Head waiter and staff were so very attentive. Super nice! Food and drinks were excellent. My husband had a surprise birthday party for me and I couldn't have asked for a better place to go. Everything looked beautiful! Thank you all for making my special day perfect in every way! Highly recommend friends and company! Ginny and Joe read more

If I was going to own a restaurant, this would be it. Everyone has their taste but for me this was perfect, from the name to the atmosphere to the food. The fireplace perfect on a cold winter evening. The food prepared with finesse. Even something as simple as the fries were above average-likely the oil used. For the portion and preparation and everything the food was priced very fair. The service was fast and friendly. A great place to watch the sunset and they have what looks to be a nice deck when it's not mid winter. We will be back again. read more

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First of all the staff was friendly and happy despite being busy. The atmosphere was cozy despite being at a large table for 6 people. The crab and corn chowder was delicious though lighter in crab than I would have liked. Could have been "the pour" I guess. The Asian Salmon was delicious and something about the basmati was just right. Others got the crab cakes dinner, and the chicken salad wrap w fries, and the cod dinner. everyone was pleased and all plates were empty at meals end. We did notice it was hard to hear at the height of the busy time but wonderful to talk as it cleared out. There is beautiful art decorating the walls. This added to the homey feel. A nice variety as well. I especially noticed the quilted and framed art which were delightful birds and nature scenes. Some appeared available for sale and at very reasonable prices. Very nice spot, well recommended. read more

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Had a memorial reception today at friends & co. It far exceeded my expectations. The staff was superb, saw to our every need. The food was delicious and plentiful. There was not one thing that could have made this afternoon better! Thank you Brian, Greg, Stephanie, Ali, Ann. Appreciate you all! read more

Happened to be in town for a wedding & found this place on yelp. Reviews were all accurate. Food, service, atmosphere were all excellent! Chicken pot pie was homemade and delicious. Crab cakes with arugula salad perfection! Seemed like it was a fun "local" place that many regulars eat out often as they were talking about when the next specials will be coming back on the menu! Put this one on your list if you're ever in Madison, CT. read more

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The food is great! I loved the steak salad. Salmon meal was cooked to perfection! Staff is friendly, and cozy atmosphere. Would recommend!!

Lovely family establishment with attentive and kind servers. The owner is available and frequently seen checking on his customers and greeting tables while his partner serves up the most delicious meals in the kitchen! I ordered the New York strip, medium rare, with mashed potatoes and green beans, with a glass of Josh Cabernet Sauvignon and a delicious chocolate mousse dessert. My friend ordered the pork chop dinner. We were both completely satisfied! Definitely a lovely treat and satisfying experience all around! read more

Everyone there is very nice, the food is usually very good, I used to love the salad there with seeds and nuts

There are good reasons to call this delightful gathering spot FRIENDS! A local favorite Great food Creative menu Best loved items always available Delish hamburgers & chicken wrap Dinners varied & surprising Reasonably priced Well stocked bar Generous drinks, Welcoming bartenders & chef Relaxing Great wait staff Impeccable service Aim to please Warm ambience Fireplace cozy Family friendly Just plain FRIENDLY! read more

The food at this restaurant is amazing. The servers take pride in what they do and make each customer feel important. The ambiance is so comfortable and inviting. The price is perfect for the quality of food. read more

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Raymond Doane Very comfortable dining experience. Food was excellent and service was great. Daily specials and menu options are always very good. Solid bar service and attentive staff. Enjoy !! read more

Great food, location and staff....oh and that bread!!!! I have been loving this place for decades and they have kept up with the times.

We are definitely regulars here . The reason being not only is everything that comes out is prepared with such perfection always fresh and delicious. The whole place works together as a team it shows always. Never have I seen such a hands on owner who appreciates each and every customer as well as staff. It is such an awesome place I love it!!! read more

We drive by this place all the time, which was always a reminder that we had to try it. We finally got there and were not disappointed. We were greeted by a friendly staff, seated in front of their gas fireplace, and provided a fresh, delicious meal. I ordered the steak salad, my husband the steak frites, along with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Excellent. We'll be sure to be back. read more

Very nice staff. Good food. Nice patio. My father in law insists on going whenever he is in town. It's his favorite!

It's ok We sat outside overlooking the parking lot, and the river is on the other side- road noise is noticeable Burgers start at $15, entrees are mid 20's, beers are $8 Service is very good Note: no happy hour, contrary to Yelp picture read more

Friends & Company Restaurant - Menu - American Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Our group of four had another wonderful meal last night prepared by Brian. We had the NY strip and the Asian Salmon it was perfect. Loved the Caesar salad. And pleasant surroundings where we could hear each others conversations. Thank you Greg. read more

Best bar for having dinner at in Madison. Comfortable, nice specials and nice people. It's like having someone serve you dinner in your den.

What a great night out with my family! It was a quieter evening and we got tremendous service from Sydney throughout our visit, along with a great view of the cozy fireplace in the main dining room. The food was great quality - I got the NY steak (medium-rare perfection), my wife had a shrimp pasta dish, and my daughter had fish and chips. We topped off our special night out with dessert, sharing a delicious cheesecake and rich carrot cake. I can't say how grateful we are to have local businesses like this open these days and we can't wait to come back again soon! read more

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This place is awesome. Sarah, who seated me was friendly and fun actually. Service was great and one of the best burgers I have had. Fries excelled as well. Can't wait to go back. read more

My second time here and we love it! All the food is very delicious and the staff is super friendly! Anytime around the area will be sure to visit again. read more

Friends & Company Restaurant - Interior - American Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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Had a wonderful dinner At this locally owned restaurant tonight. Clean and warm, our server Sarah was attentive and efficient. Our dinners, grilled swordfish with grilled vegetables and a butter green salad and also the grilled salmon were superb. Our plates were licked clean. The individual carrot cake with a dollop of cream cheese frosting was delicious. Even the coffee was fresh brewed. The attention to detail in every area was appreciated. Fair prices, locally owned and cooked, clean and cozy... terrific read more

Really impressed with this restaurant. Driving down the highway and it was time for dinner, so I decided to stop here for a quick bite. We were promptly greeted by friendly hostesses and seated immediately. Our waitress came right over and was very nice and attentive. I ordered the clam chowder- it was delicious. I also ordered a roast beef sandwich. Every part of my meal was expertly cooked and it was obvious that the chef takes time to really think about the final product and sends out something really nice. Wish I lived close by I would come here all the time. read more

There's not much I miss about CT by this is definitely on the list. There are very few places like Friends & Company. I have been going to Friends for 30 years: since my parents would take me at that time in life you go where your parents go, to going on my own. I have a lot of visits on which to offer my review. Friends has been consistent in the quality of its food and living up to its name. Owners have changed, by it's changed hands like passing thru family, where Greg and Brian the current owners came to it thru years of being part of Friends. Always, all the time, one comes around to see how you are and ask about your meal. Obviously I became a regular, but the lovely thing is they treat everyone like a regular. They don't stop at one or two tables - they stop at every table. They don't come say hi to two people at the bar, they'll check in with everyone. But you've come here for the food: well, maybe you've come for the bread too. I can't count how many times when looking for a place to eat my BFF will say I want to have a good meal, a proper dinner and a glass of wine "like at Friends." That's what you'll get. Dinners come with salad or homemade soup. I don't care for soup, but I have watched people rave about Brian's soups; and over the years watched many people come in to get a couple pints of it to go. I've sat at the bar and heard people call in to find out what the soups are for the night. The bread is the stuff of legends baked fresh every early morning. I've been there at closing when they're passing out the last loaves. Otherwise they will become croutons. Fresh every single day. I've had the dinners and the apps and the bistro menu. Friends has one of the best burgers I have every had - and I have had a lot of burgers. They remind me of when my grandmother would make them, putting meat through the grinder to make a juicy burger. The crab cakes are the best I've ever had, apologies to any one I ever ate from Maryland. These are the best - great flavor. The menu changes and evolves over time and over seasons. There's always been 3-5 nightly specials. There was once a Flounder Romano that was the best flounder I've ever had. There's a scallop special where the doctor scallops circle around this stuffed portobello mushroom which often outshines the scallops it was so delicious. When you look at the menu there's something for everyone in your circle: chicken, steak, pasta. I've tried most of it over the years and can honestly say there's never been a complaint. The most important thing to note is over the years it has been consistent. The quality is there. The food is always very good. And the service is something to note. On a Saturday night with a bar full of dinners, you'll see Joe will treat the folks there for the first time the same as he does his regulars (and there are about 5 Saturday night regulars of which I was one for awhile). I like it when a bartender introduces himself; but what you'll like at Friends is when you come back the second time he'll remember you. Nowadays when in in CT to see friends or for business, I always make time for Friends. Business takes me to Hartford and after a long day at work, I take the 50 minute drive down to the Shoreline for dinner at Friends and never regret it on that long drive back up to Hartford. It took me 30 years to really get the name which epitomizes the atmosphere. It's friends and company - you know how you are when company is coming, and you want everything to be great and for everyone to enjoy themselves, and at the end of the night if you weren't at the start you certainly are friends now. That's what it means to me. read more

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Best local restaurant in the area. Excellent food and service. Make sure you have reservations.

Very nice little place. The food was very good. I had chicken florentine in lemon sauce. It was served with 2 jumbo shrimp on top and over Spinach and mashed potatoes. The wife had Rhode island clam chowder and a beet salad. Both were above average. Prices were reasonable and was a good value for the money. Service wasn't over friendly, but very professional. read more

We have eaten in and had take out, great food well worth a visit! Really enjoyed sitting on the patio during the better weather.

Another local restaurant that my wife & I love to patronize during this hoax that is killing small businesses.Anyway.... place is one of our favorites here in Madison.Dining area has a beautiful fireplace that we sat next too, very toasty. We've had almost all the items on menu and not one bad meal yet.staff is very friendly and hard working.We've had the chef come to our table to talk and ask about our meal. It has a small bar that you can enjoy while waiting too.Try it you'll like it read more

I went here for dinner with my daughter before a show. Everyone was very friendly, smiling and eager to be helpful... which was nice. We were seated quickly and placed our order. The waitress brought bread and butter to our table. I really did not like the sweet bread but the dill bread was good. Also we are butter people definitely needed more. Our dinners were good but a little steep on the prices. read more

This place is very delicious. The atmosphere is a bit dated and older, but again the food was wonderful. Our waitress was a substitute and a little off as well, service could have been better, she didn't seem all there. Drinks: we all got martinis and Wine and 5 stars for the drinks. We ordered grapefruit martinis and a dirty martini. Appetizers: the fried oysters were a bit plain, I wish they would have added a cocktail sauce to the mayo based dipping sauce. The arancini was the special and was spectacular. All our dinners came with a side salad which was a lovely portion and delicious. We got the mixed greens with balsamic, absolutely perfect. Dinner: The sirloin steaks with black peppercorn was incredible, accompanied by mashed potatoes and a think red wine sauce with mushrooms I strongly recommend. The hanger steak was delicious and unique as well. Desserts: the Mud Pie was fabulous, MUST order, with cookie crust, fudge and espresso ice cream was incredible. read more

Friends & Company Restaurant - Sirloin steak with peppercorn, fabulous. - American Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Elected to head to Friends &Company on a Friday night. Called ahead asking for a table beside the fireplace. Arrived and was greeted by the hostess. Within minutes we were seated and our drink order was placed. So many specials to hear while having their famous breads. The place was packed due in part to their early dinner deal. The hostess, waitress, the Chef's daughter and the owner Greg stopped by the table to ask how our dinners were. I like that and some places in town to not specialize in customer service but I feel Friends does! We ordered an appetizer followed by a veal dish and the meatloaf. I asked to switch some vegetables and they were open to it. Our meal came with with a soup or a salad and we opted for warm bowls of a potato soup! There was no room for dessert! My husband ran into some friends and he exclaimed "this should be our regular place". Good food, nice bustling warm atmosphere, good drinks, fair prices, and attentive staff!! The fireplace reminded me of Vermont. The artwork on the walls was for sale. Can't wait for the outside deck to be open next summer. read more

Friends & Company Restaurant - Potato soup beside the real burning fireplace-thought I was in Vermont! - American Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

Went for a motorcycle ride today with a group of friends and stopped here as I had been dreaming of a lobster roll. We got there before they opened but decided to sit at the picnic tables outside and wait. This was our 2nd time here and I can honestly say, after waiting 2 years for the lobster roll, it did NOT disappoint! Hands down, the lobster roll here is one of the BEST in CT, and I've had them from all the other places that people rave about. First of all, their lobster is so sweet & succulent. Never stringy, chewy, or tough. They serve it in a toasted brioche roll, not some bland hot dog roll. It is AMAZING. It comes with a hefty portion of delicious French fries and a good helping of coleslaw that is equally delicious. I consider myself a coleslaw snob and this one is a keeper. When you're seated, they bring the most delightful, warm and yummy bread to the table that they make in house, with herbs baked in and soft butter. The staff is amazing and the owner is a total doll. They go above & beyond to make you feel welcome. We were lucky to get an order of tuna tartare, served on crisp chips with arugula and a lightly spicy sauce. Simply delicious. Others in our group had the fish & chips, shrimp tacos, New England clam chowder and sliders. Everything was just perfect. We already can't wait to go back again this summer. If you like a great lobster roll, believe me, you will love this one! And at $27 with fries and coleslaw, it's a home run. They also have outdoor dining on their deck. read more

Excellent food, great service, great atmosphere (although due to the pandemic, it was limited capacity).

Was recommended to eat here from the innkeeper at the Tidewater Inn and was not disappointed. Had a cup off Tomato Eggplant soup and fresh made bread. The soup and bread were delicious. I was also fortunate enough to get to try a cup of the mac and cheese and I will say it is one of the best I have had. Nice friendly atmosphere and reasonably priced. Will be back when I am back in town. read more

Friends & Company Restaurant - Yum Yum Yum!! - American Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

We were pleasantly surprised here, the food was great. Sitting on the outside deck was very lovely. We will be going back for sure. The chicken artichoke dish was really yummy. read more

Food was good/okay. Jambalaya was good. that can be maybe 4 stars. Service was not good. 1 star. Overall experience was 2.5-3 stars. Kelly was our service. She was less than attentive. Took her forever to see us after we've sat for a while. When it came time to place our orders, we felt like she was in such a rush. We placed our drink order and as I started talking and trying to give her our appetizer orders she walked away. Then when we finally did place our main entree orders, and because Kelly was in such a rush and wasnt present to her job, of course she placed the wrong order! And when I told her it wasnt the right food order, she apologized but it felt like she was blaming me... for her lack of hearing. Lol. I ordered Pesto Salmon, she thought I ordered the Salmon special. Price point is off... I'm surprised how high the bill came out to be, given that it was just probably a step grade higher from a casual diner vibe, scene and crowd it attracts. Not coming back. Kelly ruined that. read more

We enjoyed a lovely meal out on the patio. Really enjoyed the shrimp and Farro bowl. Wait staff and management were friendly and attentive.

Held my sisters 30th birthday and here and not only were the accommodating to our large party, but they service was consistent, friendly and the owner(?) actually thanked us for coming in - that rarely happens these days! They have great drink specials, we came on national margarita day with $5 or $6 margs. I had a great veggie burger. I grew up in the town next door and yet never made it here before this year - but I will be back soon. read more

We have loved Friends & Co for over 30 years! It's got a great menu, wonderful specials, and we have often used their take out during Covid. They do have some outdoor seating in good weather, too. I especially like the ambience, though, in the winter with the fireplace. Whenever we go, we've also found the service to be excellent and friendly. read more

Friendly place....food was excellent and fresh...nice cozy atmosphere ....would recommend for dinner for sure...we will be back