A Gluten Free Vegan’s Review of Yola’s Cafe in Madison, WI
Yola’s Cafe and Coffee Shop is a locally and family owned restaurant on the west side of Madison, WI. Lance Ratke (who has celiac disease) opened the restaurant in 2008 and named it after his grandmother.
They have a lot of allergen friendly items on their menu and some can be modified to be both vegan and gluten free. They offer breakfast all day and is a perfect place for weekend brunch.
Continue reading to learn about my experience and tips at Yola’s Cafe as a gluten free vegan.
Entrance to Yola’s Cafe in Madison, WI [Photo by Courtney Vanorio]
Details
Designation: Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Price Range: $-$$
Style: American
Meals Served: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Coffee
Location:
Located on the west side of Madison off Watts Road near a few stores and other restaurants
Bike rack right outside of restaurant
Right beside a bus stop
Full sized parking lot shared by a few businesses
Wheelchair accessible, no automatic doors
Close to Verona and Middleton
Outdoor seating
Free Wifi
Atmosphere
Dining room at Yola’s Cafe in Madison, WI [Photo by Courtney Vanorio]
The dining room at Yola’s Cafe and Coffee Shop is casual and conventional. They have a number of tables inside including one larger table for bigger groups.
Dining room at Yola’s Cafe [Photo by Courtney Vanorio]
They also have a couple comfier chairs with side tables for enjoying coffee near their fireplace.
We went around lunch time on a Saturday. Even though the dining room was full, it was not loud and we could enjoy our conversation.
View of the counter and part of the kitchen from the dining room at Yola’s Cafe [Photo by Courtney Vanorio]
Menu
Menu at Yola’s Cafe [Photo by Courtney Vanorio]
The menu at Yola’s Cafe is well marked.
Sadly, most of their breakfast menu can’t be made vegan and gluten free. They do have one vegan and gluten free prepackaged cookie.
They have a couple lunch options that can be made both vegan and gluten free. The Hummus Supreme Wrap is vegan and gluten free if made with a gluten free wrap. All of their salads are gluten free and can be modified to be vegan by leaving off the cheese.
Yola’s Cafe also has a full drink menu with Coffee and Espresso, Teas, Smoothies, and more. They offer almond, coconut, and oat milk.
You can find their online menu here.
Food
My order
Hummus Supreme Wrap with Potato Chips at Yola’s Cafe [Photo by Courtney Vanorio]
Gluten Free Hummus Supreme Wrap ($11.75)
Avocado, greens, tomato, red onion, cucumber, shredded carrot, pomegranate molasses.
Modified to be gluten free by ordering a gluten free wrap ($1.50 upcharge).
Side of Potato Chips (included with meal)
Homemade, crispy, thick cut potato chips.
Hot Cocoa at Yola’s Cafe [Photo by Courtney Vanorio]
16 oz. Hot Cocoa with Almond Milk ($4.50)
Modified to be vegan by ordering almond milk ($0.75 upcharge).
They also offer coconut and oat milk.
Taste: ★★★★☆
My hummus wrap was good. It had a variety of fresh vegetables. The hummus and other sauces added nice flavors.
The potato chips were thick cut, crispy, and had a bit of seasoning. They make the chips in house.
My hot cocoa was also tasty.
Quality: ★★★★★
It was obvious all of the vegetables and ingredients in my wrap were fresh and prepared specifically for my order.
The gluten free wrap was perfectly toasted.
The potato chips were high quality and fresh as well.
Variety: ★★☆☆☆
There are only a few things on the menu that can easily be made vegan and gluten free. There are other options you might be able to get with a few more modifications.
Quantity: ★★★★☆
Except for the waffles (which are not vegan and gluten free), I personally feel like the portions are on the smaller side. I think it’s perfect for a lighter breakfast or lunch.
Sandwiches are served with a side, but you can always get an additional side if you are looking for a larger meal.
Value: ★★★★☆
I think the prices are a little high for the quantity. The quality is always great though.
Service
Hospitality: ★★★★★
The staff are always nice and welcoming.
Efficiency: ★★★★★
The service was great and we received all of our food in less than 20 minutes even though they were busy.
Accuracy: ★★★★★
My order came out with all modifications.
Safety
Staff knowledge: ★★★★☆
Staff are knowledgeable about gluten and celiac disease. They are able to tell you what options can be made vegan and gluten free.
Preparation: ★★★☆☆
Staff are trained on cross contamination
Use clean utensils and pans to prepare food
They are not a dedicated gluten free kitchen, so there is always a risk of cross contamination.
Always tell staff you are vegan and have celiac disease, or a gluten intolerance, to make sure they take extra precautions and prepare your food with clean surfaces.
Did I get *glutened? No
*Glutened (verb, past tense)
When a person who has celiac disease, or a gluten intolerance, consumes gluten accidentally and experiences gluten induced symptoms.
Merchandise area and self service water station at Yola’s Cafe [Photo by Courtney Vanorio]
Overall
★★★★☆
Would I go back? Yes
I’ve been to Yola’s Cafe multiple times and have never had any issues. They’ve never messed up my order and I’ve personally never been glutened.
They have good food and a great atmosphere. I would love to see them offer even more options that are both vegan and gluten free in the future.
They already offer a gluten free waffle and a vegan waffle. I would be very excited if they added a gluten free vegan waffle or combined the ones they already offer to cater to everyone.
Tips
Popular on the weekends
Yola’s Cafe can get busy around breakfast to lunch on the weekends. It’s typically not a problem, but you may have to wait a few minutes for a table while your food is being prepared.
Patio Seating
If the weather is nice, be sure to take advantage of their outdoor seating. They have plenty of tables outside.
Its a perfect place to enjoy good food, fresh air, and catch up with friends or family.
Want to learn more about eating vegan and gluten free in Madison, WI? Check out my article listed below.
Have you been to Yola’s Cafe and Coffee Shop? What was your experience and what did you order? Add your thoughts below!
Madison, WI has many options for gluten free vegans. Learn all of my tips, tricks, and favorite restaurants for vegan and gluten free food in Madison, WI, USA. Use the map to find vegan and gluten free restaurants near your hotel and popular tourist destinations.