City Cast Madison logo
February 5, 2026

Madison's Public Parking is Up for Nation's Best New Bar

City Cast Madison

Madison's Public Parking is Up for Nation's Best New Bar

00:00:00
View all City Cast Madison episodes

Public Parking, a cocktail bar on Madison’s east side, is getting national recognition once again! They were recently named on the James Beard Awards long list for Best New Bar. But the team at Public Parking is familiar with the spotlight – last year they were featured as one of 9 Best News Bars of 2025 in Bon Appétit and received other regional recognition. Host Bianca Martin has been a fan since they opened and she chats with co-owner JR Mocanu about the secret behind their early success. 

🥕 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers.

👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram

📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program!

Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 4th episode:

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
August 13

Pour One Out for Madison’s Best Bygone Bars and Restaurants

Is there a meal in Madison you used to get all the time, but that now you can only dream of because the restaurant closed? Maybe it’s a b...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 12

Winners and Losers of the August 2026 Primary

Yesterday, voters in Wisconsin decided on primaries across the state. On today’s show, executive producer Hayley Sperling and newsletter...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 11

New Info on Ruiz Shooting, Blood Donation Shortage, and Madison Black Restaurant Week

For the second time in the organization’s history, the American Red Cross has declared an emergency after the nation's blood supply dropp...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 10

What You Need To Know for Tomorrow’s Primary Election

Are you ready to vote in tomorrow’s primary? Host Bianca Martin and producer Jade Iseri-Ramos have you covered with the logistics, compet...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 7

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Madison

As much as you love Madison, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have compl...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 6

How the Climate Is Changing Wisconsin Fish Fry

Our beloved Friday fish fry tradition isn’t disappearing, but thanks to climate change, it is changing. In this month’s cover story for M...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 5

Ruiz Memorial May Be Gone, But the Protest Isn't Over

The memorial encampment at the intersection of Willy Street and Baldwin was forcibly removed early Tuesday morning by police and city wor...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 4

Madison’s Police Monitor Says MPD Is Obstructing Her Investigation

Nearly two weeks after the fatal police shooting of Corey Ruiz, Madison’s Independent Police Monitor says she still doesn't have the evid...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 3

Your Guide to August 2026 in Madison

How is it already August? We’re not sure, but the City Cast Madison team, along with special guest contributor Emily Winter, has your gui...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 2

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Madison

Do you know how zoning laws affect Madison’s housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art