A cozy nook we visited for lunch while passing through town. Not too far off the freeway, it was a home-cooked, convenient place for lunch. We split a club sandwich and Husband added a cup of broccoli cheddar to his order and I added a monster cookie. The sandwich was delicious. Fresh ingredients and lightly toasted. The monster cookie was delish as well. So fresh and chewy. You order at the counter then find your table and chat til they call your name to pick up your order. The place was packed. With a home dining room vibe, there were tables spread out throughout the area. Parking is rather limited but several parked across the street. Great stop. read more

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Amazing little coffee shoppe that feels like home. Literally an old house turned cafe. There are tons of local artwork and handmade goods for sale. Cozy vibes with a couple separate spaces for setting up a laptop. Drinks were spot on! Food was good, maybe a bit high for portion sizes but quality ingredients. Cash or debit card (pin) keeps you from being charged a 3% fee-- which is nice they include som form of card a payment without paying extra! read more

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Stopped in on our way to Minneapolis. Met a friend for a hot beverage and bakery. It's a small building, previously a home that has been repurposed and remodeled into a coffee shop. A white sided single floor with a couple of signs that let you know where they are. Plenty of parking out front. It was mid morning on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. There were several other small groups inside. The interior is bright and cheerful. Got a friendly greeting as we gave our orders. I got a London Fog Tea Latte (little lavender, little vanilla, extra foam), along with a Morning Bun. Got the drink in a mug and the pastry heated up. The London Fog was good but not great. It was a little weak and could have used more steeping. It was also warm but not hot. The Morning Bun was delicious. Lots of cinnamon and great texture. The noise level was a little loud but still let us have a casual conversation. Would stop back next time I am in the neighborhood. I'd be sure to emphasize the steeping and temperature for the London Fog. read more

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I had to check out the new location after driving by one day and spotting it. I had been at their old location on Monona Drive and they brought the same quirky and fun atmosphere to their new location with a new big patio in the backyard and lots of natural sunlight. The place has a tricky driveway to get out of due to being near the curve and the shopping center nearby. The new location must be working though because the parking lot has been mostly full when I travel by. They offer the same beverages selections and ice creams, and they have a bigger menu than before. I hope the new location gives them more business than where they were since they had great drinks. LGBTQ+ friendly. read more

Most excellent breakfast quesadillas. Decent baked goods and excellent coffee. Great outdoor seating area when the weather is nice. Smidge more parking would be great. read more

Visited for the first time this week for lunch and to work for a few hours. My cold brew was super delicious (I had it black) and so was the cheddar chive scone, which they warmed up for me which was nice. I also ordered the chicken salad sandwich special of the month which was an apple walnut panini that was delicious. It came with a side of applesauce or chips and I chose the applesauce. Both are individual servings. The decor was cute and I really liked the local art displayed for sale on the walls. The outdoor area looked nice as well, but it was too hot to be out there and I'm not sure how far the WiFi runs. It did work well inside, and there were enough power outlets for us to work. The music was a bit sleepy and a different soundtrack would have made the experience better. The parking lot is a bit small but there is parking across the street if needed. read more

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The vibes in here are 10/10. Lots of seating and natural light and the tables and chairs are big so there is lots of room to work (which I love!!). The breakfast wrap had fresh veggies and was very cheesy! It took awhile to come out but was worth the wait :) read more

Java Cat - Breakfast wrap + iced latte with oatmilk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I wanted to love this place because it presents itself as an inclusive, welcoming environment. As a mom of a child on the autism spectrum, that really matters to me. We came in, purchased drinks, and sat down to enjoy them. I gave my son a packed lunch I had brought from home--something very normal for us, as he has sensory challenges and a limited range of foods he feels safe eating. Shortly after, the owner came over and told me how "gross" it was that I brought outside food for my child. She said she would "let it slide this time," but made it clear not to do it again. I was honestly shocked and embarrassed. It felt especially upsetting given that this business promotes itself as inclusive--down to details like gender-neutral bathrooms--yet showed no understanding or compassion for a child with different needs. I completely understand that businesses have policies about outside food, but the way this was handled lacked empathy and basic kindness. There's a big difference between enforcing a rule and making a parent and child feel unwelcome. Inclusivity should extend beyond appearances and marketing--it should show up in how people are treated. Unfortunately, this experience left me feeling uncomfortable and disappointed, and it's not a place I would feel confident returning to with my child. read more

Always the best service and drinks/food. They even sell beer :) This location used to be on Monona Dr but is now here in this quaint shop. They offer breakfast and lunch, also ice cream! A wonderful place to relax or meet friends and clients. read more

Java Cat - Chai tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I do love it there. Favorite drink affogato. Favorite meal egg and cheese Sammy on gluten free bread. Favorite staff person is Chris. Hustle and bustle crowd. read more

We are still getting use to them being in a new location. I know. I know. It's been a while now. Same great quality food and drinks and service. We ordered coffees (hot and iced). There was something exceptional about the breakfast English muffin sandwich. Not sure what magic was used. Yum! Their chairs are wonderful and comfortable. The music selection playing was nostalgic and perfect for a Saturday morning. Java Cat doesn't age and is just as good as my first visit over a decade ago. read more

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I stopped on a Saturday afternoon for a quick coffee. I went for chai frappe. It was a cold drink. I actually ordered thinking it was hot. The drink was ok. But next time I will go for a hot drink rather. I also had a 2 scoop gelato - pistachio Sicilia and caramel cashew. It was ok as well. Cashews got a bit soggy in the gelato. read more

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They don't have a lot of selection but they have enough. Their sandwiches and selected bakery are excellent. Not your mundane sandwiches but yummy variations on the classics. The drinks are the best of coffee tea and mixed drinks. The atmosphere is warm friendly and desirable for single or groups of people. read more

I am always looking for coffee shops that have good coffee, relaxing ambiance, and roomy seating! Found one! Family owned and offers a great variety of coffee, teas, etc. Prices are average. Also offers baked goods, breakfast items and ice cream. Plenty of seating and cute decor! I will definitely return! read more

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People were kind but it's the worst coffee I've ordered from a cafe before. And I go to a lot of different cafes and am not super picky typically. read more

Java Cat - Cold brew with cold foam 3 minutes after order. Can't really call this cold foam. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This is much more than a coffee shop, it is a place to meet friends, to relax, to be recognized by staff and greeted by name, to be treated as if you are the most important customer in the place. Everyone is welcome there! Oldsters, kids, everyone! The food is excellent, my favs are the International grilled cheese, the tuna melt, and the breakfast bowl. Every coffee drink is made personally for you, not machine mass produced. And their gelato is made every morning in their certified gelato kitchen by a certified gelato maker, smooth, different flavors daily. I would give it 10 stars if I could. read more

Ambiance - very cozy and friendly - people seemed to know each other and there were regulars. Service - very sweet! Food - only got a drink to go but it was very tasty. The food also looked really good so I would go to eat there as well. read more

Coffee was good but a tad pricey. Did not eat there, small..not alot of indoor seating. GREAT outdoor picnic seating area & pet friendly. Nice staff. read more

I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the new location. It is bright, open, spacious, and comfortable all at the same time. I could focus on work or see myself bringing my kids here to hang out. It looks like a great outdoor area too, though that's not what I spent time at when I got here. The food and drinks were as good as ever, very dependable and solid. I had a Cuban sandwich that was delicious. And of course everyone was very nice and helpful. read more

Inviting, lovely place to meet with friends or find a table outback to relax. The staff is always friendly and seem to genuinely enjoy being at Java Cat. Delicious Tuna Melt and LOTS of gelato flavors to choose from. They make a delicious iced americano! read more

Beautiful new location of this popular Eastside cafe. Coffee, service and food are all good. My favorite is the Breakfast Quesadilla. Excellent cold brew. Still offering the customer-favorite: gelato. Yum! Wonderful dog-friendly outdoor space - grassy, tree-filled yard of once was once a single family home - totally unique among outdoor cafe/restaurant spaces in this area that includes a large shopping Mall and a bunch of Strip Malls and chain stores/restaurants. Interior layout is a bit odd with a large area has surprisingly little actual seating. Only issue is the really hard uncomfortable chairs inside - but maybe they are designed to keep people from staying too long or hanging out in their computer because the cafe is ealways busy and the parking lot full. read more

Best cold brew in the city and the staff are so so friendly! Their new location can sometimes have a tight parking situation, but across the street is ample parking! read more

Java Cat - Cold Brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Usually good coffee and service. This time got about 1/2-3/4 of coffee in my cup. Score subject to change on next visit. read more

Java Cat - 3/4 cup - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Really cute little place, good customer service. Smoothies 10/10 will have to be back to try more !

I can't think of a better place to go for coffee. Java Cat folks are so community-oriented, their treats are so tasty, their coffees delectable. Even the take out window makes you smile. It's decked out with mosaics in a where's Waldo kind of style (Waldo, in this case, is the bell you ring to alert you've arrived and ready to be served). Have fun finding! They serve way more than coffee, and I'm looking forward to trying it all. Have literally had some of the best chocolate chip cookies of my life from here-hint, try the salted ones. So good you could cry. Oh Java Cat, you make me so happy! read more

Java Cat - Java cat just makes you want to smile - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Finally got to stop in at Java Cat in its location on Lien Rd since it moved from Monona Dr. the spot is SO CUTE and perfect. Our neighborhood isn't the same since they relocated. The new spot is very classy with an outside seating area and you can bring your dog as long as they are on a leash. (Outside, inside you can bring your service pet) The service is friendly and you can usually see Renee the owner too. The menu is a breakfast and lunch food. But the best is the gelato. IN HOUSE MADE GELATO. read more

Went her for lunch on a Saturday and ordered the fiesta chicken wrap, a strawberry banana smoothies, and a chai frappe. The place was packed, so we took our order to go. The drinks were okay, and I didn't see how they were made, but they tasted kind of like a powder as opposed to real fruit. The strawberry was also more prevalent than the banana. The wrap was pretty good, and I will say, thank you for having something other than a plain flour tortilla. The tomato wrap was much appreciated. My only real complaint with the wrap was that the chicken tasted a little rubbery. Otherwise it was great and I would order it again. I really want to come back to try the gelato in the summer! read more

Java Cat - Fiesta chicken wrap - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I try not to use social media as a tool to vent frustrations, but after today's events, this platform of communication seemed important. I'm incredibly disheartened and shocked at the lack of conflict management that was displayed towards my 10 week old pup and I today. As many of you know, either from my constant stream of photos or nonstop puppy talk, my partner and I recently adopted a Siberian Husky. Part of the puppy process is socializing within safe dog-free environments. This is only until the pup has finished their last round vaccinations- which takes 3-4 weeks between rounds. This is incredibly important towards preventing your vulnerable pup from catching life threatening illnesses such as parvovirus. I recently purchased a carrier to make this socialization process easier and more convenient. Today, I decided to take Luna, my new pup, on a walk to our local coffee spot, Java Cat. I have seen many dogs there and assumed it to be a pet friendly place. (Mind you she is in her carrier satchel during this entire experience) I walked in thinking that I would purchase my late and wait outside until they were finished making it. I can't leave my pup tied outside because of safety reasons and assumed that since she is within a carrier on my chest, that this would not be an issue. The barista told me that this was fine and politely explained that typically dogs were not allowed inside their establishment. I apologized and asked if my original plan was okay and she said that it was. No issues... super friendly and understanding. Two seconds later... another lady came up to us incredibly angry. In a raised voice, in front of the entire shop full of patrons, yelled at me for having my dog there and that it was against the law. I was trying to explain the situation and she continued to talk over me. It was so embarrassing.... at this point I had already paid for my drink and was literally on my way outside to wait for it... After this uncomfortable interaction we obviously left. The first barista, that had been sweet and understanding, came out after me and apologized for the other woman's handling of the situation. After talking to her, it was revealed that the lady who had handled the situation so poorly was the owner. Yikes! I told her that we appreciated her apology, but would most likely not return to support her establishment. I, in no way, wanted to break any rules or jeopardize her business... I understand the need to follow laws and policy. The ONLY thing that bothered me was how she handled the situation. I don't expect special treatment or think that I'm above laws, but I do expect a certain amount of professionalism and tact. Conflict management is so important... It disgusts me to see an adult and business owner think it appropriate to raise their voice without provocation. If this is how customers are treated, I can only imagine how conflict with staff is handled. Needless to say, I will no longer be supporting this business. Also, BTW dogs apparently are NOT allowed at Java Cat. Just a heads up.... read more

Java Cat - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Amazing sandwiches. Nice workers. Good vibes! Love this place. Do yourself a favor and stop in

Be carful, a 25% tip was added to bill without telling me. Ambiance was good. Service was good but 25% for counter service is excessive. We love the outside dinning when it is warm. Coffee is good and morning buns are good. read more

Such a cool little spot!! Delicious smoothies. Large selection of coffee based drinks as well as non-coffee. Pastries, breakfast (all day!), soups, salads, sandwiches.. whatever you're hungry for! And! Gelato!! Inside is super cool, lots of art and fun things to look at on the walls. Kids corner to keep the littles occupied. Spacious tables section, not super cramped like some coffee shops seem to be. Live music periodically. And they have a drive through! read more

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I love the sandwiches at Java Cat! The coffee is good and the people behind the counter are always delightful. I wish it was closer to home, but the location near Lake Monona and several places I find myself from time to time make Java Cat a frequent stop for us. read more

A really welcoming, chill spot. Great coffee & pastries. Very chill vibes. There's mural artwork all over the outside of the building. They have lots of social justice messaging that makes me feel like it's an inclusive, loving place to hang out. read more

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coffee is very good! the place stands for a lot as you can see in the picture. absolutely love it read more

Java Cat - such a cute place! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This is one of my favorite and is my go-to coffee shop. It is very close to my work, which helps, and so does the drive-through (especially during the covid-19 pandemic). I really enjoy their espresso, and they also have oat milk, which is my preference since I am lactose intolerant. Overall would recommend it for anyone looking for a good cup of coffee/latte on the go. read more

Pershing Doughnut was yummy and the Americano was nice and bold. Came here for a quick cup of java. Service was awesome and the place has hoppin with local folks. Enjoy the local artists pieces on the walls. read more

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It was a 90 degrees day and we didn't want to leave the car, decided to utilize the drive through. We waited 20+ minutes for the person ahead of us before it was our turn, note to self: it's faster to just go in next time. Just needed a little pick me up and ordered iced coffee, $3.41 for a 16 oz. Not bad, the coffee tasted decent, but kinda overpriced for plain coffee served over ice. read more

Java Cat - Menu at the drive-thru - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Huge bakery items and a lot to choose from. If you tell them your drink is NOT to go, you get it in a hard plastic glass. They also have outside seating, sandwiches, gelato and other bottled drinks/sodas. I'm usually fussy in my chai teas but was pleasantly surprised on the flavor of an iced chai and liked it a lot. I'm meeting up with a friend so this place is not in my neck of the woods but if I'm ever in the area I would happily stop here instead of searching out the closest Starbucks. Fast, friendly service. read more

Java Cat - Scotch-a-roo bar. Something I haven't had some a child when my mom used to make them. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

From one of the owners spitting on me at the drive through (before they had to wear masks) to waiting 35 loooong minutes for a b'fast item, to cars spilling out dangerously into Monona Drive - this place leaves much to be desired. The quality of coffee services in the Madison area has plummeted, and Java Cat is leading the charge to lameness. Is it due to Covid? Or just ineptitude? Their menu is not what it was, and the wait times (even when no one was there) are unacceptable. One of the worst choices one can make in local coffeehouses - and it's too bad. We've given them tons of business over time but - are finally through with 'em. The value and convenience is no longer there. read more

What a great coffee/breakfast/lunch place! We stopped in for lattes and were convinced to get some really tasty breakfast sandwiches. I got the Brioche egg, cheese and smoked turkey and my dining companion got a gluten free quesadilla sandwich with salsa and sour cream. Fresh, hot and delicious. The Lattes were perfect. This is a gem of a neighborhood hangout. Do stop by! read more