Short Stack Eatery

About

Breakfast & Brunch

Price Range : $11-30 ($$)

  • star
    Yelp rating
    4 stars

Location

Adress: 301 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703

Phone: (608) 709-5569

Work Hours

Mon
Tue
Wed 6:00 am-3:00 pm
Thu 6:00 am-12:00 am
Fri 6:00 am-12:00 am
Sat 6:00 am-Sun
Sun 9:00 pm

Business info

  • turned_in_not
    Health Score
    79 out of 100
  • turned_in_not
    Vegan Options
    Yes
  • list_alt
    Takes Reservations
    No
  • directions_car
    Delivery
    No
  • move_to_inbox
    Take-out
    Yes
  • credit_card
    Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • thumb_up
    Good For
    Breakfast, Brunch
  • local_parking
    Parking
    Street
  • directions_bike
    Bike Parking
    Yes
  • accessibility
    Good for Kids
    Yes
  • group
    Good for Groups
    Yes
  • insert_emoticon
    Ambience
    Casual, Trendy
  • volume_up
    Noise Level
    Average
  • local_bar
    Alcohol
    Full Bar
  • transit_enterexit
    Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • wifi
    Wi-Fi
    Free
  • tv
    Has TV
    No
  • turned_in_not
    Waiter Service
    No
  • fastfood
    Caters
    Yes

Reviews

  • Alice G.

    star star star star star 14 June 2026

    We went to SSE for Saturday brunch after strolling through the Farmer's Market and it was delicious! Food is flavorful, well seasoned and full of texture.
    Staff is great and were super accommodating to our large party of 8!

    I love the fact that you pay first and coffee and water are self served! A great solution to keep the flow in this restaurant that is on the small side.

    A very special touch of the decor are hand written letters from customers that were put under the glass on the tables.

    Highly recommend SSE for breakfast food!

  • Beth R.

    star star star star star 12 June 2026

    It is so worth the wait!!! Stood inline outside for about 20 minutes but the food!!!!
    Staff are friendly and helpful.
    Eggs Benedict were very flavorful.
    My husband is so predictable and he could find his basic bacon, eggs and pancakes.

  • Sarah H.

    star star star star star_border 4 June 2026

    Ate here on a Sunday morning. As to be expected, there was a line out the door to get in.

    Pros: The instructions on ordering were clear, the food came out quickly despite the business, the pancakes did not fail to disappoint, good service.
    Cons: No air conditioning or ventilation, people were visibly sweating , shirts drenching in there at 9 am, failure to mention that there was an extra charge for real maple syrup ($1 for a tiny amount) otherwise it was imitation in the back..

    Self serve for water, utensils, napkins, syrup, coffee, etc.
    Overall, good experience despite the sweat of people dripping into their plates of food. I thought maybe it was purposeful to keep people moving out the door as we did not want to be there any longer than we had to be due to the heat.

  • Carla K.

    star star star star star 31 May 2026

    I would eat here every day of my life, if I could -- it's that good! And Short Stack is definitely popular because of it.

    There was a short line when we arrived early on a Sunday afternoon, but the other patrons were friendly and we enjoyed talking as the line moved quickly along.

    Our food and beverages were well worth the brief wait. The sweet potato oatmeal pancakes with maple bourbon marscarpone were to die for! So sweet and decadent. To balance that out, the fluffy egg white scramble was a perfect way to go, and there's a full list of add-ins, including, cheeses, meats and fresh veggies, available at the counter.

    Their unique and delicious breakfast cocktails were great as we took our time and enjoyed the food along with the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

  • Java P.

    star star star star star 21 May 2026

    A friend raved about this place and invited me for brunch. A-MA-ZING! Simply...WOW!

    Pros:
    -Gourmet breakfast all day even a college student can afford
    -Big plates with big flavors, Instagram friendly as well
    -They take classic dishes and give it a hip, new spin. I had the corned beef and shared the French toast with my friend! YUM!
    -Decor has a lot of character, it's like they took over grandma's kitchen and made it hip again
    -Lots of cool things to check out while waiting for your food (old letters underneath glass, wall hangings, or just absorb the experience)

    Cons:
    -it's incredibly popular, so come prepared to wait...but don't worry, it's worth it
    -can get tight and loud, more reasons to be friendly with your neighbors
    -you might not want to share your food with friends...but that's understandable

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