sat up at the bar for drinks which was fun. They have bar seating, some tables, and a couch/lounge area. After our drinks it was fun to look around their book shelves. Love their concept! I had the St. Germain Spritz. It was delicious! It came in a large glass and the flavor was perfect. It was worth the $13. They have great music and a relaxing atmosphere, it truly has that friendly neighborhood vibe. There is a parking lot which makes it easy and it's connected to Fabiola's Spaghetti House & Deli which I want to try next time!

I love books and I love coffee and cocktails so Leopold's is perfection. Great selection of books in a cozy setting. Great place to meet friends or to hold a book club.

I was there on a weekday evening. The place was not too crowded. I loved the vibe of this place. There were books available to read. I didn't take any books though. I went wit a pandan iced tea. A lot of others were having the same thing. It had a slight pandan flavor, not too strong. It was a different flavor of tea from what I generally have. And a good one to try. I took a pistacho torte as well. I liked it. Overall this place is good for its ambiance. A lot of people were working on their laptops.

This place is my dream!! You'd think it's something I made up in my head- a bookstore/bar/coffee shop. I'm obsessed and will definitely be visiting anytime I'm in the Madison area. The drinks are very good and the ambience is 10/10.

Nice smallish bookstore but with a good selection. PACKED on a Friday night! Wish they had more space!

Leopold's is a cool spot. The cocktails were tasty. The vibe was an eclectic mix of bar, bookstore, and coffee shop. All that being said, the service was lacking. The employees seemed more interested in chatting with each other than keeping an eye on the customers. I would have ordered another cocktail, but after sitting there for 10 minutes with an empty glass while the bartenders chatted with each other, I had to beg for my tab. Cool concept, poor execution.

I think Leopold's was a bit overrated. I expected my drink to be sweet but it was kind of flavorless. My friend and I shared a slice of tiramisu - it was delicious. Service was good - the baristas were welcoming and nice. We went around 2pm on Saturday afternoon, and it wasn't busy at all. There's an old fashion coffee machine that they still use - it was super cool to see how it works! Overall rating: 7/10

I've heard good things so I was excited to come check this place out. Seating is minimal and tight inside. This place is unique in that you can order coffee, beer, cocktails, etc. during the evenings and then browse the small book shop. One major thing that frustrated me was the service we received, with an emphasis in regards to tipping. And yes, we tip. First, it took forever to put in our drink order - it felt like we were getting skipped if the employee recognized a friendly face. One employee finally took our drink order, served our beer on an already used cocktail napkin, and a different employee grabbed the cash tip away from right underneath me - before I even pushed it forward. This interaction came off as incredibly entitled. Later in the evening, I asked for another drink (literally 1 canned beer) and when I paid with cash, I wasn't given any change - umm... ok? And before you think "why didn't you just ask for it?" - that employee took my money and walked away from me, avoiding eye contact. Like damn, are the employees not being paid enough? Overall, this gets a ~generous~ 3 stars: 1.5/5 service, 2.5/5 beverages, 3.5/5 ambiance. From my observations, you'll get the star treatment if you're friends with someone who's working; if you don't know anyone, good luck. This was such a disappointing experience.

Another awesome Gem in the Madison area. This reminds me of a newly hipster movement in the small city. It's so sophisticated and yet laid back and welcoming. I am so in awe of this place from the espresso drinks to the infusions of alcohol + coffee . Not to mention the small yet large enough book area when you walk in. This is a great spot to hang out if your not into the over crowded bar places , it's lively enough but without the overly drunk people.

Cute cocktail and coffee spot! Seating is pretty limited, so I ended up browsing books while having a cocktail. There were heaps of people on their laptops, so I assume WiFi must be available

Great vibe, not a place to just get coffee. Very relax and chill with a date kinda spot.

This place has figured out its vibe and it executes it well. Beware! You'll find many a friendly hipster here! You can peruse the book store while your mulleted friend with ripped Bermuda jorts orders at the bar. What do they order? Only a "Matcha Highball" using the only Highball machine in WI. If you didn't know highball, is champaignized whiskey. Blew my mind too. It's delicious. All of their cocktails I highly recommend. They are pricier $12+ a drink, but the vibes here are immaculate. They have live jazz occasionally outside, and they'll pass around blankets when it gets cold. SO COZY! TLDR; bring bae here! Bring the whole crew here! Or bring yourself and a mind ready to read.

Leopolds is a great cocktail spot outside of downtown. There's a warm cozy interior and the drinks are delicious and well priced. Theyre not the most consistent in making the cocktails, you can order the same one twice in a row and they don't taste quite the same. It's a great spot to come on a date or with a group of friends and hangout.

I enjoyed seeing book topics covering the local area. The staff was really nice with a natural welcoming demeanor.

Really amazing vibes with the book store, bar and coffee shop. The drinks are always good and the staff are always friendly and helpful. It is a great place to work or meet a friend of a drink or to find your next reading adventure.

A cute little bookstore with a bar with unique craft drinks in a strip mall on Regent Street! I see you, Leopold's! Came here recently to see some music and loved it. Madison has always been kind to jazz and live music and books! Would love to see more places like this where I live in Milwaukee!

Good lighting and experienced baristas It's a small space by the bar with art deco touches. The tables there are on the small side and you'll definitely overhear conversations around you. Great for catching up with a friend but I would not recommend for groups larger than 3 or 4. If you take a left after you walk in, they took over an old pizza location where the tables are larger and square. Their drink menu is short and sweet, like a craft coffee menu, but I imagine their baristas can whip up something you've seen elsewhere if they have the ingredients. Oat and soy milks are available. The menu had some unique creations like pandan iced latte and a blood orange espresso tonic. Parking: parking lot

Ok so the vibe here is great. Perfect music in the background for a bookish but hip vibe. I'm talking some Winehouse, some CeeLo, some Jill Scott. The bartenders were super friendly and engaging, while still respecting the space and quiet of folks who just want to read in peace. And the food and drinks! Yum! I had some lavender and earl grey tea cakes and a Grasshopper cocktail (with ice cream) and they were delightful. Also this place has the best sparkling water in Madison. No contest. Definitely worth a checking out.

This place is a dream I've definitely had before. The ambiance is lovely, the books are perfect. The cocktails are borderline fantasy. I loved it so much.

Charming attractive bar with a thoughtful selection of books for sale (organized geographically)! One of my favorite spots in Madison.

Two Words - Pandan. WOW! We loved this drink with oat milk. It was fun to drink a bright green drink with such an interesting flavor profile that paired perfectly with coffee. It was earthy and slightly coconutty. Yum. We enjoyed our beverages later in the afternoon on a weekday and truly loved the atmosphere. They had a nice selection of wine & beer, specialty coffee drinks, tea and matcha lattes. There were people working, reading, and socializing and all were possible! The noise level was just right. They also had an awesome selection of books for sale. Service was great too!

Leopold's Book Bar & Cafe is one of Madison's most unique spots to grab a book, cocktail, or coffee! I went for the cocktail aspect, but can't wait to go back and browse the books with a latte. When I heard about Leopold's, I knew I'd have to see it to believe it. They've completely transformed the inside of the business. It's cozy like a bookstore, and chic like a cocktail lounge. Not to mention, the craft cocktails are incredible!

I wish we had one of these in Milwaukee! Great selection of books and the matcha latte was to die for as well! Can't wait to come back the next time I'm in the area.

This place is amazing! The drinks and atmosphere are unique and unlike anything else in Madison. I love that I can browse their books while drinking.

Espresso martini with vodka not the rum that's on the menu is very very tasty! Great ambience, bookstore has a lot of cool options, and the staff are super friendly!

My all time favorite bar in Madison. Every time I come here I'm super impressed with the quality of cocktails and desserts they have. I like to call this place "the perfect first date spot." It's got a little something for everybody-inventive coffee drinks or cocktails and a wide variety of books. The vibe inside is so calming and has a really cool vintage look. In summer they have an outdoor seating area as well!

Five stars literally just for this AMAZING adffogato. It was so fun to watch it being made and it's one of the BEST espressos I've ever had.

I really want to write a raving review of the bookstore part of Leopold's - however, here is the problem, or some may say, challenge. They organize their books by setting, the place where the story in the book takes place. Here's the other problem/challenge. Let's say my brother, who is a biologist, and didn't know who Frank Lloyd Wright was, decides he really did enjoy that book written by Ernest Hemingway in high school. He arrives at the Leopold Bookstore to find another book by Hemingway to enjoy. Well, if he doesn't know that Farewell to Arms takes place in Italy - HE WILL NOT FIND THIS BOOK in this bookstore (if they carry it). Oh sure, the bookstore is small, and maybe in time, he will come across it. However, one should be able to visit a bookstore without any advance knowledge about literature and authors and writing - and still be able to find an author or book. In a way, this bookstore is exclusive, and really only for people who are literary scholars, who already have a piece of knowledge about authors and literature, and would have an idea where a book might take place. Organizing the books in this way does not allow people to freely discover books on their own, and find the ones they might be looking for. On the cafe side, the coffee beverages are the best in Madison - the desserts need work. They are a little too homemade. I don't think cooking is their strong suit over there - which would include their new restaurant, Fabiola's. (I am still suffering from a belly ache from dinner there last night.) If you can cook and bake better yourself, then you are better off going somewhere else for the food and desserts.

My friends and I always meet up at Leopold's because it has something for each of us: -The coffee aficionado loves the Vietnamese iced coffee or the creamy affogato. -The book worm always seems to leave with a new memoir and novel from the well curated selection. -The cocktail fanatic enjoys their delicious drinks which use a variety of unique ingredients (including ice cream!). -And the study bug enjoys the comfy seats, reliable Wi-Fi, bright natural light, and jazzy background music. Come check it out--just don't steal our favorite couch!

Leopold's is probably the most charming cafe you will find in Madison. It is small and cozy and filled with books. The cocktails are top-notch. We tried a Tamarind Street Candy (very refreshing, great for a hot day) and the Mr. Bali Hai, which was both our favorite (it is rum, Kahlua, passionfruit liqueur, pineapple juice, and bitters, served in a tiki-style cup). Their desserts are also to die for. The Pistachio Torte was very light and fluffy and delicious, with an angel food cake texture (reminded me a lot of Japanese cakes), and the Creme Brulee was delicious as well, especially the crispy caramel on top. Leopold's is a great place to relax and read, chat with friends, take cute pics for social media, or film Wes Anderson style videos...

Leopoldo's is one of a kind. The ambient lighting, fresh smell of roasted coffee, and chill atmosphere fits those who are wanting to sip on some coffee and read but also fits those who want a tasty cocktail at the bar with friends. I got the pomelo beverage and espresso martini when I visited. The espresso martini had expresso beans in the drink which was a beautiful garnish (also tasted pretty good!). The pomelo drink was very refreshing and light. Will be returning!

Cozy, delicious drinks, and close to home! A great addition to the area for anyone that's looking for a nice cocktail and/or books!

I usually love Leopold's. I go there a few times a month and have never had an issue, and usually love the bartenders/service I receive. My friend asked me out to drinks the other night, so I thought I'd suggest Leopold's. There was a bartender working with short blond hair, and they were extremely prickly. I thought I may have imagined it at first, as the bartenders are always super nice and accommodating, however the attitude continued throughout our night. I understand bad days and maybe this was a fluke however this has seriously dissuaded me from ever coming here again. There are plenty of other businesses in Madison that I do not have rude bartenders.

Really enjoyed the vibe of this place. I visited on a Friday night and it was quite busy and difficult to find a place to sit, but we were able to order drinks (semi pricey) and walk around/browse the books and merchandise. The atmosphere was welcoming and there was a friendly buzz of conversation in the air. There is a good selection of books by local authors. Wine bottles were paired with books which was so helpful/neat! The place also has a decent size parking lot out front, which was full when we came on a Friday night but we were able to find parking pretty fast on the street, however never did get to sit (was quite busy). Excited to come back and try the coffee!

Not sure if it is a bookstore with a bar or a bar with a bookstore, but either way, it is definitely worth your time. The cocktails are good, the service is excellent, and the venue has a great vibe. It was a little challenging to find, as all of the signage is still for the old Rocky Rococo's, but once you know that, you'll be glad you made the trip.

This was the first cocktail bar that I ever went to in Madison, Wisconsin during my trip to visit my brother. This was a unique book bar/cafe, where you could not only read a book but also grab an alcoholic drink. I got the Cucumber chili vodka, kiwi absinthe, and grapefruit gin & Campari. My favorite by far was the kiwi absinthe. The atmosphere was very pleasant and I even saw a drawing/painting class. I will definitely be back in the future and I will definitely be ordering the kiwi absinthe drink again.

Very cute place and tasty drinks. They even have a downstair place for reservations. Will be better if there were more cord extensions for laptops :/