Colectivo Coffee

Great quality coffee favored by locals in a comfortable surrounding with easy seating.
The staff here was very friendly. They helped me to choose a coffee based on their recommendations. They did a nice job educating me on it.
In our group, we had a non-​coffee drinker and our server was very helpful in helping him find a beverage. We were not rushed. It was quite busy there, which is a good sign, but it may have been helpful to have clearer signage for us.
I will be happy to go back.

Milwaukee-​based, but not my jam. I lived in Portland for a year, and every Saturday, I biked to a different local roaster to explore. Anyway, I am just an amateur, but I know what I like for the most part.
Quality of roasting: ³⁄₅
Outdoor and open seating: ⁵⁄₅
Oregon Chai as their chai mix: ⁰⁄₅ — you can do better
Bottom line: Take a few steps down King and go to Ancora, a Madison roaster, who is ⁵⁄₅ on the roasting scale. I’m not anti-​Colectivo, but I’m not pro either.

One of my favorite cafes are around! I make a trip once in a while downtown for nothing more than to stop here for lunch and a mocha. The mochas are delicious (not too sweet) and the food is great! The atmosphere is trendy and perfect for downtown and this is a great place to stop after a trip around the farmers market.

Good coffee and specialty drinks. We come here a lot when we do Farmers Market. They usually have a long line but it moves really fast. I like their ice coffee, I usually add some flavor.
The only thing is it’s pretty expensive and their «large» is more like a medium. They do have an extra large but then it gets expensive. The atmosphere is really nice though. I like when they have the doors and windows open for an open air feel. Will keep coming here during Farmers Market for fast, good coffee.

Selections were plentiful, breakfast all day, bakery, soups, sammies, coffee of course.
The staff was stone faced. Not a smile, smirk, nothing.
White bean chili was bland and pretty flavorless. Looks pretty but… nothing; just a leftover garlic aura on your tongue if you can imagine. The temperature was barely warm. This just made it pastier.
My cherry cheese croissant was enticing through the glass case but upon tearing into it, stale and tough.
I’m going to stick with Michelangelo’s this time.

Good place. Good coffee. Almost always easy to find a table. The staff is great — very friendly and attentive. And the coffee is pretty good.

I’m always happy when I leave here. Bada$$ coffee, killer food, gorgeous interior. I’m in there about 5 times per month with my best friend, and she instagrams her cup every time because her name is always spelled correctly. BEAT THAT, Starbucks! Haha!

Pretty good over all. The milk was good, espresso a bit off for my latte, but still ok. Good enough to go back to the next day, I needed some espresso! The atmosphere is great, and the souvenirs were really cool! Probably the best coffee in that little area.

A recent visit to the Colectivo in the Tenney Building yielded a new revelation, but something was different-​what has changed? Coffee? Nope, it’s still reigning supreme over many of the other local and regional options (even if the price has elevated slightly due to global pressures). They DID finally get rid of the couch in the back that was probably home to all manor of microscopic life, thanks to all the people who used it. The staff is still mostly young and slightly cheerful, but not cloyingly so. Well, it was too late in the day for coffee, so I checked the food specials board. The temperature outside resembled a cryogenic experiment, so what better antidote than a meatloaf sandwich? Visions of an inch high braised meatloaf sandwich, perhaps with a nice mound of onions began to make my mouth water. What was served destroyed that dreamy image in one unceremonious moment. While the tennis ball-​sized circular toasted sesame seed bun was a viable option if the meat overran the bun’s perimeter, it would not have been my first choice. Upon looking «under the hood», I was greeted with a meager portion of meat that would have left a tween girl’s stomach growling, post consumption. The «side» was a medium mound of potato chips. All this «pomp and grandeur» for…$ 7.95!!! I double checked the calendar on my phone. No, it was not April 1^st, but the joke was definitely on me. Perhaps it’s time for the «brass» in the boardroom to be told that if they take the same path as Food Fight with regard to cutting corners, they will find their current food concept is even less sustainable than an average fast food burger. Maybe they could try posting pictures of what items on the menu look like, so I don’t have to ask as many questions. Who am I kidding, the people in the boardroom have their late model Teslas and timeshares somewhere overseas, so honoring the request of an amateur food critic isn’t even on their radar.

My first experience here was ordering a decaf coffee. I was so disappointed in it, that it took me months before I decided to stop in again. I’m glad I finally did, because they make wonderful lattes, which is a favorite coffee treat of mine. They use Monin syrups and the hazelnut is wonderfully toasty, nutty and sweet. It makes a very good latte. Their proportion of milk-​syrup-​espresso seems to be just right for me. Rarely do I need to request an extra shot of espresso.
Pastries are also pretty good. I’ve tried the chocolate chip cookie, molasses cookie, and one of their bars (7-​layer bar I believe), and a couple other pastries I don’t remember the name of, but they were flaky and deliciously not too sweet. Good consistent customer service, spacious interior, open windows when the weather is conducive, and a great location, all make the visits pleasant. I have yet to order a plain decaf coffee again though, lol. One day… one day again I will give it a shot.

I always come here to do my work and sometimes it is packed, but people are usually nice and I can find a spot. They make a really good mocha (especially Aiki), which I am picky about.
This was one of my favorite establishments in MKE and it is nice to have it in my hometown.
The music is always friendly so if I forget my headphones it isn’t awful.
I will say that a lot of suits come here, which can kind of take away from the super local down to earth vibe, but it is also nice that all types of people congregate here.
I will say that sometimes the tables are a lil sticky, but they are busy all the time.

Yummy and wonderful people watching out the windows. Great spot with a sweet vibe. I like it in the summer when they are open and you can feel that sweet summer breeze.

Decent place to grab a coffee and a bite on the Capitol Square. The place could have used some attention to detail in terms of getting tables wiped down, as well as the state of the condiments counter.
I had a avocado BLT deal… It was decent… tomatoes were shot. Also had the white bean chili — could have used some kick but was decent. Topped it all of with a cowboy cookie… I’d order this again. Maybe just coffee and two cookies.

We came to collectivo for a coffee before driving back to Chicago on a Sunday after homecoming. It was packed. It was a little too overwhelming for us…
The food, however, was really great. We each got a soup of the day and a sandwich. We also got a mini carrot cake— I would definitely recommend it. It was awesome. I got a vanilla latte and I hate to say it, but I like Starbucks more. Their berry smoothie was great, though.
Overall, I would go back when it’s not so packed and would probably like it more. The whole menu looked good for breakfast or lunch.

The tension hangs thick in the air, like a wet fog. They know as soon as I walk in the door. They can smell it. I am a Starbucks guy. An enemy soldier boldly strolling (meekly shuffling) into enemy territory. Like an old west saloon, the hubbub of the day falls to a sudden halt. Bespectacled hipsters stop padding away on their laptops, urbanites of undermined origins stop gently bobbing along to the latest grooves pulsing through their earbuds. It all stops, and you can practically hear a needle scratch off a record.
«Look, guys, a Staaaaaaarbucks guy is here,» a flannel-​clad beardo falsettos into the pregnant silence. The entirety of the shop roll their eyes in unison. Rolled eyes are the snapped fingers to this particular West Side Story. The judgment settles heavily on me as I approach the barista. She narrows her eyes and, through gritted teeth, manages «what can I get started for you?»
The menu is impressive. The coffee concoctions are simpler than, ahem, other establishments but still offer plenty of room for customization. A full, lunch-​centric food menu is available and there are plenty of fresh baked goods. This is how the other half lives. Could… could all the propaganda foghorned at my dumb face by the green logo’d woman be… be false? No! I must not give in! I am here for reconnaissance! Nothing more!
I request a large white chocolate mocha. «Okay,» says the barista. What am I supposed to read from that? Well, get ready for this next bombshell, folks. «Can I get your name?» she asks as though I’m not on a secret mission. I am prepared, though. My coffee war espionage training kicks in just in the nick of time.
«BEN ROETHLISBERGER, QUARTERBACK OF THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS,» I answer. She holds my eye for a moment. Is she on to me? The seconds feel like hours.
«Okay???» She scribbles Ben on the cup. Whew. Almost blew my cover.
Despite the traffic in the shop, the staff move quickly and keep everything in order. Sooner than is reasonable, my name («name,» you guys. Shhhh) is called and my white chocolate mocha is ready. And… and it’s beautiful. The barista has made a little heart shape with the espresso in the frothed milk. No one is staring at me like an outsider. They never were. They’re living their lives like I’m living mine. Just enjoying some coffee.
They aren’t the enemy and we’re more alike than I’ll ever know. I like flannel! I like eyerolls! I like this white chocolate mocha! I like the sweetness on the frothed milk! I like that the price is pretty solid! I like Colectivo! I said it and now I’m free! I LIKE COLECTIVO! I, «BEN ROETHLISBERGER,» LIKE THIS REALLY PRETTY GREAT COFFEE PLACE CALLED COLECTIVO!
Give peace a chance, dude. The only casualty in this war is mediocrity in coffee choice.

Cool coffee shop and I dig how big the space is. You have your choice of semi-​outside tables (Which smell reminiscent of cat food, but in not a bad way), cushion-​y leather chairs, and the standard tables with chairs of various sides. My chai was good, if not a bit too sweet. The food looks good too. I would heartily support this chain of coffee shops opening up some CA locations.

Dear Colectivo, Will you marry me? — Love Liz
Seriously, obsessed. This was my first time at a Colectivo in general. And I can not stop!
Why not five stars? The staff sucked. It was my friend’s first time and she was not used to ordering off their menu. In the age of Starbucks, sometimes people need a little help. Every place has their own vibe. Rather than being nice and friendly about it, they were kind of snarky. She ended up getting something she hated and their attitude annoyed me. I also have an allergy restriction and I asked them about it. They said it was designated on the menu… except that it was not. I do not need people to know, but just say you do not know. It is fine.
Luckily my food and coffee were on point. They were so good it washed away their negativity. I ordered a double shot, skim milk vanilla latte. It was phenomenal. Warm, delicious and a little foam heart on the top. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros quiche, salsa on the side. The temperature was perfect, the quiche was fresh and the flavor was phenomenal. I am trying to find excuses to go back.

I love all the Colectivo Coffee shops, but the one on the square is my favorite. I mean, where else can you relax with a book overlooking the square (the covered patio is delightful) while enjoying a delicious iced coffee and see a man in a gorilla suit drive by on his motorcycle?
Service is always good (sometimes you’ll even get a friendly note written on the napkin that is tucked into the basket with your breakfast burrito), food is delicious and simple (see: breakfast burrito), and coffee is strong but not bitter. Plus, their bakery game is getting pretty strong. I’m thinking about picking up a loaf of ciabatta right now.

This is the cutest places I’ve ever been for coffee! I love the variety of seating options they have. From outdoor seating and a sunroom to indoor seating, choosing where to sit will be hard to choose.
The selection of food is amazing too! There a are sandwhiches and soups that anybody can eat including vegetarians.
The coffee is also superb here. The iced coffee taste delicious and my boyfriend likes the iced tea :)

Coffee stout is excellent. They have a welcoming staff and environment. Can be a challenge to find a table despite the large space. But I believe that is a commentary on how nice a spot it is. Lunch sandwiches are good. Coffee, too!

This is probably my favorite coffee shop in the downtown area. I hate to say that, because I like to keep my chain coffee use lowkey. But it’s hard to not love the open atmosphere that Colectivo is so good at achieving. I’m not sure I’ve ever sat inside the actual building, because I’m always out in the patio section. Free wifi makes it great for getting work done, and the centralized location makes it perfect for people watching. The baristas are, for the most part, much friendlier than most other chain places, and there’s plenty of room to find a table to yourself. I just moved to the Tenney-​Lapham area, but I’ll likely continue to make the trek down to Colectivo after work and on the weekends for my afternoon coffee fix.

Great shop in Madison. What strikes me is how affordable everything is! You can get a v60 for less than $ 3? A pound of beans for $ 13? Take my money, Colectivo. Enjoying their Ethiopian Yirg at home.
As a visitor to Madison and a coffee nerd, I loved having Colectivo so close to my hotel. The space is large and inviting with friendly service. Love their open seating outside, and the coffee I had also tasted great. Will return whenever I’m back in the city.

I love the set up of Colectivo — it’s basically three coffee shops in one. Out front there is both patio seating and an enclosed area that’s essentially a covered porch. The main area is bright and cheery and buzzing with the kitchen and bar, and in the back things get cozy with dimmer lighting, couches, and high-​backed chairs.
Colectivo runs a pretty legit food game, so it’s easy to plunk down for the day if you’ve got a lot of work to do. I recently allowed myself to pretend that the peanut butter banana muffin was a healthy breakfast choice (I mean, it’s basically a fruit, right?) and enjoyed it with their Revv tea (insanely hot — take the cover off and let it breathe for a bit if you can).
Aside from the minor annoyance of having to log back into the internet every hour, my morning at Colectivo was an excellent experience. I’ll definitely be making it a regular spot for plowing through emails.

Easily, a Madison favorite on the Square (great outdoor patio). I’m sure you already know about the coffee. it’s excellent.
Their baked oatmeal is terrific. I suggest ordering with yogurt instead of the milk. If you’re looking for a dessert or treat, you can’t go wrong with one of the brownies.
A minus star for turning off their WiFi on the weekends. I understand the reasoning (squatters). but it’s still a drag for those of us who want to do a little surfing while we enjoy our morning coffee. There are better solutions.

Colectivo is a great addition to Madison’s coffee scene (ok, I feel pretty nerdy referring to a coffee scene, but there it is) and the Capitol square in general. The large open space is bright and inviting, and they’ve done something that way more Madison establishments should do — big windows that open up to create an indoor/​outdoor space.
The crowds inside and out (weather permitting) attest to the popularity of this relative newcomer to Madison from Milwaukee, where they run several cafes, but it’s pretty chill in the off hours.
I am really happy with their coffee, which is served drip, pourover, and of course all manner of espresso drinks. Try a Cortado if you’re in the mood for something a little different.
If caffeine isn’t your cup of tea, you’ve come to the right coffee shop — beers from Madison’s One Barrel Brewing are on tap. I love this combination as it makes for a place where there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer stimulants or depressants. And no one will judge if you order both.
Colectivo also has cool, well-​designed T shirts and many styles of coffee mugs, and a very good assortment of equipage to brew at home, from drip coffee makers to burr grinders to pourover gear.

They serve coffee, yeah? Well, that’s three stars right there!
This was one of the things I missed most after moving away from Milwaukee and now they have graced us with their presence in Madison. We are so very lucky! Great coffee and decent food, too! My favorite sandwich is the avocado B.L.T., but really, I know you can’t go wrong with anything that you order.
They are usually my first stop during the Farmers’ Market, because although they are extremely busy, they’ve got a great system going to make things quick and easy.
The space is nice and spacious, with great outdoor seating, and a view of the Capitol! It can get a bit noisy inside, but what can you expect from a place that is as popular as Colectivo? They have community tables, great couches, and comfortable chairs that make spending time with friends or getting work done a great experience.