Brunch Spots to Inspire Your Next Trip to Madison

We can't think of anything better than heading to brunch with your besties, significant other or the whole family. In Madison, we're lucky to be surrounded by an impressive culinary scene. There is no shortage of delicious brunch menus with gluten-free and vegan options aplenty. Whether you’re looking for that classic diner vibe or dishes that you’ve never tried before, these places are sure to hit the spot. We should know — we’ve tried them all.

Looking for more? Find our full list of Madison restaurants.

Jump around to explore brunch by region

• Downtown
• East
• West

Downtown Dining 

With dozens of delicious restaurants in downtown Madison, it's hard to choose the best brunchy option.

A Pinckney Street classic, Marigold Kitchen serves brunch all day on the weekends. Classics like pancakes, French toast and omelets alongside unique dishes like the three grain tempeh bowl and duck confit hash make this menu well-balanced and delicious. Vegan options (like the tofu scramble) and gluten free options (like the chilaquiles) make this a phenomenal brunch spot for the whole family.

If you can't start your day without coffee, the cafes and coffee shops around the Capitol Square have your back. Bradbury's Coffee serves locally roasted coffee and freshly made crepes with both sweet and savory options. Bradbury's is a cute corner spot, perfect for a grab-and-go or sit down morning. 

Ancora Cafe & Bakery on King Street (along with two other locations in the Madison area) serves up creative brunches seven days a week offering vegetarian, vegan and gluten friendly options. With seasonal drink menus, their locally roasted coffee and expertly pulled espresso will not disappoint the morning coffee crave.

We love Cento for dinner, but nothing gets us more excited than their Boozy Brunch. Dig into an assorted pastry basket (so good!), any brunch, lunch or pizza entrée, two brunch cocktails and bottomless tea or coffee. Special shoutout to entrée options like the rigatoni alla carbonara and the breakfast pizza (featuring a delicious hollandaise sauce). The lemon capri cocktail (made with limoncello and espresso) is next level.

Bassett Street Brunch Club has an impressive menu. Some of our favorites are coconut cream pie French toast, savory French toast, lemon ricotta pancakes and the hot to tot burrito (filled with, you guessed it, tater tots). Bassett Street offers lots of gluten-sensitive and vegan options (sub scrambled tofu for eggs in many dishes). Donut lovers, rejoice! Bassett Street has some of the best. But get there early, because they sell out.

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East Side Eats

The east and near-east sides of Madison are full of brunch spots you've gotta try.

Monty’s Blue Plate Diner, another Atwood Avenue favorite, is a classic diner with milkshakes, pie, biscuits and gravy, scrambles and pancakes. They elevate that classic diner menu with options like vegan banana walnut pancakes (they have a whole vegan menu!), meatloaf hash and a marinated tofu sandwich. Bonus tip: Get that classic diner milkshake but dairy free if you prefer! 

Bar Corallini doesn't only serve their authentic Italian dishes for dinner, they also offer a weekend brunch. With brunch-themed items along with your favorite pizza and pasta classics, their dishes (all made from scratch every day) are ones you won't want to miss out on. With gluten free and vegan menu options, everyone will be satisfied with their meal here. And don't miss out on their specialty brunch cocktails! 

Tip Top Tavern is another cozy spot to hangout with traditional brunchy eats. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers a variety of vegetarian options. If you're looking for a spot with a classic Wisconsin tavern feel, this is your place! 

Ogden's North Street Diner is charming, welcoming and offers all the breakfast favorites. Their all-day menu includes breakfast, on top of all your other diner favorites like burgers and fries. You can satisfy your brunchy cravings almost any day of the week (closed on Tuesdays).

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West Side Brunchin'

The most elegant tea sets, delicious French-style dishes and famous morning buns form the foundation of La Brioche’s breakfasts, and it’s a flavorful foundation. Crepes complete with fresh berries, ricotta cheese, berry coulis and crème anglaise. Eggs benedict. Mushroom and pancetta scramble. These dishes are unique and delicious. La Brioche has an expansive bakery menu and an equally delicious lunch menu, so there’s no wrong time to stop by!

Cafe Hollander is a European-style grand cafe offering breakfast every day. With an expansive menu, including a kids brunch menu, the whole family will be happy with this choice. They also offer a fully gluten free brunch menu along with many vegetarian options. We for sure recommend beginning your meal with the Olliebollen starters (traditional Dutch treats similar to doughnut holes). 

Enjoy brunch on Monroe Street at Gates & Brovi, where a Wisconsin style tavern meets and east cost, Italian-style fish house. Offering a weekend brunch, created by James Beard semi-finalist chefs, you can enjoy a breakfast from the griddle as well as oysters and other fish-y takes on classic brunchy dishes.

Yola's Cafe is an unconventional and uplifting coffee shop cafe offering brunch Monday-Saturday. Providing an oasis of calm in all of our busy lives, you're guaranteed a wonderful start to your day with coffee, homemade baked goods and fresh breakfast dishes. Yola's Cafe uses locally sourced and fresh ingredients and they offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options as well as a kids menu.

At Mickie's Dairy Bar, across the street from Camp Randall Stadium, breakfast is offered every day between Wednesday and Sunday. This cash-only diner serves all your go-to brunch items with amazing yanks (their specialty) and delicious shakes. Who doesn't want to start their day off with a shake?

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More Brunch-spiration

No matter where you brunch in Madison, it’s sure to be good. For even more food-spiration, follow @DestinationMadison on Instagram and TikTok and check out more brunch-y blogs.