The Victory Madison

As someone from the NE, I can honestly say the Victory is like a second home here in Madison. Patrick and his staff are amazingly kind and remind me of the straightforward bluntness of NY, which amidst Midwest passive aggression is a breath of fresh air. I’ve been coming here for years and the community of regulars is another highlight to this establishment.

Their slogan “it’s not for everyone” definitely sums up this stellar cafe. If you can’t handle the atmosphere of a busy cafe with east coast charm, then there are other places for you to go within walking distance. I love it to bits and can’t imagine a better stop before work each day.

If you take the time to acknowledge staff as people, practice some patience and common decency, you’ll enjoy it too. So calm down and come down to a little taste of something different; both in atmosphere and taste.

TL;DR
Great people, coffee, community, and hang out spot on Madison’s east side. Highly recommended.

It was our daughter’s bday and this is where she wanted to go. We were happy to oblige. We all had an awesome lunch and shared some yummyass donuts for dessert. Patrick, the owner, and The Victory staff are great. Small but mighty, as they say. I gave 3*’s for “atmosphere” because the furniture could use some TLC, although, to be fair, being open seven days a week doesn’t give a small business owner much chance to run around town getting the type of vintage stuff that makes The Victory what it is.

Went here for the first time yesterday and had an amazing experience. The interaction we had with the batista/server was very welcoming. The coffees we ordered we great and the cheese Danish was amazing. This is definitely a place we will be coming back many times!

A yeasted waffle. I could tell the second I saw it. And now I'm sold on the place forever. A place that does a yeasted waffle is unique and doing the lord's work. Additionally, my flat white (offered to me on the house as it was my first visit) was impeccable. The most immaculate shots I've had in awhile. And the playlist could not be faulted. What more do you need really?

Five stars isn't enough to express how much I adore The Victory coffee shop in Madison, WI! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warmth and humor by the incredible owner, Patrick Downey. Patrick is not just a business owner; he's a beacon of positivity, always ready with a story or a listening ear.

What truly sets The Victory apart is its staff. Gone are the days of stuffy, corporate coffee culture; here, you'll find a team of wonderfully quirky, fun-loving individuals who make every visit a delight. I go to share a laugh, and enjoy the atmosphere that reminds me of home.

But beyond the fantastic people, The Victory is a hub for the community. It's more than just a place to grab a cup of joe; it's a gathering spot where friendships are forged and memories are made. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, you're welcomed with open arms.

If you're in Madison, do yourself a favor and stop by The Victory. Trust me, you won't regret it. And to Patrick and the entire team, thank you for making every visit a bright spot in my day. You've earned every one of those five stars and then some!

Thank you, Patrick.
Brooklyns loss was Madisons gain.

Cool funky vibe and great coffee. The barista recommended a turmeric latte of some sort and though I was quite hesitant I decided to try it and am super glad I did...super good. Also, the egg, tomato and pesto sandwich was super good too, the bread could have been a bit fluffier for my preference but it was still very good.

Ended up here from a happy accident. Was craving smoked salmon and the first place I went to was out. I wish I would have taken a picture but my sandwich was delicious and I mentioned that I had just moved to the neighborhood and it was my first time visiting and the owner (I assume) gave me a donut to try. The donut was also delicious and I will definitely be back soon.

This little shop brings the "neighborhood coffee shop" ideal to life. It was originally a no-wifi shop with the intention of being a neighborhood social hub where the regulars would chat, get to know each other, etc. It does have wifi now, and they accept cards, but the original spirit remains intact. The food menu is simple and delicious, coffee drinks are dang tasty, and the company is stellar. Sit at the bar if you'd like to chat with Patrick, the Brooklyn NY made owner (and artist), or the staff. Not feeling chatty? No problem! There's never any pressure to chat.

The waffles are fantastic, the atmosphere is stellar, and the people are the best part of all. I cannot speak highly enough of this cozy cafe!

Friendly service, good selection of food and drink. A great place to sit and chat with a friend, or read, or work the daily crossword. Definitely has its own vibe.

I just had the most beautiful and kind interaction with my pup Yuka at Victory in Madison. We live in the neighborhood and theres lots of coffee shops to choose from. But after feeling so welcomed and wrapped up in community and care, Victory has quickly moved to the top of that list. These are top notch people and that makes me want to support and frequent their business that much more !!! If you're looking for a cafe on the East side please stop by Victory :)
(PS i've never written a review before but this experience was note worthy)

A hidden gem indeed! Patrick and all of the staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming. As a self-proclaimed and very particular coffee drinker, I can also confirm their coffee is the best I have had in Madison.

UPDATE 1/6/23: Unfortunately surrounding coffee shops simply do not know how to make espresso drinks properly and simply aren’t worth your time or money. I highly recommend checking out The Victory Madison if you’re looking for a strong cup of coffee or a rich creamy latte. Yesterday, Patrick made me the most delicious lavender latte I’ve ever had!!

Extra bonus: dog friendly for the doggos!!

Incredibly wonderful atmosphere, I had an egg sandwich and delicious coffee. Best coffee shop in Madison

Fantastic sundried tomato, pesto, mozzarella on ciabatta from far Breton.....get you some!🌞

Changed my rating to 5 stars. Excellent service by the owner. Delicious breakfast options, great coffee and vibe.

A great local spot to get a nice cup of coffee and a small breakfast. Get there early because everyone in Madison swarms in to grab a waffle.

They're thin and crispy, just the way I like them. The owner is very personable with his customers, and he treats his staff with respect. It's nice to observe someone who cares so much about their business.

Great double shot decal hazelnut latte. Great place to have coffee. One of the best coffee shops I've been to and I've been to many of them.

This is a hidden gem in this city. Little coffee shop that feels like it was plucked out of a big city and sweetly tucked into a friendly neighborhood. Patrick and his staff are friendly, wholesome, and down to earth. If you're a fan of being a regular at a coffee shop where they remember you, look no further!

I’ve been getting coffee every day from Patrick and James at The Victory for about a year now. It’s the perfect neighborhood cafe to chit chat with some regulars. The coffee is consistently great and the atmosphere is inviting. They now take credit cards and have free WiFi, which is a bonus. Patrick also decorated the walls with his own art, which is all beautiful and all for sale.

Had an enjoyable experience here. Had a delicious pastry, made fresh daily. It was flaky on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside. Absolutely perfect. Their flatwhite was pretty delicious too. My girlfriend ordered their victory soda. Their soda is homemade, I tried a bit of it and it was very good. I will definitely be back here.