Willalby’s Cafe

There is nothing I can add to the recent reviews. Willaby’s is delicious! Family friendly. Down to earth. We got a couple vegan options and devoured them happily.
Love the coffee mugs. Will be back. Often.

I know — cash only — grumble, grumble. But it’s definitely worth a trip to the ATM to enjoy breakfast at this diner. The vegan biscuits and gravy were a good pick, and my dining partner really enjoyed his Denver skillet. The coffee was also really good and in your own personalized mug, just like home. I was nervous about the service based on other Unilocal reviews, but we had wonderful service. Being only one waiter, I was impressed by how quickly and pleasantly he moved through the restaurant attending to everyone’s needs. I would definitely return to this reasonably priced breakfast option next time I’m visiting Madison.

Willaby’s diner/​café is a serious greasy spoon, but that’s why I like it, the food is good, the prices are good, and the pancakes are huge, you really only need one if that. It’s cash only so be prepared. I love them.

Thank you Nathan for breathing such vibrant life into this Willy Street institution! This morning, my Bill enjoyed the Mediterranean Omlette and I devoured my huevos rancheros. Both were very good, the service was entertaining, and the music was awesome. We got to hear some Wicked and Björk, among other, delightfully eclectic breakfast music.

Perfect little breakfast café. Nothing fancy about it but the food was great and the coffee was hot! Their pancakes are the size of a plate! The huevos rancheros were amazing and a very big portion that includes hashbrowns. If you’re looking for a good cheap breakfast then this is your place.

I’m excited to write a review of Willalby’s Café in Madison. As usual, my review is based on what my experience AS A VEGAN was at this establishment.
I was eager to go to Willalby’s because they came up with good ratings on Happy Cow for a place to go for vegan breakfast all day. A friend and I met there. We got a nice booth seat easily because it was around 10:30 on a beautiful Saturday in Madison. I hear its usually more crowded. It was pretty warm inside but we got used to it.
The service was night and day. One server seemed inexplicably annoyed with us from the get go. The other couldn’t have been more fun and friendly. So, we broke even I guess. At some point one of the servers and what I assume were customers who were friends broke into loud song along with one of the tunes being played. Okay, but it was a little distracting and annoying for my friend and I while we were trying to talk. I also was a little put off by seeing one of the servers puffing on a pipe in the kitchen. At least I think that is what I saw. I assume it was a vape, but can that even be allowed? Maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me.
On the menu there are delicious-​sounding options for us vegans like vegan french toast, tofus skillet, and vegan biscuits and gravy. Sides like vegan sausage and vegan chefs make ordering even more fun. I got the vegan biscuits and gravy with a side of hash browns and vegan sausage. By the way, they can crumble the vegan sausage into the gravy, or you can just get it on the side. Ah, choices… thank you!
The meal was spectacular. There was no question that I would be taking my leftovers home with me for a midnight snack. The coffee (of which we had 4 cups) was fresh and smooth.
So two thank you’s that I want to throw out there then. First, thank you to Willalby’s for making the vegan items clear on the menu. It’s breakfast, I’m sleepy, I don’t want to launch into an investigation of every ingredient in every vegan-​sounding dish. You didn’t require me to do that and I appreciate it! Second, thank you for having some sides I can eat. It makes the dining experience so much more enjoyable when there are choices to mix and match. I can’t wait to come back and try the french toast next!

Great food, but I don’t feel like I can go back here anymore because of one too many run-​ins with rude waitstaff. There is one person in particular with whom I have had several uncalled-​for (in my opinion) encounters. This most recent time, I left a bad tip (didn’t mean to – simple oversight on my part). I was told that I had apparently tipped poorly in the past as well and that if I continued to do this, I would be refused service in the future. I apologized, handed the person a few extra dollars and got out of there. As someone who also works in a tip-​based industry (cab driving), I was really taken aback that someone would confront a customer about their tipping and then basically threaten not to serve them in the future because of it. Sure, not leaving 20% was my fault, but it was a surreal experience nonetheless. I’ve had similar encounters previously with this person as well and have heard similar stories from others, so I think I’m done at Willaby’s. But that’s ok, cuz the actions of their waitstaff have given me the impression that they don’t want my business anyway lol…

Every weekend, always amazing, never a let down.

I’ve been here twice in the last month and it was great both times. French toast is great and cheap. Huevos rancheros were some of the best I’ve ever had. The beans were so creamy and the eggs were cooked perfectly. The staff is super friendly. Expect a wait during prime breakfast hours. It’s worth it though.

Eat here when I can. Always good food and coffee. Nice place to hang out with friends on a Saturday morning.

Super delicious, diner-​style breakfast. The pancakes as big as boogie boards and come slathered in delicious butter and syrup. We ordered 2 and could finish about a third of them. We also got a scrambler, with eggs, potatoes, meats, etc. that was spot on. Even on a busy Saturday there was no wait for the counter and the staff was super friendly, funny, and awesome. It reminds me of New York diners in the best way.

I read the reviews. I got service right away. The good came in a good time. The food was good not too greasy. The biscuit was not too fresh but the hash Brown was awesome! I d would there again.

There are few diners I’ve ever experienced that hit all the marks, while also being Paul Mitchell approved, but this is my new favorite breakfast place and I’ve only been here once.
*Chef– Gordon Ramsey himself would be trembling in fear if he tasted the food put out by this culinary assassin
*Décor– 5 shining and glitter embossed gold stars
*Hair game– über niche-​niche fab
*Service– fan-​freaking-​tastic
*taste– 73 times better than a unicorn taking your virginity on prom night
Food recommendation– The Fair Oaks Skillet, or anything the gentleman with the most well conditioned hair I’ve ever witnessed in real life recommends.

Best bacon in town. Plus you always get 4 strips. Other restaurants you get 3. Nice people.

Really small simple food. I really like their breakfast though. They have achieved that really satisfying state of grease taste and happy foodliness. m
The servers are all pretty good. Friendly (some more than others) and effective. They don’t poach eggs but they don’t poach endangered species either so guess it all works out for the betterment of the universe.

Bryan Adams and vegan options. If you like the neighborhood and you want cheap breakfast, duh.

Went to Wallabys at 845 on a Saturday morning. The place looked pleasant, about half full. As soon as my girlfriend and I walked in, the waitress informed us, rather rudely, that there is about a 35 minute wait for food. We said thats fine and proceeded to sit down at the counter.
As soon as we sat down, the same woman told us not to sit anywhere near the abundant amount of dirty plates on the counter. No please, no explanation, just a second rude comment before we even got a coffee.
We left after that, we wanted breakfast, not an attitude. Nothing is worse than being made to feel you did something wrong first thing in the morning.
Maybe this place is designed solely for it’s regulars, or that’s a special code of conduct, but if you want a pleasant breakfast– avoid this place like the plague.

The kind of restaurant you half expect to run into Jello Biafra in. Sassy waiter and metal in the morning has turned this place into one of my new favorite spots. Also, the breakfast was delicious and the portions generous. I had the Hart’s Content omelette and would certainly recommend to anyone.
Beware though, you do need to bring cash to this establishment. An ATM is available in the back in case you forget, you’ll just be stuck paying a $ 3 ATM fee.

While ingenuity is appreciated, it’s oftentimes best to abide by the classics. And it doesn’t get much more classic than a big a** plate of Chocolate Chip Pancakes at Willalby’s.
This hole-​in-​the-​wall diner kills it in terms of cheap, no frills breakfast fare. It’s safe to order just one pancake here because it’ll come out the size of your head, plus some.
The Chocolate Chip Pancake is necessary — an ordinary pancake will not do. The generous portion of chocolate will softly melt into the thin, dense cake in a way that will make you smile. Then add to this beautiful creation a massive amount of fluffy whipped cream, soft butter and just enough syrup to the point where your pancake is drowning in glorious calories.
That is happiness on a plate right there I want me some more.

My friend and I came here for a super late brunch (1 pm) so the place was empty. Sometimes I feel like when I walk into an empty establishment close to closing the staff gets a little knackered… but the adorable waiter seemed delighted we were there!
I had the vegan biscuits & gravy and they were hands down the best I’ve ever had, including non-​vegan. SO flavorful, not too salty, just incredibly rich and filling. There were tomatoes & broccoli sprinkled on top which was a delicious addition. The hash browns that came on the side were also incredible – crispy on the outside & soft on the inside!
All in all, a cute place with friendly staff and delicious breakfast. Perfect to start off your day on Willy St.