Horst’s Little Bakery Haus

Paul and I experienced an interesting breakfast here after expecting to dine at a local bistro that turned out to be closed during breakfast hours for the winter. The bakery was quite busy when we walked in, which we took as a good sign, but what we quickly realized was that the crowd was due to slow service and kitchen issues.
Our server, a young woman, appeared to be quite depressed. Her mouth was frozen in a chronic frown and she moved at the pace of a snail. I got the impression that she was in need of a hug, but since that would have been inappropriate, I gave her lots of appreciation when she stopped by.
We were told that the cook was out and in the hospital. Although whoever was filling in was struggling to keep pace, the food actually tasted good. We both had biscuits and gravy (the biscuit was the star) with scrambled eggs. We also got a donut to go. I went with a simple glazed one, which was very good.
But for painfully slow service, this would have been a four star review.

I ordered the corn beef hash platter with home fries. Everything tastes good. It’s a pretty straight forward place, nothing fancy or special except for their pastries which we did not taste.
The reason I only gave three stars was due to the seating. There basically wasn’t any.
Their business seemed nice & steady & everyone knew everyone’s name which made it seem more intimate. The staff were very friendly & attentive.
If we were in the area again we would eat there again.

Great little place for inexpensive pastries. If you like cuckoo clocks and nutcrackers this is the place for you! Germany decorations throughout. The staff is friendly and around noon you can get the pastries at a lower cost get one free buy one get one free. So sweet!

Visiting Madison and stopped for breakfast. Highly recommend Horst House. Food was good. I had biscuits and gravy. My husband had an omelet. Service was fast and very friendly. Atmosphere is cute and quaint. We will be back!

This review is for the coffee and donuts. I feel bad with a four star rating, really because the donuts were six stars and the coffee was just a sad little cup of coffee. The had a good variety of donuts from pecan rolls to coconut crème to those cream horn things and a bunch of other stuff. I was quite surprised at the selection when I went and had a difficult time deciding. Their yeast donuts can hold their own against any other. I was intrigued by the décor with Christmas houses and coo coo clocks but I’m guessing that this goes back to the owners German heritage. I didn’t really check out the menu but I’d guess they have other stuff.
Maybe just walk a few blocks down and get a better quality cup of joe.

If you are in Madison and you need breakfast/​brunch, you need to immediately seek out Horst’s.
Their biscuits and gravy are my lifeblood. I devour a plateful every time I’m there. The staff is quirky and friendly, just like the décor. You can’t beat the prices either! Sometimes, you have to wait for a table, which can be awkward because there simply isn’t enough room inside to do so. Most times, the staff will let you wait outside and come and get you when a table is ready — keeps you out of their way :)
Also, whatever you get to eat, please get a glazed donut on the side for your table to share. This is the most important part of this review. You’ll thank me later.

Tiny little place where it seemed all the locals go. It’s decorated with tons of lit up Christmas houses and coo coo clocks. Different but I like different.
Horst, don’t know his first name, but he gets up every morning and starts making doughnuts by 4am. This place is opened only until noon. So get there early, especially on the weekends because I imagine it fills up.
Breakfast was simple, bacon, eggs, potatoes and toast. It was good but nothing I would go ra ra ra about. I did have to get a doughnut because that’s what they’re really known for. I got a round cake doughnut that had chocolate on top. It was good, moist, and hit my doughnut craving. I would go here next time just for a doughnut and a cup of coffee.
If you are ever in Madison hit this place up. But I wouldn’t go out of my way to come here.
The End.

Fantastic breakfast and bakery goods. Famous for his donuts. Best spot in town for breakfast. Eat there at least once a week.

Excellent «home cookin». In town for volleyball tournament… Would definitely recommend, prices unbelievable. Donuts looked amazing too.