MOKA — Restaurant in Madison

Their Jamaican coffee is wonderful. Great flavor. Best coffee I've ever had over ice. I can't give them five stars (I'd like to but I can't) because of how poorly designed the space is, and how slow their service is as a result. Their drive-through is routinely backed up nearly to their entrance (which makes parking anything but a very small car nearly impossible), the lane is narrow enough that large vehicles frequently struggle to make the turn, and the window service is always friendly, but glacially slow. Today I actually decided to park and run in - after finding one of the very few spots that would take my midsize SUV. I learned that service I side is even slower than the drive up window. The front register looks like it's truly an afterthought, the barrista working the front had to run to the drive-up part of the kitchen to do everything except use the register. There are tables inside, but they're excruciatingly cramped, and with then there there's barely enough space for a line. There were cars lined up to the entrance (I'd guess eight cars in line). I was third in line inside and the car line was empty by the time I finally got to the front of the line and got my coffee. They have a great product that I'll continue to buy, and I hope they'll be around to continue to buy it. If they don't straighten out their logistical issues and the speed of their service I'm afraid that won't...

I post 4 stars, not to disparage any, but just to highlight that Moka might not be EVERYTHING that EVERYONE is looking for in a coffee shop. Stopped in on a Sunday morning (Easter) to have a cup and catch up on news. Very friendly, fast, service but the baristas work in a back room, servicing mainly a drive-thru clientele. I utilized the small, 16-seat, common area with big windows looking right on to University Ave and ordered a double American ($2.75). I didn't specify 'here or to-go' but was served in a disposable cup (even though I see a few non-disposable cups on the counter) reinforcing that they're used to serving a 'in a hurry' clientele. I saw two 'to-go' customers come through the front door while maybe ten cars utilized the drive-thru.

They have coffees, teas, smoothies, shakes, and a few muffins, cookies and pre-packaged oatmeal cups.

They had music playing, and free Wi-Fi, (to go along with the prompt, smiling service) but 'atmosphere' isn't the reason I'd come back.

UPDATE: As I sit here typing this, an older couple comes in with news papers and orders a couple drinks. Her Miel (latte w/honey and cinnamon) is brought out in a disposable cup. She asks for a mug and the server politely transfers it. I never felt rushed, but they cater to...

Moka has some of the best coffee in town, for my money. The Jamaican, which is first to produce a hint of maple on the finish, has converted more than one friend from sweet espresso drinks or coffee chock full of cream and sugar to enjoying the coffee itself. The prices are more than reasonable. A 32oz iced coffee is less than a dollar more than McDonald's. There are always some baked goods available. The service is impeccable. Baristas come out to take orders if there is a line, so drinks are almost always ready when you arrive at the window. The staff pay attention to details and get to know patrons. Though they know a regular drink order, they always check with the patron before preparing something. It's surprising for a barista to remember, not only your order, but topics about which you've spoken. All of this without feeling...