How fun and funny is this place? Always some drink prep happening to entertain you. Fun names, fun glasses, but they back it up with amazing flavors. We didn't try the sushi rolls from jackknife but would someday. Prices about what you would expect for craft cocktails. It's medium loud. We were there on a gorgeous day with the windows wide open. There are a few different types of seating available from cozy couch to bar seats and high tops. read more

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If you asked me right now what my favorite cocktail bar is, I would say Public Parking in Madison. I'm officially obsessed. It has such a cool vibe. Grandma Hates My Neck Tattoo--seriously good, with a funky blend of whiskey and strawberry rhubarb. Good Googly Moogly, which was totally refreshing with pineapple and coconut cream. We Met On Ashley Madison--smoky mezcal mixed with tropical flavors was the perfect way to wrap up the night. If you're looking for a spot to unwind and enjoy some creative cocktails, this place is it. Can't wait to come back and try more! read more

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New favorite bar! Such fun drinks and aesthetic. Available seating inside and out with bar stools, high tops, and booths inside. Drinks are a little pricy but a great place to grab a cocktail that is flavorful and fun! Parking can be tricky at times and the lighting a pretty dim but sets great intimate vibes. The servers were helpful when picking drinks and attentive! read more

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I admit it. I don't want to write a glowing review for this place because I want to keep Public Parking all to myself. It took me a month or so to get here after its opening but I chose this as the first stop for a friend's birthday outing. On a weeknight parking was easy off the street near the building the bar is housed in. Immediately upon entering I was taken by the vibes. I will be moving in to the room on the right, thank you very much. The pink lighting makes quite the "no filter needed" photo op. This does necessitate a move to the bar for the bartender to get your sips concocted. The bartender who greeted me was equal parts gregarious, informative and attentive. I had the He's Not You, But You're Not Here because of the name being so relevant at this time. Its a looker (see photo). My friend ordered a martini and along with a slightly dirty joke to go with her slightly dirty martini we had a bar singalong. Friend's birthday was made. I will be back! read more

Public Parking - He's not you, but you're not here... - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Have been waiting to try this place since they opened! Really fun selection of craft cocktails, great bartenders, in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. read more

Public Parking - A cocktail with a mint sprig and melon ball garnish on a table, next to a flyer for Public Parking with rubber duck images. - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Public Parking is our new favorite spot! The menu is large but if you're looking for help narrowing down the options, the bar staff are all knowledgeable and give great recommendations. The vibe is cool and they have some killer bathrooms (iykyk). Overall a 10/10 spot! read more

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What a great cocktail bar!! The servers were all SUPER friendly and attentive. The menu is extensive and the drink names are so unique and funny! It is quite pricey for a cocktail but the experience matches the price. They also had mocktail options and beer choices. It's decorated so warm and moody. Love the vibe. Lots of natural sunlight in the afternoon also! read more

Public Parking - Two cocktails are placed on a wooden table inside a bar with warm lighting, wooden wall decor, and large windows. - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I wanted to give this place 5 stars because the vibes are immaculate. Such cute decor, easy location next to caribou, with a variety of bar seating or lounge velvet seating (the primo spots). However, I knocked this place down to 4 because the drinks have been hit or miss. It started off on a super high with an espresso martini, a French beer and a bartenders choice old fashioned, which was exceptional. However we then got the great British bake off drink which is soooo incredibly strong and gritty due to the edible photo, then the mushroom punch bowl, which got better as things melted but still wasn't very good. We were chasing it with my friends pins colada. All being said, vibes are here, staff are friendly and the drinks can be a hit lol. Just order what you like and not what looks popular or is a good price. Happy drinking! read more

This is now my favorite place to get a drink in Madison. The drinks are very original, from the ingredients, the names, to the presentation. We visited Saturday and tried about six of their beverages including 'Grandma Hates My Neck Tatoo', "He's Not You, But You're Not Here', 'Candiru in Your PP'. I enjoyed everything I tried. It was fun watching them create each cocktail. From the liquid nitrogen to chill the glasses, to the shapes of the drinking vessels, to the way they prepared the garnishes, it really felt like they were creating works of art. Although we sat at the bar, there is also outdoor seating or comfy chairs to relax in. The drinks were on the pricey side, but well worth it. The bartenders were all very friendly and answered any questions we had. We'll definitely be back. read more

Visited Public Parking on a Friday night and was able to get seated immediately around 6:30 pm. The venue is located conveniently on E Johnson street. Upon entrance, you'll find a beautiful bar and plenty of intimate seating in the room next door. The signature cocktails were delicious and priced at ~$13 each. For those who are hungry, they offer sushi from Jackknife as well (limited quantity). Overall, we had a great time at Public Parking. The drinks were good, the seating was great, and it's cool to see the cocktail bar scene expand in Madison! read more

What cool funky find! We walked from dinner and were pleasantly surprised at the menu! It's got all kinds of concoctions and all kinds of flavors. Bartenders were chill and had all kinds of personalized recommendations. We had a couple drinks and enjoyed the atmosphere too. read more

Public Parking - A yellow paper cup with a straw is placed on a wooden table inside a bar or restaurant with moody lighting and purple decorative lights in the background. - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Place has MASSIVE potential. My advice is to take a lesson from Death & Co. and improve quality across the board. Drinks are too far out there without the refinement needed to make me want to come back for more. We tried 2 drinks each off their "seasonal" list and 1 off the classic list. The classic ones seemed to be much stronger for all of us (we had a party of 8). Probably would not return, we'll go to State Line where the drinks are stronger and less watered or iced down, with much higher quality of inputs in each cocktail. read more

The ambiance is chic and trendy! This is a small bar at first glance, but it's linear, and gently curves, giving more seating than initial appearances. An even bigger surprise feature is a decently sized lounge room filled with couches, velvet armchairs and coffee tables. It's a very beautiful space. The drink list: WOW....it's hilarious, but don't let that stall you! The drinks are phenomenal! They are incredibly delicious. Let the bar staff help you decide. They are wonderful guides and extremely friendly and knowledgeable! Most importantly, have fun!! Oh, I almost forgot, yes, there is a small amount of outdoor seating as well. Cheers! read more

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I almost don't want to review Public Parking because a small part of me doesn't want the secret of this place to get out!! Start to finish, we loved every minute of our time here. The drinks are absolutely incredible. Sit at the bar so you can watch drinks be made - you won't be disappointed you did. Jenn, Jerry, and Lucas may just be the nicest bartenders in Madison - kind, fun, amazing at their craft, and funny. We can't wait to visit again. read more

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It was busy, but the bartenders still greeted us promptly and gave us menus while we got settled. Our bartender was friendly and clearly very skilled at her craft. The ambience was great, and the glassware was absolutely phenomenal. read more

Public Parking - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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We had the best time during our experience at Public Parking! The drinks were so unique and incredible. They put so much thought into all their cocktails recipes. The bartenders were very attentive and kind. We already know and love Lucas! The other bartender was fantastic as well. The inside is super cozy and cute. There is public street parking and we had no issue finding a space nearby. They do have Jacknife Sushi if you're feeling hungry. We didn't order any but we've been several times and enjoy Jacknife. We were happy with their sushi options they have at Public Parking. We loved the experience and will absolutely be back! read more

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The drinks here were amazing, and they made it a whole experience! Each drink is intricate and watching the bartenders make them was pretty cool. Very much a craft, so I wouldn't come here for a vodka soda or something simple. Very popular place, so it was pretty loud inside but that's what you'd expect. Overall great experience! read more

Public Parking - Six cocktails with various colors and glass styles are placed on a wooden table, each on a dark napkin, with two people partially visible in the background. - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Public Parking is a fun, cozy and inviting space with beautiful design. I visited the first week they were open and was very pleased. I got one alcoholic & one non alcoholic cocktail, both delicious. The bartenders were kind and attentive. I especially loved the music that night - neo-soul and hip hop. This is a great addition to the neighborhood. I hope the chill vibes, unique drinks, and thoughtful service continues. They also have Jacknife sushi if you get hungry. Check this place out! read more

Public Parking - Tea-based NA cocktail - A tall glass of lemon-flavored cocktail with ice, garnished with a lemon slice and star anise, placed on a wooden table inside a cafe. - Bars Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Very vibey bar! Creative cocktail menu. Not thrilled with the pina colada from a slushie machine. I'm not sure if I could have asked for it to be made fresh or not. Smallish place and hard to get a drink from the bar if you are not sitting at it. Bartenders are friendly, helpful and paid attention to people trying to get drinks. Street parking only. It's located next to Caribou lounge and across from Hot Lunch. Check it out! read more

Terrible service - were ignored by bartender- waste of time we left. Too hipster for their own good - here today gone tomorrow'

Honestly, all was ok until we had interaction with one of the bartenders. On more than one occasion this guy was rude, indignant and if I can say more, in the wrong industry. Id like to revisit here but let's hope hospitality is better. read more

Such a cool place/vibe! Me and a friend both ordered the Pina Colada (shaken) and it was perfect -- strong, but still drinkable and a tad sweet. The bartenders were dressed in theme with the name (fun touch) and were friendly. New favorite cocktail spot in Madison. read more

public parking's motto is "where there's a always a space for you" and yet there was no space for us when we arrived. the bartenders there ignored BIPOC folx in our group but were quick to tend to the white person with us. one of us waited 30 minutes to get a bartender's attention while getting elbowed by male patrons. we did get excellent drinks and thanked the bartender for it but later a white male staff member came up to our table then proceeded to reprimand us for "yelling at the bartender." we corrected him and said no such thing happened and that he was misinformed. he did not apologize for his rude behavior and we told him to walk away. read more