The people are nice here - however, the food and drink is pretty terrible and overpriced. Between the couple times I've been here and my friends' experiences, still looking for something good to consistently
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 5
Sam van Loon
If I could give 6 stars for service, I would!!! The server/bartender/cashier somehow managed to keep our coffee and water full while tending to the other 4 tables that were in there at the same time, and the food was incredible. The burger patties were so juice and wonderful, the fries were PERFECTION, and it was all hot and perfect and totally delightful. I've been meaning to go here for ages and will certainly be back.Wheelchair accessibility: Unless there's a back entrance I didn't see, it's sadly not accessible at all — 4 stairs up to get in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries, Hash Browns, Family Fav Burger and Cole Slaw
Tess McComiskey
I love this diner. I often tell people they have to go, and I always take guests that come to visit. Their chicken and waffles are unbeatable! The restaurant itself has an updated/new look but is still so homey. Truly a local gem. I’ve also never liked orange juice but their orange juice is so delicious.Kid-friendliness: Often a family or two there
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken and Waffles, Hash Browns, Chicken Sandwich
Andrew Schmitt
The fried chicken thigh sandwich is delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries, Chicken Sandwich
Grace W.
One of the best smash burgers ("Fam Fav Burger") I've had in years. Get the happy meal - the fries have skin on them and are delicious. The chicken thigh sandwich with honey was so juicy and good too.
Gregory Laabs
Been wanting to try this place for awhile! Fire service and fire food. Small menu so everything they do is executed very well! Elevated diner food with some cocktails and beers . Highly recommend to anyone that finds themselves in the east Johnson street neighborhood!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sheila Vance
Special of the day . . . Meatloaf and potatoes. That's what we ordered along with fried cheese curds. Sounds simple, but oh so delicious. The cook knows what's what. Everything was cooked to perfection. The kale on the side was nice and crispy and flavorful. We highly recommend this place. Try it. You'll love it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gabby N.
We went for brunch at the East Johnson Family Restaurant on a late Saturday morning. We were seated immediately by a friendly host staff (who we later found out was the only wait staff working on a Saturday morning), and given time to review the menus. The restaurant is very cute, and the indoor decor was bright and welcoming. Bur seating in this restaurant is very cramped. The two dining areas, separated by the front door and host stand, are pretty small, and allow for about four tables on each side. It was hard to have a conversation in the right-side dining area because the tables for two are seated very closely to each other. We placed an order for The Yolk and the Classic Benedict, along with an order of hot coffee. Unfortunately, none of them were hits for us. The coffee was weak for my taste, but I was able to get one refill when one of the kitchen staff went around with a fresh pot of coffee. Our food took a while to be delivered from the kitchen to our table. After the first couple of bites, we started to feel disappointed in our meal. My Classic Benedict was smothered in hollandaise sauce, and the egg yolk flavor in the sauce was overwhelming. Our total for two breakfast dishes, no sides, and one hot coffee, was $30 before tip. Although the price is pretty comparable to other nice, Madison breakfast spots, the quality in the food wasn't up to par. We may have caught the restaurant on an off day, but we didn't have the greatest experience.
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Great food that is reasonably priced. Nice outdoor space that works for groups. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Abby Dunbar
Delicious homemade food, such great quality. The best burger and fries around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries, Family Fav Burger and Cole Slaw
Awesome brunch. Cheese curds, kale Caesar, and chicken & waffles were all great and a phenomenal bloody Mary. Will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken and Waffles
Oscar Jamaica
Do not listen to all of these Karens in the reviews. This place not only has the best food, but the best service. You won’t have to wait a long time for food, comes out quick and good quality. The burgers might be the best around. 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennie Leunig
We have been here three times for dinner, each with a group of four. Every single time, the only thing anyone enjoyed was the burger and fries. The fish fry and green giant sandwich (ordered by multiple people at the table) were both sub-par. The breading on the fish fry tasted burnt and the green giant sandwich had no seasoning. For this reason, we will not be going back. It's not enough to have just a good burger, especially if anyone you're eating with is vegetarian!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Marshall Sutton
Chicken thigh sandwich for the win. Superb fries. Excellent cocktails using local ingredients. Lovely little neighborhood place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries
Jillian Wilschke
I can’t stress how perfect this place is for lunch! My family ate all over town in a visit to Madison, and this was hands down my favorite place. We chose to eat outside, but walked through the cute, indoor atmosphere that had a 21st century, classic diner vibe. Eating Al fresco was perfect, though! Plenty of shade in an intimate space, and the self-serve water station was appreciated on the hot day. We also brought our dog, and he was thankful for the ample dog bowls and accommodating staff who seemed truly happy to see and welcome our pet! And the food - so good! I had the burger and fries and ate every bite. Make this part of your trip to Madison, or a weekly visit if you live in town!
The people are nice here - however, the food and drink is pretty terrible and overpriced. Between the couple times I've been here and my friends' experiences, still looking for something good to consistently
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 5
If I could give 6 stars for service, I would!!! The server/bartender/cashier somehow managed to keep our coffee and water full while tending to the other 4 tables that were in there at the same time, and the food was incredible. The burger patties were so juice and wonderful, the fries were PERFECTION, and it was all hot and perfect and totally delightful. I've been meaning to go here for ages and will certainly be back.Wheelchair accessibility: Unless there's a back entrance I didn't see, it's sadly not accessible at all — 4 stairs up to get in.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries, Hash Browns, Family Fav Burger and Cole Slaw
I love this diner. I often tell people they have to go, and I always take guests that come to visit. Their chicken and waffles are unbeatable! The restaurant itself has an updated/new look but is still so homey. Truly a local gem. I’ve also never liked orange juice but their orange juice is so delicious.Kid-friendliness: Often a family or two there
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken and Waffles, Hash Browns, Chicken Sandwich
The fried chicken thigh sandwich is delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries, Chicken Sandwich
One of the best smash burgers ("Fam Fav Burger") I've had in years. Get the happy meal - the fries have skin on them and are delicious. The chicken thigh sandwich with honey was so juicy and good too.
Been wanting to try this place for awhile! Fire service and fire food. Small menu so everything they do is executed very well! Elevated diner food with some cocktails and beers . Highly recommend to anyone that finds themselves in the east Johnson street neighborhood!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Special of the day . . . Meatloaf and potatoes. That's what we ordered along with fried cheese curds. Sounds simple, but oh so delicious. The cook knows what's what. Everything was cooked to perfection. The kale on the side was nice and crispy and flavorful. We highly recommend this place. Try it. You'll love it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We went for brunch at the East Johnson Family Restaurant on a late Saturday morning. We were seated immediately by a friendly host staff (who we later found out was the only wait staff working on a Saturday morning), and given time to review the menus. The restaurant is very cute, and the indoor decor was bright and welcoming. Bur seating in this restaurant is very cramped. The two dining areas, separated by the front door and host stand, are pretty small, and allow for about four tables on each side. It was hard to have a conversation in the right-side dining area because the tables for two are seated very closely to each other. We placed an order for The Yolk and the Classic Benedict, along with an order of hot coffee. Unfortunately, none of them were hits for us. The coffee was weak for my taste, but I was able to get one refill when one of the kitchen staff went around with a fresh pot of coffee. Our food took a while to be delivered from the kitchen to our table. After the first couple of bites, we started to feel disappointed in our meal. My Classic Benedict was smothered in hollandaise sauce, and the egg yolk flavor in the sauce was overwhelming. Our total for two breakfast dishes, no sides, and one hot coffee, was $30 before tip. Although the price is pretty comparable to other nice, Madison breakfast spots, the quality in the food wasn't up to par. We may have caught the restaurant on an off day, but we didn't have the greatest experience.
Great food that is reasonably priced. Nice outdoor space that works for groups. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious homemade food, such great quality. The best burger and fries around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries, Family Fav Burger and Cole Slaw
Restaurantji Recommends
Awesome brunch. Cheese curds, kale Caesar, and chicken & waffles were all great and a phenomenal bloody Mary. Will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken and Waffles
Do not listen to all of these Karens in the reviews. This place not only has the best food, but the best service. You won’t have to wait a long time for food, comes out quick and good quality. The burgers might be the best around. 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We have been here three times for dinner, each with a group of four. Every single time, the only thing anyone enjoyed was the burger and fries. The fish fry and green giant sandwich (ordered by multiple people at the table) were both sub-par. The breading on the fish fry tasted burnt and the green giant sandwich had no seasoning. For this reason, we will not be going back. It's not enough to have just a good burger, especially if anyone you're eating with is vegetarian!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Chicken thigh sandwich for the win. Superb fries. Excellent cocktails using local ingredients. Lovely little neighborhood place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fries
I can’t stress how perfect this place is for lunch! My family ate all over town in a visit to Madison, and this was hands down my favorite place. We chose to eat outside, but walked through the cute, indoor atmosphere that had a 21st century, classic diner vibe. Eating Al fresco was perfect, though! Plenty of shade in an intimate space, and the self-serve water station was appreciated on the hot day. We also brought our dog, and he was thankful for the ample dog bowls and accommodating staff who seemed truly happy to see and welcome our pet! And the food - so good! I had the burger and fries and ate every bite. Make this part of your trip to Madison, or a weekly visit if you live in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sandwiches