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| - For five whole months I had been walking around Madison, Wisconsin, thinking that I had been to every independent coffee shop in the city. I told my friends. I told my friends' friends. It was a big deal. Little did I know that not only had I missed a shop, but seemingly the most important independent hub for coffee drinkers on the west side of the city.
Helbachs Coffee House is one of the few, the proud, independent coffee shops on the west side of Madison.
A family venture from the start, founder of the "Jesus Lunch" gatherings at Middleton High School Melissa always wanted to open a small café with her children and husband for the months when they were not travelling the world as a unit. Just over a year ago, her dream came true.
Located in a former Victor Allen's Coffee, The Helbachs space perfectly embodies what it means to be "rustic chic" in the age of Pinterest. Intimidate without being intimidating, it seemed on-brand that the table next to me was a conversation between a wedding photographer and soon-to-be bride. We are talking strategically stained wood, hand-drawn flowers and quotes like "Dream big" written in cursive on pillows.
Whether you are studying alone or part of a squad, Helbachs is small but mighty. Indoors there is a community table with high-top cushion chairs that comfortably sits eight people.
Surrounding are around seven tables for parties of two to four. If you are looking for a more comfortable spot, there is a couch with two loveseats situated around their fireplace. In a rare occurrence, this particular shop seems to be able to sit more people outdoors than inside. Take a seat at one of their umbrella-covered tables or in a wicker loveseat. Your group of five will be easily accommodated.
Courtesy of Just Coffee, there is a special Helbachs House Blend (medium-dark blend) as well as a unique light roast, but the real winner is their food menu. It is a rarity for coffeehouses to make every aspect of their sandwiches in-house and to-order, but that is exactly what Helbachs does. For example, I ordered their SEC (grilled wrap with bacon, egg, cheddar, crispy hashbowned potatoes, "Special Sauce"). I personally watched every step of the wrap get made from scratch, and the extra attention mattered. Further, the woman in front of me ordered over $70 worth of baked goods and then declared that the pecan rolls were "legendary".
There is no doubt in my mind that Helbachs Coffee House will continue to be successful amongst west side locals, but I am curious about what happens during the spring months when the family takes their extended sabbaticals (for example, they just went to Asia for an extended period of time). With each child having a title like Marketing Director and/or Head Barista, does the shop close? This is me being selfish and a west side native.
Regardless, between their family adventures and within business hours, make sure to stop by. Helbachs Coffee House is in my Top 15 of Madison, for sure.
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