Hot Lunch offers high-quality sandwiches, sides and craft beverages for the Madison community with focus on the Tenney/Lapham and Johnson Street neighborhoods. All items are made from mindfully sourced and house-made ingredients aimed to cure every craving. The concept of Hot Lunch is a nod to the heartfelt care of the meals from our childhood in a space providing nostalgia and whimsy.
Based on 113 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 5.0 stars. Price
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout
Address:
708 1/4 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 405-5566
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Thursday | 11 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–7 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
Menu
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Menu Photos
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Reviews
Erin Murphy
Welp. Found a new place to spend my entire paycheck. Walked into serious nostalgia with cozy vibes. Sat right at the bar and I’m glad we did because we got to hang with the owner of the place and share a bunch of laughs. Very cool dude. But the food, omg. I got the classic and it was seriously bomb. The flavors were extremely well balanced; the correct cheese to calm down the strong flavors of the meats, dressings and the added Calabrian chili pesto (highly recommend the $1 upgrade to this). Bread was on point; fresh, flaky, crunchy crust with a proper spongy center. Pair all that with a Bloody Mary from heaven. The spice level was decent and came with numerous fresh, pickled veggies. All of it was out fast after we ordered, too. They must have their prep game down to get it out that quick. Don’t forget that every meal comes with candy you’ll remember from junior high if you were 12 in 1997. The best! (Except that Gushers have cut back on the gush and they need to rethink this.)
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Daniella Lopez
These are the hearty, flavorful sandwiches I’ve missed while living in Asia. Classic sandwiches, great lemonade, amazing millennial decor that isnt tacky and overdone, good playlist, and Travis and the team are incredibly friendly. A true hidden gem, easy to drive by, but don’t!
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Danh PhanLe
I was skeptical of all the 5 stars rating, but happy to be wrong. Had the braised pork belly sandwich aka a BLT. This is definitely the best sandwich I’ve had this year. They’ve nailed and elevated this version of the BLT. Will definitely be back to try the other dishes.
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Blake Ochsner
Super tasty and filling food. Their chili and their soup of the day when we went (cauliflower and leek bisque) were both great. We will be coming back to try more!
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Jacob Clark
I see now why they have the perfect review score. Just a really cool place. Great food, very clean feeling, nice sound system.
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Alexander Hodder
Literally the best sandwich I’ve ever had, I felt like I betrayed myself when I finished it. The bartender and server Travis was awesome too. Amazing experience!
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Zachary Cumby
Came here for lunch after visiting the children’s museum. Food was excellent, the atmosphere is extremely relaxing with a 90’s vibe, and the service is the best we’ve ever had! Would definitely come again if we’re near Madison.
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Sarah Kangas
Fellow millennials (and millennials at heart), these are the best sandwiches in the neighborhood! So far, I’ve had the Pork Belly and Classic sammies, both house sodas, and the tomato soup. It’s finally perfect soup weather and it absolutely hit the spot! I love the 90’s nostalgia and the friendly vibes. They also have gluten free bread that doesn’t crumble apart as soon as you touch it!
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Michael Sawyer
It’s not often I walk into a place where I’m part of their target demographic. Just walking into the Hot Lunch was a treat. 90s memorabilia abounds, staff and customers are about my age, music is largely from the 90s. Fantastic atmosphere, fantastic clientele, fantastic staff. Then there was the food. It was impeccable. I can’t recommend Hot Lunch highly enough.
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Benjamin Fullerton
“easy food” executed amazingly. Friendly Madison atmosphere, with a good variety of food and drinks. Root Beer Braised pork belly on sourdough has a killer sweet/tangy balance. The only improvement would be later hours than 7pm. Awesome addition to the neighborhood
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