Manna Cafe & Bakery
611 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI, 53704
Manna Cafe & Bakery Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Madison for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Madison for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Madison for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
611 N Sherman Ave
Madison, WI, 53704 - Phone (608) 663-5500
- Website https://www.mannacafe.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Elisabet R.
Delicious brunch!! Had the homemade granola with almond milk and fresh fruit (bananas and strawberries), 2 eggs over-easy and a side of bacon. I also tasted the eggs benedict, breakfast burrito and a few pastries, which were all yummy!! The fresh OJ was needed and the servers were all great! Highly recommend!
(5)Katie B.
I have been to Manna more times than I can count. Whether its stopping in to grab a Hazelnut latte and quiche, or sitting down for breakfast, I have enjoyed every single visit. My favorite items on the menu are the Eggs Benedict, Oatmeal Pancakes, and various Quiches. For lunch, all of their sandwiches are unique and fresh and always satisfying! Their baked goods are great as well-especially the scones and chocolate croissants. Although many restaurants in Madison have impressed me with food, the combination of Manna's great food, warm staff, and friendly atmosphere, make it one of a kind. I recommend it for everyone-breakfast, lunch, and dinner...however, breakfast is my personal favorite! Manna is normally packed on Saturday and Sunday morning, so big groups can be difficult to squeeze in. One last tip: their Challah bread makes great french toast for at home :)
(5)Seaeun K.
What a hidden gem! Though I think it's just hidden from me since I'm not in this area often and the place was packed all morning. Our party of 3.5 was able to sit immediately at 10AM Sunday morning. By 10:30, there was a line going out the door. For first timers, the ordering/seating/situating process is a little confusing. You see the host, get a table number, grab whatever table you'd like, look over the menu, order at the counter, take your drinks, and sit back down and wait for your food. The food is delicious!!! The fritatta was loaded with mushrooms and so savory and oniony. The biali (my first) was light and chewy and wonderful. Fresh fruit all around. Coffee and water are self serve at the opposite end of the ordering counter which means that you're constantly back and forth through the busy host stand / ordering line, hoping you don't spill your hot coffee on someone. I suppose if you look at it from the perspective that this was designed purposely to create some serendipitous moment where you bump into your future soulmate, this is very well designed. If you're just trying to get to your table without spillage, maybe not so much.
(4)Steve L.
Very busy Saturday morning, but that didn't seem to phase the fine folks at Manna. Parking lot: full. Dining space: full. Area around the coffee bar: full. But it was still an excellent experience. + What a menu. So diverse, and so many awesome options. + Check the daily specials - they had three unique quiche and/or frittata offerings when I was there + Super friendly, super efficient host. Very accurate with estimating wait time, and was very personable + Ordering process was easy; check-in with host, get a number, and browse the menu while you stand in line to order + Very helpful person (the owner) running the point of sale system. She was fantastically nice and obliged my substitution requests + Reasonably priced + Cash or credit/debit accepted + Serve-yourself coffee, with four options. Also have a full-service coffee bar with tea and the usual coffee-like drinks + Even though the coffee bar is sort of in the middle of everything, there's enough space in the area for people to navigate without feeling crowded, unlike Crema Cafe's set-up + Awesome tables and seating areas; very comfortable. Private feeling, even though everyone is sitting fairly close to one another + Food arrived rather promptly, even though the place was super busy. Very efficient kitchen. + The food. Wow. It takes a lot to goof-up a breakfast. It takes even more to make it really outstanding. Manna was *outstanding*. I had the "Walking in the Woods" scramble - mushrooms, asparagus, cheddar, and eggs, with onion crinkles on top. It was *perfectly* cooked; the ingredients were extremely fresh and mixed to a perfect egg-to-ingredient ratio. Just unreal. Even though I'm watching my girlish figure, I had to sample the little onion tart/roll thing on the side, and it was equally awesome. The texture of the bread, combined with the sweet carmelized onion was superb. - My only ding: the coffee. I'm super picky about coffee profiles, and none of the three that I tried really suited my palette. That's ok; it's me, I fully realize this. I have a handful of breakfast "go-tos," and Manna is now on that list. Truly excellent, even when slammed busy. Other businesses in the area could learn a thing or six from these guys (hint: I'm looking at you, Villa Tap)... I can't wait to return so that I can try one of the biscuit-based breakfast sandwiches - they all looked amazing. Thank you, Manna!
(5)Eric B.
Manna is a decent place to grab a bite to eat on the near Northside of Madison. I think the baked goods are the highlight of this establishment. I've had the quiche as a carry out item and thought it was pretty good. Today I stopped by for a late lunch. I had the Beef Brisket Sandwich with melted cheese curds. Said cheese curds were nascent but perhaps visually discernible. The brisket seemed more like pulled beef than a traditional sliced brisket. The flavor was really pretty good - but the beef was a bit dry. I also had a chocolate hazelnut rugala in honor of the the death of the Nutella founder last weekend. The rugala was very tasty. I'm likely to go back... For pastries!
(3)Liz M.
Manna is a great spot for an early morning breakfast on the way to the Dane county airport. We had the bayou omelet special which my husband loved. Flavorful but not too spicy with andouille sausage and delicious shrimp. I had the Chippewa frittata made with wild rice, green onions, mushrooms, bacon and cheese. Our son had the spinach scramble with well cooked potatoes. We had the fruit cup instead of potato and it was lovely. All dishes came with a fresh onion bialy which was wonderful. It was a lot of food for about 9.50 an entree. We took two bialys with us. Restaurant had that real Madison feel and bakery case was full of nice stuff we were too full to be tempted by. I would stop there for a meal for the plane!
(5)Meghan H.
The eternal dilemma arises -- to eat healthy or give into the need to stuff your face with pancakes. At Manna Cafe & Bakery it's possible to do both. Feast on the Collins House Oatmeal Pancakes, their signature dish that's delicious and doesn't completely undo hours at the gym. With a word like "oatmeal" in the title, these cakes are obviously the epitome of quality nutrition. The texture of these cakes is insane. They remain moist, yet have a fantastic bite to them, thanks to the oats. There's also a slightly nutty quality to them despite the absence of nuts. Very delicious and certainly unique. I crave them, often.
(5)Nicole H.
Without further delay, I'm here to officially profess my deep love and appreciation for Manna Cafe & Bakery. Let me count the ways... #1 - Their bakery items are insanely delicious and made with big love. In fact, I would even venture to say that they have the best chocolate chip cookies in the city. #2 - All of their quiches kick SERIOUS ass and the Away in Provence omelet is my all-time favorite of their egg dishes. The combination of warm chevre with sweet caramelized onions is luscious & comforting and then there are the bright flavors that come with the addition of the garlic-roasted tomatoes & basil. It's genius level! But wait, there's more!!! With the omelet, you also get a bialy & greens. You can't go wrong. The bialy is soft inside with this great, chewy crust and the greens are fresh & dressed perfectly. #3 - Not too long ago, they changed how they approach seating/ordering and it's created a much smoother flow along with quicker service. Winning! #4 - Speaking of service, everyone at Manna is excellent! I've never had anything but stellar customer service experiences each time I've been there. Oh, how I do go on...... I'll stop there for now, but just know, Manna is an excellent choice in a city with so many great choices. They are quality in every way and well worth the wait (if there ever is one). Go, my friends, go early & often!
(5)Lulu M.
I had the French Picnic plate. It was large and very good. I thought it was an unusual and beautiful presentation with the flavorful chicken, brie, olives, and fresh tomatoes over salad greens. The desserts were unique too. I had a chocolate toffee pretzel bar, which another friend had the zucchini cake with cream cheese frosting. Excellent! I dined here with friends on a quiet Tuesday evening. It's an informal place. I will happily return. If you want quiche you may want to come for lunch, because there was no quiche left by 6 pm.
(4)Sallie Jo C.
You will never view quiche the same after you eat a slice here. Every day you will find two flavors, each with in-season (to the extent possible) ingredients, including pairings you may not have thought possible. Do not stress yourself with counting calories, because every savored bite is worth that stick of butter you are consuming. As good as the quiche is, I'd eat a pan of that pie crust on its own. I drop in a day or two a week for their fresh Johnson Brothers coffee. The sunrise muffin is exceptionally good and has some veggies in it, so I pass that off as healthy. The only thing that is frustrating is the slowness of the service. I think they could be more efficient using the two registers and having another person fetching coffee and goodies while the cashier keeps a steady flow ringing up customers. Speaking of customers, it amazes me there are menus clearly posted and visible, plus paper copies you can hold in your hand and read, yet nearly no one is prepared to order when it's their turn. It drives me crazy when I need an express lane during those early morning visits on my way to the office.
(4)Neal C.
Really good quiche! Fluffy and (somewhat) light for quiche, while still not skimping on the fillings-- I had the turkey, spinach, and Gruyere. Delicious. The oatmeal pancakes were all right, nothing special like I had read, but if I return, I'd again opt for a quiche and some of their delicious coffee. They have specialty drinks as well as bottomless for $2.90. Nice location with a parking lot. Interior is cozy and usually you can find a table to sit at. I also like how friendly the service is. It's refreshing that they can take their time to help folks make a decision if they can't make one (as the two people in front of me did).
(4)Tenny D.
We often go to Manna for lunch. They have been serving consistently good sandwiches. Love love their carrot cake. I actually start with that first every time I am there. Recently we tried their breakfast. Fell in love with their oatmeal pancake. A must go place if u haven't been here already. Their assortment of baked goods are as good if not better than their other menu items.
(4)Alyska B.
A GREAT brunch location, it was one of my favorite coffee shops and erstwhile workplaces when I lived on the northside. Well-done drinks, gluten-free cookies, bread, and pastries in addition to everything else done in-house, and reliable wi-fi. Staff is always quite friendly, even when things get crazy-busy. The only thing that would make this place better are longer hours, as I do a lot of work and socializing after 3pm.. =)
(4)Jesse B.
J and I both came here Sunday. J said it was the best breakfast he had in a really long time. The set up is extremely efficient. Order your food at the counter. Go get your coffee and condiments at a station. When your food is almost ready they will call your number and seat you at a table. The place was apcked but run very efficient and staff were friendly even though you could tell they were super super super busy. I ordered the Okeefe ( i think that was the name of it). It was two poached eggs on slices of corbread with black beans baked in them and drizzled with generous portion of somehwat spicy hollandaise. I really should've ordered some kind of toast or bread to dip into the sauce because the cornbread alone was to doe for. I did order a side of dressed greens and they were over the top crispy and fresh with a slightly tangy vinaragrette dressing. I will definitely have to go back for salad alone because in my world, THAT WAS SOME DELICIOUS SALAD. Exactly how it should be dressed. Very simple but full on flavor and freshness. J order MY Big Fat Greek Wisconsin Scrambler with pan fried potatoes. He didn't share but I noticed that his dish had local sausage and feta wich I'll have to try opn our next visit. J also noted that the potatoes were very crispy yet mealy and fluffy in the center. He's a potato guy and gave Manna's side of breakfast potatoes 5 stars. He also said that I'm crazy if I don't Yelp Manna and give it a 5 star rating because this is the cutest gem of a discovery we have found in Madison.
(5)Corey D.
Hey you know what's awesome? A burrito to go. With bacon, eggs, taters, onion and some salsa on the side this bad boy remind me of my days in the southwest. Haven't found a foldable quite like this and I love... no ADORE that it comes with grilled pineapple on the side!
(5)Lisa B.
This little gem of a restaurant has simply amazing food! The quiche is the best I've ever had. Everything is homemade - breads, soups, desserts, etc. All of the desserts are incredibly good. The decor is casual and somewhat lacking in style but the food certainly makes it worth the visit.
(5)Margaret D.
Found this place on yelp and since I needed to be near the Dane County airport I decided to give it a try. On entry into the place it looked like a counter bakery - any chance Manna Cafe might want to post a sign on where you can find a menu? A gentleman behind the counter finally figured out what we where hunting for and pointed to where we could find the menus. Interesting selection of food items, but I thought the prices were a bit high. Ordered the oatmeal pancakes and my husband had 2 eggs over easy, toast, and a side of sausage and a side of potatoes. First, the oatmeal pancakes had interesting texture but virtually no flavor - was I suppose to douse them in syrup? Manna didn't cooked my husband's eggs over easy so they had to be re-cooked, and they forgot the side of potatoes both times the eggs came out of the kitchen (which they provided when we mentioned it - both times the potatoes were a bit overcooked). And, can you have sausage with no flavor? Manna managed to make that a first experience. Good meaty texture but, really, no flavor! Obviously a place to go to be 'seen', but as far as a destination place for food at those prices - not likely.
(2)Christoph J.
The food is always great at Manna. I've been here a lot, and it's always been delicious. It's a good place to go and eat and catch up with friends. I usually go for brunch, which can get pretty busy. Go-to menu items for me are the El Cubano sandwich, BFW wrap and the breakfast burrito. I've had some scones, pie and other bakery items and they are always fantastic. They also offer some gluten-free items, which is great. The space is large and warm. The staff is very nice and outgoing. The prices are reasonable. BUT, I do not like how things work since they remodeled. The remodel itself made the space a lot bigger. Fantastic. But before, you could order your food and pay at the counter and then find a seat and your wait for your food. Easy. But now, a host will seat you and give you a table number. Then you have to get up and go order your food at the counter with your number, and then go back and sit down and wait for you food. And then you have to get up again and go pay at the counter. It's a stupid setup, and not nearly as convenient as it was before. Too much running back and forth for the customer. But besides this confusing new setup, the food remains good. Also, I hear they are going to start serving dinner sometime in March!
(4)Max H.
I was amazed to find this gem on the east side. Perfect atmosphere for large or small groups, great food, and a unique selection of decadent bakery items!
(5)Cindy K.
I came here after I heard that they had hamantaschen for Purim. I got a box of mixed ones (apricot, date orange, and poppy seed), which were great. They were not too sweet, the fillings were traditional and made with love, and the crust was very nice. I've heard good things about this place for brunch, but I am pleased with their backed goodies. Will be coming back for a meal soon!
(4)Mark W.
Manna has pretty tasty food at an affordable price, but with the Madison brunch scene setting the bar so high, it's not wow-ing me. We ventured over to this hidden gem last Sunday for brunch. We showed up around 10:30, which was good, because by 11, the line was way out the door. Although the ordering process went pretty smoothly, that's where it ended. After placing your order, there's not much room to wait for a table. You get a number when you first walk in, which holds your place in line for a table (the same one they use to bring your food), but it's still a bit hectic. When we were seated and got our food, it was excellent. I got the Walk In the Woods scramble with greens. It came with a bialy, which was awesome, but I'd like to see more traditional Jewish food on the menu. Other pros: delicious bakery items, cool coffee drinks Other cons: location, hours Try it if you've never been, but not one of my favorites.
(3)Katie F.
Amazing, warm and cozy! Artichoke and 4 cheese quiche was special of the day and was the best quiche I've ever had. Sticky buns rock too. This is a must every year when we visit madison.
(5)Teri D.
They deserve 10 stars!!! We stumbled upon this unbelievable gem of a location driving home from he Dells...There are not enough words in the world to describe what happens at Manna!!! The pasties, the oatmeal pancakes, the eggs...yes Eggs like I have never tasted...I live in Chicago and wish I could drive to Manna at least once a week. Great service mind blowing food...a must!!!!
(5)Izzy D.
SCONES. Scones. scones. Oatmeal date are perfect. Lemon-Iced Earl Grey Tea are divine. I've also been back several times since my last review and have come to really like the Peter Wrappit sandwich (a spinach wrap sprinkled with frizzled onions, asparagus, greens, red cabbage, carrots, and red pepper relish). But seriously, scones.
(5)Liz B.
I visited Manna on a weekday morning when working from home. The weekend brunch menu seems to have a few more options, but there were still many delicious-sounding dishes to choose from, in addition to the pastries and quiche of the day. I tried the Garden Goddess sandwich, which had interesting flavors with sweet potato, egg, and curried mayo. I didn't really like the addition of red onion...tasted a little odd compared to the other flavors in the sandwich. I like the option of having greens with house dressing as the side. House dressing was yummy and a nice citrusy contrast to the rich flavors in the sandwich. Unlimited coffee, free wifi, plenty of comfy spaces to sit.
(4)Ellie T.
2 out of 4 orders were wrong, and they came half an hour after we ordered. The surly older woman who I went to complain about the incorrect sandwich was unapologetic, and I had to READ OFF OF THE MENU the sandwich that I was expecting because what I got was the "standard." The food was fine, definitely not worth the long wait and 50% success rate.
(1)Ashley A.
This place is magnificent! Perfect atmosphere for any amount of people, amazing food, amazing and friendly and attentive staff. I've eaten here twice, once for breakfast and once for lunch, and although things are a wee bit on the expensive side, I always leave wishing I had gotten seconds to go. Also worth noting, since they just recently rolled out dinner as an option, they have amazing and creative dishes, incredible drinks, and it's super easy to get a nice caffeine fix at dinner time in addition to breakfast and lunch. Suggestion? Get yr butt out here ASAP. It's good stuff and I promise you won't be disappointed.
(5)Gordon R.
My wife and I mostly go here a little after the lunch rush for coffee and goodies. We love hanging around back by the fireplace when we can grab those seats. I feel bad for all those folks who have to deal with crowds and waits and rushed service - we totally avoid that whole thing, so my reviews are much more relaxed than others' might be. Their drip coffee is good and they are pretty good about keeping the canisters of fresh drip coffee coming. Their bakery is very good - I really like the morning buns and the cinnamon-oat-date scones. My wife swears by their gluten-free cookies, and I can say, having had more than a few bites myself, they pretty much just taste like regular cookies to me. I've never had a bad baked item of theirs, as a matter of fact.
(4)Mzz. Julia X.
Got coffee here again... the folks working here are really nice, but my coffee tasted burnt and just not good. It sucks since it's on the way to my work... I went out of my way yesterday and got an awesome 2 shot Red Eye at another place on E Wash (are YOU ready?). It was amazing. Step it up on the coffee front, Manna. Please. I need you.
(2)Joe T.
The wait is not worth it. Over an hour and fifteen minutes for an egg sandwich. The system needs to change. You order, wait for a seat, then wait at the table for the food. When first entertaining we asked if this was unusually busy and they stated no not at all. Make a change
(2)Janet M.
I love breakfast. I mean, LOVE breakfast. Leslie Knope and her waffle obsession has got nothing on my love for Eggs Benedict. When I want a delicious meal, great coffee and a homey atmosphere, I come here each and every time. Apparently, so does everyone else--there's sometimes a wait on the weekends. If you don't like Eggs Benedict, get the Lemon Love--blueberry pancakes with lemon curd. Oh.my .god. Amazing.
(5)Dave F.
My wife and I had stopped in for coffee before, but tonight was our first dinner experience at Manna. Everything (soups, entrees, coffees, and desserts) was fantastic. The service was also superb. We'll be back soon! We love that they're a part of the Madison City Tins, too!
(5)Juan M.
Where to begin. My wife and I had spent Winter and this Summer in Wisconsin. We found this gem of a spot down the street from the where we were staying in the local neighborhood. I have ordered just about everything on the menu and have yet to find anything that I have not liked. The chef's really do an amazing job at preparing the food just right, not an easy task when they get as busy as they during lunch, weekends and holidays. Take out has always been a breeze as well. The waitstaff and baristas are all extremely friendly and attentive as are the owners. They have fresh baked bread and pastries that are to die for. And offer several different soups of the day available for lunch. They have varieties of two different types of deep dish quiche daily that are all quite flavorful and filling on it's own.They also have oatmeal pancakes that are just divine. My personal favorite pastry, the oatmeal cinnamon date scone... I don't know what it is about it... but they are extremely addicting to me, as are the oatmeal pancakes. Weekends brings on a brunch menu that have a few items that can only be experienced then. On special holidays they even have special menu items that really feature the creativeness of the chefs. I myself am a tea lover, my wife a coffee lover. They have some of the best blends either of us have had. They use local ingredients work with local vendors and support local artists. Thank you Sean, Panda, Susie and the entire staff for always having smiles and kind words. It's a team like yours that make each dining experience enjoyable. And to those that have yet to try this gem... what are you waiting for?
(5)Craig A.
Great food but lousy service - I just spent $35 on bakery there this morning didn't receive a thank you from anyone! Remarkably, the person who helped me and filled my order is one of the owners! This lack of service happened to me at Manna before and I decided to give them the benefit of a doubt and try it again. Clearly, they don't appreciate my business so I'll take it elsewhere
(2)Tamara C.
I had the scrambler with asparagus and mushroom. I was offered to add meat..I did and added chicken sausage. I didnt realise it was going to be a side instead of in it. I also asked for a side of fruit. My husband chose the breakfast nachos. My husband thought his dish was ok. I only tasted the salsa,which was good. I did not like the chicken sausage because there was too much thyme (I have a sensitive palette) and thankful it wasn't in my eggs. The scrambler was tasty and the potatoes were OK. I liked the choice of fruit in my side. All in all I'd return but try something else. Oh..and I tried the iced chocolate milk and espresso (magic mocha?)...not a fan. It just was a bit gritty and I was looking for a little more chocolate taste.
(3)Rachel D.
Simply AMAZING! We visited based on Yelp reviews and several I recall we're spot on. The oatmeal pancakes were heavenly. Kind of a cross between an oatmeal cookie and a pancake. The quiche is ridiculous. As a vegetarian, I've eaten a lot of quiche in my day and theirs is hands-down the BEST! I recommend going with someone who is willing to share dishes as everything on the menu sounds so good. You can't pick just one item. It's a little different that you order at the counter and serve yourself coffee, but the staff is extremely friendly and helpful.
(5)Heather S.
Pretty meh. They have a big selection and I have tried several things. Nothing really made me too excited. I did like the chili quite a bit though.
(3)Ree T.
Great food!! We got sweet manna Omelette! We went their for the first time today to try something new... loved it! We will be going back for sure!
(5)Joe D.
One of the best new restaurants in Madison! Excellent food and great staff. I haven't tried something on the menu I've been disappointed by.
(5)Cathi H.
We stopped in during the morning rush. We have only been there one other time. So I felt uncomfortable not knowing immediately what we wanted. The sticky bun was a hit with us. The swiss cheese & ham croissant was flaky and not overly cheesy. Certainly worth the time and money. I suggest stopping in when it's not so busy to check out the menu. Listening to the group of older men sitting and chatting outside made me smile.
(3)Jenny P.
Friendly service! The quiche and granola pancakes are both delicious! The lattes are huge. I've also had the Peter Wrappit, which was very good. We generally go to Manna for brunch. I'd say it's one of our favorites in Madison! The dinner service is really nice. It has a really different vibe than the breakfast atmosphere. They accept Bicycle Benefits!
(5)Melissa S.
Since my last review a few years ago, I've ordered lunch here several times. I came to really love some of the sandwiches, especially the Tuscan Chicken and Classic Reuben. They're both really different--the combo of the Tuscan Chicken's bread and ingredients go so well. However, the sandwich could be a little dry. The Reuben is a bit messier (although not necessarily greasy) but delicious. Although I know that most of the ingredients are local or made in-house, the sandwiches could be polished in just a few bites. I wanted to eat lunch here more often, but for the amount of food that you get for the price you pay it was hard to justify coming here for lunch more than once every other month or so. The Trendy Tendy and Classic Tuna Melt were also very delicious. Coffee drinks are still hit-and-miss. Service is fairly polite most of the time but they can be a little slow, even when the place looks empty. On my last visit, though, I picked up several pastries to take back home several miles (and hours) away. Their baked goods are all still very good and I miss them... a lot. I had put Manna on my Underrated Places in Madison list, and I think it still belongs on it. I know that Manna is still fairly popular, but it belongs in the conversation of top Madison cafes along with the likes of Lazy Jane's (which I didn't like), Marigold, Crema, and Sophia's. You probably won't get stuffed here (which is probably unnecessary, come to think of it, considering the weight problem in the US, but that's another conversation....) but you do get delicious, quality food.
(4)Nora S.
Love this place! I've only been here twice, both for lunch and both times were excellent. Great place to get a sandwich - hot or cold. Fresh products make this a nice lunch spot. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Meghan M.
I really like Manna. I work pretty close, and all my coworkers have always raved about it. It took me awhile to finally get my butt over there and try it, and when I finally did, I seriously wondered what took me so long. The first thing I had was a Rueben, and it was pretty much perfect. The meat was tender and juicy, the bread perfectly toasted. It was dripping with a delicious Russian dressing and it pretty much melted in my mouth. Since then, I've gone back multiple times, and it quickly became one of me and my boyfriend's favorite restaurants. While the Rueben isn't exactly an image of health, they have many healthy, fresh menu items that all taste equally as delectable. I've tried the vegetarian peter wrappit (light, fresh, flavorful), and the not-so-vegetarian southwest quinoa chicken wrap (also fresh, but spicy, savory, and really filling), and both were delicious. The staff has always been incredibly warm, friendly, and cheery, even amidst the chaos that is their regular weekend brunch madness (proceed with caution on the weekends, it is VERY popular, but absolutely worth the wait). My boyfriend and I enjoy playing Scrabble while we wait for our food (they have board games!), and we take desserts to go. We both agree that the cookies and brownies taste like the best homemade desserts of their variety that we've had, and we always leave feeling satisfied and looking forward to our next visit. We haven't been for dinner yet (as they just expanded their hours to include dinner) but we glanced at the dinner menu and needless to say, we're excited. Contented dinner review to follow, as I'm certain we won't be let down.
(4)Connie E.
When I lived on the north side of Madison I are here almost every week... It's that good! They have a wide selection of hot or cold sandwiches and bakery items. My favorite sandwich is the Sunshine Dreamin' with couscous as the side. For breakfast everything is good, I mean it. Whatever you pick will be amazing. They use fresh ingredients and work to balance flavors so that each bite is better than the last. If you go on the weekend the bread served with the meals is a traditional Jewish bread called a Bilay. I wish I knew how to make them because I miss having a Bilay on Sunday morning before heading to one of Madison's lovely beaches. If you chose to visit this cute cafe located in a not so cute old building you'll be begging to come back.
(5)Marissa B.
It may be off the beaten path, but it's worth the shlep. Our office ordered lunch carryout from here and, for once, everyone was pleased as punch with our restaurant choice. The menu offers loads of options, from sandwiches ($6.95-$9.50) to salads, from cheesy to healthy. Combos are an option too, for those who are indecisive. It's so fun to get to look at a menu and have multiple, creative vegetarian dishes to choose from. All sandwiches come with a side dish too, and you're not stuck with just fries or potato chips - I'm talkin' couscous salad or mixed greens to be had! I had the Veggie Might Sandwich (artichokes, spinach, roasted red peppers, onions, feta) and upgraded my side option to a cup of the lentil soup (+$1.50, toootally worth it - delish!) Each day there are different soups (always a veg option too) and various quiches of the day. All are listed on the website, which is quite helpful and probably cuts down on redundant phone calls. The cafe itself is bright and cheerful, spacious with plenty of tables. I inquired about their weekend breakfast/brunch rush and was informed by the staff that it's usually pretty bustling but there's never much of a wait at all for a table. Score!! With lunch being as good as it was, I would definitely add this spot to my brunch "to-do" list.
(5)Jenny A.
Great brunch menu...good portion sizes, yummy bakery treats and a great latte. I look forward to trying other menu items in the bear future!
(4)Ben A.
Get the quiche. Get the quiche. Get the quiche. I thought I knew what well prepared quiche tastes like, then I found myself at Manna on a rainy Friday morning. It melts in your mouth like a good piece of chocolate with just enough light crisp on top to keep you coming back for another bite. I'd go out of my way for this alone. Bottomless coffee was a fair $2.50 and the walnut poppy seed rugelach was worth it too.
(4)Sandy H.
I went there for brunch this AM (Sunday brunch). Fabulously organized - I was worried when I saw the line - but a guy at the door told us how long it would be and helped us get a table. A very relaxing way to spend Sunday brunch on Valentine's weekend.
(4)Nicole P.
I was in the neighborhood to drop off shoes at the shoe repair place a few doors down and decided to grab a hot beverage. I could see through the window that this place was hopping (on a Thursday at lunchtime) and once in the door took two steps and got in line. There was a bakery case showing some beautiful stuff, which I eyeballed while the ladies in front of me tried to figure out what they wanted. I ordered my latte and went over to the beverage pick-up area to wait. I was surprised to see another cash register that is, I think, just for ordering drinks. I wasn't in a giant hurry, but that would have shaved some time off, so duly noted for next time. It took a few minutes longer than I expected for my drink, but as the place was full of people, there seemed to be just one employee running the espresso machine, and she was busy the whole time, it wasn't so bad. Once I got my caramel latte (I only get them a few times a year, they're an indulgence) I felt like getting back in line for another one. Dang, it was terrific. Easily the best I've ever had. Not bitter at all, not too sweet, it was the baby bear of lattes.
(4)Derek H.
This is a great neighborhood cafe and restaurant. Great coffee, AMAZING baked goods, awesome food. Mentionables include: Monte Cristo sandwich, peanut butter chocolate ripple cookie, sticky bun, and frittatas. Omelettes are great but a little runny. Only minus is the location. Not very accessible.
(4)Gordo B.
Food and atmosphere is excellant. Eggs benedict was fantastic. Was offended by anti Walker sign posted on there wall. Political comments should not be posted in a public establishment.
(5)Bobbi Z.
Manna Cafe has long been my favorite brunch spot, well worth the trip across The Isthmus, but now that I have discovered their super fine evening menu, I am eager to return. Is this the best kept secret in town? Three of us (two with birthdays) dined leisurely, in an amazingly quiet atmosphere, and were spoiled to the max by a delightful wait person, named Brandon. We started with a shared bottle of pinot grigio and a flat bread app. Yummy. Then I had Jerusalem Sliders, which were divine. Don't recall what my friends ordered, but they were equally delighted and determined to get back soon.
(5)Kristi H.
Such a cute place! A little off the beaten path, but don't be fooled: the locals obviously know and love this quaint bakery/ cafe--the place was hoppin! The quiche is amazing!
(5)Kelly R.
Manna always served up delicious, affordable brunch, lunch, and bakery. Plus it has great authentic Jewish treats like bialys and hamentaschen! I've been coming here for years and probably have an extra 10 lbs because of it... Rustic fruit tarts, quiche, and oatmeal pancakes. You will not be disappointed! Bonus points? Lots of local, organic, and fair trade food. Champagne! And ample parking. Why go anywhere else?!
(5)Sharon K.
This is one of my favorite breakfast and lunch places. The environment is cozy and comfortable but get there early or you will be waiting for a seat. My favorites are the quiche and soups but so far I haven't found a single item I didn't like. They have great salads and sandwiches as well as a hearty steak chili. Yum yum yum!
(5)Jason F.
I stopped by here this past Sunday morning for brunch. We arrived at the restaurant shortly before 10 and the place was already packed. Almost every table inside was taken and the line to order your food was almost out the door. This is the type of place where you order at the counter, they give you a number (in this case a spoon with a number on it) and then they bring your food out to you whenever it is ready. Whenever I saw a table getting up, I quickly told my fiance my order and swooped in to grab it. A short time later she was back at our table with our coffee drinks. Whatever she had ordered coffee-wise was quite reasonable in size especially compared to the large Americano that I had ordered. Hers was a normal coffee cup while mine seemed like it came in a large drinking glass that I would be more comfortable drinking beer out of than coffee and the vessel was almost as big as my head. Regardless of that, the Americano was made well and tasted good and I did eventually finish it long after we had finished our meals. For my entree I went with the sweet hot mama omelet which was an omelet with bacon, sweet sweet potato, caramelized onion, pepper jack, and a side of spicy homemade salsa. It also came with a bialy and pan fried potatoes which ended up being the best part of the meal. The pan fried potatoes had a good crunch to them while the bialy had a good firm texture on the outside but was soft on the inside. My omelet wasn't too bad either as the eggs were cooked nicely and the bacon crispy but it definitely felt like it was missing something. That was probably where the spicy homemade salsa would have fit well into the meal but I honestly could not taste any spice on it and so I used it sparingly. After I had finished my brunch I noticed others bringing back an array of sauces (BBQ and different types of hot) from a common area which I wish I would have noticed while eating. The bottom line for me is that I would head back here again in the future especially if I needed a pick me up from some coffee. It didn't take long for us to both order and receive our food, the food itself was solid and reasonably priced and finally the coffee was absolutely ginormous!
(4)Nancy W.
I really have nothing bad to say about this place other than it is too far from my house! The decor is very cozy and clean. It was consistently crowded when we were there, but it never felt like you were being rushed. You get seated and then order from the counter. I prefer this to ordering and then hoping there is an empty table like they do it at Marigold Kitchen. I had the The Ojibwe Scramble, a mix of wild rice, mushroom, bacon and scallions, sautéed and then scrambled with a little egg. You have a choice of breakfast potatoes, fruit or greens. I chose the fruit. It also comes with a little bun called a bialy. My breakfast was excellent. If there weren't so many other things I want to try on their menu, I would just order this again and again. I also ordered tea and it comes in a little pot with a cup. It lasted me the entire time we were there. Impressive. On the way home I bought two sticky buns and a loaf of challah bread. The sticky buns were so good, I wished I had bought more. So, again, nothing bad to say, can't wait to go again.
(5)Vanessa S.
Try the oatmeal pancakes! They will change your life. I'm not even a big fan of pancakes but I find myself craving these. I have to say that everything I've had here was wonderful.
(5)Ian T.
Quiche!
(5)Leah Q.
Reasonably priced, great country/farm-style food. Good selection. The maripan-filled croissants aren't the reason to eat here (try Cafe Soleil). Instead come here for the perfect frittata and generous plates fit only for the hunger called brunch. Maybe its built into the low prices, but I could do without the kitchy decor, the noise and unremarkable bialys. Also, what happens if I don't want to eat my weight in eggs? Then I only eat coffee. Bring some granola home.
(3)Becky R.
This rating is primarily based on the food. The food was amazing! I had the oatmeal pancakes my first time there and have gone back several times since then to try other things. The atmosphere is terrible. Very loud, find your own seat and hope no one's sitting there, get your own coffee, if you've never been there before you have no idea how to order, but the staff are willing to guide you through IF you ask. They don't really go out of their way to welcome people at the door.
(4)Joseph G.
Delicious! A great breakfast spot with lots of seating options. Outdoor seating is on the edge of the parking lot so that's not great. Their food is excellent though and they have a large center table if you have a big group.
(4)Matt C.
A local friend brought us here when we passed through Madison. We had the brisket sandwich special, the vegetarian Monty Python, the Mediterranean platter, a rustic cherry tart, and a peanut butter layered cookie. Everything was remarkably good, and I would love to go again!
(5)Barney C.
I rarely get a chance to dine in, but the new to-go sandwich called the "Trendy Tendy (Tenderloin)" was drool worthy. And of course their baked muffins and croissants are still fantastic
(4)Marinela M.
Love it the menu choices the coffee the setting , try not to go weekends no tables but that's comes with the best
(5)Melanie B.
Really good food at reasonable prices. We went for Easter Brunch and it was a perfect place to dine- casual, comfortable and really good food. This was perfect. I got the Veggie Breakfast Sammie and it was to die for. The bread was so good and the egg and veggie just cooked perfectly with amazing flavor. I think all the bakery is made in house as well as their granola. It is an order at the counter type place- no table service. The food is top-notch and a must for brunch!
(5)Am S.
I can't figure out why it took me so long to make my way to Manna. Probably because I never really ventured to the North Side. What a mistake! Now Manna is one of my favorite breakfast/brunch places when my family comes to visit. There are a lot of extremely tasty options no matter what you desire for your early morning chowing. Sweet? They got it. Savory? They got it. You can also find seating and you don't feel like you need to eat and run like at some other brunch spots.
(4)Sarah R.
Best Eggs Benedict in town. Best. I love this place and you should, too. Fresh baked goods, excellent, piping hot and lemony zesty eggs benedict. I love it.
(5)Sophie P.
Cute and cozy coffee shop. I've stopped here once and have a sandwich and chai tea. Service was excellent.
(4)Samantha D.
Marzipan. Filled. Croissants. The marzipan-filled croissants alone earn a strong review for the Manna Cafe and Bakery, but truly every aspect of my dining experience there were very positive. Along with the croissant I had a pot of tea and a Southwestern-style Eggs Benedict, in which the eggs were served on top of cornbread with black beans and fried potatoes, covered in a spicy creamy sauce. It was a daily special, and I felt very special for the chance to eat it. Yuumm! The atmosphere was very relaxing, and the friendliness of the staff make it an extremely inviting place overall. I highly recommend the Manna Cafe & Bakery to anyone who wants an inexpensive meal that is fully of flavor and high-quality ingredients. Manna Cafe & Bakery: Marzipan-filled croissants are only the beginning of the wonderful things to be had here!
(4)Jason H.
Manna Cafe is an excellent spot to grab a quick lunch and yummy lunch!!! I cannot say just how long I have been driving right by this place and never even noticed it was there but I am glad my hunny talked me into stopping by. The chicken sandwhich was great and perfectly sized - If you want soemthing that trumps the local fast food joint then Manna should be on your list. They have a rather large seating area inside and a small pation area outside. The place is neat and clean and everyone was very friendly.
(4)Kris L.
I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to eat breakfast or lunch here. Most of their menu items are rather "non-traditional", so if you're looking for some good old fashioned pancakes, or a "normal" sandwich, this is not the place for you.
(2)Joan B.
Amazing food! Everything is home-made daily and the sticky buns are the same as Ovens of Brittany's. You are missing out if you haven't been to this place.
(5)Pete B.
Good food and atmosphere. Great for breakfast.
(5)Joe H.
We ditched the usual eat all you can buffet brunch for Easter and came here instead. No reservations, but no problem. Order at the counter and seat yourself. The food is the reason to come. It is all homemade, creative, organic, and delicious. My eggs were creamy with asparagus and were served with a delicious cinnamon muffin and a bowl of fruit with whip cream. I ate some of my wife's potato fries that were very nicely seasoned. She had the veggie breakfast sandwich which was fresh and pleasing. The bakery counter was hard to pass up but we were satisfied and full after the brunch. I'll come back for the scones and pastry another time.
(5)Karin J D.
Run, don't walk, to this wonderful little bakery. My husband and I found it through Yelp during a two day stay in Madison. We ordered our breakfast (a scramble off eggs and ham with potatoes and delicious toast) and took our coffees outside. The meal was brought to us -- and was heavenly! I love that it's local food, and love that the people who work there are friendly and obviously enjoy their jobs. Thank you, Manna staff. This is what hospitality is all about!
(5)Andrew J.
My go-to place for caffeine, pastries and occasionally the stinky-bun french toast. Can be hard to find a seat at peak bunch times and sometimes the kitchen seems slow but but it is still the best breakfast place I have been to on the east side. I particularly like the tarts the sell though they tend to be under-cooked.
(4)Jenny L.
Love Manna Cafe! They are friendly, the atmosphere is awesome and the coffee rocks. Love that it is local. The food is really good. The salad dressing is very good. I like that it is kid friendly, too. Mr. Square Head is a very cute peanut butter sandwich--and they serve puppy chow as a side to kids meals! I'd give it 5 stars, but it is a wee bit pricey, like many other places in Madison. $7 for a tuna sandwich and side (small) salad.
(4)Angelina C.
As a kid, one of my favorite weekend rituals was taking apart and devouring a flaky, buttery, sugary morning bun at Ovens of Brittany. They set the standard for pastry. Ovens had a lot of other wonderful food, too (anyone recall their Chicken Pot Pie?), but they closed their doors too soon, leaving myself and fellow morning bun lovers out in the Wisconsin cold. Thankfully, the buns were brought back to life in the kitchen of Manna Cafe. Its proprietor, who also runs the Collins House B&B, knows good food and what people like. When I'm back in Madison, I always know I can visit Manna Cafe for my pastry (and quiche and sandwiches and coziness) fix. Keep up the good work!
(4)Oski B.
Located in a modest mini-mall on Madison's east side, Manna is a hidden find for anyone craving cafe-style breakfast and brunch. Choose from omelette and egg dishes, pancakes, quiche, baked goods, or a number of other items. Order at the counter and find a seat, but be prepared to hover and attack a table amongst the weekend masses. A tip: there are multiple cash registers, so don't get stuck waiting in the (usually longest) line near the door.
(4)E. L.
I work nearby so I am definitely grateful that Manna is around. Not many lunch options in this neighborhood! Most of their menu choices are relatively healthy, made from fresh, unprocessed and sometimes even local foods. Their menu is extensive, with a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches. I've yet to try something I didn't like. I love the Country Turkey Salad, and I've had many great sandwiches as well. While I live downtown, I also occasionally head to Manna for Sunday brunch. The oatmeal pancakes are great. Definitely worth driving a few extra miles. Service is good, it can sometimes take a while to get the food but that's understandable given how busy they are at lunch time. My only complaint is that they rarely pick up the phone when I try to call in a pickup order. Overall, an amazing option in the neighborhood!
(5)Terese A.
Delicious roasted vegetable salad and Earthy Delights sandwich. Many creative menu selections. Lots of comfy seating, Friendly staff. I would come more often if I knew they were buying from local sources...was disappointed to see that the butter came from Minnesota, What's up with that?
(4)Liamy M.
After years of coming here I can confidently say that it is consistently awesome. The bakery is some of the best in town specializing in various jewish pastries you don't see so much in Madison. The potatoe nachos with some sriracha is my favorite along with the virtuous veggie with bacon added! The coffee is always good too!
(4)Rebecca H.
This has fast become one of my favorite places to eat in Madison. I was willing to give it a try with some friends one Saturday afternoon, and it blew me away. They have delicious vegetarian fare, as well as a scrumptious-looking carnivorous menu. Everything I've had--from baked goods, to sandwiches, to drinks--has been extremely well done. Their pairing of ingredients for sandwiches is spot-on, and their homemade bread takes it to the next level of excellence. I cant leave without a sweet from their case--they're always different, and always top notch. I have yet to go for breakfast, but expect it's just as delicious. A must-try if you're in or around Madison.
(5)Richard L.
This place is a little out of the way for me, I live near Atwood, but it's definitely worth the trip. Their sandwiches and baked goods are par excellence, they have no rivals in Madison. And they happen to have a good selection of vegetarian friendly fare. Plus the service is great to boot. Even if you have no reason to go out to the North side you should still find the time to give Manna a try. Notable choices: the Earthly Delights and Ozy Tuna sandwhiches. Both the couscous and new potato sides are excellent and you can't go wrong with any of their baked goods.
(5)Crystal M.
This has to be my favorite breakfast and lunch cafe. Their oatmeal pancakes are amazing and I get cravings for them every month. The sandwich and salad menu are filled with awesome choices - I'm trying to get through everything on the menu. It's a solid, reliable place! And, while it may appear busy, and even be completely full at times, if you have a little bit of patience, you will get a table before your food arrives. Also, despite what some have said, the servers are completely friendly. If I worked closer, I would definitely be here every week.
(5)Jacob B.
I live near here and this has definitely become my go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, or just to sit and read for a couple hours. The food is quite good - I am yet to have anything that has disappointed. I am particularly attached to their vegetarian breakfast sandwich, though I've heard the carnivore version isn't too shabby either. For the drinks, I just drink black coffee, so can't comment on the rest, but have always been happy with the selection. Furthermore, contrary to some other posters, I've always had superior experiences with the baristas and waitstaff, but who knows, you can do alot with small sample sizes. My only complaint is that I wish they were open later. There's not alot of other spots in the neighborhood to just hangout at past 6pm. Oh, and try the scones. Don't be a scone hater!
(5)Laura S.
As good as it gets! Their food is amazing. Their coffee is wonderful. Their space is cozy and warm. I have never been disappointed.
(5)Jody M.
Love the granola pancakes. I've been making them at home ever since I had it there. Portions were large, cost was a bit more but definitely worth it. Busy in the morning and thinned out later around 10am.
(5)Larry I.
Very tasty but portion size was small for the cost. Service was slow.
(1)Kathy D.
Service has always been friendly and prompt. Coffee is great. The quiche is well portioned and delicious!
(4)Kurt B.
Tasty homemade breads. It's a bit overpriced here. But do try the quiche, gluten-free bread, anything breakfast, and a surprisingly good tuna melt. I love the space too--you can settle in the back with a computer and drink coffee while you work. Time passes quickly and productively. Nice staff too.
(4)Meredith G.
Manna Cafe is a real gem! we need a place like this in Austin. the food is of excellent quality as is the coffee. in my experience, its hard to find a place that does both well. We were at Manna for breakfast. We had the famous oatmeal pancakes with bacon, and eggs scrambled with veggies, that came with fresh fruit and multigrain toast. The food was simply delicious and well done. also, Johnson Bros. Kenyan coffee. for the road we got coffee beans, a pumpkin chocolate muffin and a fruit tart. they make all their stuff there and you can tell. no gooey commercialized sugared junk -just flaky not too sweet bakery goodness. also, free wi-fi and tables for working. i like that you order at the counter and your food is delivered to the table. yummmm....
(4)Simian S.
I LOVE this place! It is a great neighborhood cafe with fantastic food and atmosphere. I have taken out of town guests there for brunch and on subsequent visits they always ask to go back to Manna. This is definitely my go-to default location for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch. The only thing I don't like is that it's often really crowded (a testament to how many people love the place) and their coffee isn't the greatest- tends to be a little on the strong, acidic side and it usually gives me a stomachache (and I generally like dark, strong coffee, but this is just a little much for me). I also wish they were open past 3pm- it would be a great place to go in the evenings for tea and baked goods.
(5)Melissa M.
Checked out Manna while in Madison for Easter and we needed a place for a good brunch. The atmosphere was very laid back and coffee shop like. I tried the eggs benedict and sticky bun french toast. I thought the eggs benedict was great, especially with the avocado, tomato & bacon! The sticky bun french toast was a little too doughy/undercooked for me, although others in my group enjoyed it and/or had more well done versions. Overall, I thought this place had decent breakfast food.
(3)Sandra T.
Great bake goods, the ginger cookies with icing are the best I have ever had and the apricot scones are another one of my favorites. Weekend breakfast is busy but the take out bakery is always quick and fresh. If you can take the time for breakfast, they are worth the wait and the counter service is quick. You get to place your order as soon as you arrive and not wait until a busy waiter may see you.
(5)Nora S.
I had the Tenderloin Triumph today, and it was less than triumphant. I thought it would be a fairly hearty steak sandwich, and I was looking forward to the horseradish sauce and "rustic" French bread. Well, it was basically roast beef on white bread. The sauce had no kick and the bread had a totally bland and squishy texture. Ate a slice of German chocolate cake; the filling was yummy, but the cake was dry and not very flavorful.
(2)B Y.
Friendly atmosphere, pretty nice breakfast/lunch menu, OK service, best part is that they had board games and cards so you can play while you waited! Bottom line: not as great as blue plate, lazy jane's, or sophia's if you want to have a hearty breakfast, but maybe I should try the coffee the next time I'm here.
(3)Jeri C.
The staff here is very nice. The food is decent. The coffee is delicious. The food is a little pricier than I usually like. The quiche is worth it though. Great atmosphere too.
(4)Ocean M.
The food is always yummy and perfect for folks with varying dietary needs. They can accommodate both vegetarians and gluten free folk as well as the standard diet. Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is inviting.
(4)Diane T.
I love Manna Café, especially for the quiche of the day. Get there before noon to be assured a slice. Even then, sometimes they're sold out. Some food is under seasoned. Cookies, coffee are awesome.
(5)J M.
THE place to go on Madison's North Side. Roomy, beautiful decor, family-operated, friendly staff. The pastries are good, the bread and rolls are excellent, and the brunch and lunch menus are amazing! There are lots of good vegetarian options, all clearly marked. The Earthly Delights sandwich is my favorite--wow. The soups and salads are also very, very good. My only complaint is Manna's coffee, which is sometimes thin and over-extracted. People who don't have a taste for good espresso may not mind (my Mom likes it fine), but I have to order a mocha or flavor syrup to cover up the bitter taste, and the texture of the mocha simply does not compare to what you'll get at the cafes on the square. Still, it's probably the best coffee on the North Side.
(5)Berrius B.
We got the Ham and cheese quiche and the spinach swirl. The quiche was very good, but the swirl was bland. The food is well-prepared with fresh ingredients. The coffee is excellent. I like the atmosphere, especially given that it's in a strip mall.
(4)Mike B.
Love the products. I give the food five stars. But the overall experience of trying to get the products prompts me to give three stars on Yelp. If you have time to kill and need a coffee or a super high-quality treat or sandwich this place is for you. I live nearby and would always try to swing in to grab something on my way to work. Gave up after awhile. I'm not looking for a Starbucks or McDonalds experience - but cripes, the pleasant but spacey staff are slow! If there is even one person in line ahead of you bring a book or a magazine to entertain yourself. Having said that - if you have nowhere to go and time on your hands - go to Manna - great people and fabulous products.
(3)John M.
The location is great as there is almost nothing on the Northside of Madison. However, they make really incredible food and bread. The have their own flair for the standards (the reuben) as well as unique sandwiches and soups of their own. I've never tried the quiche, but am told it is superb. The have a nice arrangement of coffees (including a Fair Trade option). If you are going for lunch, it is best to get there before noon as the place really fills up fast.
(5)Benjamin W.
I believe that the majority of great reviews for restaurants in Madison, WI are based more on reputation and what people perceive than reality. Manna is one such restaurant. The food is good, but not outstanding. The menu selections are rather dated, much like the rest of Madison. This city has seen time pass them by. One walk into East Town Mall takes you back to 1990. The prices on par with other sandwich restaurants, but the portions are considerably smaller. I have been here a couple of times. The corned beef on the Reuben is tender, the Russian dressing is a little bitter, should be more sweet. Overall, the sandwich is just okay. I have also had the Collins Tenderloin. Basically, a roast beef sandwich, on a small roll. Many restaurants can produce the same sandwich. Manna is okay if you are in the area, but I would never say to drive here for the food. Lunch at a Corner Bakery can be more interesting.
(2)Scott T.
I've been to Manna Cafe twice... Both times the service has been apallingly slow. Just today I waited 30 minutes... While my breakfast companion was 2/3 through his meal I finally went up to inquire how much longer I would need to wait for my meal. The woman behind the counter asked me what I had ordered. When I told her, she turned around and picked up a plate that had been sitting on the back counter. Oh... This must be it... Somehow the table numbers got mixed up. I returned to my table with my breakfast... Now tepid... And ate it while grumbling to my companion about the crappy service. I was offered a free dessert to take home as compensation... Which I passed on. I go out to breakfast because it is relaxing and enjoyable. My experience at Manna has been less than satisfactory. There are many places in Madison that have food equal to or better than Manna Cafe... And service that doesn't leave me tense and fuming. I will not be returning again.
(1)Thomas H.
I've only been to the Manna Cafe once - a client of mine took me there after a press check. We both had a breakfast sandwich - mine was "The Cravenous Carnivore". Consisted of scrambled egg, sausage, pepper jack and a little basil pesto. Who knew pesto would be good on an egg sandwich! Very yummy. Atmosphere was great and the baked goods looked fantastic. I definitely want to return soon!
(4)Chris S.
A wonderful discovery on the Northeast side. Don't let the stripmall exterior fool you. This place works hard to deliver a cozy atmosphere and a solid breakfast. The coffee's good, the bakery's good, and I love the egg sandwiches. They have counter service, so know what you're ordering before you get in line. Some of the decorations and the fireplace almost push Manna to the point of too cute, but it's a welcome departure from most of my favorite breakfast haunts.
(3)Kelly R.
This place is a wonderful find. Sort of out of place amongst the run down buildings that pepper that neighborhood. Great breakfasts, if a bit pricey compared to some of the a.m. joints. Decent coffee, and a nice tea selection. A cozy atmosphere, low key enough to sit a bit and read.
(5)Jane W.
We never seem to be up early enough to get out for breakfast, but this is one of our go-to lunch spots. First, it's in our hood, second, there's nothing that's less than delicious here. If you are a caffeine junky, you will be impressed and delighted w the size (and taste) of their large latte. During the winter, when I think I'm going to freeze to death, I just wanna stick my feet in the cup, it's that big. There is always a nice mix of people hanging out there. i like that it's not just hipsters. Because I am gluttonous, I often wish the portions were a bit bigger, but everything tastes so good, i can't really complain. Their french countryside picnic salad is my fave item here. Their chili is also excellent. I recommend getting it w their fabulous french bread. They have a really fun selection of soda pops too.
(5)lauren p.
When the boyfriend and I decided to take a road trip to Madison to accompany (read: chauffeur) his sister to check out a possible grad school, my first thought was, "where are we going to eat?" Manna looked adorable, so we included it on our route. Manna is very cute. Homey, but not too country, with a decent sized seating area and a cozier room in the back with some armchairs and also tables to eat at. The menu is really big for a bakery-cafe type place, almost too big, as I found myself ordering without really perusing all the options. It was cold and rainy out, so I went with a cup of the tortilla soup and the Badger Special, or something like that- basically grilled cheese and tomato. I had a few issues, namely that the 'tortilla soup' wasn't really tortilla soup at all, or at least not like any tortilla soup I've ever had. It was very chunky, and, well, there were no tortillas in it. It tasted good, but was too chunky to dip my grilled cheese into. And isn't that the whole point? The sandwich was good, but I always forget that while grilled cheese with tomato sounds like a good idea, in reality it doesn't work. The tomatoes get all mushy and bland, and prevent the cheese from forming that perfect melty seal. Again, I really have only myself to blame. When will I learn? The boyfriend and boyfriend's sister both seemed to enjoy their sandwiches, as well as the other soup option- creamy potato with cheddar. I tasted a bit, it was awesome. I was sad. If, for some reason, i ever find myself in Madison again, I'll probably try to make a stop at Manna to try some other delicious-sounding sandwich. I'm guessing this will only happen if the sister decides on UW. Go Badgers?
(4)Elizabeth S.
Everything on the menu is fabulous. My favorites are the chicken salad sandwich and the tuna melt. Breakfast is great too, especially the oatmeal pancakes. Great place to grab a quick bite, meet friends for coffee (all fair trade), or sit and read.
(5)Mio S.
I loved the decor of this place. It looked as if the place was newly renovated recently. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming with charming wall arts surrounding the dining area. The breakfast menu seem to focus on eggs. There are a lot of options to choose from their 3 eggs scrambles (yes, there are vegetarian option, too). My friend and I went there for Sunday brunch, and the place was pretty packed, and the service was bit slow. The food itself was not that impressive despite of the big tease on the menu. It wasn't bad, but just the average. I prefer the omelets at Sophia's bakery. The baked goods in the glass case looked very tempting. Perhaps on the next try.
(3)SRIKANTH C.
Amazing sandwiches. Catrina's favorite is the best sandwich. Worth another visit. I will go again.
(5)Victor B.
Since the last Ovens of Brittany closed in 2000, my wife and I have been searching for a place to get morning buns. Needless to say, we were delighted when we discovered that Manna Cafe's sticky buns look and taste just like Ovens' morning buns! Simply heavenly. Their muffins, especially the berry streusel, have also become a favorite of ours. If you're dining in, you'll find their baked goods nicely complemented by a bottomless cup of Johnson Brothers' coffee.
(5)Yongsoo B.
Went on Saturday morning, for the first time. Had the breakfast basic and a regular americano. Breakfast came right away, but americano didn't, and had to wait more than 10 minutes while the breakfast was getting cold. I had to ask the guy making coffee, and apparently the order didn't go through. I had the regular size, which is the middle size, between small and large, I think. But he put only one shot of espresso in a regular americano. Do they put half-shot for the small? This was the first coffee place I've been to that puts one shot for a regular size. Finished my breakfast, and studied while drinking coffee at the smallest table (for two). I was asked to leave or move to the counter (obviously not suitable for studying) because there were a lot of people waiting. That was a little over 2 hours after I started my breakfast. Another first "cafe" that I've been to that downright told me to leave. Would not recommend to others.
(1)Heather H.
Great addition to the neighborhood. Wonderful (homemade) soup & quiche specials every day, tasty salads, and hearty sandwiches. The space is well done and it's also a breeze to get take-out. I get lunch from Manna at least once/week. My only complaint? Sometimes their portions are a bit stingy but maybe I'm just being greedy!
(4)