RJ Cafe & Bistro is a trendy eatery "hidden" behind RJ Julia Booksellers. Whether you want to enjoy one of our fabulous lunch entrees, light dinner fare or sit back with a cappuccino and an award winning cupcake, we've got you covered. With our full-table service you can relax and enjoy your meal. When it comes to food, we use only the freshest ingredients possible.
Using as many local vendors as possible from our renowned cupcakes to our fresh soups, salads, paninis and delicious light dinners we have something for everyone. It is extremely important to us to provide our customers with simple, unprocessed, real food. With menu options ranging from organic coffee to soups, salads & so much more, there is sure to be something delicious (& nutritious) for everyone!
Using as many local vendors as possible from our renowned cupcakes to our fresh soups, salads, paninis and delicious light dinners we have something for everyone. It is extremely important to us to provide our customers with simple, unprocessed, real food. With menu options ranging from organic coffee to soups, salads & so much more, there is sure to be something delicious (& nutritious) for everyone!
Reviews (25)
Kc
Jan 19, 2022
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On two consecutive occasions my experience visiting this bistro has been poor to say the least. Disorganized, poor attitudes, and poor lack of management. Whoever is managing the cafe here clearly has no experience in restaurant management or customer service, which is a shame because it is a unique location for dining. Doubtful I will return unless a change is made.
Kathy Napolitano
Oct 28, 2021
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This is a fantastic place to visit. Not only great choices of books and neat gifts to purchase but they have a great little cafe attached to it. The food is delicious, the staff in the cafe and in the Bookshop are absolutely lovely people. They are so helpful and pleasant. Have been going there for the last several years on my trip up to Madison. A welcome change from the hubbub of New York City. You will enjoy every minute being in this bookstore and Cafe.
Matt M.
Oct 14, 2021
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Adam Nadeau
Sep 05, 2021
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Vinny Apicella
Sep 01, 2021
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Chandra G.
Dec 11, 2019
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Jonathan Stankiewicz
Oct 28, 2019
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Justine Childs Friedman
Oct 27, 2019
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Melissa S.
Oct 05, 2019
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Came across this charming place while passing through town and what a find it was! Sat outside on a perfect fall day and it was like something out of a book. Small patio with bistro tables surrounded by mums and pumpkins. Had a delicious, fresh Cobb salad and chicken bacon tacos with pomegranate tea. Great service and the quaint book store inside was a great bonus!
Keith Campbell
Sep 14, 2019
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Sarah J.
Mar 18, 2019
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Delicious food, but waitstaff are, well, clueless. 3 young women working, 2 tables occupied and we had to ask her to bring our plates, which sat ready for several minutes while she puttered around. Never offered my husband a refill on coffee.
They need better training, and the food on the floor in the food prep are isn't too appetizing either. Yes, they've gone downhill . So sad.
They need better training, and the food on the floor in the food prep are isn't too appetizing either. Yes, they've gone downhill . So sad.
Melissa Grady
Sep 10, 2018
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So my sister and I came to Madison for a few days to get away and relax. It was my sister's first time back to Madison since her husband passed away suddenly and unexpectedly 6 months ago, and this being one of their favorite places, was a bit anxiety provoking to say the least! So enjoying our time together, we walked around the shops in downtown… Madison. We entered RJ Julia Bookstore and found some great finds on the gift shop side of the shop. We decided to take a few minutes to enjoy a snack in their cafe. My sister and I entered the RJ Cafe and was immediately greeted by a friendly
Terrie Nelson-Johnson
Aug 09, 2018
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Jamison L.
Jan 20, 2018
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Caytlin G.
Sep 01, 2017
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We came here recently with our large dog. It was our third time eating with him at the cafe. The first two times were very pleasant, but this third time was one of the worst experiences I've had at a restaurant.
First, one of the waitresses spilled coffee all over my dad. Second, the patio space is kind of tight, and the dog was standing next to our table, which was near one of the walkways the wait staff used to deliver food. You could just kind of tell the waitresses were really unhappy about where he was standing, but I didn't have any other place to move him. Instead of going around
First, one of the waitresses spilled coffee all over my dad. Second, the patio space is kind of tight, and the dog was standing next to our table, which was near one of the walkways the wait staff used to deliver food. You could just kind of tell the waitresses were really unhappy about where he was standing, but I didn't have any other place to move him. Instead of going around
Sharon Buller Kuhn
May 17, 2017
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Gail B.
Mar 29, 2017
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I had been here before in the summer. We sat outside and I had an amazing fig and arugula flatbread but forgot to do a yelp review. Yesterday was a rainy and cold afternoon when I had about 30 minutes to grab lunch with my 8-year-old. We sat inside on a comfortable cushioned window seat. There were pretty, fresh flowers on the table and the atmosphere was cozy and quiet. The service was quick, friendly, and professional. We both had an amazing sandwich. I thought I was just ordering a simple grilled cheese but it came on the most delicious ciabatta roll, grilled to perfection. Huge slices of bacon
Gg K.
Jul 01, 2016
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Sarah F.
May 19, 2016
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Kerry C.
Apr 06, 2016
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This place is quickly becoming my favorite lunch spot in Madison. They have wonderful things to choose from on their menu- paninis, sandwiches, salads, etc. Not to mention their extensive hot beverage list. Their caramel lattes are so yummy!
Sometimes there is a wait for a table, but it's understandable because of the popularity and size of the cafe. The size is perfect and the atmosphere is comfortable and chic.
Sometimes there is a wait for a table, but it's understandable because of the popularity and size of the cafe. The size is perfect and the atmosphere is comfortable and chic.
Amanda W.
Sep 11, 2015
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A. M.
Aug 31, 2015
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Michele K.
Mar 27, 2015
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This is my heaven on earth. Books and food.
I spent about an hour looking at books, admiring all the autographed pics on the walls of the famous authors that had book signings here. For lunch I had the Mac 'n'Cheese and Lobster Bisque. It was so good and perfect for a cold, blizzardy day. I'd definitely go back if I'm in Madison again. The service was great and our server was attentive, I have no complaints. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because the tables were so tiny and it felt cramped for a meal. If you're having coffee/tea, then I think it would be cozy
I spent about an hour looking at books, admiring all the autographed pics on the walls of the famous authors that had book signings here. For lunch I had the Mac 'n'Cheese and Lobster Bisque. It was so good and perfect for a cold, blizzardy day. I'd definitely go back if I'm in Madison again. The service was great and our server was attentive, I have no complaints. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because the tables were so tiny and it felt cramped for a meal. If you're having coffee/tea, then I think it would be cozy
Amy Louise Newton
Dec 20, 2013
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Larry S.
Nov 19, 2012
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Tucked away in back of the RJ Julia booksellers is a quaint little coffee and tea store that serves muffins, scones and to our surprise - lunch! Service is very attentive and efficient. I am always pleased to see a tea menu but when I ask the tea to be steeped when the water is hot when first poured I do get disappointed when the tea bag comes separate and the water now less than hot...The food is fair - not bad not great but its homey and pleasant and makes the visit to the book store complete. The tuna salad was a little light but tasty - make sure you ask if they can toast and the Quessadilla
