Ancora Cafe + Bakery — Restaurant in Madison

I want to give this place five stars but can't. After waiting for 10 minutes in the Drive-Thru you get up to the window only to find out that they cannot do "any modifications" two orders. This includes something as simple as not putting cheese or aioli on a sandwich. This is kind of a big deal for anyone with food allergies or dietary restrictions, and not all that inclusive. You have to park and go inside and order. But of course you can't actually do that because you're stuck in a drive-thru with no way out, waiting for all the people in front of you to go through, and have been for some time. A waste of 20 minutes. No posting of this important information before you're stuck in line and no sympathy from staff. Such a crazy disappointment. And after being stuck in line before and after that, who wants to go in and order and wait more?

The first time I ate here the food was great. So is the coffee. This really leaves a sour taste in my mouth and now likely not be returning all that...

My partner and I probably go to Ancora a bit more than we should, but it’s always great.

The Monona location is new and just a few steps away from us, and every time we order pick up, it’s always ready and fresh.

I love their fruity pebbles latte (keep it year-round please!) always a treat! Their donuts are so fluffy and my partner loves them, I’m also a huge fan of their buttery chocolate croissants.

My go to food items are their burrito bowl with is fully customizable, it’s filling and I love the flavors. We recently started getting their sourdough toast/jam instead of the donuts (to save some calories 😅) and their jam is house-made and always fantastic. The flavors usually rotate depending on the season (I love their cranberry apple jam!)

Keep in mind this place is always busy, so mistakes happen, as with any place!

Other than that, the Monona location, in my personal opinion is just as amazing...

So sunny and beautiful, with easy parking in the back. Bea welcomed me instantly with a huge smile, and helped me pick a drink when I didn’t know what I was in the mood for. It was a lightly sweet golden milk latte (which is a favorite of mine I’d forgotten about), and was absolutely delicious. Bea was so sweet, and even said goodbye as her shift ended and she was heading out the door.

The space is filled with peaceful earth tones, and lovely lines. There are plenty of stools at the counters along the windows to chill and watch the...