The disclaimer: I'm confident my 4-star review will be raised after subsequent visits. They are a relatively new business and god knows it can take a bit to work out the kinks! I love supporting local & sustainable businesses so I will be back.
The background: Some friends and I stopped in on a Sunday afternoon looking to sit and have some coffee & pastries.
The good: Fantastic service! From the girl at the register to the woman who brought our drinks to the woman whom I presume to be one of the owners I watched interact with a somewhat difficult customer, I was impressed with everyone's warmth & professionalism. The decor is also super cute, and they have a little stash of games to play while you eat--we played a couple rounds of Bananagrams, which was rad. They also make a mean thai iced coffee with grounds from Just Coffee Coop. And free wifi!
The needs work: My blackberry balsamic hand pie was $4 and very small (I ate it in about 4 bites). The price seems high for Madison, but all ingredients are locally sourced so perhaps that's why. The girl at the register asked if I'd like it warmed up; I said yes, but I wish I hadn't, because she microwaved it and it took all potential crisp out of the crust and turned the pie pretty soggy. It also zapped some of the flavor out of the pie--you know how things just never taste as good after they're microwaved? Suggestion: a toaster oven! And if possible, larger hand pies.
The conclusion: Loved the atmosphere, loved the business model, will keep them in mind for any baked goods order needs and a place to spend a cozy afternoon (next time sans microwaved pie.)