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

We stopped in to Java Cat for a few coffees before running errands on a Sunday afternoon. Java Cat definitely has that old school coffee shop vibe with an obvious love for cats. There are signs hung up all over the walls with coffee and cat lingo. Plenty of tables are available if you're in the mood to drink your coffee in House. They have bakery and hot breakfast items and some soup and sandwich type options for lunch. They also have pastry and dessert items, including gelato. Can't go wrong there. Our coffees tasted great. I ordered an americano with a splash of steamed soy milk. It was perfect. My friend ordered an almond milk caramel latte, which she said was average, and my partner ordered a black americano. While it's hard to mess up coffees, what sets Java Cat apart from other coffee shops is its neighborhood flare, cat inspired decor and food. A nice option for those in Monona. read more

One of the best things about this place is the drive thru. When you have a toddler in a car seat, you don't underestimate these conveniences. The cherry almond scones are another strength. I stopped here for a scone and doughnut the other day and the service was fast, although I did go inside bc the drive thru line was so long. Family friendly atmosphere and gelato too!! read more

Honestly when I first drove past this place I thought to myself "that place looks very cool and I'll make that my go-to coffee shop". The service has always been very pleasant and they are timely with their drinks. But the coffee is quite "meh". Not something I'd be willing to come back to often. read more

I love love love this place! One of my weekend pit stops for a coffee and a single order of biscuits and gravy. Their b&g are delicious! They have a great variety of baked goods, sandwiches, breakfast all day, and gelato (plus gelato blended drinks!). The staff are always friendly. Nice kids area on the side of the cafe for the kiddos. Fresh catnip mice for sale by the register for your furbabe and local rotating art on their wall. I love coming in to see what new art they have displayed. read more

Their gelato is out of this world!!!! Plus their baked goods are well done. Wide selection of coffee brews and the staff are pretty chill. You can buy a catnip-filled toy for your cat AND it's a neat little place to study... Not many outlets though. read more

Out of town customer. Advertised Apple Pay. The establishment was confused when I tried to use my form of payment. They were very, very rude about the situation. I did not enjoy my experience. read more

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

I come here frequently when I'm in town visiting, and used to like this place until I went there today. At the drive through I was bombarded by political stickers and signs that I don't recall being there on previous visits. Clearly they have been there for awhile, but maybe I just hadn't been through the driveway since appearing. I told the drive through person it's disturbing and she just said sorry. Anyway, I'd like to go innocently to get a latte without the stress of political statements. It's fine to proclaim how all are welcome. Even though it should be assumed. But the irony is with those statements you are clearly alienating (and not welcoming) those who disagree with your political opinions. I don't need to know that as a business you disagree with building a wall (the sign says "no wall"). I don't care that I don't agree with them, I'm still willing to buy a latte from them. But if I feel unwelcome then I care. It seems those signs about how much love and tolerance is there is clearly not meant for everyone, and it also is a hate message. And when the wall was someone else's idea then I guess they were for it. Anyway, I'll be running my coffee errand to another establishment where I don't need to have a loudspeaker of opinions shouting at me. read more

They take samsung pay... they have gelato... and they will make me an off menu veggie coissant sandwiches (which ROCK. they custom make it with all the veggies, avacado, egg, and cheese). I wish they had a larger cold brew at a slightly lower cost... but only because I want more! Ps. Thet have a kid frliendly area with toys. Gotta love that. read more

OHMYGODJAVACATIWOULDDIEWITHOUTYOU. For serious though, I am at Java Cat at least 2 or 3 times a week. Here's why: -The iced coffee is LITERALLY the best iced coffee I have ever had. -The breakfast sammies are DELISH. The boom boom is really good, but the veggie egg wrap is my faves. -Super ridiculously yummy bakery/donuts/bagels. -Really nice staff. -Opens at 6am during the week, which is so lovely for someone like me who needs coffee early. -GELATO. Let me clarify, GOOD gelato in toooons of fun flavors. And most importantly, ITS FULL OF CAT KNICK KNACKS. Skip the chain and give Java Cat a try! read more

Heard great things, went for brunch, had eggs and toast, a bacon egg cheese sandwich on a brioche bun and a raspberry pastry. None of it was very good. The raspberry pastry we shared was just okay but better than the mostly inedible eggs and toast. When I was looking for jam for the dry and tasteless white toast the barista just walked the other way so we tried it with honey and managed to choke down a half a piece and a bite. The eggs were the rubbery rounds used in McMuffins with a slightly better taste, chopped up and not worth the effort of chewing. We ended up sharing the sandwich featuring overdone bacon with common cheese slice, egg round and a so-so brioche bun that tasted too sweet and shouldn't have been a choice for this sandwich. We waited too long considering only one other couple ordered food although every chair but one was filled with people on laptops and smart phones. They seem to do a brisk drive-thru business but someone reading a newspaper not eating or drinking anything was there when we arrived and left occupying the only spot not on top of everyone else. I spent over $15 bucks on a mediocre bacon, egg, cheese biscuit on a brioche bun and a pastry I wouldn't get again. Even the cat isn't interested in the leftovers which we had to take home in a paper bag. Drive-thru coffee drinkers and cheapskates looking for free wi-fi might like this place. Parking is limited and you have to cross over steady drive-thru traffic to get to the door. Seating is cramped, there's no finesse or presentation and the service is lax. Maybe they have coffee or a kind of pastry or sandwich worth your while but I'll never go back to find out. The have a case of gelato by the door but only one of the wi-fi vampires got free samples. read more

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

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I love Java Cat! The staff are so kind and friendly. Their lattes are the best in Madison! And the breakfast sandwiches are great too. I like the stickers on the drive through window! read more

I adore the staff at java cat. their almond milk cappuccino is delicious and everything is served with a smile. their drive-thru is always fast and efficient and I can't recommend it enough. looking forward to when they offer dine-in again! read more

The coffee seriously taste better from Java Cat than any other place on earth. Pure taste bud delight and always served by the friendliest staff. You can tell the owners put their heart into it! I mostly go through the drive through on my way to work. Which is really saying something because its not really on my way to work and I work right next to a coffee shop. Java cats coffee tastes better, cost less for the quantity than most places around, including the place next to my job. The only reason I am not giving it a 5 is its not my favorite decor style in side, kinda dark and dated looking. They really are not very accommodating to children either but I kinda love them for that, and I do have kids. If I wanted to listen to my kids loud banter while I sipped my coffee I would have drank it at home. I do think they could use some help with the vegetarian section of the menu but personally the coffee flavor and Love I feel when I go in there make up for any short comings. Im actually sipping on a cup of joe from the shop next to my work because I was desperate and wishing it were from Java Cat instead. Which is what made me think of writing this review. Tomorrow I will leave for work earlier... Java Cat stole my heart.. read more

Had a chance to get back to Java Cat today. Seriously. If you love frozen treats and you haven't been here yet, I am shedding a tear for you. The best gelato I've had, hands down. Both in quality, and creativity of flavors. (as a side note, the man and I split a BLT today as well, which was also yummy in that good-old-classic-sandwich kind of way). read more

This little locally-owned coffee shop is a great addition to this east side neighborhood. I bought a house in the area just before Java Cat opened. In all honesty, I was concerned about how it would survive. I was totally wrong. Several years later, Java Cat is thriving. It's always crowded and for good reason. The food is excellent. The coffee is very tasty. And don't get me started on the gelato...to die for!! Don't forget they provide computers if you want to get some work done! The best part about Java Cat: the drive through! What a fantastic idea. I'm happy to see this place is doing well. It's definitely worth your time and money. Very good!! read more

Good coffee and gelato if you're hungry. The cat theme of the place borders on the extreme, but I love it. The baristas are always very considerate. Not a good place for wifi, but that's fine. Sometimes, I shouldn't be on the computer. The place can crowd up very quickly being on a busy intersection, but the quiet times make it a welcome Eastside refuge. read more

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

I like to come here to focus on a project. Great coffee house vibe. The staff clearly likes being here. Everything is unique and delicious. I had the soup of the day. Baja chicken. Excellent!!! read more

Meow Meow! I have only had the coffee and gelato and yeh I loved them both so much I have been back many times. The service is awesome and the baristas here are always on top of their game, and super friendly as well. They have an drive thru which I think is awesome, especially for the east side... The Cat is pretty much the only one for good drive thru coffee in this area.. There is a large patio for spring/summer! They also have sandwiches and soups which I am excited to get down there soon and try those out as well. I would strongly suggest you grab a drink at the Java Cat.. you won't be disappointed! read more

Thank you to the Java Cat Coffee staff this morning. Customer service was spot on- friendly, suggested menu item to me and asked the owner to make it, as she does best. Perfect cup of coffee and the best breakfast wrap in town! read more

Great caffeine stop. Nice location right by the lake and within walking distance to the botanical gardens and the lakefront park. They really ran with the whole cat theme in the ambiance, they place is covered with fun cat things in all sorts of ways. The baristas were very nice and helpful. They were using Just Coffee which was cool. They weren't exactly gourmet espresso trained, but the americano I got can out well and the gelato was defiantly great. They have some great options to mix the two in affogstos and gelato-espresso shakes, yum! Overall not bad coffee for a reasonable price, I would suggest getting the brewed stuff with some gelato and enjoy it on a walk through the park. read more

Cute eclectic coffee shop in Monona. Delicious coffee, sammies, sweets n' treats and even a drive through window. Love it all read more

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

I came here on two different occasions. The first being for a study session and the second purely for gelato. I had a mocha purely by their suggestion and was not at all impressed. It was weak and very watery. I also got a cookie which was only ok. The baristas did not seem as if they were totally confident or really knowledgeable about the food or coffee either. When I ask for suggestions at coffee shops, they usually have a great, creative drink waiting to suggest or at least ask for what kind of drink I am looking for. She said the mocha was their most popular so I figured it had to be good. But it was not. Now, the gelato. The gelato is great. I had party cake or was it birthday cake? Cake batter? Something to that extent. It was really good. They have a good variety and they let you sample ones before you choose. Not sure how it compares to Michaels down the street but I would go back for the gelato. read more

Really happy with this place. Only gone there a couple times but the coffee is great, affordable, and tons of options. I really like their breakfast sandwiches, you can customize them and they make the eggs fresh for each sandwich which is definitely a plus. Their bakery goods are really tasty too! I've only had a muffin and lemon bar, but they were both priced nicely and quality ingredients. Overall, this is my favorite local coffee spot so far. Good coffee, good bakery goods, all day breakfast sandwiches, and everything is affordable. High marks for me! read more

HOMEMADE GELATO. Oh, and friendly service and clientele. read more

Java Cat - Homemade gelato selection, summer 2013 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This review is for the service and the gelato. Both get five stars from me! Every time I have been here I have been blown away at how helpful the staff is. They are always friendly and they never seem irked if I ask for a sample. Sweet stuff. The gelato - oh the gelato is tasty! I love that you can get two flavors - even in the small which runs right under $4 but is a hearty small for certain. I almost always get some cake batter (because I'm an addict) and then try something else on the other side. I have never had a bad experience here. Definitely a must stop on summer bike rides or after walking around Olbrich Gardens. read more

I've passed by this place a number of times. It's just down the road from my house but I tend to go the other way. It's a nice coffee shop with a good selection of baked goods and breakfast items, I think lunch items also. Good quick service and has the feel of a place with lots of regular customers. Prices were normal coffee shop range, parking lot is a bit cramped but I have since stopped a couple times. read more

Will not return. The last couple times I've been there, the staff are unfriendly and act like they dislike being there. I've come back twice to give another chance but the last straw was when (I think the owner) scolded me twice for not moving my vehicle up far enough when they aren't at all specific on where to go when they're bringing your order to you. If you want people to move all the way to the other exit, specifics are helpful rather than being nasty and taking your day out on the customer. I'll give my business to friendly and kind people and won't be back. read more

My go to stop for coffee before work in the morning! I use the drive through most days, and it's always fast and friendly service. I've only had regular coffee & cold brew, but both are always excellent. Definitely recommend. read more

Always great service and not just a joint to get your java fix. Breakfast, lunch and dinner? They've got it! I personally enjoy their breakfast sandwiches. Nothing too technical, but damn tasty. I encourage you to explore the menu. Did I mention dessert? You must try the gelato. My personal favorite is blood orange, but if that's not available, lemon. Otherwise they've got a myriad of other options. Swing on by to this local business, you won't be disappointed. read more

I stopped for breakfast to go and really liked it! I'll admit, I mostly stopped because I had the Bucky Book coupon, but was pleasantly surprised how good the coffee and food was. I got a small cup of cold brew coffee. It was quite good! I also got the breakfast wrap (which was really kind of a breakfast burrito) filled with veggies, and that was really what impressed me. I think the food menu could have a bit more variety/options (especially since the breakfast wrap was so good). The place was clean and the lady who rung me up was very sweet. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Monona! read more

Java Cat is a 3-4 star coffee shop. Latte prices are comparable but a tad on the high side for the market. The coffee is consistently good and they have a nice selection of sandwiches and rotation soups. They also have a decent pastry selection and a little gelato counter. Java Cat is go to coffee joint when I'm in the neighborhood. It's consistent and has decent hours. read more

Wonderful staff who prepare the drinks to perfection. A perfect place to grab a well made espresso drink whether you are on the go or hanging out. Their food menu also has a good variety. read more

Java Cat is a wonderful addition to our neighborhood, and an overall great little cafe. The coffee is strong, the baked goods are tasty, and the Wi-Fi is fast. I love that this spot is within a short walk of my house -- a little funky flavor reminiscent of our old Willy Street 'hood. The only things I'd change are the hours (wish they were open later!), the temperature (it's always so cold, as another reviewer mentioned -- on one of our 95-degree days earlier this summer, I was in there wearing a hoodie); and the furniture -- it's not the coziest arrangement of bare wood tables and chairs. I love the ambiance of Mother Fools and Lazy Jane's, and I wish the owners of Java Cat would take a bit of time cozying things up in a similar way. read more

Stop what you're doing and get yourself a JavaLato! It's coffee blended with gelato and it's to die for! I get a JavaLato with chocolate gelato. The staff here is very friendly and the atmosphere is super chill. I like seeing their different art displays that show local art every time I visit the shop. read more

Fresh baked pastries, homemade gelato and excellent coffee, just some of the items which Java Cat excels at!! The Cat has lots of live music too, not just the random hippie stuff or starving artist but decent music from different cultures! The building is tight and can get crowded but the outside patio can handle any spill-over no problem. The fact that they're open early (5:30 am) means you can get the freshest coffee and bakery anywhere before heading off to work!! Bravo Java Cat, bravo!!! read more

The good: friendly staff, convenient location, inviting atmosphere, gelato! The 'Meh': coffee. I'd never talk you out of going to Java Cat. The staff is awesome and the service is quick. My only gripe is the coffee is just mediocre. It's the nearest cafe to our home but I often find myself going out of my way to get something better. read more

First time here. The place seems like every other run-of-the-mill coffee shop. The children's artwork of cats on the walls is a nice touch. The thing that takes this place to the next level is the gelato and gelato-based drinks. I got a javalato with Mud Pie gelato, and it was great. Definitely looking forward to coming back with my girlfriend. read more

Excellent service from all staff! Yummy coffee. I didn't have anything to eat but their pastry case looked tempting!