Ordering before being seated speed the process along greatly. While the food may be a bit pricy for breakfast, it is well worth it. The service is speedy, there are plenty of places to sit, and the menu is very diverse. read more

Very hyped up in Madison but not all that to me. I had the trio. I got egg whites, fruit, and pancakes. The pancakes are all the rage, but we're just pretty standard to me. Now I'm not saying they were not delicious, but they just were not worth the hype. We luckily came at 7am to beat the excessive line this place usually gets. If I had to wait in that line I would have been disappointed. Aside from food, atmosphere is homey and quaint. Staff is very polite and helpful. I would return but I would only recommend to go early to beat the line. It would not be worth the wait. read more

Short Stack Eatery - The trio - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Madison has a thousand places to brunch, but this is a must try. Not only do they serve all breakfast all the time, you can order "blind" (they bring you something random) for only $7. Their bloody is unique and refreshing - juiced from fresh vegetables including beets. My favorite part is you can order a short stack and entree if you don't want to pick between sweet or savory (which I never do). I highly recommend the pulled pork and cheesy grits! read more

Short Stack Eatery - Sweet short stack with a small bowl of the pulled pork and cheesy grits - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This is one of the better breakfasts in Madison. It has an order at the counter then find a table format, which is probably in place because of the huge weekend crowds, but in my opinion detracts from the dining experience. My favorite part about Short Stack is the blind special. They have a daily special which you can ask about, but if you don't ask and just order it blindly, you get it half off. It's pretty fun and a nice way to save money. This time we ordered the blind special which turned out to be pancakes with blueberry compote, walnuts, coconut, and whipped cream. It was good, but it was so sweet so we got sick of it pretty quick. We also ordered the biscuits and gravy which are similarly good at first, but too much after a few bites. Since there aren't many designated breakfast spots near State Street, Short Stack is definitely worth going to if you're in the area, but nothing too special. read more

Short Stack Eatery - The Blind Special - this time it turned out to be pancakes with blueberry compote, among other things. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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The rumors are true. The sweet potato oatmeal short stack pancakes were delicious! A small order is more than enough! Get a side of their amazing thick cut bacon to pair with the extremely sweet cakes. The self serve coffee is decent; staff was friendly and helpful. Loved the brightness of the space and the unique decor. Will definitely be back to try other dishes! read more

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My husband tried the Blind and was pleasantly surprised by his savory breakfast sandwich which had a surprising and interesting mix of flavors. I went a little more conservative and got pancakes and the breakfast potatoes--all of which were excellent. We found the place to be charming and are likely to return again soon! read more

I love this place so much! Friends and I came in for a late dinner and we left very happy. I order the Trio ($8.99 + $2.00) which came with 3 chocolate chip pancakes, a side of fresh fruit, and two slices of bacon (extra charge for the bacon). The pancakes were fluffy and scrumptious. Three pancakes definitely filled me up, so after the crispy bacon, I was stuffed. In addition, I ordered a small orange juice for (~$5). Though the price of the orange juice was a bit high, the orange juice was very fresh and yummy. The only qualm I have about Short Stack is it's location. Because it's downtown, parking may be a little difficult to find; but nonetheless, nothing comes between me and great food! Excellent restaurant for a late night meal, highly recommend those chocolate chip pancakes. read more

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Great food but a little heavy on their politics.

This place was great! Even though there was a line out the door, by the time we ordered at the counter, a table opened up. There's a really good flow. My husband and I shared the Cajun biscuits and gravy which were delicious! We also decided to be adventurous and order the blind special which is cheaper if you don't ask what it is. It ended up being a really good vegetarian dish. We wouldn't have ordered it from a menu so I'm glad we did the blind special so it forced us to try something really good we normally wouldn't have picked! Also THE PEAR MINOSA was sooooo good. I was the designated driver back to Chicago so I couldn't have a whole one but I stole some sips from my lucky husband. It was his birthday so he deserved it. read more

Short Stack Eatery - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Cheese grits that sttrreeeetttch! Enough said. Oh, Yelp says that's not enough said so will add that the mixed greens are a cut above the usual grocery store mix, being really fresh, and were enhanced by a house salad dressing that was perfectly tangy but applied with a light touch. The place has standing instructions for how to line up outside when they're busy, which tells you they usually are... read more

This place is exactly what I want in a breakfast spot! The decor is eclectic and funky, the food is yummy and hearty, and they hold awesome community events like a charity dinner for Porchlight, a local shelter and social services organization for the homeless. I have yet to try any of their boozy beverages but I'm sure they're delicious too. I've had the eggs Benedict, the biscuits and gravy, the you-pick-three breakfast trio, and the blind special and I haven't been disappointed by anything so far. My favorite things I've eaten here though are probably the blueberry pancakes and the biscuits and gravy. The pancakes were fluffy and moist and not too dense. The biscuits and gravy were heavy but in the good, stick-to-your-ribs, hearty way. I wanted to smother the sausage gravy on any piece of food I could find. Totally unrelated side note re: the ambience of the place: I am a huge fan of Gilmore Girls and this place gives me Luke's vibes - not because they have a surly owner (the service is always great) but because it's cozy and homey and you know your food is always gonna be solid. And I live down the street from them so maybe I can become a regular like Lorelai and Rory.... read more

Short Stack Eatery - Biscuits and gravy, eggs Benedict, coffee, fresh squeezed OJ and they have Cholula too! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

This is such a cool little gem in downtown Madison. With mainly breakfast food and late night options this place is great for after bar snacks or a late dinner. I went here after an event at the overture center on a Friday night that ended at 9:00pm. Knowing that a lot of places would be closing soon I opted for short stack since is was next door and is open 24 hours on the weekend. I knew we would not feel rushed as like some places that closed shortly. I also have been trying to go to short stack for awhile, but on Sunday/Saturday morning when I have tried they usually have a line out the door. I had heard great things about there Bloody Mary so I ordered one of these and a chocolate chip short stack. The pancakes were rich and delicious. They were the perfect portion for me and hit the spot for the pancake craving I had been having. I am not a huge breakfast person but I do enjoy good pancakes every once and awhile. The Bloody Mary which is said to have 25 ingredients was different. It was very red/purple in color. I was a fan, it had a complex flavor and a good amount of heat. I understand where not everyone would like it but if you like vegetables other than tomatoes it is worth a try. Overall if you like breakfast food I would recommend Short Stack. It is also a great alternative to Ihop or Perkins which are some of the only other restaurants open 24/7 on the weekends. read more

Short Stack Eatery - Chocolate chip short stack. I took a bite before taking the photo, could not wait to eat. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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In town visiting my student and he needed breakfast between classes. I found this place with google search and thought to check it out. Outside of building is unmarked as far as I could see but inside is trendy. Staff is pleasant, and set up to order for safety precautions is convenient. Food was very tasty, we both had Cajun B&G which comes with eggs and split a short stack of buttermilk pancakes. Smaller menu but I actually prefer that. Little bit spendy for upscale diner food, but definitely enjoyed it. read more

Short Stack is my brunch request every time I'm visiting family in the Madison area. There's usually a line, but it's so worth it and it goes pretty quick. Plus, it gives you enough time to be at war with yourself over which of the delicious options to choose. Short Stack has the friendliest staff, and there is always a table available because they are so quick and efficient with clearing them off for the incoming customers. I've tested just about everything on the menu, and it's almost impossible to pick a favorite. If you're looking for a savory and flavor-packed breakfast, you absolutely have to get the pulled pork and cheesy grits. This is probably my favorite savory breakfast I've ever had. Their grits are the perfect texture, the pulled pork is perfectly greasy (making this excellent for a hangover breakfast), and the jalapeños pack a punch that cuts through some of the fat in this dish. Not to mention, this bowl comes with a side of the most delicious, rosemary-flecked toast. Yum! As far as sweet breakfasts go, the sweet potato oatmeal pancakes are a clear winner. They're soft and gooey on the inside, a little crunchy from the oatmeal, and are topped off with a heaping pile of maple bourbon mascarpone. I cannot get enough of these pancakes!! Short stack is the genius business model for a college campus: open 24/7 from Thursday through Sunday, convenient location, and a menu full of drunken indulgence which double as hangover cures. Their prices are ultra-reasonable, and the adorable atmosphere takes this incredible eatery to the next level. Keep doing what you're doing, Short Stack! Lots of love all the way from Ohio. read more

Number one sweet potato oatmeal pancakes! They come with a creamy but slighty cheesy spread, cut up strawberries, and syrup. But be careful because these pancakes are extremely filling. I made the mistake once of eating the entire plate and was sick for the entire rest of the day. So pace yourself when you eat here! Another thing I like about this place is their "Blind Special", which is only $7 if you don't ask what it is or $11 if you do ask what it is. Although you won't know what it is, you're allowed to ask if it is savory or sweet! So if it fits my taste buds that day, I usually always go with the Blind, because it has never let me down! Oh, and cool vibes! read more

Short Stack Eatery - Mmmmm... - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

I went super early because I've seen people line up for this place. No regrets! The sweet potato oatmeal pancakes were divine; it doesn't sound like a normal combo but it tasted like oatmeal cookies especially with the whip cream. The pecan french toast was also delicious and crispy! The orange juice while a little pricey was definitely worth it! read more

Short Stack is a place I've been meaning to try for years, but the combo of their specialized hours + lines out the door just haven't jived with my attempts to stop in. I finally had my chance on a Friday summer evening and had a good experience that is probably closer to 3.5 stars than 4. The night we stopped in their air conditioning was broken, but it was a pretty mild night and they had plenty of fans going. Once you got out of the doorway it wasn't bad at all, temperature-wise. The fans were caked in dust, though, so I wish they'd have wiped them down before turning them on. I couldn't help but imagining what would be blowing onto my food as I sat there. While I have been yearning to try their sweet potato oatmeal pancakes, my stomach was telling me to go a more savory route for dinner. I stepped out of my comfort zone and ordered the breakfast sandwich, sans egg. The combo of soft Stella's spicy cheese bread, crispy bacon, tomato, cheddar, and onions* was very satisfying. It also came with almost a quarter of a cup of rhubarb jam on it - for me it was overkill. Not too bad after scraping 90% of it off, but I think in the future I'll order it on the side. *The menu says caramelized onions, which would have been incredible, but like so many places they were actually closer to grilled. I wish places would agree that to be caramelized the onion has to be brown (preferably dark brown) and softened. Anyway, onion rant over. The breakfast potatoes looked amazing but had no flavor. My meal came with a little tin of sour cream and a sweet & spicy hot sauce - dunking my bites of potato into that helped, but I wish they'd been seasoned on their own. It took awhile for our food to come out (a table of four that came in after us got their food before my dinner buddy and I did), but at least the food was hot and our order was correct. I do need to get back to try the pancakes, but I'm not champing at the bit to do so. A solid option, but I don't think I'd wait in line for it. read more

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We loved Short Stack! The staff were very attentive and the chef came to speak to us to discuss our order. The food was undeniable and I would recommend stopping by for breakfast or brunch anytime! I had the southwest biscuits and gravy, which was amazing! I could have licked my plate! The biscuits were made in-house and you can tell! My niece had the chocolate chip pancakes, they were so delicious and large. read more

Good place. Why will I be back? Here are 5 reasons. 1. Food was good but not the best. A bit blend for my taste. 2. I want to try other dishes. 3. Not plenty of options for Pescatarians but you can work things out. 4. Service was average to good. 5. Not too impressed but want to give another try. Wish they'll add veggie sausages if not more seafood options. read more

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I had ordered from the blind item on the menu, as one should, I received tomato based pancakes with cream cheese and cherry tomatoes on top. -this changed my whole game- (at 21 years of age I was still tomato shy): After my first bite, hungover and hungry, it shook my test buds: and my life alike. The spirit of life came to me in the form of a short stack of tomato pancakes. Y'all rock thank you! read more

Solid breakfast restaurant. The reason for four stars over three is because of the delightful blueberry pancakes. Very delectable. The reason I did not award five stars is because of the long wait to get our food. The system here is as follows; walk in, order from front counter, grab number and sit down. You then wait for your food after you pay at the counter and this step took an extremely long time for me and my family. Combined with the great food which was enjoyed by myself and my group this restaurant has earned a solid 4 stars. Also I saw a golden retriever puppy outside while I was eating and I left to go pet it and it has been the highlight of month so far. His name was copper and he was 9 weeks old. That is all. read more

Short Stack Eatery - This is a good restaurant. Here is a picture of me sitting. I thought y'all on the yelp community might enjoy it. Stay tuned Stay fresh! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Their breakfast sandwich never disappoints as well as their breakfast potatoes. Love the onion jam on the sandwich and fresh pretzel bun. My friend got the blueberry pancakes which were just okay. we also had their Rishi peach yuzu green tea which was lovely. The place is really quirky and cute and the staff is very friendly and timely. read more

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Absolutely love this all day breakfast food restaurant! I've been here multiple times and always have a great meal. I appreciate their partnership with local farmers and businesses! Also, the inclusive community atmosphere. You can't go wrong with Short Stack! read more

Short Stack Eatery - sweet potato oatmeal stack - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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This is definitely one of my favorite breakfast places in Madison. The food is so worth it! It favorite go to is the eggs benedict. There was definitely enough hollandaise sauce so that nothing was dry, the eggs were poached and so soft and delicious, and the breakfast potatoes had so much flavor! The grits had a good amount of cheese flavor without being overpowering. The food is just so delicious and all the breakfasts I've had were just so filling and satisfying. read more

You have to be prepared to wait in line to eat at the Short Stack Eatery! We waited in line for probably 40 minutes. As you approach the door, you realize that you order at the hostess stand and then find a table on your own. Once we were seated, we enjoyed our Bloody Mary drinks, which were quite different than what we expected. The food was worth the wait and we enjoyed our breakfast. read more

Short Stack Eatery - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Great concept and pretty good food. I've been here a few times for brunch and a few times in the evenings. It was always pretty darn crowded in the mornings (as you'd probably expect for a beloved brunch place in a central part of town), but we ended up finding seating fairly quickly. The large communal table towards the front of the cafe is definitely a godsend. I'd recommend ordering the blind special. It's the cheapest item on the menu by a good couple of bucks and I absolutely love the element of surprise. They recommend against it if you have a lot of dietary restrictions, but when I've gotten it in the past they've been happy to at least make vegetarian substitutions for me which I really appreciate. The decor is chic and cozy all at once. It really feels as welcoming for a Saturday morning brunch with friends or family as it does for spending a quiet Friday evening tucked away in the corner reading and sipping a drink. Huge shout out to the gay and trans pride flags hanging up in the windows and the little egg shaped neon sign they have up. Truly could not pick a favorite piece of decor here. read more

I'm new to the area and on line the restaurant looked interesting. There was no signage on the door or building but I figured that I found the place when people were leaving with to go boxes! The menu looked nice and my hubby had a good breakfast. I'm GF and the menu was marked. No GF eggs! I ordered very expensive pancakes ate 1/3 of them - yuck. The place was very busy with people out the door on a cold day and poorly staffed so no real opportunity to ask the staff questions read more

Great place for breakfast. Varied and interesting menu. Cajun biscuits and gravy was interesting although mine came out only mildly warm. My breakfast burrito was smoking hot and delicious however. Self serve coffee was decent although a little bitter for my taste. read more

Breakfast should be fast. Coffee is self serve and they run out and when notified the staff don't make any effort to procure more coffee. Crackpot Covid ordering system where you wait in line to order (unless they are busy, and then you queue on the street waiting to order food instead of sitting down at the available tables) then try to find a table, then they bring it out. Often you cannot order as they are at capacity. Very slow kitchen (35min for eggs) and wildly expensive ($15 for eggs). If you place a to go order, you are on your own as the short-staffed place doesn't have anyone to help. Won't be back. read more

I love this place and hope they never have to close their doors. The service is tough at peak times because of a long wait line and wait time for food, hence the 4 stars. But most of the time it's really worth the wait. I always ask if the special is sweet or savory at the counter, and 9/10 would recommend always trying it for the surprise! They also make good drinks in general. The vibes in there are very eclectic with a mix of diner-y and artistic. Tables have fun decorations inside of them, walls are decked out, plants are hanging everywhere, and the sunlight really comes in throughout the morning! I recommend trying them out either for early lunch or a late-night weeknight first so that you fully experience the greatness that this place is - if you're okay with being a little patient, they have a phenomenal brunch! read more

People in Madison are OBSESSED with Short Stack. I think it's good, but a little overpriced and overrated. Overall, it's a great restaurant to have on a college campus - slightly fancier than Sunroom Café but below prices of places like Sardine or Graze. The interior is absolutely delightful - SSE did the cutest job of decorating their glass tables and accessorizing the restaurant to feel like a sunroom at all times. In general, the menu is good but for breakfast food, a lot of it I do feel as if I could make at home without the prices. That being said, there are a few redeeming items that make it 100% worth it to stop by to try: 1) Sweet Potato Oatmeal Pancakes. My old roommates forced me to go back to SSE after I was hesitant and this really won me over. These are actual PERFECTION. Naturally sweet, grainy, wholesome, and topped with mascarpone, fresh strawberries, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. I dream for SPOP. 2) Breakfast Potatoes. It's like...the potatoes you want to make, but would never make for yourself because they are the definition of buttery goodness. But it's okay when someone else makes them for you because then it just melts in your mouth and the entire world feels good again. 3) Blind Special. Every day, there is a Blind Special that is 50% off - it is what it sounds like. You're allowed to ask if it is sweet or savory, but the rest is up to the Chef for that day. I've almost never been disappointed by this (and your wallet definitely thanks you!) and generally trust the judgment. If you're feeling risky and want to save a few bucks, this is definitely the move! You never know what you'll find. :) Overall, cute restaurant that is a little overpriced with some unique menu items to check out (see above!!!!). read more

Short Stack Eatery - Heaven in the form of Sweet Potato Oatmeal Pancakes. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I loved this kitschy little place. Mismatched tables and chairs, unique artwork, diner-type feel all surrounding a bar. (So Wisconsin!) When you walk in - if you can because there's always a line - you grab a menu, order and pay. They bring your food to you and clean up after. The coffee and water are self-serve. I had the blueberry pancakes which may have been the best blueberry pancakes I've ever had. My husband had the pulled pork and cheesy grits. I think he fell in love. Two reasons for the 4 stars: 1. After we got our food he asked for jelly for his toast and was told he could ORDER some. That seemed a little much for JELLY. 2. In every table were little vases of flowers. I love that touch. BUT. The one on our table was so dirty you couldn't see through the water. The flowers were pretty old and brown. We actually had to hide it from sight behind the table signs. Totally gross and unappealing. Made me wonder how clean anything else was... read more

Short Stack Eatery - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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I am a huge fan of breakfast food and this place did not disappoint. The line was out of the door and curved outside of the place. I think we may have waited 20 minutes until we were able to order at the register. They have a great menu with sweet and savory breakfast items. There is definitely something for everyone here! I got the French toast with a tall glass of chocolate milk. The French toast was very sweet and the chocolate milk was refreshing! read more

Short Stack Eatery - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Amazing breakfast food served 24/7! They have their system down to a tee. You order and pay at the front, they give you a number, you sit down, and then they bring out your food to you! It's quick and delicious. read more

Short Stack Eatery - Sweet Potato Pancakes with Maple Mascarpone 10/10. Best pancakes I've ever had hands down. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

If you come to Short Stack for breakfast on a weekend, you're almost guaranteed an out-the-door line to wait in. It's worth it though. This charming, unpretentious space is a go-to spot for Madison residents and students alike...for good reason. Great breakfast cocktails, fluffy pancakes, and delicious savory breakfast options. As someone who prefers savory over sweet in terms of breakfast, I've mostly chosen the savory options, and I have liked everything I've tried. The Breakfast Sandwich is delicious + comes on a spicy cheese roll which always brings back the best Farmer's Market nostalgia, even in the winter. The Eggs Benedict is also a classic...the lemon hollandaise sauce is delicious. My favorite, though, is the Pork and Grits. The grits are smooth and creamy, while the pork is perfectly seasoned and melts in your mouth. Such a good dish. You really can't go wrong here, and you'll probably soon find yourself coming here for brunch as well as breakfast for dinner!! read more

In town for a second year of the CrossFit Games and of course we're gonna hit Short Stack again! Because it's a Weimar! I'd recently had Covid and my die hard love of eggs had been lost... but I thought I'd give them a try again bc I needed the protein.... Thank you, Short Stack, my love is back and the owner (I think) was even sweet enough to tell me how they do it (#Ghee) ... the sweet potato pancakes are also to die for!!! Love this place (get there EARLY) read more

We went here since they had outdoor seating and good reviews and loved it. You order at the counter then find seating. I really struggled ordering since everything looked great, but I settled with the breakfast sandwich that looked like they used stellas hot and spicy rolls. So good!!! Their potatoes were crispy and came with a mix of hot sauce and sour cream. Deliciousness! Everyone else agreed too that it was great. Their coffee was meh, but I loved everything else! read more

$$$$$$$$$$ I kind of expected this place to score low on the value scale due to the high rent corner it is on. It is best for well heeled parents from Chicago to take their Badger kids. So it is pricey. A cup of coffee is $3.25. The food was tasty, the portions small. A must have for me they serve...thick sliced bacon and fresh squeezed oj. I won't be back. read more

I really do love Short Stack. The food is great and the staff is friendly. But having to wait an hour outside (usually in the cold) just to get a table makes it hard to want to go back. The restaurant could easily solve this by either accepting reservations or offering a callback system (like every other breakfast restaurant nearby). It's frustrating that a business which preaches inclusivity and acceptance is unwilling to do the bare minimum to respect their customers. read more

Short Stack Eatery NEVER misses! I mean ever! They bring it! The space is set up with the bar/cashier in the middle of the floor, they have postcards and silverware pasted into the tables, they have history all over the room. This place takes you to a whole new place when you come inside. Every time I have come they are always busy, but always, always and I mean always worth the wait. I always get the TRIO but then always end up with a quad(4) or quin(5). You pick three: buttermilk short stack, breakfast meat, toast, two cage-free eggs, any style, fresh fruit, breakfast potatoes, mixed greens. I am a classic type of guy, so my wheelhouse is short stack, eggs, meat(two meats). The portions are great, the service is fast and friendly, the food is warm and ready to be devoured! I give this place a 6 out of 5. They are in the heart of Madison, local, and they are proud of it! I love it! If you're ever in Madison, and want breakfast, at anytime of the day go to Short Stack! read more