We discovered Sunn Cafe while visiting Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin.
This cave has some of the oldest formations in the Midwest, some caverns up to two stories tall! There is even a part so deep that there’s no cell signal.
Near the caves was a little town called Mount Horeb (about 30 minutes from Madison)., as we drove in, we noticed Trolls adorning every shop and restaurant.
Mount Horeb is known as the Troll Capital of the World — and for good reason. More than 40 hand-made troll sculptures line the streets of this small Wisconsin village, earning its main drag the nickname the Trollway. Rooted in the town's deep Norwegian heritage, each troll is a one-of-a-kind work of folk art, carved by local and regional artists and steeped in Scandinavian folklore.
Legend has it that, in 1939, when the Cave of the Mounds was discovered on the Brigham Farm in neighboring Blue Mounds, the earth opened up, and trolls sprang forth! They made their way to Mount Horeb and quickly fell in love with the jewels and gems of this community – the beauty of the rolling hills, the fertile soil, their unique small businesses, and friendly residents. They liked Mount Horeb so well that they settled there and now stand guard over the gems that continue to make the community special to this day.
Sunn Cafe is one of those gems. We were searching on Happy Cow, and it had a good-looking menu, coffee options and local kombucha. We arrived at the quant space and ordered our gluten-free and vegan items (sandwiches, deli salads and desserts) and the chef came out of the kitchen to chat with us. “We just got in a new vegan cheese, and you’re going to love it!” she said.
She was talking about Violife cheese (now a staple in our fridge) and Sunn Cafe is one of the few restaurants where we’ve found it! And she was right. The food was spectacular! The flavors meld so well with yummy cold salads like sesame noodles and chickpea salad. but honestly, I would go there just for the lemon bars which are out of this world!
Recommended for all weary travelers and amateur spelunkers alike :) Sunn Cafe is a true destination spot.
