Cafe Carpe, located at 18 S Water St W, Fort Atkinson, WI, is a hidden gem that draws both locals and visitors alike. This cafe offers a delightful blend of great food and exceptional live music, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like home. Patrons rave about the delicious offerings, from hearty lunches to memorable dinners, all served with attentive care.
Customers like Trish Kalhagen appreciate the cozy environment and the musical talent showcased there. Bryan Stewart praises it as the "best-kept secret" for its intimate listening area, accommodating only 50 guests. This unique setup transforms each performance into a private concert experience, heightening the connection between artists and audience.
The cuisine garners acclaim across reviews; B Y notes the synergy of great food with standout musical performances, while Josef Locke Klein highlights the excellent service, easily earning a five-star rating. With renowned folk artists often taking the stage, Cafe Carpe offers a vibe that resonates deeply with music lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
If you're seeking a place that combines acoustic music with culinary satisfaction, look no further than Cafe Carpe—a true local treasure.
Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great dessert
Live music
Live performances
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Photos
Reviews For Cafe Carpe
Trish Kalhagen
Jun 30,2025
We love Cafe Carpe!! Love the delicious food and great music! Sometimes, we just stop in for lunch or dinner. Great place and people.
Bryan Stewart
Jun 16,2025
Best kept secret in the area! My wife and I have been here many times. The food is good and the music venue is the best. Small listening area for up to 50 people. Great local and national acts. Listening to the music is like having a personal concert in your living room.
B Y
Jun 15,2025
Great food, great music! Especially when Bill is playing!
Mark Young
Jun 11,2025
My favorite pub and listening room/acoustic music venue in the world. Unique, great vibes, & their stage has featured many folk legends.
Josef Locke Klein
Jun 4,2025
Delicious and excellent service! Easiest five star rating in a long time.
Trygve Danielson
May 24,2025
Friendly, intimate. Great place to gather for music and friendship.
Angelina Damirchan
May 24,2025
Delicious food and drinks! Got Cajun Tuna and Cajun Meatloaf for dinner, as well as Black beans soup. Everything was absolutely delicious, so we decided to stay for Irish coffee with some desserts! They were delicious, definitely recommend the turtle bars and carrot cake. And staff is especially amazing!
Dorothy Kent
Apr 17,2025
If you love small friendly gathering places, live music in a quiet setting, and delicious healthy food, you will love Cafe Carpe. The historic building has a gorgeous bar and original art on the walls. In warm weather, you can eat on the screened back porch overlooking the Rock River. Musicians love to play in the intimate listening room beyond the bar.
Reviews For Cafe Carpe