Public Parking Bar

You must come here!!! What an experience. I love creative drinks and eats, I do it as often as I can. I would say I have a refined palette from cooking and eating high end meals myself. The bar is gorgeous, the restrooms are clean and nice. The DRINKS! The quality of the liquor, the mixes, the garnishes. I can’t say enough good things. We came back to this bar twice because we couldn’t get enough. The drinks are strong so one was plenty for both us. We both ended up getting NA cocktails just so we could keep trying the drinks when we were out our limit for drinks. Please come and try. You should sit at the bar to see these drinks get created.

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 chill vibe. Grandma Hates My Neck Tattoo—seriously good, with a funky blend of whiskey and strawberry rhubarb. Then I went for the 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!

Nice cocktail bar option on Johnson st. Makes for a nice pit stop alongside institutional faves like the Caribou. Two separate seating areas; classic bar area with high tops and a different room with lounge feel and furniture. Looked like their large windows open up at some point. That’s a nice feature tho the day we’re visiting they were shut. Cocktails range between some classics, classics with a slight twist and some really creative ones. Mostly each one has a minimum of 7 - 8 ingredients. While that makes me skeptical, I am here to learn and enjoy! Our fave cocktail we tried was the Not Too Sweet - well made and balanced. Would go back to try out a few more. Cincin!

We went to Public Parking Bar to celebrate a birthday with some friends. The drinks are excellent with subtle complexity made by true mixologists who as they put it “enjoy being nerds.” See attached photos of their creations. Everyone I interacted with provided great service. The atmosphere satisfied both an urge to “go out” and also an approachable neighborhood feel. It had a bar area and separate lounge area to the side. Plenty of bathrooms ;) and a diverse customer following. At times a bit loud for conversation in a group of our size. This is not necessarily a downside depending on what you’re looking for.

Fabulous hidden gem on the east side. They are first and foremost a cocktail bar so limited food options. The names of each drink are super fun and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable!

The cocktails here were so much fun! The service- even better! The only negative was that it was very loud inside. I'll still go back because of the quality of the cocktails and the hospitality.

This new bar off of Johnson street is a great addition to the neighborhood and just what this area needed. This upscale cocktail establishment is doing a great job of inventing a fun new menu but still keeping it playful and quirky as well. The dark atmosphere is really nice and complements the drink menu. Plenty of seating for all group sizes and even though it was busy bartenders moved pretty quickly around getting orders.

I loved everything about Public Parking! The space was beautiful, the music was great, the staff were fantastic, and the drinks were extremely well made and delicious. One of the few places in Madison we've gone to order a Sazerac and they didn't ask "what"s that?" but just made a perfect Sazerac. I highly recommend!

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.