Restaurant Review: Grace Coffee Company

Name: Grace Coffee Company

Location: 1216 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703

Ambience: Hipster

Cost: $$

Best Dish: any of their pastries

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There are almost an overwhelming number of coffeeshops in Madison, so standing out requires serious effort. Grace Coffee wins people over through an easy shortcut - two adorable Bernese Mountain Dogs wandering around the coffee shop. For anyone allergic to dogs, that makes Grace a difficult place to visit - but for the rest of the public, these dogs are a relaxing addition.

Grace Coffee has a location on State Street, which also has puppies. Both of their locations have a dark, almost punk vibe which is tempered by the addition of plants. They make their pastries, and when I was ordering, someone brought out a fresh, warm batch of baked goods. Their pastries are excellent. I got a fruit Danish, and it was topped with a generous amount of berries. The pastry was crisp and well baked. I can't say the same for the acai bowl. At $9, it's definitely expensive, and costs more depending on whether you add Nutella or peanut butter. I chose to go with the Nutella, and was a little disappointed by how little I got for the additional $0.50. The smoothie part of the bowl was also watery, and I wish there had been stronger acai flavor. However, the crunchy oat topping was exceptional, and I loved how it paired with the banana and coconut.

Grace also has exceptional coffee to go with their pastries, and plenty of food options. I would like to return and try more of their food, and hopefully I'll have more luck with their acai bowl if I get it again. I also wish they had more outlets - with coffee shops becoming a space where people come to work, a dearth of outlets is noticeable. They're perfect for hanging out with friends, and really appeal to the millenial crowd with Instagrammable decor. That being said, the puppies instantly make a relatively dark space more welcoming, and definitely provide an incentive to visit again.