Nov 263 min read

Discovering Playhouse Cafe: A Playful Escape for the Whole Family

Downtown Madison Cafe & Children's Play Area

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

Madison offers plenty of fun activities for adults – from wineries and hiking to scenic river walks – but when it comes to an enjoyable and safe playtime with the kids, Playhouse Cafe, located at 835 W Main Street, is the place to be! Parents and guardians can unwind with a delicious frozen espresso and a freshly made grilled Italian panini (you can even make that gluten-free)!

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

Playhouse Cafe opened on Madison’s hilltop in November 2022, but its creation was the result of careful planning long before its opening. Maria Cronen, who moved to Madison from New York City during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessed the effects of isolation many people were facing around the world. The following year, when Maria’s sister, Athena Velissarios, made Madison her home as well, the two of them set out to create something special. “We both decided that we would start a business that would benefit the community, get people socializing again, and help our children return to normalcy,” said Maria.

Driven by a deep desire to build a supportive community for parents and caregivers, Maria and Athena spent months brainstorming ideas. “I felt that I couldn’t be alone in feeling this way, and that surely other moms and caregivers were desperate for a village to call their own,” Maria said. The vision for Playhouse Cafe soon took shape as a welcoming space where families could gather, allowing both guardians and children to connect in a positive environment.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

After two successful years on the hilltop, Playhouse Cafe was ready to expand. In August 2024, the team presented a wonderland for children and their guardians. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a cozy hangout area, complete with adorable couches, an air hockey table, and a selection of merchandise to browse.

The play area is designed to captivate children’s imaginations, featuring several themed stations: a kitchen, a construction zone, a fire station, a doctor’s office, a ball pit, and of course, a space for dressing up! These carefully crafted play zones are not only safe but designed to keep children’s attention while allowing them to move freely and interact with other kiddos their age. “My favorite part is seeing the kids’ faces light up when they enter our space. I’ve watched so many children grow up here alongside my own, and it really does feel like one big village,” Maria shared.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

When it comes to the cafe, the staff is well-versed in great-tasting food. “Growing up in NYC, there was no shortage of delicious and unique things to eat and drink. That acquired taste made us very particular about what we serve. We come from a large Greek family of restaurateurs, where we worked from a very young age,” said Maria. “We learned so much about food and customer service that, although we dreaded working when we were younger, we now see how valuable that experience was, and we’re forever grateful.”

The Playhouse Cafe also gives the owners the chance to indulge their creative sides. From experimenting with different drinks and desserts to decorating cake pops and cupcakes, the focus is always on customer enjoyment and giving them something that looks good AND tastes good. “I love coming up with new latte and Lotus concoctions and decorating our cake pops and cupcakes. Right now, I’m working on introducing seasonal sensory kits, and I’ve had so much fun making them,” Maria said.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with Madison Main Street.

Playhouse Cafe offers a unique experience for both children and guardians, creating a new option for families in Madison that didn’t exist before. With three different membership tiers, there’s something for every family! “It’s a place for our very own children in our community to have a home away from home,” said Maria. “It’s all about the customers. When a family comes in alone and leaves with new friends, that’s something you just can’t help but feel good about. We’ve had countless people come to us and express real gratitude for this place.”

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