Address: | 908 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703, USA |
Phone: | +1 608-347-0483 |
Site: | johnsonpublichouse.com |
Rating: | 4.6 |
Working: | 7AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–8PM |
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Daniel Willcockson
Johnson Public House (JPH) is the paragon of Madisons cafés. The baristas at JPH serve espresso with more care than most other baristas Ive encountered in the Madison area; and they do so with good reason: the espresso is awesome. The bouquet of notes, depending on the roast of espresso youre served, are dense with flavor. Since the espresso at JPH is tasty it provides an avenue for other smile-bringing drinks like a cortado, latte, or whatever combination of dairy and espresso earns your comfort. Similarly, JPH has also consistently served the most rewarding pour-overs in the Madison area. They also boast something unique that cannot be found at many cafés: you can choose how your pour-over is done (V-60, French Press or Chemex). Lastly, JPH serves some tasty food - especially their homemade granola, yogurt & fruit bowl. Oh and I want to mention that the staff is radiant with friendliness. So i think its fair to say that I would recommend anybody who likes coffee (and especially those who like espresso) to visit JPH.
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Josh Killcrop
Nice place in a cozy location that had a history of housing cafes that I have liked over the years. Im not a big espresso guy, but when I do have them, I make sure they come from here. They shifted from Intelligentsia coffee beans to the new bean-dejure, Kin Kin, which I think has a slightly less extreme flavor and very full texture. On the other side of the flavor spectrum is thier chai which is probably the best chai I have had in this town (best overall chai goes to a little place in Lake Geneva). Cortado is also nice here. Simplicity in a glass. The occasional use of glassware over ceramic is one of my few complaints, and is just a matter of personal aesthetics. Despite its distance from the campus, there is a steady college crowd that is more than happy to make the trek here for the atmosphere and generally agreeable, chill music selection. If you are not a fresh-faced college student, dont worry, that crowd is plenty varied.
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Ian Canovi
To the reviewer who says hes seen baristas from other cafes ordering drinks here: Well, yeah, we typically all like to get around and try everything for comparison. But having done so, I can say that JPH probably makes the best cup of coffee in Madison. Bradburys and Colectivo come close, Crescendo just a slight bit behind, but JPH is the place for the true coffee lover. I cant speak to the food, however. Service has always been nice, but if youre not generally informed about coffee I could see how the menu setup and atmosphere might make you feel slightly like a fish out of water. But youll still like the coffee and Im sure theyll help you.
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Simon Puleo
The Johnson Public house is kind of like the anchor that developers talk about when they need one in an up-and-coming neighborhood. I am a bit of a coffee snob and so are they and sometimes two coffee snobs dont make a match. They prefer "bright" blends and single origins for "malty" flavor to my palette this means acidic coffee that tastes like the smell of straw. I also havent found that a Bunsen burner and glass lab tubes enhance the taste of coffee, lots of expensive ceremony. Other than my disagreement with their tastes the space is well laid out for meeting other people or working on a laptop.
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Nikolas Heyworth
I love Johnson Public House (usually called JPH), it gets relatively busy but its a great place. Mostly graduate students come here, Im an undergrad but I like the scene anyways. The food is surprisingly good also, my favorite is the roast beef sandwich, the kitchen is miniscule but they make do. I recommend it to anyone who comes to Madison, plus you can try the pizza place - Salvatores (best in Madison, easily). Order pizza ahead of time, it will be busy in Sals but JPH has an agreement with them and you can eat it here! Just make sure to buy a coffee as well.
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Josh Albarelli
Madisons best for authentic coffee experience. After trying many coffee shops in the area, this one takes the cake for best coffee. They serve coffee the way it was meant to be served: press and pour-over. Espresso is spot on as well. Not just for coffee snobs - atmosphere is great. Art on the walls supporting local artists, music is appropriate, plenty of seating, free wifi. Service is excellent - struck conversation with barista and they bring coffee to your seat. Also, they serve beer! Will bump to 5 stars when they accept cards and bicycle benefits.
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A Private User
This coffee shop is very comfortable and interesting to hang out in. Its intimate and funky, yet techy and contemporary too (the cash drawer is actually controlled with an iPad). They use precise science to make optimal coffee and brew it on scales while timing the process with little timers. Midday on Tuesday it was packed, though I was able to get a seat. This all while the students – many of which live in the neighborhood – are still on winter break. It is clear they care about your experience and your cup of coffee.
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Ethan Cayko
Espresso: loved it, very nicely done. It seems they put a lot of care into their pour-over coffee as well. Internet: had a nice little sign displaying the network name... but wait, I still need the password :/ had to ask a nice barista. Atmosphere: very cool spot, art was a cohesive series by one artist which was nice. I enjoyed the music but it was a little on the loud side for getting work done or calm conversation. Overall: great place that seems to be very popular.
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Elliot Samuel-Lamm
Best coffee in Madison, hands down. Coffee game on point. Dont mess around, ya hear? What you doin at those other places? If you want good coffee you need to come here immediately. Like right now. Like, if youre reading this at 2am (are you, why? Did you have too much bad coffee elsewhere and cant sleep because you thirst fr a tastier brew? I thought so) go there now and wait till they open. Dont mess around. This is serious business.
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Jack Shales
Johnson Public House and their sister brand KinKin are some of the most exciting things to happen to the Madison coffee scene in a long time--and Madison has a great coffee scene as it is. The best part is its run by a great family who sincerely just want to serve the highest quality coffee, beer, and food possible in a casual and friendly environment. This is a gem that will become a neighborhood legend.
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A Private User
Food is great but on the slightly pricey side. I have always loved it and am willing to pay a bit more. The owners are super nice. I wish I could say getting a coffee is quick here, it isnt! They take a while to make it but, the care in prep shows up and I cant think of a better cup of coffee I have had in Madison, EVER. Crema comes in 2nd but, I have no idea who would be 3rd.
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Dre Lindemann
This is my go to spot to work. I love the atmosphere, art, baristas, menu, the miels and most of all the interior décor. Its casual feel makes me feel comfortable in any attire and its lack of formal dining makes me very happy! No cookie cutter cafe here. The rustic tables and random seating just makes this place pleasantly unique and my favorite coffee shop to be in. :)
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Kayla Hellal
Food is solid, but they clearly cannot handle a crowd. We ordered sandwiches (not grilled, just plain sandwiches) to go and had to wait almost an hour and a half. Our friend luckily lives across the street, so it was no bother for us. One cashier was friendly, the other less so, but given the back-up, I couldnt blame her. I recommend coming here when it is not too busy.