Colectivo Coffee on Monroe Street

A pleasant surprise to run into this coffee shop by accident - lovely chicken soup that had been made with some TLC, nice pastries that could only be improved by the option of reheating them before serving. Nice blended smoothies that weren't too sweet, and good coffee.

The space had really nice ambiance and despite how full it was, it didn't feel loud or noisy, and could have been a good study/work space - and some were, indeed, using it that way.

I was here in late October, but clearly the windowed-area becomes a pleasant open-air porch in summer. Hope to re-visit in better weather when I'm next in town. :)

NOW featuring six regular vegan baked goods ** every single day ** from Troubadour bakery!! Colectivo (out of Milwaukee) roasts my favorite coffee in Wisconsin, and for a while now they have featured several vegan breakfast and lunch items from the kitchen. They have a delicious sweet potato and kale bowl, a Chia oatmeal power bowl, a falafel sandwich, and a couple veggie sandwiches that can be made vegan, sourdough and bagels that are also vegan. They also offer and soy milk and other non-dairy options to go with their excellent coffee, cappuccino and espresso offerings. They also always have one two three vegan smoothies available. Lunch items come with green salad, fruit or chips, and there are always options in the cooler to take away, like their hummus wrap and mixed fruit, juices etc. But the addition of the bakery items has really put this place over the top for me, and now it is one of my favorite spots in Madison. I am here several times a week, and not just because I work a block away. :-) The Morning Glory muffin is so moist, and filling. Three of either of the oatmeal protein bites will fill you up all morning if you add a piece of fruit... The cranberry almond bar is absolutely TO DIE FOR, and is so juicy and buttery - it is like a tart cherry pie. I haven't tried the caramel tahini bar or the ginger cream cookie sandwich yet, but I am prepared to swoon when that happens. All of the vegan bakery items are also gluten free! I believe the bread they serve is from Madison sourdough. Everything I have had here is absolutely delicious. So much to choose from for breakfast or lunch. Open early to late.

I particularly like this Colectivo; they have a fireplace! Also, they have a ton of different roasted coffee with roast dates on the packages, quite a selection of pastries and cafe fare, and a creative variety of different drinks. The location is big enough that you will likely be able to find somewhere to sit. They have lovely garage door windows all around. Tip: bring your own mug and get 25 cents off!

This place is amazing! The atmosphere is so cozy. The prices are also very good (cheaper than Starbucks and many other local coffee shops). Plus, the coffee tastes better! Highly recommended.

Love it here, everyone is very kind, and they get your food and drinks ready as quick as they can. It does take a bit longer for orders to come out during rush hours, but it's definitely worth the wait. The drink options are great!

The staff are always so friendly :) I personally recommend the Salmon Sandwich, Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Almond Cake. I'm not even a fan of nuts but the chocolate almond cake is fantastically rich and gluten free! My boyfriend highly recommends the coffee.

Have loved the place up until today. Order taker was sniffing, didn’t look good and sneezed into her hand then proceeded to pour my coffee and press the top on with her hands all over it. Seriously. Went and talked to a manager type who got me another coffee, but said nothing to the cashier.

Colectivo is one of my favorite coffee providers in Madison, and the Monroe St. location is probably my most favorite location. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad experience here, and their coffee is on point. Wether it’s a latte, some breakfast, or just some black coffee, you won’t be disappointed. I recommend grabbing some beans while you’re here to make coffee when you’re at home. Such good quality.

Edit: Not sure when it happened but was disappointed to find there is no longer a traditional double shot 8oz cappuccino offering.

Unfortunately it feels more like a Starbucks now. Still better choice in the area but motivates me to travel downtown.

Expect at a decent wait.

Original: Not really my favorite espresso, but definitely my favorite espresso without traveling downtown. Haven't tried it pre-COVID, but looked like a good gathering spot.

Friendly staff, good pastries, but definitely pretty slow going when I was there last month. Still, if you're not in a rush, well worth it.

Plus, it's a real cappuccino, not a latte.

Vegan options! The impossible burrito was awesome. It's been a while since I've had a great Vegan breakfast.