Cavernous bar with multiple floors and rooms conveniently located just off of downtown and near public transit. Food portions are generous and prices are attractive. Parking lot seems small for a location of this size but again, very close to public transit. Nice selection of beers and an outdoor second story patio, good spot to meet people read more

Decades ago, I hung out here with other professionals because the patio was awesome and the food and drink were reliably good. I went again last week. To me, the Madison seems like a fraternity/warehouse party house and not the interesting multi-level mansion that it used to be. To get into the building we had to pass through a passage or hallway (partly outdoors) in which a person--who seemed like a waitress--was smoking. When we left the bar, several people were smoking there and we had to pass through a fug in order to exit. As soon as I sat down on the patio, I smelled cigarettes. The smell persisted; when we changed seats to a different area of the patio, I noticed a young woman smoking in her seat. I finally told the waiter it was illegal and unpleasant and he agreed to do something. She was smoking so blatantly; I haven't seen that in years. Why I had to mention it, I don't know. My friends invited us to the Madison because their website advertised a deal on food and drink on the first Thursday of the month, and my friends are thrifty. When I arrived, some of the group were angry because they had been denied the deal although it was Thursday June 4. I spoke to the manager and showed her the offer on the Madison website. After a lengthy wait--she said she had to speak to someone higher up first--we were allowed the deal. The two most hangry people of the group left for another restaurant before we learned that the deal would be honoured. We proceeded to order some fine Amsterdam draft and snacks as per the deal. The beer, fish & chips, and quesadillas were all very good. However, because of the kerfuffle over the discount, the beer took at least 20 minutes to arrive AFTER they agreed to honour the deal: the Tap on the patio wasn't working. The food came when we were about half-done our pints; at this point, we were at least 45 minutes in the bar (which was not very busy). The music was blaring loud; we had to yell at each other to communicate. So I led the group over to another area of the patio without telling the waiter (he had been hard to find already, but I was fed up with the yelling and sitting at a picnic table, so we just moved). I guess that offended him because he gave me a heck of a glare; I gave him the same look back because I don't need that on a night out. A few minutes after moving, our group had a good laugh because it seemed that the music had been turned up louder in the new area; we had to talk very loudly to be heard over a group of students beside us and the music. We had repeatedly told the waiter that it was too loud and surprise!, the volume goes up! This may have made sense when I was young--hollering HOW ARE YOU at my friends in bars. The waiter seemed moody, so a friendly gal in our group asked him if he didn't like us, and another of our group asked for the waiter's name and introduced himself. The waiter then seemed to realize that we weren't just complaining irritants. Although I noticed an older man who appeared to be an academic and an affluent boomer couple from the neighbourhood, this seems to be a party place, like a warehouse bar. Loud, long waits for the beer, moody staff and false advertising. If I want to get wasted and blow $10 per draft beer, I'll be back. read more

Madison Avenue Pub & Restaurant - the claim on the website that they initially refused to honour. I got the discount for the group because I am a retired advertising lawyer - American Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I've been a frequent visitor to Madison Pub for quite some time now. The quality of the food is consistent and the portion sizes are generous. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always ready to cater to your needs. They make you feel welcomed and valued while the pub could be very crowed sometimes. The ambiance of Madison Pub is a relaxed and inviting setting. It's an ideal spot for a quick drink after work or a lively gathering with friends. The pub manages to maintain a lively energy allowing you to comfortably socialize and even meet new people. read more

Madison Avenue Pub & Restaurant - Chicken wings - American Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

It's a decent bar and I had a great time there meeting new people and chatting with friends. I love the atmosphere and American-style indoor decoration. The most mind-blowing part was that it is so big that I even went to the wrong building in the beginning for my meetup. (It has 2 buildings) Some of their beer was from another famous restaurant Amsterdam Brewers. I don't know what is their relationship but I like to have some signature beer from Amsterdam Brewers. I read some reviews from other reviewers. I think they're too fussy, lol. It's just a bar, not a fine-dining restaurant. If it provides a good atmosphere and drinks for you and your group, it deserves 5 stars. read more

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Thus pub/restaurant is located in a great area, right downtown. The food is decent (i.e. your standard pub fare), and the drinks are good. The service is lackluster though. For instance, when we sat down, no one cleared the glasses from the previous party; we had to ask the server. Furthermore, no napkins were provided. I would expect more from a downtown establishment that wants to remain competitive; although I do know this place has been around for around 20 years. I think university students would like it. read more

I had supper last evening at the Madison. It's been years since I've been there ... I was in the 'hood. I was craving wings so that's what I ordered ... a large order (there were 13 wings) with medium sauce. The wings were good but at a cost of $25, I don't think they were worth it as most were small. Lauren was friendly and helpful ... thanks, Lauren! read more

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Complete garbage, staff was aggressive and fraudulently billed for extra drinks AFTER we had paid the bill. They did this without even presenting a new bill then had two of our friends forcibly removed for asking to see a receipt. Completely illegal low class - food was garbage there were definitely health concerns, I saw others mention cockroaches but we saw mice and possibly rats running around the kitchen downstairs. Really gross, all the beer taps has mold never go here if you value your health. Super scammy. management ignored our complaint about the extra billing so we were basically robbed, even filed a police complaint. Same as hundreds of others scammers, with gross unsanitary kitchens. zero stars. read more

this review is for chess wednesday which is cool, $15 to play blitz tournament + u get wings or a beer. lowkey huge turnout like there were 50+ ppl. korean bbq wings were average, honey garlic better read more

Madison Avenue Pub & Restaurant - American Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

A nice and spacious pub with pool tables and a festive atmosphere. They have a small menu with such standard pub fare as fish and chips, nachos and fish tacos. They have a few speciality burgers as well. It is a reliable, centrally located pub with clean washrooms and nice views of the street. In the summer, the patio is convenient and spacious. A day before St. Patrick's day, they featured some special themed cocktails and shooters. The interior was festooned with shamrocks and other the oriented decor. If you are in the Bloor and Spadina area, it is a reliable place to go.for a quick drink.and bite to eat. Service is friendly and efficient. read more

I have been here a number of times over the last couple decades from my days at U of T to various events in my 20s. Nothing has changed--everything is where they are, washrooms, bars, etc. Maybe some upkeep but that's about it. One of my fave memories is the Piano Man and I'm glad it's still there. Was here on Saturday and standard fun it was. Eventually crowded especially for the footie match England v France. Service was hard to get as it was extremely crowded, waitress even forgot my drink--she apologized profusely and I ended up with a double shot of rye + ginger ale (i ordered ginger ale)--I was a happy camper, not like I needed that extra drink... as we were there for the footie match there were ample rounds of beers and shots. I also had an order of their medium wings. Nothing special, not steroid wings but basic wings, basic medium sauce. No complaints--order came pretty quick despite the crowd. There are various bars to walk up to, to order your drinks if you don't want to wait. Would I come back, sure, depending on the event. Not my usual watering hole as it is very much a student hub :D But glad it still up and running. Always a fun time. Also forgot--$6 pints of 3speed or Amsterdam Blonde! BONUS! There are various entrances as it is made up of 3 mansions. Close to St. George station--not easily accessible for those who require assistance or have wheelchairs and lots of stairs. read more

Madison Avenue Pub & Restaurant - American Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I remember going to this place in my early 20's and the owner wouldn't let me in because he overheard me telling the bouncer that I don't drink. He even went as far to ask me how much money I had in my pocket. My plan was to eat there and hang out with my friends but after this encounter, I had to call my buddies to come out so we could go somewhere else. Still feel injustice to this day whenever I think about it.. Yes I wrote a review years later. And it appears the owner is still the same old prick.. years later. Sad.. read more

Definitely my fav college pub in Toronto. My fav parts are the club and the piano man, he's great and always brings the audience to life. I will say, despite being a college pub, there are always a few older men that come and kind of try to flirt with girls, it's weird so be careful. However, mine and 10-20 other people's stuff got stolen on Saturday, 12/03/22. I guess the security didn't think it was sus watching someone leave with 15 coats :/ read more

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worst music ever please play better music your dj is a b eye c t h, watch out madison pub and grill

This is an insane labyrinthine collection of drinking spots. Parts of it scream THIS IS A COLLEGE BAR WHERE PEOPLE LOSE THEIR MINDS AND MAKE QUESTIONABLE DECISIONS. And other parts are staid old-style pubs. The outdoor bar up top was nice. It was a Sunday and fairly slow. The bar tenders were super friendly and chatty, if not the fastest. But they answered our questions cheerfully and made us feel welcome, even if we were 20 years older than their usual clientele. They run a $5 happy hour on select beers + half off apps 7 days a week. We tried the Voodoo Chicken Fingers and they were delicious. It was like 5 big pieces of sweet and sour chicken. read more

Great place that has a nice rooftop a bit small and I may say not very distributed, at least the last floor, I came to a private party with they had good music, good food, and the service was very nice. The food was not that great and the drinks were ok. But you can create your own atmosphere and have a good time, I think it's a good place to start the night and visit the first floor or another bar. In the first floor, you can find a nice Dj, playing good music and a lived band seeing great hits. So the food is not that good, the drinks are nice, the staff is very nice. This is a good way to start pregaming your night to others bars. I have to say I had more fun on the first floor than in the rooftop, maybe they have bring the DJ to the 3 floor, so they can get more out of the rooftop. read more

Love the ambience of the place. Setting was really unique compared to your usual drinking pub. The time I went here with my friends, they were offering some really good value promotions for the drinks and appetizers if you order before 8 PM. So that is always a plus. Only thing I didn't like was the service I received during my only visit here. My order for the Freaky Greek Poutine came unacceptably late. There seemed to be some miscommunication between the kitchen staff & the waitress. That event kept me from giving full star reviews. read more

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Liked the atmosphere a lot! There's a ground floor & 2nd floor bar area with lots of seating for people that wanted to eat food there too. The back of the ground level has a clubbing/dance floor with great music. Downside was the DJ did not take requests.. read more

This place has Pub Chess on Wednesdays. If you're into that. My first time going here was with my husband for New Year's Eve. It was super crowded. I really had a hard time getting passed people. Once in awhile we'll come here for a date. Although this one time we waited 30 minutes for our drinks and food. My husband got his stuff already but I was still waited for mine. Turns out my waitress forgot about me. read more

Ewww eww and eww all the way. They place is disgusting. Im sorry but thats how I feel even now when I think back. Nothing about this place, the food, or the service was up to any good level of standards. I found out online that this place was showing the finale of Game of Thrones (crazy episode by the way). I called in to confirm this event and asked to make a reservation. They did not take reservations and advised me to come in 1.5 hours early due to high volume. When I got there I noticed all the good seats were already taken or has reserve signs on the tables. I thought they didnt take reservations so why are tables reserved?????????????? Service: slow slow slow. It took forever for someone to acknowledge our table. It tooks forever to receive our drinks and we waited 50 minutes for our food. I understand it was a busy night, but the servers were rude. Im sure they were stressed but why not put on more staff to serve all the tables???? Food: The first brought my order but then took it back and gave it to another table. WTF??? When the food arrived, the sauce was missing. I asked three people to bring it. Im still waiting! I felt like I was getting sick from eating the sweet potato fries so I stopped. The next day I was sick! The place was dirty, the carpet needs to be changed, the bathroom was disgusting. At my table, I could see dirty-eaten food onthe floor. I wanted to throw up. I stayed for the GoT. Who else plays the show at their bar???? Its always sports on the television sets. The weird thing is, as bad as the experience was.....id go again for GoT. They know my weakness :( read more

Let me sum it all up in one word for you all: Average. Place is huge, with lots of seating, and it definitely looks like a space for younger people, but it was just average. Food was okay, drinks were okay, atmosphere was okay - nothing exceptional. The one thing I really did not like was the slow service. We always felt forgotten, and had to chase the waitress and ask for things twice, before getting the things we want maybe 20 minutes later. Meh, been to better. read more

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If I were drunk when I arrived, I would have loved this place. If I were 15 years younger and still into frat boys, I would have loved this place. If I were a light weight and could tolerate watered down alcohol, I would have loved this place. Since I am none of the above, this place was pretty 'meh' to me. It's big, it's huge and it's got a lot going for it so I can understand why it's probably loved by many ... but alas, in my decade + years of life after college, drinking well drinks surrounded by woo girls has lost its appeal. read more

Great for watching games! Great prices! Food is very average and that's why I'm giving it a 4 star. I've come here multiple times and during the raptors finals when there was nowhere else available to watch the games. read more

There is everything in here! Dance floor, quiet patio, bars, live piano, etc. The general age group is college students and there are a lot of people. Apparently, it is best to come on a Thursday night but its $5 cover! But you get one drink for free! The drinks are not really on the cheap side, but it is mediocre. It is definitely close to campus so most likely to come here often! The only negative thing is that it gets really hot downstairs and it is very loud and crowded. There are drinks spilling everywhere and a lot of young people going crazy. But it is the closest to the UofT campus and it is always crackin' here! Made so many memories here during my stay in Toronto! Note: WiFi is really bad here and you can never connect to it.. read more

More like a frat house than a pub. Place is huge and it was nice to explore it. I liked the concept. Surely different and stands out from the crowd. Spacey dancefloor. I will surely come back for more. Kudos to the hipsters doing all the live shows. read more

Great patio and service. My girlfriend and I ordered burgers and they were OK. The mango cheesecake had a surprisingly nice presentation and tasted good. On the drinks side, they have plenty of options, especially if you're into mixed drinks. All in all, it's an average pub experience but the service kicks it up a notch. read more

This bar is better known as "The Maddie"" and has a big college crowd on the weekends...... but here's what I just learned this week...... they have amazing deals during the day. From 3-8pm, all starters are half price, and their house beer (which is pretty good) is only $4. We stopped in here for a beer and a snack before going out for the night, and our total was under $10 per person!!!!!! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh..... and the food was pretty frickin' delicious BTW. read more

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Absolutely loved the piano man. Overall great place to hang out with friends and have a few drinks

We had a horrible experience. A waitress who said her name is Madison, refused to serve our table as she said our one friend looked off. A friend that wasn't drinking this evening. Once I asked her what her reasoning was she raised her voice and demanded for a manager. We experienced horrible service and will never recommend this bar to our friends. Please speak to this waitress as she completely Miss judged the situation. read more

A labyrinth of a bar. 3 floors.. Multiple wings. An older interior. The space is the charm. Menu could use some updating, $2 taco tues was horrendous, nothing in it, make better at home, don't let the price fool you. Good for drinking at least!! read more

Madison Avenue Pub & Restaurant - Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Only 2 bucks for a reason. Terrible. - American Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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this place is an absolute joke. Condescending and uncaring staff, dirty and worn out environment, overpriced and bad tasting drinks/food. keep reading if you want details and examples :) 75% of the customers and attendees are underage and they treat you like garbage. tonight I came to the madison with my friends and I had to come to the front of the venue to pass a sweater on to my friend who was outside. I had just paid $12 for a drink when I was called outside, so I quickly came out to pass the sweater on. I was standing for 5 seconds when the supposed owner started aggressively ushering me to go back inside because I couldnt drink outside. I understand this, however, I simply needed 20 seconds to get this done. he was so condescending and even threatened me with a police officer, suggesting that he would what, get me arrested? how about you arrest the bouncers you have who knowingly admit drunk underage people into your establishment. the security even acknowledged TODAY on this same visit that he is surmised my friend is "actually 19 now" acknowledging that he knew he was underaged while letting her in. I asked the bouncers to please hold my drink for me while I passed the sweater as I didn't want to set in down inside with the risk of it getting spiked. they declined and told me to go in and finish it. I said "my friend is standing right here, so you really expect me to go in and finish this?" encouraging me to chug my drink. they were so condescending and demeaning, I got fed up and uttered a subtle "omg shutup.." I was then chased inside by security and kicked out of the maddy fully sober, because I didn't want to abandon or chug my drink and simply needed 15 seconds to pass something over the fence. I was not asked how I would get home or if I was ok. I was sober and able to find my way home, however, the way that they were treating me suggested that they felt I was "obliterated". this is disgusting. I am a bartender at a restaurant and know that the establishment and bartender are liable for the life of the individual that they serve drinks to until that person is sober. As far as I'm concerned, the maddy does not care about its customers and does not care if people go home in an ambulance. They let people in who are evidently intoxicated and kick people out for silly reasons such as my own. this is not my first negative experience with this place and truly it is a spot known to be popular with underaged teenagers, specifically highschool students. Ask anyone in toronto. I hope the owner sees this and I hope you know that one phone call and your establishment is shut down. I saw someone fall through the ceiling once from a lack of security at a construction area and you are still open. You are killing the u of t student bar by allowing so many understand people, none of my 23 year old friends even want to come here anymore. Good luck after I make a few calls. read more

Great place if you want to get some blood flowing, some sweats swapping, and have some floors shaking (which questions the integrity of the flooring). I have never been here except on Thursday nights so I have no clue what goes down during other nights. read more

I am currently writing this review at the Madison using one of their outlets to power up the ol' laptop, using the free WiFi and about to tuck into the daily special which is the softer option. It's a chicken salad wrap which makes me feel a little bit healthier instead of the stuffed burger. I've had that before and it is quite fantastic. The Madison is a mainstay in Toronto near the U of T campus (http://www.yelp.ca/biz/university-of-toronto-toronto-8) which affords it a huge influx of students and locals alike. On weekends, the place is mobbed with folks getting drinks in and I'm pretty sure it approaches the maximum capacity of 1474 persons, a number that is more than half the population of the town my parents grew up in. The Madison is in fact several venues, each of which is a reconstruction of old mansions that took up Madison Street. It's easy to get lost and have no idea where your party is if you're supposed to meet up with them. How people found people before SMS is beyond me. There are also back patios available that are heated in the winter to afford the clientele the ability to hit the 1474 pretty regularly. Every night is a new special for drinks (e.g., Domestic Bucket Thursday, Tallboy Tuesdays) that can easily derail your plans to go in for a quick one and not stay for a session. Add to this that they run $5 appetizers every night from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Why would you bother going home for dinner? So, the obvious question is what's an old guy like me doing in a student bar? The Madison is also the host of the Toronto Central Rangers Supporters Club where you're able to watch Glasgow Rangers games from across the pond. Good for travelling Rangers fans as well is the boutique hotel that is also connected to the Maddy. Rangers games in your housecoat? Why not? Bar opens at 11:00am. read more

Madison Avenue Pub & Restaurant - The Madison - American Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Quite possibly the slowest service I've ever seen. 10 minutes to get a menu, 15 to get my first drink. The drink was flat, stale and warm. If you think it's because it's full, you're sadly mistaken. There are almost as many servers as tables. read more

This review is based on my experience here attending a social. Our group reserved an area of the Maddie on the top floor. We had two servers extraordinaire. They were quick to bring out the platters and came around often to clear the table. For socials, I would highly recommend this venue. It's right on the subway line, food is okay, and service is great. A solid 4 star (for the party planners in the house only). read more

You can't knock the Madison! It doesn't pretend to be a gourmet bar, it doesn't pretend to be a home to beer aficionados or anything else for that matter! It's just a really huge bar (Toronto's largest?!), with a mix of students and recent/not so recent alumni! There are many many rooms to check out in this mazy place, and you could have fun just walking around the bar for an hour or so. The piano room and the pop covers using the instrument is probably the most interesting segment of the bar! The mood of the bar changes frequently and if you try to figure it out you can probably align things with reading weeks, exams, etc! Thursdays are probably the best bet thanks to beer and $3 mixed drinks specials. The bouncers are generally nice guys, but kinda moody! Don't piss them off! read more

Madison Avenue Pub & Restaurant - American Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I was there for a teacher retirement party on Thursday. Had 1 pint of cider on tap and was violenly ill from it. I told the bar staff and was informed others had complained and then was asked to pay for the drink that made me ill, plus the new one I ordered before hurling outside the bar at 5pm - 1st drink of the day so I'm sure it was the tap. I understand it is a Uni bar, but come on no one needs to get sick from unclean tap lines! read more

My review will be a bit on the shorter side. They have some bouncers at the front checking ID. We were at one bar before this, and I had ordered one of those milk jug beers to share with some friends, so I was carrying the milk jug. They forced me to leave it outside, and almost didn't let us in because of my milk jug... It was rather empty at 8 pm on a Saturday night. The drinks are quite expensive- I've had drinks for much cheaper prices compared to here. The waitress was quite friendly, however, and our service was prompt. They also have a nice variety of food. They ran out of the beer we originally wanted (what?) so we had to settle with a different brand. I just didn't have a good experience overall at the Madison and would much rather drink elsewhere, thank you very much. read more

I've been there a fee times service was always great until i went downstairs in the little "dancing bar " the male bartender was extremely rude. Kept my friend waiting for 20mins for 1 shot and blatantly ignoring. Later when i asked my friend he said "I already tipped him two times and I didn't the 3rd time so now he's ignoring me". I complained to the manager and she was helpful so i hope something comes out of it. read more

The Maddy. Poor dear has been sexually harassed and puked on by so many frat boys she has no self respect left. This three story patio monster is in my top five least favourite places in Toronto, and I'm including both the Dufferin and Sherbourne buses in this list. Any Torontonian I would be friends with knows what I'm saying, and is aghast at the idea of spending an evening at the Madison. I've been dragged here a handful of times over the years and never had a good time. A line up for a pub is always a bad sign. I am pretty sure they are 21+, which basically means it's full of 18-23 year olds drinking pitchers and vodka sevens. The only fun I ever had here was one time I was dragged by a friend's boyfriend and fellow Elite Matt M pretended to be Josh Groban. I guess that was sort of fun? They serve pub food and it's bad. Pepper is so pissed she has no quips. read more

I've been here about 50 times over the years and it's always the same. Really packed. The patio is great. Mostly an under 25 year old crowd. I'm giving the 1 star review almost solely because of security. They served us drinks right at 2:00 am and then took them away less than 10 minutes later. The dim witted bouncers were insanely rude when my sober wife questioned them. Smirking bully attitude. Never going back. read more