The Victory Madison

Friendly service, good selection of food and drink. A great place to sit and chat with a friend, or read, or work the daily crossword. Definitely has its own vibe.

It was our daughter’s bday and this is where she wanted to go. We were happy to oblige. We all had an awesome lunch and shared some yummyass donuts for dessert. Patrick, the owner, and The Victory staff are great. Small but mighty, as they say. I gave 3*’s for “atmosphere” because the furniture could use some TLC, although, to be fair, being open seven days a week doesn’t give a small business owner much chance to run around town getting the type of vintage stuff that makes The Victory what it is. Vegetarian options: Loved the vegetable panini with artichokes, pesto, and avocado on ciabatta.

The food I had was good, as was the coffee. However, despite being friendly (I think?), service was incredibly slow and a bit hectic.

First time visit. My two fellow diners agreed our various paninis were very tasty, but despite thus being a Brooklyn original business that moved to Madison, being asked "what is it" (more of a statement than a question) as the first thing a Server says when getting to your table is maybe more typical in NYC than Madison....? The place was a bit small and dingy, with empty nails in the walls showing where perhaps there used to be art hanging but no longer. Cobwebs festooned the speakers up on the shelves. The place alternated from being overly hot when the grills were on, to then the staff would prop the door open and then it would become chilly enough we all put our jackets on. The smallness of the space led the open door temperature changes to be felt immediately. Waits for food at 11am on a Saturday took about 20-30 minutes but perhaps can just chalk that up to ongoing staff shortages as usual. While paying for the meal, at least, the two women working were friendly and polite, and mentioned that the owner was a nice guy and they liked working for him. So that's good to hear at least. In total, with this being part of a trio of brunch-ish places in the neighborhood with Daisy and Lazy Jane being the others... I guess I don't know if we'll give it another shot. I'm sure at least the temperatures will be nice in the spring.

As someone from the NE, I can honestly say the Victory is like a second home here in Madison. Patrick and his staff are amazingly kind and remind me of the straightforward bluntness of NY, which amidst Midwest passive aggression is a breath of fresh air. I’ve been coming here for years and the community of regulars is another highlight to this establishment. Their slogan “it’s not for everyone” definitely sums up this stellar cafe. If you can’t handle the atmosphere of a busy cafe with east coast charm, then there are other places for you to go within walking distance. I love it to bits and can’t imagine a better stop before work each day. If you take the time to acknowledge staff as people, practice some patience and common decency, you’ll enjoy it too. So calm down and come down to a little taste of something different; both in atmosphere and taste. TL;DR Great people, coffee, community, and hang out spot on Madison’s east side. Highly recommended.

Only had an egg sandwich here, but the bread was absolutely awful--I don't think I've ever had that complaint before. It was super soft/squishy, like a cheap hamburger bun, and almost granular. Sandwich would be passable if they used decent, toasted bread. The slap of unmelted cheese also lent an unpalatable texture.

Five stars isn't enough to express how much I adore The Victory coffee shop in Madison, WI! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warmth and humor by the incredible owner, Patrick Downey. Patrick is not just a business owner; he's a beacon of positivity, always ready with a story or a listening ear. What truly sets The Victory apart is its staff. Gone are the days of stuffy, corporate coffee culture; here, you'll find a team of wonderfully quirky, fun-loving individuals who make every visit a delight. I go to share a laugh, and enjoy the atmosphere that reminds me of home. But beyond the fantastic people, The Victory is a hub for the community. It's more than just a place to grab a cup of joe; it's a gathering spot where friendships are forged and memories are made. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, you're welcomed with open arms. If you're in Madison, do yourself a favor and stop by The Victory. Trust me, you won't regret it. And to Patrick and the entire team, thank you for making every visit a bright spot in my day. You've earned every one of those five stars and then some! Thank you, Patrick. Brooklyns loss was Madisons gain.