Reviews - Java Den

Reviews summary

Tucked in the Grand Central lobby on the UW–Madison campus, this compact café excels at fast, grab-and-go coffee—Kickapoo/Wonderstate roasts, expertly steamed milk and a standout white mocha—plus rotating monthly specials. Service is mostly warm and accommodating, with a walk-up espresso window that suits students and commuters, though seating is scarce and lines can form. Pastries are convenient rather than artisanal, and quality can vary by barista. Several customers have reported instances of racial insensitivity that management should address to ensure all patrons feel welcome.

Overall Total Score
3.6 out of 5
Very good | 268 reviews

Was Joshua Kaminski at Java Den a mag?

This is a fantastic little shop! It has a fast-paced, grab-and-go vibe. They serve Kickapoo Coffee and steam the milk to perfection, resulting in excellent drinks. However, the pastries didn't seem artisan, local, or freshly made. The staff provides very friendly service, which adds to the overall experience. View all feedback.

What Seri Park dislikes about Java Den:

This place historically has had a pattern of rudeness to Asian and Asian American customers. Many of the staff were kind and helpful, but some were not. Those in management positions should have been sensitive and address this issue right away, rather than dismiss this issue. I think that all customers should be treated equally and with respect. View all feedback.

Reviews from various users

Restaurantji

Last update : 03.08.2023

4.0 ★ from 32 reviews
preston-86
03.08.2023

Serving Wonderstate coffee and delicious Madison Sourdough pastries and viennoiseries at affordable prices, this on-campus location is perfect for a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Food: 5/5.

doodleduckie
03.08.2023

I recently visited this restaurant with a friend and was pleasantly surprised by the variety of flavors available. I highly recommend trying the February special, the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mocha. They also have a selection of pastries and quick snacks. However, it’s worth mentioning that this place is best suited for solo visits or small groups, as seating is limited.

kristian-78
03.08.2023

Java Den is a hidden gem for coffee lovers on the UW campus. They serve Wonderstate coffee, offer a great selection of loose leaf teas, and provide fresh pastries from Madison Sourdough. The baristas are usually very friendly, making it a delightful addition to my daily routine.

seri-1
03.08.2023

This place historically has had a pattern of rudeness to Asian and Asian American customers. Many of the staff were kind and helpful, but some were not. Those in management positions should have been sensitive and address this issue right away, rather than dismiss this issue. I think that all customers should be treated equally and with respect.

evan-336
03.08.2023

Excellent small coffee shop located in Grand Central serving local madison roasts from Wonderstate and baked goods from Madison Sourdough. Very fond of their monthly drink specials, highly recommended trying them yourself.

Int Restaurants

Last update : 22.08.2023

3.7 ★ from 150 reviews
joshua-99
22.08.2023

This is a fantastic little shop! It has a fast-paced, grab-and-go vibe. They serve Kickapoo Coffee and steam the milk to perfection, resulting in excellent drinks. However, the pastries didn't seem artisan, local, or freshly made. The staff provides very friendly service, which adds to the overall experience.

megan-1269
22.08.2023

I had a fantastic experience today. The barista was incredibly knowledgeable about the coffee and flavor shots, and she crafted the most beautiful mocha I’ve ever seen for my friend. The pastries are sourced from Madison Sourdough and are outstanding. One of my favorite aspects of Java Den is the impressive variety of flavor shots they offer, making it easy and affordable to grab a fun drink on my way to work! I will definitely be returning soon.

tommy-426
22.08.2023

This charming shop is situated in the main lobby of Grand Central, an apartment complex right in the center of the UW-Madison campus. It turned out to be quite a delightful surprise. I stopped by to pick up a quick coffee before heading to class and left feeling pleased with an outstanding batch brew from one of the nation’s top roasters, Kickapoo Coffee. The café truly has all the features of a real coffee shop. While the wait can sometimes be lengthy and the waiting area is limited, the quality of the coffee makes it well worth it.

c-user-113
22.08.2023

Undisputably one of the best coffee shops in Madison! The staff are super kind and understanding; one day I came in and I didn't know they only accepted MasterCard and Visa for credit cards, and I didn't think I had any cash on me. One of the lovely ladies there offered to queue it up for me and I could give her the money next time I came in! (Which is every other day). Not only that, but my coffee is made perfect every time. I don't know how they do it. My usual is the white mocha, it's the only place I take that order now! On top of that, it's in a convenient spot on the UW campus so I can run right to class after I've ordered my much-needed hot bean drink.

bipana
22.08.2023

Decent coffee in the area. They serve Kickapoo coffee. Mostly good, but a little inconsistent in quality of the brew depending on the Baristas. However, I can't think of any other place for better coffee in the area unless you walk more than 5-7 minutes further.

Google
3.9 ★ from 45 reviews
Tripadvisor
3.4 ★ from 4 reviews
Gastroranking-us
3.1 ★ from 37 reviews

FAQ

The next parking lot is Union South Garage, located 390 meters away from Java Den.

From Madison, these Pics of Java Den were shared by the members of Menu. They display the dining hall at Java Den, the interiors, the location and naturally, superb Pictures of delicious dishes from Java Den.

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