I recently made my first visit. I was really impressed with their large space and massive views of Monona Bay. I was there during the evening, so I didn't drink coffee, but I was very impressed with their craft beers and nice wine list. I thoroughly enjoyed my glass of cabernet.
They offer a painting class through a mobile franchise business called Paint Nite every Wednesday. An instructor leads a class painting a landscape or still life (they bring a finished version to class). Paint Nite is the same concept as those stand-alone retail stores that offer painting and a full bar, but the woman who runs the local franchise hosts classes at places like Lakeside St Coffee House and Capital Brewery (find them on Facebook or Groupon) rather than in its own retail space. Anyway, this painting thing was actually really fun. My friend invited me and I agonized over it because I thought my painting skills would be absolutely tragic. Because the instructor shows you what to do during each step, it's actually pretty easy and fun. it's also neat to witness the "artistic liberties" some of the other class participants take. There was a good mix of males and females in my ~30 person class and everyone seemed to have a great time.
This is turning into more of a Paint Nite review than a Lakeside Coffee review, but both are great and I am excited to return.