Cottage Cafe

Cottage Cafe isn't fine dining by any means, but it's a delicious greasy spoon diner with fantastic service. Every time I've gone to Cottage Cafe, it's been packed. However, they turn the tables over quickly, so I've never had to wait more than 10 minutes. The pancakes, eggs, and bacon are exactly what you'd expect from this type of restaurant -- yummy, but nothing special. But the cinnamon roll...you've GOT to get it. It is, hands down, the best cinnamon roll I have ever had in my life. As for why I'm taking off one star, it's because I'm not blown away by the quality or originality of the menu. Also, the dining area itself is a little uninspired. Nonetheless, I'll be back at Cottage Cafe in the future.

This is your typical mom and pop diner. In a city like Madison it's nice to find somewhere cheap and cheerful to get a good breakfast. I got the breakfast burrito, coffee, and OJ - a hangover cure of champions. My partner also got food but I was so desperate to eat, his order escapes me. Though we have both talked about returning, so I know he enjoyed it as well. Service was quick and speedy. I'm pretty sure we were served food in 20 minutes. Lightening fast service! The total was around $20 which also was a plus. We liked the overall aesthetic of the restaurant. It was clean and had fun art, which was good for us to browse, because you will wait at this spot if you come during brunch rush. Definitely recommend!

Best little hidden gem of a neighborhood eatery serving all the comfort foods you want at very reasonable prices. I usually bring my parents here as they love the variety of the breakfast dishes, the speed the hot coffee shows up, and bottom line of how much it all costs. They have many specials that change every day so check the numerous chalk and erase boards around the restaurant so you don't miss one. I like the corned beef hash and eggs, Reuben sandwiches, and gyros. Both breakfast and lunch are served all day any time before 2 pm (closing time). The place is usually packed and the tables are close. Parking lot is a little small for the place and shares a lot with the laundrymat in the small strip mall (laundrymat has designated spots in front of their business so be careful to not block them.)

This is what I think of when I picture your classic small cafe. We went for breakfast and the food was really good. The place was busy and appears to be a popular local spot. The downside is that it's a smaller building. Most of their tables are for four people, making it hard to accommodate larger groups. However, the staff does a great job with the turnover of tables so that you don't feel rushed while eating, but you also don't have to wait long for a table.

Great breakfast. I had the Walleye, 2 eggs over easy, crispy hash browns & raisin toast with orange marmalade. Delicious, the walleye was lightly fried & flakey, eggs were perfectly cooked & velvety clearly farm fresh eggs. Nice dining room with plenty of room, good service & plenty of parking. Good old fashioned coffee like your mother used to drink, a soothing traditional blend. Will be back soon!

This is a gem on the east side. The inside is larger than the parking lot so get in early to secure a spot. The diner serves the classics and they do the job well. I prefer having breakfast here but the lunch specials are yummy.

Solid. Cottage Cafe is a fairly basic diner and there's nothing wrong with that. Prices are low, the tables are Formica and the portions are large. The menu is simple - all day breakfast, sandwiches, a few blue plate specials like liver and onions. You're not getting a vegan anything, chia seed pudding or anything remotely fancy.Don't take this to mean there aren't interesting options - you can get spam in any numbers of dishes, cheddarwurst is a breakfast meat option and you can get walleye and eggs. I opted for the waffle breakfast which netted me a big waffle, 2 perfectly done over medium eggs and spam (because why not?) which was served with melted American cheese as it should be. Everything was cooked well and for $9, you can't go wrong. The mister had a patty melt burger that he liked. Service is fast and they seem to be perpetually hustling. Two thumbs up.

Ordered a just cheddar omelet but got unmistakable American cheese. Was being treated by relatives so didn't raise a fuss, tho I was disappointed and unhappy because I will not voluntarily eat that plastic junk. Decaf and regular coffee tasted identical.

Quaint, clean and cozy! I love this little diner for breakfast. Their service is excellent and attentive and the crowd is normally friendly and frequently on the older side. The food portions are generous and the prices are very reasonable. They do have other kinds of food available but my go to is always breakfast so I cannot review anything other than breakfast. The hash browns are very fresh and hot, over easy eggs were superb!! Will visit ag

Went for a late brunch, but breakfast was all day. Food had large portions and delicious. Great prices! Waitress and staff were friendly!