Prairie Cafe & Bakery — Restaurant in Middleton

How has this place been open for so long? Incredibly overpriced, small portions, food is meh at best and bad customer service to boot. Went in there for breakfast with my parents cause I heard it was good. Went up to order and since none of their breakfast food looked particularly good and since me and my parents were going to split everything I decided to order a sandwich. I was told we don't serve lunch on Sundays which I find more than a little ridiculous. I guess my surprise and slight annoyance and disappointment registered on my face because the cashier leaped into a half baked excuse for why they don't have lunch on Sunday. I was hungry and wasn't particularly interested so I cut her off and asked for a milkshake. The cashier then asked "you sire that's what you want? Our breakfast is really good." And began listing items off the menu. I'm sure your breakfast is good but I read the menu and don't need you trying to upsell me I just want you to take my order. Parents got a breakfast bagel sandwich, a Alexander omelet, and a parfait. Total for everything was nearly $60 so I had high hopes for the food. Food comes and was severely let down. Omelette was a weird brownish green color so I don't know what kind of eggs they use and the breakfast bagel sandwich tasted like something I could get for half the price with hash browns at McDonald's. The milkshake was very small and tasted like it was made with a powder mix instead of milk and ice cream which for the price is a little annoying. Everything about this place rubbed me the wrong way and I'm baffled that they have been here for...

When I venture to Middleton to catch up with friends over a cup of coffee, I often end up at the Prairie Cafe & Bakery. It's a short bike ride from the 53597 and the coffee they serve beats the pants off of what you can get from the nearby Starbucks.

I wish the outdoors seating area took advantage of the nearby Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Sipping coffee and watching the locals grab a cup of froyo just isn't the vibe I'm looking for I guess.

I can't vouch for the breakfast or lunch selections, since I'm just a coffee and baked goods sort of guy. As for baked goods, I've had some excellent scones and muffins at Prairie. But not every time. Just when I'm ready to proclaim Prairie my go to coffee and a scone hangout, I get a scone that's as dry as Atacama Desert. And since I'm dropping some decent coin here, I'd like better consistency.

Things I like: Love the staff here. Even when the place is getting slammed by waves of morning commuters looking for their sugar and caffeine fix, I always get a smile and courteous service. Always love me some free wi--fi. Never had a problem connecting or with download speeds. The noise level indoors always seems to be a soft murmur, with some relaxing music wafting in the background. Never had a problem carrying on a conversation with my...

Overall food was good but I was disappointed in the quality of service. We have walked by the cafe a number of times seeing the sign for delivery and pick up, so I thought this was be a good place to bring my kids. When I called to find out about ordering I was told I had to go in the the building. I asked about the delivery and was told they could not accommodate it. I said I understood and we could go elsewhere. The staff then agreed to take my order but could not figure out how to process my payment. I could hear her making unkind remarks about us to other staff since she did not place us on mute. I then offered to come inside to pay. Luckily another customer who overheard took the payment inside so I didn’t need to bring my infant and 3 year old indoors. I understand that it is challenging to adapt in a Covid world and understood when they said they could not accommodate a phone in request despite their sign offering delivery and pickup options. However in the future please make sure to mute when making comments about your guests. Overall food was good, but I am not sure I would go back after this experience. I am disappointed and wanted this to be a special outing...