Leopold’s Book Bar & Cafe

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Delicious drinks, amazing ambiance. Love that it's inside a library! Super cozy feel. And it stays open late at night!