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Welcome to Hot Lunch

At Hot Lunch, we blend nostalgia with modern flavor to create an unforgettable dining experience. Nestled in the heart of Madison, our vibrant eatery offers a menu that features mouthwatering sandwiches, hearty soups, and delicious bar options—all with a focus on quality and creativity. With a friendly atmosphere that invites everyone in, our unique approach includes playful decor, cool vibes, and engaging service. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to vegan options and sustainable practices, ensuring everyone feels welcome. Dive into our signature dishes, like the Italian beef or the vegan banh mi, and enjoy the communal joy of good food.

Hot Lunch: Reviews & Ratings

Htx Herbivore H.
Htx Herbivore H.

Came here for dinner with friends and really liked the vibes! The sandwiches taste good and are reasonably priced for the portion size. The vegan banh mi was pretty decent. Overall, good service, decent food, and cool atmosphere!

Aurora A.
Aurora A.

What a fun place!! Very throwback in the decor and vibe inside. Love the servers saying "find a menu, find a seat, when you know what you want, come see me". Ordered the Italian beef with Muenster cheese. AMAZING. Didn't even need the jus but it was also delicious. Loved how they used a Pokémon card to show your order instead of a traditional number. Only took off a star because you can't add or take items away on the menu. I get it, but how hard is it to slap a piece of cheese on another sandwich. The bathroom also smelled pretty bad. Other than that I would definitely try other menu items!

Dynae S.
Dynae S.

This place is for the cool kids! Loved the vibe, the playlist is fire, the decor is nostalgic and the food delivered everything I was seeking and more! I got a meatball sub and my love got a pork belly sandwich. He got the "this is not a sandwich" beer and we definitely will be back! Staff was friendly and attentive. Meatball sub portion was perfect. Definitely go there! Hope this place stays around indefinitely!

Corinne Y.
Corinne Y.

Fantastic vibes, friendly staff, outstanding food. We ordered the meatball sub and pork belly sandwich. Food was great. Was a bit bummed they didn't have any dirt cups but the yummy jumbo cookie got the job done.

Naomi C.
Naomi C.

Day 3 in Madison. Saw a neon sandwich sign across the street from my new place. Well, how lucky am I? The Classic 2.0 was perfection. Friendly staff and a chill atmosphere with good music. Wonderful. I see late night sandwiches in my future. 10/10 would recommend.

Latifah A.
Latifah A.

My second time here and I loved it even more! I love the tuna sandwich and the house orange soda is sooo good! Service is always great. It's such a chill environment. I love the nostalgic decor with the hot wheels and ninja turtles.

Anne Marie H.
Anne Marie H.

I have to be honest that I had a difficult time deciding how many stars to give this place. Today, my daughter and I went there for lunch. We were hoping for a quick bite, but because we got there after four different groups placed their order, we had to wait for about 20 minutes for our sandwiches. I think only two people were working. We paid the counter and then sat down at our table. The staff member served us the food at our table when it was ready. I truly love the vibe of the place. It was a lot of fun! Brought back a lot of memories. I just wish it had been a little cleaner. The dude working behind the bar was awesome; he had a great personality and even sang along to some of the songs playing (like The Cure). Our sandwiches were delicious. My daughter got the classic, and I got the vegan banh mi, which was spicy. I enjoyed the flavor of it, but had a hard time eating it like a sandwich because it was stacked high and the bread was toasted. I probably should've used a fork. I genuinely appreciated the vegan option, but I always wish there were more options than just one. Would like to go here again when I don't feel rushed and can just hang out. Summary: Ambiance 5 stars Staff 5 stars Food 4 stars Wait Time 3 stars Cleanliness 3 stars

L S.
L S.

I was craving a sandwich and this hit the spot. Everyone at my table enjoyed what they got. Nice atmosphere, low key, average price. Good service. The sandwiches are incredibly good!

Sho R.
Sho R.

I took out lunch from here on a weekday. One thing I have to agree is that food was really hot when handed over to me. My sandwiches were nicely wrapped in aluminum foil, it was hot even after 30 minutes. Hot beef sandwich giardiniera muenster and roasted bell pepper was my favorite item. It had good flavors. Pulled chicken sandwich was good as well. There were some complimentary candies in the cover. The place has some tables. But the time I went only very few people were dining in.

Location

  • Hot Lunch
    708 1/4 E Johnson St Madison, WI 53703 Hotline: (608) 405-5566

Welcome to Hot Lunch: your new go-to destination for sandwiches, bars, and soup in the heart of Madison, WI. Situated at 708 1/4 E Johnson St, this vibrant eatery marries deliciousness and a fun atmosphere with great service. Whether you're stopping by for takeout or dining in, Hot Lunch has molded itself into a lively hub for food lovers, catering to diverse dietary preferences, including scrumptious vegan options.

Steps inside and you’ll be embraced by a nostalgic decor that resonates with throwback vibes while punctuated by a lively playlist. The unique ordering system adds a playful touch; diners grab a menu, choose their favorite dish, and signal their order using a Pokémon card instead of a traditional number. This quirky charm enhances the already riveting experience.

Customer reviews reflect an overwhelming love for dishes like the Italian beef with Muenster cheese and the meatball sub; both are described as comforting and satisfying. Highlights also include a perfectly crafted Classic 2.0 Sandwich that has been praised for its flavor and balance. Food quality matches the fun atmosphere, ensuring that each bite is an adventure.

Let’s not forget about the excellent beverage selection that pairs beautifully with their food offerings. From the intriguing options like “this is not a sandwich” beer to their full bar, there’s something to complement every meal.

  • Convenience: Hot Lunch provides takeout, accepts various payment methods including Android Pay and Apple Pay, and even allows you to bring your own containers!
  • Accessibility: Family and dog-friendly, with gender-neutral restrooms and free Wi-Fi, this spot truly caters to everyone.
  • Culinary Creativity: While customization options are limited, the core menu is packed with inventive and hearty sandwiches that are bound to satisfy your cravings.

So if you're in Madison and looking for a place that combines good food, unique service, and an inviting vibe, look no further than Hot Lunch. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience worth sharing and revisiting. Grab a friend, dive into their delectable sandwiches, and soak in the lively atmosphere you won't want to leave!

For orders and inquiries, give them a ring at (608) 405-5566. Your next sandwich adventure awaits!