Johnson Public House
908 E Johnson St, Madison, WI, 53703
Johnson Public House Menu
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Diabetics at Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets serves burgers which are generally high in sodium and fat. Ensure that you pick the burgers which are light and doesn't contain too much sodium. Try ordering salads if you're concerned about your sugar intake and looking for healthy choices.
Foods to Avoid at Johnny Rockets for Diabetics:
Johnny Rockets is a fine dining place for burgers, but you must be selective if you're a diabetic. Skip all kinds of dressing when you order a burger at Johnny Rockets as it will only spike the sodium content on your meal. Salads are often considered diabetic-friendly but not the ones at Johnny Rockets. Avoid Crispy Chicken Club Salad and Grilled Chicken Club Salad as they are too high in sodium and fat.
Make sure you opt for water instead of the drinks available on the Johnny Rockets menu. Besides Diet Coke and Coffee, most of the drinks served at Johnny Rockets are high in sugar. Skip the shakes at Johnny Rockets to avoid high sugar intake. Breakfast is always preferred heavy for diabetics but most of the breakfast items on the Johnny Rockets menu are high in sodium and must be avoided.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Johnny Rockets:
Rocket Single Burger (1 Serving)
Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 350mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Bacon Cheddar Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 330 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 650mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Route 66 Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 330 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 280mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Route 66 Double Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 410 calories, 40g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 320mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
The Original Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 590mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Tea (8 fluid ounces)
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Sweet Potato Fries, Side (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 220 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 370mg sodium, 30g carbs, 10g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Side of Fries (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 190 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 460mg sodium, 30g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Madison for healthy meals suggestion.
High Blood Pressure at Johnny Rockets
Fast-food restaurants are your last resort if you are suffering from high BP. Most fast food restaurants including Johnny Rockets offer foods rich in sodium. High sodium intake can be even lethal for people concerned with high blood pressure. However, you can always try the salads or choose food without any extra dressing or side dishes to limit your sodium intake.
Foods to Avoid at Johnny Rockets for High Blood Pressure
It is extremely important to avoid any kind of burgers with extra dressing at Johnny Rockets. You must also skip any kind of breakfast items except Pancakes at Johnny Rockets. Also, avoid Breakfast Belt Sandwich and Rocket Breakfast Burger at Johnny Rockets as both these items are too high in sodium. Also, avoid Crispy Chicken Salad and Grilled Chicken Club Salad as well as any kind of dressing on other low-sodium salads available at Johnny Rockets. Skip shakes containing Oreo on the Johnny Rockets menu as Oreo shakes served at Johnny Rockets are high in sodium.
Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at Johnny Rockets
Strawberry Chocolate Swirl Milkshake (1 shake)
Nutritional Facts: 810 calories, 40g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 30g), 300mg sodium, 90g carbs, 90g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Rocket Single Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 350mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Route 66 Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 350mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Garden Salad (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 150 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 260mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Side Salad (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 70 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 110mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Apple Juice (10 fluid ounces)
Nutritional Facts: 140 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 30mg sodium, 30g carbs, 30g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Madison for healthy meals suggestion.
High Cholesterol at Johnny Rockets
Burgers fall into the fast-food category and most fast-food items are high in cholesterol. If you're suffering from high cholesterol, then it is advised that you skip any meal with excessive fat and sugar.
Foods to Avoid at Johnny Rockets for High Cholesterol
You must skip all types of dressing on your burger. Also, avoid burgers like Smoke House Burger at all costs from Johnny Rockets menu. Skip all the drinks except coffee, iced tea, and diet coke as they are completely unhealthy for people with high cholesterol. Breakfast items on Johnny Rockets are very high in cholesterol and it is strictly recommended to avoid all the breakfast items on their menu including the sandwiches.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Johnny Rockets
Kids Cappuccino Crunch Milkshake (1 shake)
Nutritional Facts: 740 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 20g), 310mg sodium, 100g carbs, 80g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Garden Black Bean Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 330 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 650mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
The Spicy Houston Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 190 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 700mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Kids Banana Shake (1 shake)
Nutritional Facts: 560 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat20g), 190mg sodium, 60g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Johnny's Breakfast Sandwich (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 180 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 230mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Madison for healthy meals suggestion.
Q & A on Johnny Rockets
Who owns Johnny Rockets?
Johnny Rockets is founded by Ronn Teitelbaum. Today, the restaurant chain is owned by Sun Capital Partners.
Does Johnny Rockets serve breakfast?
Yes, Johnny Rockets has a separate breakfast section, especially for breakfast meal. Johnny Rockets serves breakfast all day and night.
Where is Johnny Rockets located near me?
There are over 320 Johnny Rockets outlets across the United States. You can find a Johnny Rockets restaurant nearby using our Restaurant Listings directory.
What time does Johnny Rockets open and close?
All Johnny Rockets restaurants in the United States opens at 8 AM and stays open till 9 PM. Some Johnny Rockets restaurants stay open till midnight at some locations.
Does Johnny Rockets have gluten-free?
Johnny Rockets offers a wide range of gluten-free items. You can opt for the gluten-free bun to turn your burger into a gluten-free burger. For assurance, you can check out Johnny Rockets gluten-free menu.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
About Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets is a restaurant franchise headquartered in the United States. The American restaurant chain features 1950s diner-style restaurant format with individual jukebox stations, red vinyl seats, chrome accents, etc. There are around 320 Johnny Rockets restaurants in the United States.
Ron Teitelbaum from Los Angeles, California founded Johnny Rockets as a recreation of the 1940s vintage themed malt shops of his childhood. The first Johnny Rockets began its operations on June 6, 1986. Johnny Rockets specializes in American burgers and sandwiches as well as offers salads, starters, and shakes to enrich your dining experience at Johnny Rockets.
Healthy Food Options at Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets is a fast-food restaurant and finding healthy food at Johnny Rockets can be a bit tricky. While you can always opt for the salads and healthy shakes at Johnny Rockets for healthy options, there are also some healthy burgers and sandwiches which you can bet on. Ensure that the sugar, sodium, and cholesterol is in check when you order food at Johnny Rockets.
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Address :
908 E Johnson St
Madison, WI, 53703 - Phone (608) 347-0483
- Website https://johnsonpublichouse.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Sun
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
Good for Working : Yes
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Susan S.
Lately when I daydream about coffee it's all about what I've had at JPH. They expertly brew everything and the beans come from many different roasters, which I really like! Opportunities abound for busting out of your usual coffee rut. I also really love the vibe here: people have their laptops out and folks are studying but it's not one of those places where you and your chatty friends are going to get shushed by some loser preparing for a midterm. I'd say JPH has third wave coffee without the third wave sterility.
(5)Ariel W.
I would say they got the Slow Coffee movement going on. No cheap coffee sitting in airpots for an hour or more. French press, chemex, V60, lattes, cortado(my favorite),.....all worth the price. Free wifi, chill baristas, laid back mellow music in the background, and can't go wrong with any of the sandwiches. Also can't forget the great selection of beers in the cooler. See that more and more in cafes.
(5)Alexandra D.
This shop is inappropriately expensive.
(1)Robert G.
This is a great coffee shop with a relaxing but not sleepy atmosphere. I enjoy the art on the walls and the music selection. I recommend the yogurt and granola and especially the chai latte. Of course any coffee drink will be great as well. The price is well worth it because all drinks and menu items are made with precision and with premium ingredients. The baristas are friendly too! This is a great place to bring your laptop and get some creative work done.
(5)Nicholas R.
Slow service with an attitude and emo in the background. Rather expensive and very snooty. Kid at the register was blatantly inattentive and had mumbled responses to questions. Waited a long time to order, longer for a coffee and even long for a Tuna Melt (+ 40 minutes). Will not be coming here again. Would rather walk the few extra blocks to one of the other cafes nearby with better service.
(2)Holly W.
Great neighborhood coffee house! I love the atmosphere of this place, especially on weekend mornings. They make the best chai latte I've ever tasted and do the fun steamed milk designs too! Try the chocolate sandwich with strawberries -- to die for.
(4)Katie F.
I really appreciate good coffee and I don't mind paying for a superior cup. The coffee at JPH is good, but I'm always surprised at how expensive it is for what you get. It's one of the few coffee shops where no matter what you get, you're paying more than you should.
(2)Meghan H.
"Sunday morning rain is falling Steal some covers, share some skin And clouds are shrouding us in moments unforgettable You twist to fit the mold that I am in" Rain in this case can more accurately be measured in terms of Sunday Morning Breakfast Sandwiches....Oh Johnson Public, how you fit the mold that I am in. Meld together hard-boiled egg, cheddar & ham between hearty slices of country-wheat bread that's treated with just a touch of maple syrup to devise an ingeniously crisp, subtle sweetness on par with the deliciously sweet sound of Adam Levine's voice. Add to the mix a steaming cuppa green tea and clouds will surely shroud you in a moment unforgettable.
(4)Liz B.
Cozy environment, coffee and tea made to order. Semi-friendly staff (sometimes they can be aloof or have a "too cool for you" attitude). Great tea selection and delicious coffee drinks. A bit on the pricier side, but you pay for quality. Haven't tried the food, but heard it's good.
(4)Simon L.
If this is your first time in the area, this shop will look like a hole in the wall, as are all the other shops along this street. But don't let the exterior fool you! Please do yourself a favor by enjoying a cup of coffee or a plain double shot espresso at the JPH over a good read on a sunny afternoon. The fact that they serve intelligentsia coffee should already indicate their strive for high standards because god knows that stuff is expensive. My espresso was so smooth, so creamy, so fruity delicious; I could drink this stuff all afternoon if it weren't for the high caffeine level. The Barista was a little too cool but that may just be me. Next time I'll remember to come dressed in an obscure band t-shit and a scarf. Skinny pants too, if I can ever squeeze into one.
(5)Bethany K.
I like the atmosphere at Johnson Public House a lot. It's open, airy, humble, and filled with morning light. I had my first breakfast at JPH today, and a few notes: - There isn't much in the way of a vegan breakfast, but there are vegetarian options including eggs with salad and toast or yogurt and housemade granola. The granola comes with dairy yogurt, but I've seen other Yelp reviews indicating it can be served with soy milk instead. - The breakfast service was a little lacking. My companion and I ordered breakfast bowls and they came with forks but no knives. There was one salt and pepper shaker set in the shop, and their contents weren't of very high quality or flavor. - Soy milk costs extra, but on the plus side, when I asked for a splash of soy milk in my coffee, the barista gave me a little pitcher to accompany my little carafe of coffee. I appreciated that. I like Madison Sourdough much better for the same sort of breakfast (higher quality bread, better flavor in the eggs and seasonings, and more thorough service at a lower price for the same meal), but I'll continue to frequent JPH for coffee dates. And I'll see if I can get that granola served with soy milk if I'm in the need for a sweet, crunchy breakfast.
(3)Whitney L R.
Friendly staff, great food- I love the breakfast sandwiches and the granola bowl is delicious!!! Great selection of tea. All around good coffee shop, although it can get quite busy at peak hours, as expected.
(4)Allison K.
Awesome coffee, indeed. This place seemed way too high brow for me the first time I went. I didn't know each cup was a pour over (should have read the Yelp reviews first), and the barista was not helpful at all. That being said, I've definitely changed my mind about the place. All of my baristas since that first time have been friendly. Some will give you their recommendation without you even having to ask if you're having trouble deciding. Cool place to study. Not too loud at all. I wouldn't do it every night because a cup of coffee is close to $4, but I feel lucky I live so close to JPH.
(4)Kevin L.
Phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal. You know a place really hit all the high points when you walk out saying that it is a MUST VISIT destination whenever you return to the area. This place is that good. From the breakfast sandwich, with perfectly crisped fresh bread complete with Wisconsin cheddar and the perfect hint of maple syrup to the presentation of their hand-crafting each of your drinks while you wait (this is what you pay for when drinks are $3-$6 to those who are complaining of the prices on Yelp) to the fantastic craft beer selection, complete with Bells Hopslam, a small selection of Ale Asylum, and 5, count em FIVE offerings of Three Floyds beers (Arctic Panzer Wolf the highlight of the bunch) while we were here, this place is just great. They brew excellent Intelligentsia coffee (a product of the owner being from Chicago, one would surmise), provide free internet in a chill, laid back setting perfect for anything from a hangover brunch to cramming for finals, provide an incredible selection of different coffees (and methods to brew the coffee) and teas, and they bring the drinks and food to your table as soon as it is ready, with a smile. What more could you possibly want out of a combination coffeehouse/breakfast place/Starbucks with craft beer type establishment? We will absolutely be back, and we will be recommending this place to everyone we know visiting the area - this place is that fantastic. Not to be missed.
(5)Ryan A.
I dig this joint. They feature the Chemex brewing method, which is rad. Plus Intelligentsia beans can't be beat. They're a scosh light on the seating, and outlets can be hard to come by. But you don't get this hip by emulating Starbucks. The baristas are all super friendly, and they even know what they're doing! What a revelation! In a college town, the fact that so many craptastic cafes with terrible baristas exist is beyond my comprehension; but JPH nails it. And one last thing, what good would a coffeehouse be without internet? These cats have the most reliable internet on the Madison coffee scene. Hands down. Best internet. There's nothing I hate more than rolling up on a coffeeshop only to be greeted by an internet connection thats up and down more times than... you fill in whichever metaphor your mind desires... I mean, this isn't 1997, folks. We aren't on "Friends". People don't go to coffeeshops to read "People" and gossip with each other. We're there to stare at our individual glowing screens and gossip *about* each other in silence.
(5)Zachary N.
I'm continuing to enjoy JPH. Very good, higher quality/priced coffee and pastries. The breakfast sandwich is bomb and i would happily argue that they have the finest prepared cup of coffee in Madison, if not Wisconsin. While some have labeled this place pretentious, i have always had great interactions with the owners and barristas. In regards to the "pour over" vs. already prepared coffee and their prices, you must remember that this business is not run on the quantity over quality concept (i.e. Starbucks, Pete's). They pay a premium for their products too in order to serve the best of the best, so they must charge more. Some people see it fine to pay $100 for a bottle of wine. While that may not be something i would ever do, i can respect and understand the reasoning behind purchasing such a luxury on occasion. Their coffee is the same way. It is the best you can buy. Thus, It is more expensive than the rest. If that's not your thing, then don't drink it. Just don't knock them for caring. long story short, if you like quality coffee and a chill environment, give Johnson Public House a shot (no pun intended).
(5)Peter D.
As the former owner of "In the Company of Thieves", I can tell you first hand that I did not put very much effort or passion into the business for the last 2 years of ownership. Without giving personal detail's I would like to express my regret in acting so poorly. Many of the negative reviews will forever remind me of that regret. Moving forward, the best decision I made was to sell the shop to Gwen and Kyle Johnson. They are doing a fantastic job with Johnson Public House. The ambiance is inviting and the Barista's are all very friendly and well trained in the art. The food menu is limited, but all very well prepared, and anyone that would expect a larger menu in such a place really doesn't understand the space and limitations that JPH is working with. They upgraded some permits to allow the cooking of eggs on premises. When I owned Thieves I had to order eggs precooked for my breakfast sandwiches, which coming from a culinary background is downright embarrassing. I was skeptical at first with Intelligentsia being their sole coffee roaster, as I am a Kickapoo loyal, but I've been pleasantly surprised with the quality and consistency. Again, it helps that the barista's are very well trained. Along with excellent espresso drinks, they also specialize in pour overs, and individual french presses, which are right up my alley. The beer and wine license they added is a huge plus to the Johnson st. hood, as don't really have too many other options to mellow out with a cold one, let alone a place with free WI-FI. All this new stuff is great, but by far the most important addition is their passion. Unlike myself, Gwen and Kyle are in it for the long haul. They are friendly, down to earth business owners, and a great big breath of fresh air for the Johnson street neighborhood. I wish them the best of luck, although I'm pretty sure they won't need it.
(5)Ashley W.
Love this place. They definitely know coffee. They serve some of the best coffee in Madison - and do so consistently! Made with care each and every time. The chai is pretty good, too. Nice staff and great music choices.
(5)Rebecca W.
I really like the atmosphere. The food is awesome, the coffee and tea are amazing, and the staff is super friendly.
(5)Melinda C.
Great place and amazing team of baristas. They're kin kin coffee tastes out of this world. I've gone here a number of times and this is the perfect place to grab a nice cup of joe or a good beer and read a book, meet with friends.
(5)Jesse B.
This might sound a bit weird, but this place seemed like a notably honest institution...What I mean is their coffee menu is explicit and up-to-date, always in flux. Unlike almost every other cafe I've been to or worked at that tries to cut the subtle corner when answering the question of how to serve/cook eggs, they just straight up poach them all. There's no cutting corners here, which may be why some of the more negative reviews here talk about long waits for drinks etc. Quality comes from time and care, and I respect this place immensely for putting just that into the increasingly speed-driven consumer marketplace. The coffee's great, but that doesn't really matter. What matters is that its an extremely caring institution.
(5)Zara E.
Johnson Public House has been better in the recent past. Prices keep going up. Just a few months ago, a sandwich came with greens and a few berries. Now sandwiches are more expensive and greens are extra ($2.50). No boost in quality to justify the price increase. WiFi is spotty at best. I think I've gone here for the last time, which is too bad because watching the latest waves of hipster wash over JPH (railroad caps, suspenders, new facial hair patterns) has been amusing.
(3)Kylee R.
Incredibly friendly group of baristas and roasters. The food is delicious. The coffee - best around. Never have had a disappointing experience.
(5)Juliette W.
This is my favorite coffee shop in Madison. The coffee is stellar and the baristas are friendly. The shop itself is cozy and inviting with mismatched chairs and tables, and I love the art they hang on the walls. They sell some local artisan products, such as hand sewn aprons and things, which is yet another reason to love JPH. Great quality of food and drinks, you really can't go wrong with anything they've got. I also love their story slams! So much fun! JPH, you're the best!
(5)Aaron H.
Great little coffee shop with a lot of selections and a super hipster vibe. My favorite thing is definitely the breakfast sandwich with egg, ham, tomato, pesto, and fresh mozzarella. TO. DIE. FOR. I've never had a better sandwich! I've gotten it pretty much every time I've gone. This was also where I was introduced to the Chemex (I'm not much of a coffee snob, obviously). It's also where I bought my Chemex, which is all I do for coffee at home now. As far as the atmosphere, I feel alright with labeling it janky. The chairs are old and some of the metal ones kind of feel like they're going to fall apart beneath you. It's kind of cramped quarters, especially if you are unfortunate enough to be in there during the peak hours. But it's a great place to go if you want to study. Even better if you're just up for good ol fashioned people watching.
(5)Tony A.
Good overall experience, decor, coffee... the deal breaker for me is the lack of quality wifi. As I sit at the table waiting for content to load on my internet browser I can hear customers seated next to me offer under the breath complaints for the wifi. It's apparent that this oversight is completely overlooked by the staff. I know this because the streaming music service knows this. || About every 15 seconds the music streaming behind the bar cuts out so that it may buffer and provide another 15-30 seconds spurt of audio. I commend the baristas for enduring the purgatory created by inadequate wifi and luckily for me my iPhone offers me relief by streaming music directly from my phone. || In all, I enjoy coffee shops for the social experience, the exploration of ideas, and for work. I see computers on nearly every table and I know the wifi signal is stressed, but it's a simple fix for a coffee shop that otherwise provides such a quality experience. My efficiency to work greatly diminishes with poor wifi. So, today I say goodbye to JPH and head downtown to a coffee shop with twice (or three times) the customers with good overall experience, decor, coffee... and the means to meet the wifi needs of the patrons and the staff. Thank you, Colectivo.
(2)David P.
You go to a coffeehouse for one thing: great coffee. This place does not disappoint. My wife ordered a flat white with an ethiopia/Columbia blend. She said it was far and away the best one in town. I had a pour over decaf which had great body to it. The actual ambiance creates a sense of impoverishment. I would classify the furniture as neo-goodwill. The walls need a good paint layer and the floor needs restaining. It is quaint from that standpoint and it does seem to fit the neighborhood where you have some delapidated student housing. We did not have any food, so I cannot comment on the quality. So, bottom line, have the coffee and don't be put off by the appearance.
(4)Brittany H.
I really love this place. Often times, any sort of drip or pour over coffee doesn't sit well with me; naturally, my judgments then are usually made on espresso drinks. Karlin sent me off with a latte (too early for me) on a Friday morning - and my whole day was made. It's what I needed to forget it was 7 am. Everything about their execution tastes perfect. And the tuna melt with a side of greens will slay you.
(5)Stacey L.
JPH has a most-excellent set of picnic tables out front that I highly recommend you make use of this summer. Inside you'll find a bright seating area and a hodgepodge of furniture and decorations. It reminds me of going to a 22-year-old's apartment - everything's a little worn in and walks the border of eclectic & schizophrenic, but the kid's learned to clean up after herself and make you a good drink when you drop by. I opted for the lemonade on my sunny afternoon visit and had a good blend of sweet and tart. The service could have been a bit friendlier (the counterperson was pretty mute and just laid the iPad they use for cards down on the counter sideways without saying "you can tip and sign here"), but I got my drink quickly and accurately so it's fine. The Wi-Fi password is posted on the front of the register (I missed it when I initially walked up to order), and I'm happy to report it's strong enough to reach their picnic tables outside. Definitely going to keep it on the list for sunny work spots.
(4)Ami R.
Mother's Day with my guy and his daughter. The food: Potatoes nice and crispy, egg slightly over cooked (I like it runny) and fabulous seeded rye bread from Madison Sourdough. Just the right size serving, No waste and not stuffed. The Coffee: Ordered the basic cup. It was delicious. Wish they had the capacity to reheat when the coffee gets cold. The ambiance: Diners mostly students. Place could use a fresh coat of paint and some TLC. Bordered on dirty. Need to update some of the chairs. Staff: Friendly and helpful I know some of you think I am too picky but even shabby chic needs to be both clean and comfy. I shall return.
(4)Kristine M.
I adore JPH because it is completely unassuming. The decor is charming and vintage, the staff is knowledgable, and the breakfast/coffee is top notch. I went in today and had yogurt and granola, and even something as simple as this was presented in such an appetizing way. The fresh berries on the yogurt made my morning treat colorful and even more delicious. I am happy the construction in the area has stopped for now and the only noises that I hear in the shop are customers quietly chatting/enjoying their coffee and the staff hard at work... Keep up the good work JPH, we're your biggest fans!
(5)Jessica K.
I was looking for a quick breakfast and great coffee and had heard good things about this place when I stopped on my way home from downtown. They serve pour over coffee, a couple pastries and then sandwiches. The place is clean and bright, staff friendly and the food came out within 6 minutes of ordering it. I ordered a triple almond milk (they have all kinds of milk!) Latte. I was told that they could only do espresso in 2 shot increments because of their machine (so, make it a quadruple latte!). My mom and i decided to spilt a breakfast sandwich and a side salad. All of their breakfast sandwiches had ham on them which we were avoiding (mom doesn't like it) and the barista offered their veggie sandwich to us which want on the menu. So we ordered that. It turned out to be pesto, mozzarella, tomato and egg on multigrain toast. It was fabulous! And big, which meant sharing was easy and satisfying. The sandwich even cane spilt for us on two different plates! Lots of people were ordering the granola (essentially a yogurt parfait) that looked good. But I was super happy with the egg sandwich. I would definitely go there again! Other random thoughts, street parking was abundant, it was a little busy, Wi-Fi is free!
(5)Sarah W.
The Coffee here is good but they don't serve a dark roast which is what I normally like to order. Also they make some good sandwiches, I've tried the roast beef and the tuna, both were excellent. I like the set up of the cafe, its a nice atmosphere to hang out in. I would give this place 5 stars but their service is incredibly slow. I've ordered a sandwich when the place was almost empty and it still took them over 20 minutes to make it. In addition, I once waited in line with literally one family ahead of me and it took them 10 minutes just to take our order. So all in all, it's a nice place to drink a cup of coffee and study/work or hang out with friends, and the food tastes good but not a good place to go if you're in a hurry.
(4)Matt R.
Hands down my favorite coffee in Wisconsin. I've been coming to Johnson Public House just about since it opened up, and it was a game changer for my idea of what coffee can be. They have consistently served the best roasters in the country, often long before they become the next hot thing, and now themselves roast some of the best beans you can buy. The staff is all well trained, extremely kind and caring, and will go out of their way to serve you the best possible shot of espresso/pourever etc. What really throws it all over the top are the owners. They have become anchors in the community and have totally invested in making Madison a better city. They take care of me like family, and have always given the coffee shop a warm, cozy, welcoming feel which is rare in the third wave coffee culture that is often cold/ultra-modern, and at time snobby and alienating. The owners and crew are top tier, just as is their coffee. Stellar, stellar coffee. Added bonus, they have some FANTASTIC food options too! Try them out. Also, you might see their cute mobile setup at Madison area events, and they are in the process of opening a second location!
(5)Steve L.
Not a bad coffee shop by any means - we stopped-in for late morning coffee and a light sandwich. + Coffee offerings rotate regularly and come from various roasters + Staff is knowledgeable about the coffees + Prices were reasonable + Chemex-style is available! + Small menu, no "real" kitchen, but they do a great job with what they've got + The grilled cheese sandwich was superb + Love the huge murals on the wall + Love the mix-mash of seating - Don't love the musty smell inside (smells damp?) + Great music playing at the perfect volume - No spoons or honey available unless you ask specifically for them + Nice selection of bottled beers available
(3)Erin M.
Do you enjoy waiting 20 minutes for an iced tea while wall-to-wall lumbersexuals drink flat whites and read John Darnielle's novel? I do not enjoy that experience and am weary with this cafe because of it. I really like their granola, but today I had to wait half an hour for mine and was late to a doctor's appointment because of that. I am all for the slow food movement, but pointlessly inefficient food is another thing. Like, why can't they pour an iced tea at the counter when I order it? I don't drink coffee so I'm not the one being gouged for it here. Therefore, it's just entertaining to watch people pay five bucks for a cup. I like the way JPH looks. Staff is nice and art is cool. But if I didn't live just a few blocks away, it wouldn't be worth the hassle.
(2)Kelvin P.
When I walked in to Johnson Public House, I fell in love. Known as a coffeeshop, this place offers more than I expected. The staples are here: seating, wi-fi, coffee/tea. The Masala chai tea was quite soothing, as tea normally is. I came to the establishment to do some work, but then, I was captivated by the place and decided to stay for a meal. I got the Roast beef breakfast sandwich, which was the size of a normal meal. I think this is sometimes overlooked. The cuisine isn't cutting edge, but it was tasty. If you're coming for world-class cuisine, there are other venues you should look for. However, if you are looking for a great cafe, this is the place for you. I can't stop talking about the atmosphere of the place. The music was great, starting off with indie hits of the past few years and transitioning into the oldies that my dad used to play when I was growing up. It made me want to stay there and work indefinitely. Surprisingly, the café was not that crowded on a Sunday afternoon (in the fall). There was also plenty of space to do work, whether you wanted to be seated bar-style or at a table.
(5)cathy p.
My husband and I like to try new places for breakfast. We are fifty somethings looking for good food, good experience and positive vibes. We apparently just don't fit in here. We ordered the breakfast bowl 2 eggs sunny side up(I should have asked for scrambled),on potatoes with one piece of toast. This was a delicious meal for my hubby-he ate all 4 eggs and potatoes with toast. I did enjoy the toast and potatoes. They were well made and hot. I would like to have had jam-could not find any. So I give the food a 5 star-just because I ordered wrong doesn't mean it was bad. However, the atmosphere, the waiting, the tenseness was just too much for me. I ordered an iced tea, small glass-no sweetener to be found except sugar. Meh-not great. You can tell that I am used to delicious food, served with a smile and in a reasonable amount of time. If that is what you are looking for-stay away. If you want an awesome coffee experience done with seriousness, preciseness and have time to wait-this is the place for you. Good luck Johnson Public House, I am just not in your demographics.
(3)Cindy N.
I had heard a lot of good things about JPH so I checked out. I was disappointed. It was dirty and dreary, the food was sub-par and overpriced. Sorry friends, I won't bother to return!
(2)Steven P.
This is a great coffee shop in Madison. Plenty of seating inside (it was a Sunday) and such a variety of coffee. I stopped in briefly for a sandwich. I ordered the portobello and fell in love. Perfect portion sizes and fairly inexpensive. They make them fresh, which means it'll take a little longer to make that sandwich into a panini. Ginger plum tea was refreshing. Kind of like Kool-aid without the sugar. Delicious. The staff is super friendly and take pride in their craft. Oh, and those groovy tunes. I dig those groovy tunes. If I lived in Madison, I would definitely make this a regular place.
(5)Corey D.
Still a solid 5, but wish I could add a few more stars for standout service today! 1. They were out of cold brew and typically (I think) don't keep much ice around, so after taking my order the lovely gent ran down the street to grab a bag in order to get their normal pour over method going with ice down below. He strained the ice out and poured the cooled at this point brew into a cup with new ice. It rawked. I want more. 2. Took with me a sammie to go and grabbed greens along side. This is so dorky but check it out: Greens were nicely placed in a recyclable cup w/ lid and the dressing was resting on top in it's own condiment cup. I dressed that puppy, capped it, shook, and boom, it was a little like being there minus the hip vibe and melting pot, no cornucopia of passerbys.
(5)Shayna H.
Great place, lots of character! I even bought a bag of coffee that I ended up needing to return (long story) but they were awesome and very understanding. Their chai is also amazing. They truly know their stuff about java!
(4)Patrick G.
Friendly wait staff took time to explain their brewing processes and flavors. Food and coffee were both enjoyable, but overpriced. Nice atmosphere, if a bit loud. Overall, a nice neighborhood cafe.
(4)Derek V.
My wife and I decided to try JPH on a day off after seeing a lot of very good reviews on Yelp. We dropped in around 10:30 on a Monday, and there were a handful of tables available. It didn't take more than five minutes to put our order in. The atmosphere is very chill at JPH, and the service lacks urgency, but in a friendly way. The decor includes several nature-centric paintings, and the furniture is comprised of large tables and a random assortment of chairs. With several windows at the front of the building facing the street, there is plenty of natural light and it's easy to relax here. We ordered the following: - Roast Beef Breakfast Sandwich - Granola (large) - Peach Tea - Finagro Tanzanian (16 oz) To my knowledge, this is the only place in Madison currently serving Intelligentsia coffee, and the selections rotate very frequently while mixing and matching other roasters. Preparation here is very deliberate, so don't plan on walking in for a coffee and walking out 45 seconds later. My coffee was fantastic, and my wife was very happy with her peach tea. The granola was prepared with fresh strawberries, blueberries and yogurt, and was a filling portion. The beef on the breakfast sandwich I had was tender, but didn't quite fall apart. The flavors -- from the sriracha aioli and caramelized red onions -- played off each other effectively, and the texture was outstanding thanks to the grilled country sourdough bread. As other reviews have noted, the sandwiches with eggs here feature hard boiled eggs, rather than fried ones. It's different, but it worked on the sandwich I had. Yelp Scorecard Food: 4.5 Service: 3.75 Cost: 4 Decor: 3.75 (it just works for them) Overall: 4.0
(4)Jenny C.
Stopped in Madison to pick up a desk and needed sustenance. Super glad we found this place. Had a lavender lemonade and one of the best tuna melts I've ever had in my life. Everyone working was super friendly too. Will definitely stop by again if ever in Town.
(5)Sarah P.
When you combine excellent music with great conversation, a superb roast beef breakfast sandwich, and a double shot espresso, cubano style - you get a 5 star experience. I haunted JPH with a good friend the other morning, and spent two hours sipping espresso, trying my friend's excellent Rwandan coffee (black because it's just that smooth, no bitterness at all to need masking), and appreciating the busy atmosphere. I like bustling. I adore the community vibe this place has got going on. I have a crush, it's true - and it's for Johnson Public House. I never am someone who considers herself an expert in anything, so when I asked the guy behind the counter to help me out with my coffee selection, he was all about it. He made some great recommendations and played a role in my being smitten with this cafe. From the outside it looks like a hole in the wall, some dusty relic with no relevance - but you step inside and the world opens to you. And that caffeine! Truly the best I have had the pleasure of sipping. And it should be, it doesn't come cheap - my friends. I would have returned for the food alone, everything else is just icing.
(5)Bobb S.
Upon entering, you are greeted by a hodgepodge of mix and matched tables and chairs. Sitting in these chairs are even a bigger mishmash of people-hipsters, wanna-be's, students, young professionals, even someone wearing MC Hammer pants and telling her friends they sell also a "male" version. It just seems to all work as JPH is "2 Legit to Quit" They serve usually 3-4 choices of beans from Intelligentsia accompanied by 3 different brewing options. Never would have I imagined that I would engage in a conversation about what brewing method (pour over vs. chemex) would be most appropriate for the roast I selected, but I did and have no regret as the resulting coffee was incredible. Yes, the prices are higher than other places but the quality and attention to detail that come with it makes it worth every penny. Check it out, you will be glad you did.
(5)Billy D.
I like what they are trying to do - but I think there are a couple flaws. First, everything is fairly expensive for Madison. Coffee is around $4 per cup, pastries seem expensive, and coffee beans per lb. are pricey. Second, it seems just a bit too pretentious. My roommate asked for a coffee (she's not picky) and they said "Well, we just don't have coffee here... we make every cup to order" in a fairly snooty tone. And they weigh the water.... This isn't Blue Bottle. But - the positives are that I think it's a cool space with good decor and the coffee is pretty good (albeit expensive). I'll come back.
(3)Rachel L.
Great place to spend a few hours relaxing or doing work. The coffee is tasty but a little pricey. I haven't tried the food. I really like the ambiance - it seems like one of my friend's eclectic living rooms. Lots of strange animal art on the walls, and mismatched furniture. It's an all around relaxing setting, and there's plenty of space. It's a great neighborhood coffee shop!
(5)Katie P.
Fantastic coffee selection and attention to quality preparation. They make a homemade granola that is absolutely delicious, and if you're there early enough they usually have a selection of Batch pastries. Also a great place to transition from coffee work time to beer work time!
(4)Sherry L.
Such a rare find in Madison! And to think that it was totally by chance that my friend and I even discovered this little gem on the East side. We were in the neighborhood because we wanted to try Sophia's bakery for brunch. Unfortunately, Sophia's was closed for the day, so we begrudgingly headed back to the only open restaurant/cafe within walking distance: JPH. As soon as we caught a whiff of the freshly brewed coffee and took a glance at the menu, our frowns turned upside down. It was instantaneous. Magical even. I got a flat white latte and a sunday breakfast sandwich (egg, cheese, ham, & a touch of maple syrup)... who would have thought that combination could taste so good. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I also love how they brew each cup of coffee to order. The baristas have truly mastered the art of coffee making! They take a while to prepare the food, but it is definitely worth the wait. There's also plenty of interesting art/furniture around the cafe to keep you busy as you wait. (: Patrons of JPH are very low key, and the establishment has a hippy-esque/laid-back feel (sans homeless people) that makes me nostalgic for the Berkeley coffee shops (yay cafe Med/Milano/Strada) that I used to frequent. If I go missing on a Sunday morning....I'm probably holed up at JPH with my laptop and a steaming cup of coffee!
(5)Frank N.
This was the first place I ventured to after moving toward the east side of Madison. It's a very calm place, lots of seating, quiet ambience, just the perfect place to study, enjoy a meal, or just relax. The baristas are always helpful and friendly and provide excellent service. The first food I tried was the Sunday morning breakfast sandwich with homemade chips. And ever since, that has been my default food item of choice when coming here. Fresh ingredients, freshly pressed, and that touch of maple are unbeatable. Another favorite of mine is the homemade granola and yogurt. You can definitely taste the quality in their granola - it has the perfect crunch, never stale. A lot of places have granola with that corn syrup taste, but not JPH. And the inclusion of cashews is just another level of finesse that makes their granola so superb. It also comes with fresh fruit, big bonus. In terms of coffee, I myself always get an iced decaf. And I must say, the coffee they use is quite high quality, so I definitely didn't mind paying the premium over generic Starbucks decaf. Their roast just has this deep, dark note that makes you know you are drinking straight up coffee and not water that tastes like coffee. [They do also carry pastries, but if you can, I would recommend you go directly to Batch Bakehouse (not a far bike ride) because you do pay a premium for getting them at JPH) I highly recommend this place to anyone in Madison.
(5)Matt B.
So either JPH has changed their prices, or some people haven't been there in a while, because my coffee was like $2.50. Nothing arbitrarily expensive there. Somebody told me this place had "good noms." I'll be honest, I had no idea what that meant. After going there, I still don't know what it means. I'm just not hip enough, I guess. Large space, good coffee, a fine place to show up and engage in tabletop RPG battles of your choice.
(4)Karly B.
The vibe is low key, more cafe/coffeehouse than public house. Spotted with mismatched chairs and tables, pop(ish) art clipped creatively to the walls, you order and pay at the counter and find a seat. Very casual, very college. (-) Let me just say that I am not a fan of the Ipad POS system. I'm immediately given the option to tip 15%, 20%, 25%, or nothing. Normally in an order-at-the-counter-and-seat-yourself situation where I don't have an actual sever, I'd tip a dollar or so but I ended up tipping 15% before I had even seen my drinks. (+) Coffee and tea selections are good (Intelligentsia) and they offer about ten sandwiches. The barista was very helpful in suggesting a roast for my very basic coffee drinking boyfriend. Our sandwiches came out before our drinks and I reminded the barista who dropped them off of our orders. He said they'd be right out. (-) Second mini-rant, this place needs order/table numbers. Walking out of the kitchen and "auctioning" off food is not complimenting the laid-back vibe. It looks inefficient and chaotic and I'm pretty sure people are ending up with the wrong beverages. Unfortunately, we finished our meals before our coffee and tea had even arrived and when I went to request that they be made to go I watched the staff realize the ticket had been thrown out with our food order. (-/+) The barista was apologetic but sorry should be an action not a statement, especially in service industries and I would have liked to have been refunded for the drinks. After all, we waited over 25 minutes for a coffee and tea. (+) Oh yeah, and the food was pretty good.
(2)Jeff K.
Pros of being in Madison on Labor Day: Less traffic, less people, and free parking. Cons of being in Madison on Labor Day: Less open restaurants. Made a trip to Madison on Labor Day from Milwaukee thinking it would be a good idea to avoid the crowds. But after driving around from place to place and making multiple phone calls, we were left with one viable choice: Johnson Public House. I had looked at the place earlier on Yelp, but wasn't too impressed with the pictures. However, considering our circumstance, we decided to head over. Hungry and caffeine deprived I was just ready to satiate my need for food and coffee with any acceptable offering. I ordered what seemed to be the most promising items on the menu, a Roast Beef Breakfast Sandwich and the Sunday Morning Breakfast Sandwich. Also ordered an iced coffee. Both sandwiches were awesome. I'm also thankful that I was able to have both (sharing of course). The Roast Beef was a savory sandwich with a hint of that spicy Sriracha mayo. Never thought to add a boiled egg to the sandwich, but it worked well with the flavor. The greatest part of the sandwich had to be the crispy wheat bread that held together the delicious interior. The Sunday Morning was just as good, and provided a good complement to the Roast Beef with its subtle sweetness from the maple syrup. The iced coffee was done well although it could be considered a bit pricey for how much they gave you. Pictures aren't adequate to describe the sandwiches. Definitely a case of something tasting much better than it looked.
(5)Derek H.
Best coffee in Madison! All of the French presses I've gotten have been beautiful. The Ethiopian with citrus notes is my fav. Besides that, I really REALLY dig the vibe. The art, the music. The food is minimal but very good.
(5)Ashley H.
A-OK for to go service only, but I can see how this place would be more enjoyable as a hangout. First of all, I couldn't find a menu with prices displayed, so I had to order a little blindly. $4 for a small chai is more than any other place I've been to in Madison (this is my typical order). At $4 for the smallest size, I would expect to have organic local college educated milk or something. The actual chai itself was adequate, although I prefer a bit more spice. Since it was a pit stopped, I used the facilities. I was amused that the bathroom used a salvaged changing table from the 80s instead of the standard "Koala Kare" baby changing stations you usually see. It reminded me a bit of a basement bathroom in someone's house--randomly decorated and a bit chilly. Now, for the outstanding part, it honestly seemed like patrons in the coffeehouse really liked being there. You could tell that a lot of people came on a regular basis to meet with friends or get work done. Good vibe. tldr; I would consider coming back here with a friend, but bad choice for a pit stop.
(3)bob b.
its just too pricey for a double shot of espresso. really it is. I went to the handsome roasters cafe, had a double pulled by one of the OWNERS and it was still cheaper than at JPH. is it me or is that weird? LA is fucking expensive. I went to Barista in Portland Oregon, had a double pulled by AN AWARD WINNING BARISTA and it was still cheaper than at JPH. I can go on and I will... Went to Coava, Stumptown, The Refinery, all pretty pretentious places but still cheaper. just saying ,you guys are pretentious as F*** but i like to go every once in while when iI feel like blowing some coin. maybe your rent is super crazy expensive or all these colleges kids are trust fund babies or taking at massive loans to feed there coffee habits..... lets be reasonable eh? PS but i love the fact you guys serve LADRO, haven't seen them in a long time. kinda cute.
(2)Kelsey T.
I like how these guys take their coffee so seriously. With a chalkboard wall filled with different blends from all over the world, I seriously thought I had died from coffee overload!! With help from the barista, I ordered a Columbian coffee, which was served pour over style (one of the many ways to get your fix, also: french press, iced, etc.....). This was an intense experience, bold and so strong, that I don't know how I can go back to my reg pot of coffee. I want to try all the blends! I liked the vibe of the place. It was like every demographic was there from super hipsters, white collars, college kids, and moms with kids. Next time I will def try out some of the noms: portabella sandwich, here I come! JPH has something awesome for everyone!!!
(5)Sandy W.
JPH offers up the perfect environment to enjoy a killer cup of coffee in Madison. These guys know exactly what they're doing; I have yet to find another coffee house in Wisconsin that not only sells roasts from the likes of Heart and Stumptown, but also prepares the perfect cup every time. If you're not feelin coffee, there's a great menu to choose from and an impressive selection of beer; this is also the first coffee house I've seen to serve the likes of Three Floyd's Brewing Co. All in all, JPH is a great stop for anyone to have a good meal, but for those who need exceptional coffee, there's no better place in Madison.
(5)Steve T.
Johnson Public House (JPK...if you're cool) delivers a great coffee (Joe if you're manly) experience. Full of hipsters and strung out college students, you can get one of a vast array of different blends of Joe as well as preparations (btw, French press is your friend). Wi-fi ensures that as you sip, you will be engrossed in your work/play/whatever. Decor is old and dated, but maybe that is the allure for the crowd. Food is very good, with a limited menu...the breakfast sandwich had some nice twists and the granola with fresh fruit and yogurt one of the best out there. So, get your hip (also known as cool) on at JPK. Bring your iPad/laptop/abacus and leave your inner jock (stud, athlete) at home. Now if only I could get a pair of skinny jeans to fit.
(4)Scott P.
If you like overpriced hipster food served by surly staff, this is the place for you. The food wasn't bad, but it's twice as expensive as what it should be. A place with no atmosphere shouldn't be allowed to charge this much.
(2)Sharon R.
If you think you can make a better peanut butter and jelly sandwich at home, chances are you might be wrong. I found JPH the day after my boyfriend moved to Madison, and have loved it ever since. Introduced me to Intelligentsia coffee. First day there two of the baristas approaches us with our coffees wanting us to rate them since they have poured them in different styles. For some reason though the JPH coffee tends to be a little too acidic for me. The highlight really is their food. Any sandwich that you can get there is a miracle. I don't know how they do it. I'm a sucker for the peanut butter & jelly, but their breakfast and tuna are also a favorite. When I used to visit on weekends at first I'd go work at JPH. But I find it a little uncomfortable with the awkward chairs and tables. Also they have a nice selection of beers if you are working there late and need something to calm you down ;)
(4)Kurt B.
Very good re-creation of this cafe/storefront. Great for writing a paper. Love the idea of being able to sit and drink coffee for a couple hours, and when it gets into the evening being able to switch over to beer. Sandwiches are in the range of good-for-a-cafe. The roast beef sandwich is always very close to good, but usually has too many onions and not quite enough meat for the price. The tuna melt is very good, and has a strong lemon note that's just delightful. Coffee is quite expensive but always on the syrupy side (a high complement) and never bitter. They do great coffee here, and you'll pay to enjoy it. My one complaint is that this place gets packed around the bar with local hipsters who try to turn the JPH into a catwalk. I come here to work or meet colleagues; being crowded and then scrutinized isn't on my list. On the flip side of this same observation it's a testament to the able owners and staff that locals feel comfortable and casual here, and continue to return. Another few years and this will be known as a "must-visit" Madison location. One last point: for the love of god stop playing Mumford and Sons and Kings of Leon on repeat. Hire a curator to pick out some good jazz, classical, and independent music.
(4)Abby N.
The name: Johnson Public House. I picture some sort of meat-packing/butcher, gritty brick building. But I appreciate the beauty of the abbreviation, JPH, which matches the easy-going use of mismatched chairs, light colors, and tasteful pillow portraits. The extensive array of teas and coffees, that which far outnumbered the food items, were fun to look through and order. I met a bunch of friends for Sunday brunch at JPH. I was worried about how busy it'd be since it was a Sunday after a Badger football game, but the steady stream of regulars created a very comfortable atmosphere. Family-friendly, great space, solid preparation of food, and hot teas and slow drip coffee. The Sunday brunch sandwich was simple but delicious. The eggs, tomato, and hint of maple syrup was very tasty. I also enjoyed a latte and a ginger tangerine tea that had a nice kick. The personal tea canter was unexpected, keeping hot tea handy. JPH is a touch of hipster, young family, and old friends gathering to play checkers. Really low-key atmosphere, happy and helpful staff, and reasonable prices for good food and drink.
(4)Mark V.
Sorry to be a hater, but I tried this place based on the Yelp recommendations. Problem was, I had just tried the Johnson Brothers coffee (no relation to Johnson Public House that I know of), and it was like drinking the Devil's sock water after drinking a glass of God's pure, melted glacial ice. Terrible. Short of it is that I have come to distrust the coffee houses that have the baristas prepare the coffee, drip-style, in front of the customer. To a place, I have found the end resulted (1) expensive and (2) disappointing. That is true of JPH: nice Baristas, but the end result was bitter, watery with absolutely no redeeming flavor. Sanka anyone? The upside is that the Baristas were very friendly, and they were playing cool music. So a star for that.
(1)Omid F.
Great place to get some work done on the weekends and enjoy some excellent and fantastic coffee.
(5)Katy B.
I live three blocks away from this spot, and could not be happier to have JPH as my local coffee shop. The lattes are fantastic, and one of my favorite sandwiches of all time has got to be the Sunday morning breakfast sandwich, which has ham, egg, cheese, and just a touch of maple syrup. OMG. My only gripe would be that this place ain't cheap, but it's totally worth it.
(5)Dave H.
Hard to tell what's better between the people and the coffee. Huge props to the Johnsons for running an awesome neighborhood spot with the best coffees (counter culture, intelligensia, ceremony, etc.) and teas on the planet. Not to mention the place has charm through the roof. Five stars!
(5)Isobel O.
Top notch coffee, good hours, free parking, easy to bike to and snacks. What more could you want? I've been seriously disturbed by the lack of good french press and pour over coffee in Madison. This place does both well. I like the ambiance. The tables are big, solid and wide, good for getting work done, better than barriques in that respect. I'll be coming here a lot over the next couple of weeks and I'll update if need be. For now, I love it. And it's open until 10!!
(5)Mark Y.
Since my last review was over six months ago, and I've probably been averaging 4x/week here up until my departure from Madison a month ago, I thought it would be prudent of me to write an updated review of JPH. Yes, my opinion of JPH has changed a bit. It's even more awesome than I thought it was back in February. Why the change? I've had the privilege of finally trying some of their sandwiches. Like their brews, the sandwiches never disappointed. The green eggs and ham breakfast sandwich is probably my favorite. While most places would used a fried egg, JPH incorporates a hard-boiled egg in its breakfast sandwich, and it works all too well. With the egg, ham, pesto, grilled onions stuffed in between Batch Bakehouse bread and grilled in a panini press, what's not to like? But what I still appreciate JPH for the most is their preparation of their coffee. Intelligentsia Venice used to be my second home. I've had some great cups of coffee there, but I can honestly say that Kyle and company do Intelligentsia better than Intelligentsia does itself! The same can be said about Handsome, another guest roaster that often makes appearances on JPH's guest roaster lineup. For myself, a guy who's had caffeine intoxication every day since I arrived in Seattle a month ago (too many good roasters here), I still can say that I have a preference for Kyle and JPH's drinks over just about everything I've had in Seattle and Vancouver. Also can't say this enough. Kyle and his crew are some of the coolest people around!
(5)Lauren W.
So my initial review on this place was in 2011 with five stars. Now, I just don't feel like it warrants that. I love love love their coffee but it takes FOREVER!! Ten minutes for two coffeest that cost over 10 bucks is toooo much. I don't make the point to go here but I will if I am feeling really rich and in the neighborhood. I feel like things should be improving two years in and they just aren't. Mostly, I just got a crappier attitude the last time I went in. I think they need to get more organized and get some training in. When the place is full and people are waiting, having the guy making your coffee lean on his arm on the counter while he does your coffee is offensive. Why on earth if you have timers and scales can't one barista be making at least three cups of pour-over coffee at the same time? Time to tighten ship, JPH!
(3)Andrea S.
Went here on a Sunday morning with my boyfriend and there was no wait and plenty of seating. We each got breakfast sandwiches and both were delicious. They also came with a side of either salad or chips-- I would definitely recommend the salad!
(5)Ryan G.
They make the 4-hour trip from Champaign always end happily. Amazing coffee, food, and people!
(5)Susan J.
Was in the Madison area for business. On the way to the airport, I stopped in at Johnson Public House. Okay, now they were impressive, even though they didn't roast. They had coffee that day from Intelligentsia (only thing they had on sale and since that's close, didn't buy), Madcap and Kickapoo. I prefer African to South American so had the one from Madcap (My apologies for not taking a picture so that I remembered what I had, I was tired and so ready to go home.) Anywho, they knew what they sold and how to make it and if I had had time, I would have tried more.
(4)Angelica A.
Let me begin by saying that I have no objection to paying $$$ for a cup of coffee, provided that the beans, the atmosphere, and the locale (i.e. city) justify the cost. Today I went to the Johnson Public House for the first time and ordered a medium coffee. The barista then said, "that will be $5.40." This astounded me. I've had coffee brewed using the Chemex method and even more inventive ones in San Francisco and other cities and never paid over the $5 mark for a cup (or even close). So I ordered down (i.e., a "lesser" coffee and smaller cup size). $3.40, the barista quoted. Then I saw that the Johnson Public House does not accept credit cards for amounts under $5. The barista suggested I either buy one of the two pastries available for sale or a bottled water (the irony of a shop that peddles free-trade, high-quality coffee and sells bottled water can't go unremarked). I thought, "If I am not going to pay $6 for an item I actually did want, why would I pay $6 for items I don't want?" The reasonable response, if you are a business that needs support as much as the Johnson Public House probably does in order to sustain itself, is to say, "Okay, we'll accept your credit card this time, but next time, you need cash, because each transaction costs us X amount." I could, in fact, have paid the CC fee in change if asked, if that is the real issue. This coffee shop has barely changed in its various iterations. It is dark. The furniture is second-hand and cheap. There are scant outlets. It is not decorated well enough to justify luxury prices.
(2)Terrence R.
Extremely knowledgeable baristas paired with high quality coffee result in the best cup of coffee Madison has to offer. I love the fact that they specialize in pour over coffee. So much so that I actually hate having to drink drip anywhere else. In addition to the life changing brew, they offer fresh bakery from Batchhouse and small, but delicious food menu. The Beef Brisket breakfast sandwich will melt in your mouth. In addition to coffee and food JPH offers up craft beers, and a wine selection. Add to that free wifi, books, board games, open mic night, a doggie friendly dish out front, and Johnson Public is the place to chill.
(5)Kayla B.
Best cafe in Madison. They use Inteligencia coffee, offer pour-overs, serve Rishi tea, and have a great environment in which to do homework.
(5)Ian A.
Iced coffee in a mason jar ...love it!
(5)Tom Q.
If you love good coffee, this is where you should be. They always have a few coffees to choose from (mostly Intelligentsia) that rotate pretty frequently. Awesome cold brew and espresso too. The baristas are super talented so if milky drinks are your thing, expect to see some beautiful latte art.
(5)