Johnson Public House

908 E Johnson St, Madison, WI

★★★★★4.6(621 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

This beloved Madison neighborhood spot excels at breakfast and specialty drinks in equal measure, with standout cold brew and a particularly balanced matcha that coffee enthusiasts keep returning for. The outdoor seating and unhurried vibe make it an ideal place to linger with friends or settle in solo, though fair warning: the kitchen's savory aromas are assertive and not everyone's cup of tea. Kind staff and genuinely excellent food—from creative mushroom toast to elevated breakfast sandwiches—make this one of Madison's most underrated gems if you can look past the grease smell.

What to expect

Traditional drinksLight foodFull breakfastCold brewSlow sitSpecialty drinksOutdoor seatingMeetings

Google Reviews

Grant Nickles
★★★★★2 months ago

Every 6 months or so I try going here to see if they’ve fixed the smell, and every time I’m assaulted by the smell of grease. The service is fine, coffee is good and the food is solid, but my god it’s the worst smelling restaurant in this city. Makes me feel like I need to shower to remove the frying oil from my pores if I’m inside for longer than 10 min. Unironically the smell is so bad I almost never go to JPH over cargo or other nearby options

Local Guide
★★★★★2 months ago

I tried their matcha with no sugar & an extra matcha shot. Their matcha is NOT bitter but still strong. It’s not too milky either. I’d been looking for a place like this in Madison and I’m so glad I found it!!

Ellie Elouadrhiri
★★★★★7 months ago

I’ve heard great things about this place, and I regret not coming sooner. My guest had the mushroom toast, which she said was excellent, and I had the regular breakfast sandwich. It was not regular - it was extraordinarily delicious. The coffee was really good too. The staff were super nice and the place has a lovely atmosphere. I will most definitely be back!!

Jessica Nettgen
★★★★★a year ago

One of the most underrated coffee shops in the Madison area! The cold brew and breakfast sandwich were some of the best I’ve had in a long time. Combined with a good vibe, kind people, and outdoor seating options?! Makes for a perfect Saturday afternoon.

Susan Henkel
★★★★★a year ago

What a lovely local neighborhood spot for breakfast! While staying at a hotel nearby, we decided to walk a few blocks to this establishment. Greeted by friends staff we placed our order and asked for the largest cappuccino they had! Complete with a shot of authentic maple syrup (not some fake stuff) and WOW did they deliver! We had ordered breakfast bowls, avocado toast, cappuccini and a side of bacon! Well presented, VERY delicious and my cappuccino came in a MASON jar! Love it! Be sure to eat here when in Madison!

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