Espresso Royale

The drinks and staff are great, but it’s definitely better to get things to-​go. At one visit, I wanted to get some homework done and have a cup of tea. There was a daily special on a certain kind of tea, so I went with that. All the tables are extremely cramped and barely have room for 2 people to sit with their drinks on the table. So go through the maze to find a tiny table, attempt to pull out your chair (but can’t because of people around you), and crack open just one textbook cause that’s all you have room for.
Also, the music played by staff is always loud and not relaxing by any means. Which makes customers have to speak louder and add in the sounds of the drink machines-it’s an awful homework spot.

I’ve been here a handful of times for drinks to go because it’s a convenient spot near campus. I’ve never been very impressed. Although the vibe is great and the employees all have unique hipster styles, no ones ever been noticeably friendly; maybe they are just busy. Drinks come out super fast which is good. I’ve gotten a 4 shot latte that was way too bitter and an iced chai that didn’t really taste like much. With all the other options on state st, you can definitely get better service and better drinks.

Espresso Royale is overall a nice place for coffee. They’ve got a variety of drinks, including smoothies, teas, coffees, cider, etc. I’m not a huge fan of their coffee though. I enjoy drinking «specialty drinks» (flavored lattes, frappes, etc) and the ones that I get from Espresso Royale taste a lot more like sugary milk and has no coffee flavor. I had their Maple Spice Latte though which was absolutely delicious. Not too sweet with a nice cinnamony kick. Overall Espresso Royale is nice, but there are places where you can get stronger coffee.

Great coffee shop! Super friendly and quick service. This was my first visit and I just stopped in for a drink to go so I can’t comment on what kind of place is it to sit and chill for awhile. It’s a pretty small space but warm and inviting.
Drink of the day special was 50% of an Amalfi soda. I recently quit coffee so thought I’d give it a try. The barista described it as a French soda plus half and half. You have your choice of syrups and there are many options. I asked for a recommendation and she suggested a fruit flavor plus vanilla. I went with vanilla and mango. The drink was excellent and refreshing. If I closed my eyes, I could imagine being somewhere tropical :)

Madison is home to a lot of great coffee shops, but this ERC is pretty great.
It’s right on State Street, with lots of seating. Even better, they’re fast and brew a heckuva cup of coffee.
There’s also a lot of outlets, which fortunately are near the tables, which is great for working while enjoying your drink.

Best best coffee shop on state street! The staff is amazing and super caring. They really know what they are doing and talking about.
The prices are very reasonable. I mean, 2.37 for a 24 ounce coffee! Also free wifi!
Downside there aren’t many outlets there, but during summer they have outside seating.

I’ve always liked this location of ERC. There’s ample seating, it never seems to be too loud, they’ve got good hours, and it’s a good fit whether I’m there to catch up with a friend or pound away at the computer for work.
On my last visit, I was doing a little of both, joining two friends at the end of my work day while I sent out some emails. The tables were a bit small to accommodate my laptop plus a beverage and snack with my friend’s items as well, but for a solo venture it’d be just fine.
My intent was to grab a drink and a chocolate oat bar if they had one — it’s been years since I’ve had the pleasure of eating one but I remember them being out of this world. I did a quick glance through the case and didn’t see it, so I thought to myself that it was for the best — I didn’t need dessert. Then, though, my eyes landed on the pile of mint chocolate brownies. Thick, dense, and with a perfect layer of light green topped with a layer of gooey chocolate. Damn you, brownie.
I ordered a raspberry lemonade and a brownie with the intent of taking it home with me. My stay at ERC ended up lasting through the dinner hour, though, so I slowly nibbled it away over the course of a few hours. The mint was subtle, and the brownie chocolatey. As the brownie warmed to room temperature, the brownie part itself got better, but I think I preferred the mint and chocolate topping in its firmer state. Glad I got it, but it’s not something I’ll crave in the same was as the oat bar.
The lemonade was delicious, probably one of the better ones I’ve had recently. Sweet but not cloying, and a rather large glass for being considered «medium.» It was refreshing after walking in the 90º sun.
The café can be crowded during peak times when the students are in town, so I was glad to catch it during the calm before the storm.

I should just move in. I’m here more than any coffee shop and more than the library. The Espresso Royale atmosphere keeps me motivated and is my place when I need to get stuff done. Luckily, they have a punch-​card which means your 11^th drink is free because man I fill that card up quickly. Double punch Tuesday are my jam.
In terms of baked goods, the pumpkin chocolate chip bread is addictive. It’s portioned up into hearty slices and will keep your tummy happy for even the longest study sesh.
My most ordered drink is certainly the Ginger Gotu Kola tea. It is a happy drink. One sip of this spicy herbal tea and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. No frills here; just dry some ginger root and you’ve got the basis for one deliciously decaffeinated cup. In spite of its straightforward nature, this tasty brew is not always executed with the same level of finesse and it’s the use of gingko and gotu kola that makes Espresso Royale’s version oh so fine.
They stuff their tea bag with heaps of beautiful dried ginger, then the ginkgo and gotu kola before bringing it to steep, which allows for a rather fragrant drink. When you’re feeling that cold coming on, sip on this honeyed up ginger tea and thanks to this trio of super foods watch those sniffles melt away. I can attest. If its banging ginger flavor that you seek or some voodoo cold-​fighting magic, grab a cup, swirl in a touch of honey, and experience true ginger tea happiness.
A recent discovery that I’ve also been digging is the Matcha Green Tea. Rather than the latte, I ask for just the tea and I’m fascinated by it. The generous tablespoon of matcha powder they scoop out transforms my cup of hot water into a beautiful sea of green that smells and tastes like grass. Earthy, unique, and touted as incredibly healthy, this is the drink for me.

Ok place, not a very good coffee. Don’t let the name fool you. Their espresso is horrible. With a name like this, I expect a good quality espresso with crema.

Another coffee-​shop on State street that I like! They always have something special everyday. On Monday is usually for Mocha day, in which you can get any size of Mocha with your 3 bucks+. Tuesday is to have double punches on your loyalty card. If you are aiming for more punches, come on Tuesday! It’ll make your day! It certainly does to me.
I can’t recall other specials for other days, I’ll update my review once I do.
The café itself is spacious, though not that artistic. The music is good though. You can also choose a variety of sandwiches, muffins, biscotti, and cakes. The internet connection is not too shabby. So, if you want to have some reading time with a low budget yet good Mocha, come here!

Once upon a time, this was one of my favorite coffee shops.
Honestly, I don’t know what’s happened. You walk in and the baristas stare at you like you’re an inconvenience. Sorry guys, I need my caffeine fix. Too bad the espresso tastes watered down and stale. The bakery is overpriced and (again) stale. Tables are cramped and the wi-​fi is terrible.
I don’t expect much but I expect something.

Their brewed coffee is okay, bakery is overpriced and again, okay.
Tables are a bit cramped and I cant help but look at the bare walls with sparse, crookedly hung, cliché artwork.

For a place that calls itself «Espresso Royale», the espresso here is absolutely undrinkable. Just look at how dirty they keep their grinders, and notice that they don’t grind the coffee fresh for you. Ground coffee goes rancid fast, and you’re getting a little of that nast in every drink. This place is disgusting and the keystone ingredient of their coffee drinks is over-​extracted tar without a hint of crema. Gross! Unfortunately, the best coffee on State street is Starbucks, how sad!
About me: I’ve roasted coffee at home for the last 8 years and own two professional espresso machines along with two pro grinders and a lot of other equipment,.

This coffee is absolute shit. I don’t want to mince words here – this was simply awful.
As I was walking to the library, I thought about my review – I was initially going to give it 2 stars, but as my walk wore on, I decided against it. Warning: This will be an irritated review.
I walked into Espresso Royale and was immediately stuck waiting at the counter for several minutes as the barista changed milk jugs very, very slowly. Then, there was little customer service or niceness as this faux hipster gave me my cup of coffee.
Look – it’s okay to be a rude, pretentious hipster if your coffee is amazing – which is why Bradbury’s is awesome – but Espresso Royale? The coffee was horrendous. Thin, watery and poorly balanced… this is some of the worst coffee I’ve tasted. Honestly, you’d be better off going to McDonald’s or – dare I say – a gas station. At least the service will be halfway-​decent.
I will not be going back here – not for the crap service, and especially not for the coffee.

Sigh. I really hate it that I like Starbucks coffee better than the local guys, but in most cases it’s true. Still looking for my perfect latte in Madison at a mom & pop shop. Definitely didn’t find it at Espresso Royale. My latte tasted like it was made with kerosene instead of espresso.
The staff were friendly and the ambiance was fine, but if I’ve gotta buy something to get the free wifi, I want it to go down easy.

Espresso Royale is one of many coffee shops on State Street. I continue to stop there over other places because it’s near campus, has friendly staff and lots of seating, and makes good drinks!
I have never had any complaints about Espresso Royale, but it doesn’t have that extra special touch to earn a 5^th start.

The espresso was not good and it was even worse that the mocha did not mask the flavor. I ordered both a shot of espresso and separately a mocha and tried them both. Both were bad. Both I just decided to toss and try a different coffee place.

My favorite coffee shop in Madison as a student! Great place to enjoy some good music and bakery items (sandwiches, cookies, crumb cake), not to mention the awesome coffee (or assortment of teas)! Full of students studying or meeting up to discuss all topics with their friends. Great location right on State Street. Highly recommended!

I’ve been to the lower ERC a handful of times, and each has been a let down.
The coffee is mediocre, at best, and never tastes anything like you would anticipate or expect. The service is slow, and none of the Baristas seem to know what they’re doing behind that big silver machine. Give me five minutes behind the counter, and I’ll show you how it’s done.
If I wanted coffee prepared by a bunch of inattentive stoners, I would smoke a joint and make my own coffee at home.
Fail.

Pretty decent coffee shop and its open until midnight on weekdays.
The coffee was good and the staff were nice. I will go back. Nothing spectacular.