Welcome to Willalby's Cafe, a delightful culinary gem nestled in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. Located at 1351 Williamson St, this café boasts a cozy atmosphere that is as charming as its extensive menu. Offering a variety of dishes that marry tradition with innovative flavors, Willalby's has carved out a niche for brunch enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
One of the standout dishes is the Beet Salad, where roasted beets blend beautifully with pistachio and truffled chevre, crowned with vibrant pea shoots for just US$11.25. If you’re in the mood for a slice of pizza, the Puerco Pizza, with its rich tomato sauce, pork confit, and gorgonzola dolcina, is sure to leave you satisfied at US$21.25. For those who enjoy a comforting breakfast, the pancakes at Willalby's have garnered rave reviews; customers praise them for their size and impeccable flavor, making them a must-try!
Willalby’s also caters to dessert lovers with sweets like the Sticky Ginger Cake, paired with lemon cream and candied pistachio for US$11.25, and the indulgent Mousse, featuring a delightful blend of chocolate and cardamom at the same price. These sweet finishes elevate the dining experience, ensuring you leave with a smile.
However, it’s not just the food that keep patrons returning; it’s also the authentic vibe of the café. The eclectic decor and intimate setting give it a charming “hole-in-the-wall” feel, making you feel right at home. As one diner reviewed, “Lovely hole in the wall. Place was packed,” echoing the café's reputation amongst locals.
While most visitors are captivated by the culinary offerings, it’s worth noting the service pace can sometimes be slower than expected, especially during peak hours. As Greg Eakins mentioned, “If you’re not in a hurry, this is a great brunch stop.” Additionally, be prepared for cash-only payments—there's an ATM on-site for your convenience, albeit with potential fees.
In conclusion, Willalby's Cafe is a delightful stop for anyone looking to indulge in exquisite dishes while soaking up a warm, inviting atmosphere. So if you find yourself near Williamson Street, make sure to remedy your brunch or lunch cravings at this delightful Madison spot. You might just discover your new favorite dish!
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Greg Eakins
09/07/2025
The food at this cute little place is outstanding! The pancakes are not only huge, but they have an amazing flavor and perfect mouthfeel that makes them stand out from your average breakfast joint. All of the other food was spot on as well. The service left a lot to be desired, however. It took over an hour for us to get food out to our party of 6 and no one else was there. Parking is also a challenge in this area, as it's mostly just street parking on a busy street. If you're not in a hurry, this is a great brunch stop.
Jamie Hisgen
08/07/2025
Quaint little spot with great flavors on the menu. I got the Guiilermalby's omelet. Holy heck! I have to say, is it had the freshest slice of avocado tucked inside that I had ever had which brought it all together. The server gave the best comparison when I asked her about it and that it was like Nuevo ranchers as an omelet! Don't forget to hit an ATM before dining in or taking it to go. It is $$ only, but they do have an ATM on site - just not sure of the fees there? After you feed your appetite, you can stop next door for fresh ink!
Amy G
02/07/2025
Let me start by saying that the food was surprisingly delicious. I had one of the best omlettes I've ever had there. The actual building and vibe is a little weird but okay enough to come back i suppose. The servers seemed kind to us but were just chatting at a booth for most the time. They only accept cash which we didn't know so we had to use the ATM for a fee.
Dave Beavan (Direwolf342)
02/07/2025
Lovely hole in the wall. Place was packed. Waited about 10 minutes for a seat. Our waitress, and the only server, was great. Hash browns and bacon were top-notch, tasty and not greasy. Eclectic vibe if you're snooty - stay away.
William Ager
17/05/2025
What a great back alley diner! Had a pancake, eggs, toast, and sausage. Their pancakes are the second best in Madison imho which is sayin’ a lot because I’ve tried a few dozen places in Madison. Good food and great/friendly 5 star service!
Lacee Blair
30/04/2025
Exactly what you’d expect from a small neighborhood cafe, in the best way possible! Take a seat anywhere, and the friendly staff will greets you with a smile and a hot cup of coffee, served in a mug that doesn’t match any of the others. (Trust me, it’s part of the charm.) The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and I immediately felt at ease. I ordered one of their skillet meals from my server, Chess (AWESOME PERSONALITY!) and it was just what I needed. It’s the kind of food you’d make at home, if you felt like cooking and had the time to put the love in it - well seasoned and full flavor. I didn’t feel rushed. My food came out in a reasonable amount of time. My coffee cup never went empty. DID I MENTION HOW WELCOME I FELT?!?!? Love this place. I’ll be coming back.
Lisa Dambach
26/04/2025
I would give a 4.5 if I could. The service was great! The food review is a mix. I had the Guillermalby's Omelet, everything was great except they use jarred salsa. My husband had the Hart’s Content Omelet, and loved his. The coffee and bread were delicious. The hash browns were bland.
Tyler Diedrick
21/04/2025
Great place to hang out for a morning to kill some time and enjoy delicious food. As a vegan, I was elated to have finally found vegan French Toast! It did not disappoint. I also ordered the vegan skillet which like the French Toast was equally as awesome. Expect the food to take a while as there was limited staff (at least when I was there). But with the wait comes exceptional food!