State of the Map US 2026 Presented by OpenStreetMap US was this weekend in Madison, Wisconsin. As any good breakfast lover, I tried to seek out the best breakfast food in the area of Capitol Square. Here’s my thoughts:

Friday: Wonderstate Coffee (on OSM)

This is a very modern looking coffee shop (think crisp whites and light woods - if Apple had a coffee shop) with a great seating area outside overlooking the Capitol Square and is in a very nice spot to be shaded in the morning to enjoy your coffee or small food item. Only downside to sitting outside is you are very close to the road - but that’s to be expected in a downtown area.

I ordered a plain bagel and cream cheese, and an iced coffee with cream and sugar. Typically where I am this means drip coffee poured over ice, but the barista recommended an Americano… when in Rome I suppose. The coffee was delicious, and the bagel came out with more cream cheese than I think I have ever seen on a bagel (not complaining! Just surprising!)

Cost: $9.23 Rating: 7/10

Saturday: Marigold Kitchen (on OSM)

Such a cute spot! I was searching this day for a good omelette and this place seemed highly recommended. The feel was much more artsy coffeehouse vibe, plenty of lighting and a small outdoor seating area, but I ate inside. I was greeted and handed a menu at the door, ordered at the counter, and was recommended the pancakes as well as the omelette if I was hungry enough. Very friendly staff throughout even during what was clearly an elevated breakfast rush with the farmers market getting started just outside!

I ordered a bacon and cheese omelette with red potatoes and greens, a short stack of pancakes, and again I was offered an Americano (this time leaving room for creamer, which was appreciated! No Sweet n’ Low, had to use regular sugar) The omelette was delicious if a bit deconstructed, the potatoes were well done in slices rather than the chunks you may be picturing for breakfast potatoes, and the greens were OK, but nothing to write home about. The unexpected standout winner of this place was the buttermilk pancakes, if I had known what I know now I would have completely changed my plan from omelette to a full stack from the start. Probably the best pancake I have had in my life. It is sweet, on account of the powdered sugar, strawberry, and syrup but absolutely worth a special trip.

On exit, there was a line forming outside, so this place is popular with more than just me! A bit on the expensive side, but I did essentially get 2 meal items and a coffee.

Cost: $31.65 Rating: 8/10

Sunday: Gotham Bagels (on OSM)

This place was recommended by Madison locals on my first day, but I made the trek over on my last day in Madison. There was a beautiful dog patiently waiting for it’s human outside, which I feel added to the charm of the place. Another spot I could tell is used to being busy, this space is (as you can probably guess) is themed as Gotham city/NYC with the typical NY bagel shop aesthetic and feel. Long tables, bar stools, and you can order ahead, use a tablet, or order at the counter.

I ordered a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese bagel which came with cheddar by default. I was given a number and waited to be called. They were in the low 60’s when I sat down, and I was 81, to give you an idea of volume. The wait was the only thing I can really comment on that could be improved but honestly they were hustling in there! I ate the bagel on my way back to the hotel to grab my bags, and let me tell you that sandwich was absolutely fantastic! Unwrapping the really well wrapped sandwich felt like Christmas morning. the eggs and bacon were well seasoned, cheese melty and you can tell hasn’t been just sitting out for awhile. The bagel was soft and chewy on the inside with a wonderful crust. I probably could’ve eaten 2 if I knew ahead of time but didn’t want to go through the wait again. Delicious all-around and perfect for breakfast on-the-go.

Cost: $9.75 Rating: 9/10