Ancora Cafe + Bakery
611 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI
Crema's Take
“Ancora is a beloved Madison brunch destination where creative pastries like their signature blueberry lavender donuts steal the show, backed by solid specialty coffee and a genuinely friendly staff. The spacious, laptop-friendly atmosphere and generous portions make it equally perfect for a leisurely solo coffee session or gathering with friends, though service can occasionally lag during busy times. Whether you're stopping by for a traditional espresso drink or their inventive seasonal creations, this is the kind of neighborhood spot locals return to again and again.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
The staff was very friendly and helpful. We had a coffee, a smoothie, a cup of soup, and a bagel. Everything was good- the soup was not really warm and the soup cup was not even close to full. The smoothie was ok- nothing special for $11 -which I was surprised by the high prices. Overall just overly expensive for average product.
We ordered mini donuts from Ancora for our June 2025 wedding and they were a huge hit. The blueberry lavender donuts are our absolute favorite, so being able to serve them at our wedding felt extra special — and they did not disappoint. Mary was easy to work with, responsive, and helpful throughout the ordering process. She answered our questions, accommodated a gluten-free option for one of our guests, and made pickup simple the morning of the wedding. The donuts were fresh, beautiful, and completely devoured by our guests. We received so many compliments! If you’re considering a dessert alternative to cake — especially if you love lavender — Ancora is an easy yes.
I ordered takeout as I have done multiple times. The receipt I was emailed said to pick it up at 11:06. I got there at 11:08 and had to wait until 11:20 to receive the food. An additional 15 minute wait post the designated time means their time estimates on their toast app need to be updated. To add to the disappointment the sandwich that I paid $2 extra to have bacon on it didn’t even include the bacon. I wasted 15 min waiting there for an order that wasn’t even correct.
Great brunch place I love the coffee and the environment so everything was pretty good and the portions were huge
A breakfast staple for us! Whenever I’m in town, I come to this place! I absolutely enjoy all the food. Lots of great options and really yummy. Portion sizes are good. We also really enjoyed all the different drink options and seasonal flavors. The bakery items are also very delicious. Would recommend the chocolate croissant and the cinnamon roll! Easy to order, food comes quick, and lots of seating at this particular location. Popular place for people to do some work. I really enjoy the cashew crema that comes with the avocado toast. The food overall just taste super fresh and flavorful! I would highly recommend.
Crema Reviews
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