I've been a secret (read: never Yelped about it before) fan of Ma Cha since before I technically moved to Madison. Yes, it's on the West Side of town (kinda) and it's hard to find parking (kinda) but it's also one of my favorite, most peaceful places to visit. I recommend going early to get one of the much-lauded cupcakes, have some tea and read your book (please leave the laptop at home, if you can). Then, step out onto Monroe street, watch out for the crazy drivers, and take a walk over to the Edgewood boardwalk.
And the cares of the day melt away...