I went to this bar and hamburger joint all the years I attended Chico State. The burgers were so great. The beer was ice cold. The layout is intentionally darkish but you can sit by an open wall and fell the coziness of a private area just for you. The prices ae good. read more

Great food, great prices, great employee and amazing decor! Had a lot of fun during my visit to Chico.

I went to this establishment to try one of their famous burgers! I was so excited until I made it home with my takeout... the burger was by far the worst I have ever had Wendy's taste better.. the burger was so nasty, slimy and super messy the patty tasted like it was inedible I don't no what was going on in that kitchen but those kids need to be replaced with a group of real cooks! Absolutely will not be going back to eat anything there! Disgusting!!! read more

i'm very disappointed in this food establishment. "it was my birthday & waited for my food to be called, the female that was preparing my food was extremely rude. i had asked to speak to the manager & asked for her name. she refused to let me speak to the manager. as to also be noted the food preparer doesn't wear facial masks whole they cook & prepare the food. as well numerous of people that were in dinning wasn't wearing masks either. " i will never be returning to this food establishment anymore." read more

Madison Bear Garden - RUDE SERVICE. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS ESTABLISHMENT." - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

The fries are usually cold. Condiments are usually a disaster. The dance floor is a joke. And their bartenders tend to be dislikeable people. We were recently treated horrendously there, so we will no longer be going to the Bear. Which is a shame because we do enjoy their burgers. But Burgers and Brew instead from here on out read more

Came by for an afternoon burger and beer. Staff all wearing masks, tables marked off for social distancing. Beer was cold and burger and salad okay. read more

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Yummy food! My goodness the portions are ridiculous. Get the fries. Try a few things. Eat and enjoy! read more

Ummm...this a stretch. Showed up after a college tour with my son and stood in line for 20 minutes (super hungry, line seemed kinda long.) Ordered. Upon paying the kid at the counter, he told me it would be about 40 minutes for our food. Bro, WTF? I ordered a chicken sandwich...4 minutes to make. Super angry dude next to me said, "Hey bitches, keep your shit food and give me my money back...NOW!" Yikes! I kindly asked for my money back and headed to The Banshee down the street - it was awesome! MBG is supposed to be a Chico institution, not great during my visit. Poorly managed and upside-down on the day I showed up...and nobody cared. This may be most lenient review ever, as my experience was complete shit. A waste of my time, pissed off my fellow patrons, the help was clueless, what else do you need to know? Why three stars, not negative three? I kinda feel like it's not their intention to perform poorly, the place has serious rustic ambiance (read party your ass off kinda place and the poor folks in the kitchen were being held hostage by some loser-flaky college kids who didn't show up for their shifts.) So, on a good day, Mad Beer Garden probably dominates the Chico scene - being in business for many years generally doesn't lie. 3 stars - not based on my 1 star experience, but hoping it's better on most days. You decide. :( read more

Went there Saturday. While the decor was fun it could use a dusting/removal of cobwebs. The pub grub took over an hour and a half. What irked us was the staff. After finding two tables outside next to each other we were told we had to move so they could open a second bar. No problem but our tables were sent in two different directions. Shortly thereafter we were approached and told we had to leave because we had two minors and the bar opened at 9pm. Really?!? We would have gladly left before 9 if the kitchen would have delivered the food pronto. The kitchen was super busy with graduation weekend but the staff needs to cop themselves on. Big pass on this place. Not worth the money for mediocre food and pissy staff attitude. Staff needs some service industry lessons. I'd give it negative stars if possible. Yuck. read more

This place is on a corner in downtown, so they get the foot traffic. I am giving it 3 stars, but we only drank at the bar. I agree with other reviewers, it is nothing special. The decor makes it cool, and the old building is awesome, but some of their procedures are outdated. They have to run your card for every drink you order. No tabs. The ordering of food is also weird. The servers can't handle that or what? I also agree with other reviewers, the staff doesn't seem that happy. No fun personalities in what looks like a fun place. Summer tip: If it's a hot day, you can't stay long, not sure if they even have A/C, but if they do, it's not enough. Cool place to visit one time, but it's not gonna be your hang out. read more

Madison Bear Garden - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

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During the summer, this is the place to be for 25+ people. Otherwise, it's filled with college kids and can be obnoxious. Burgers are good and the Bravo Avocado is where it's at. Though, I do recommend ordering up a Grilled Cheese with Avocado and nacho cheese dip on the side for the fries (or grilled cheese!) -- definitely a guilty (maybe disgusting) pleasure of this cheese lover. Mug club is also more fun during the summer -- less people = able to order more beer! read more

Madison Bear Garden - Cheers! - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

Madison Bear Garden is the kind of eatery that just makes sense for a place like Chico. It's old and filled with odd decor, a dark and somewhat dingy interior and an overly-complicated menu of gloriously greasy options. In short, it perfectly represents the college/cowtown spirit of Chico. That spirit is further imbued with dirty youthful exuberance by the staff, who are all of college age and walk a fine line between pride in their establishment and nonchalance. It's like a once beautiful and probably important building were occupied by squatters who didn't give a shit about anything in life but serving up large, tasty burgers. It's as if you gave some rabble rousers the keys to your stuffy mansion and said, "Here, breathe some life into this thing." The burgers (all served with curly fries) are all "Bear" themed and all worth trying. Options with toppings like chili, eggs and salsa can be ordered off the yellowing back-lit menu in front of the counter. Grab a cold beer from the bar and head out to enjoy your selection on the shaded and comically large back patio. Other mentionables, like the bear statue, the back bar and the dangerous, unmarked steps that sneak up on you as you wander the place just add to the charm. If anyone I know needs a recommendation for a place to eat in Chico, the Bear is where it's at. Leave the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company restaurant for the oblivious tourists. read more

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Great place! Brings back memories, burgers still taste the same as when I was in college lol

With all honesty I would like to say that this place is tbh not all that. It was kinda shit as fuck but tbh I love the fries they bomb af frfrfr. read more

ZERO!!!!!! stars went there Saturday night for some drinks and my card went missing. I asked the bar tender in the top bar if he had it and he said no. I come to find Monday that someone has used my card at Madison Bear that night after I left at 2:10. Then they charged my card again at 2:44 well after the bar closed. When I asked if they knew anything about it they said the signatures on the tickets "may have" been different, but that they wouldn't credit back money and I needed to deal with the bank. Way to go Madison Bear Garden idk who you were were letting drink in there after hours or it was just an employee who just thought he needed the money more than I BUT YOU REALLY DROPPED THE BALL!!!!!!!!!!! UPDATE!!!! I talked to the bank on 2-9-16 about what can be done to be reimbursed for the money stolen from me and they showed me that just as a little parting gift the tacked on a $10 tip just for good measure congratulations Madison Bear Garden you now have stolen $137 from a starving college student. Top notch guys!!! read more

Madison Bear Garden - Madison Bear Garden stealing $127, charging my card at a quarter to three way after the bar closed! - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

No table service, so god help you if you're one person and you're passing through from out of town and have a pooch with you, tie them up to your table in the beer garden and want to actually go order something or use the restroom to wash your hands. They freak out and make a grand announcement over the speaker and claim it's because they "don't want anyone to get hurt." How about hiring a college student or two to give table service?! Novel concept!!! read more

Umn, how could I forget to mention the name Jiffy Burger. Not only is it the best burger I have ever tasted, I have yet to find it anywhere else. It comes covered with peanut butter, mayo, bacon & jack cheese. A total hit every time I get it!! I did mention it, but didn't give it the respect it deserves. Yay for the Jiffy! read more

Madison Bear Garden - The Infamous Jiffy Burger - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

This bar rocks, it's plenty big and has a lot of character. If you are on the hunt for beer, or good pub grub, come check this place out. The pictures give a good flavor for what this bar is all about. If you enjoy billiards, they even have a room with 4 bar size tables. I found the staff, and everyone behind the bar to be very friendly, and on it! read more

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One of my favourite place in Chico! Good to watch games Good to hang out and talk Good to dance Good to have good burger and good beer for low rates! Good to celebrate They have a special offer everyday, so everyone can find something nice when he comes. The place is huge! 2 levels inside and one giant patio outside. 4 different bars, 1 pool-table area, 1 dancing spot up-strairs. The EPIC decoration is unique and make it very special... They make this Jiffy-burger based on Jiff peanut-butter... sounds weird and fat... and it is! But it's a must-try. The classical Bear-burger works perfectly and is a good value! You have to go there! read more

Madison Bear Garden - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

Burgers are great, choice of beer , the inside is decorated nice overall this a must go to place when in the area!!! read more

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I went in thinking i would have a good dinner with husband. After getting food and taking a bite i saw and felt mushy meat. If you do order please make sure you ask for meat that is fully cooked. No hate just letting people know the facts. Also foods trash. i've been trying to have a baby and idk if that's still possible after eating here. read more

Madison Bear Garden - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

I tired to come in with my skateboard at 9pm on a Monday night and the bouncer had to get his manager who told me I couldn't come in with a skateboard... happy to spend my money elsewhere when these bafoons can't accept a patron who wants to doesn't have take a 2 ton vehicle to drive home after a beer. Literally any other place in Chico would be happy to take your business, spend your money elsewhere. This mediocre food and dusty atmosphere is getting old. read more

You MUST try the jiffy burger!! Sounds weird but it's totally delish! I also tried their onion rings and they were good as well. Fries, yum too! The man got a regular burger, which he says was great! I'm finding that most, if not all, bars in Chico sell Sierra Nevada super cheap. The same goes for MBG. Good deal dawg. I'm loving Chico more and more. read more

Madison Bear Garden - Jiffy burger from the outside - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

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Madison Bear seems to be a Chico mainstay. My hubby is a Chico alum (25+ years) and he still talks about the "Bear". Let's say - this is not fine dining. This is college eats, so let's just keep the judging in that arena. This is cheep, fabulous hangover food. It's burgers made to order, rings galore & a delish grilled cheese. This place has moxy, and I'd imagine it's a great late night on the patio with a pitcher & some deep fried somethings at your table. I'm not a fan of ordering food at the window, then your drinks at the bay (including cokes & waters) - but hey, remember we're talking college eats. My read more

Madison Bear Garden - Grilled cheese - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

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Bomb food...a little heavy on the sauces yo. Had a few beers and enjoyed just hanging out. read more

Madison Bear Garden - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

This place had decent reviews and since we had never tried it. I was not impressed this is basic bar food garlic fries are just minced garlic thrown on top burger was really greasy. Atmosphere is the only thing going for. it read more

Every time I come here I say "I'm going to try something new" but I can't bring myself to give up having a Jiffy Burger! At first I thought "bacon and peanut butter on a burger!?!" But once I tried it I was HOOKED! Haven't been here at night for the whole college crowd...so no comments on that, but the Jiffy Burger is a must try! read more

Madison Bear Garden - Jiffy burger! - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

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Expensive, yet food feels cheap. Long wait time, annoying seating. Although has a nice staff. Seriously depends on the day you go. It's a gamble every time. 6/10 read more

I want to love the bear, but I just like it. The burgers are fantastic, especially the Jiffy Burger. They take a while to prepare regardless of the line size so be ready. The layout of this place is not optimal. It looks huge on the outside, but the inside bottom level sits maybe 40-50 people, with the patio sitting a solid 75-100. The upstairs has a dance floor, but the upstairs bar is on the opposite side from the staircase, so you have to cross the dance floor to get a drink. Drinks are also on the higher side for Chico, with shots ranging from $6+, beers at a similar price points. Overall the bar is pretty good, and it lives up to its hype, but It needs an update. It feels musty, old, and dated. read more

WOW! So, I just got back from Chico this weekend and let me tell you, there is no shortage of night life in that town! But if you are looking for something a bit different, look no further than Madison Bear Garden. This place is HUGE! I mean, basically anyone would find something to do there. The historical two story building has so many rooms that you could almost get lost there, around every corner is something new, some random piece of history strewn across the ceiling or embedded into the tables. There could be hundreds of people there yet, it doesn't feel over crowded. And, if you don't like the music in one room, keep walking around because there is different music playing in different areas. There is dancing on the second floor., while the first floor is more relaxed. I didn't eat while I was there but I'm told the food is fabulous. They have a serve yourself menu set up where you go order, then get your table and wait for your order to be called. And, they have a good selection for everyone. Last but not least, they have cheap drinks! We found great deals on well drinks outside at the tiki bar area. $2.25 double whiskey and cokes? Who could beat that? I highly recommend this place and will be going there each tome I visit the great town of Chico. read more

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Had to come to MBG for my husband's birthday dinner. He hasn't been here that many times and is tying The Thunder Humper! Great place for everyone and food. read more

Madison Bear Garden - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

Terrible and I mean beyond horrendous customer service. Extremely rude and harsh. Love the self serve aspect of the place and have been coming for years as I loved the food and the atmosphere also But with my last few visit always being dampened by overly rude staff and sub par food I will not be recommending this establishment Bar staff is very very rude read more

Pros: Good burgers, good beer, great place to have an outing with the boys, Bingo on Tuesdays, great puns Cons: Long lines to the bathroom, DJ owes me $50 Will drink here again read more

Two stars because it's a cool place to hang out. Staff is nice as well. Food is appalling, this place is just hype because it's a chill place to drink at. Wouldn't get food from here unless i want grease slapped all over my food. read more

Went yesterday and the food staff put items on my burger I asked them not to put on. When I let them know they were rude and seemed like I was at fault. Will never be back . Very rude and disrespectful employees. Food wasn't great either. read more

Ok, so I went to Chico in the 90's. On Sunday, the spontaneous urge to go visit my Alma Mater overtook me. I loved the Bear when I went to Chico, and I love it still! There's no description that does it justice. Just go there! Too much going on in that joint to out into words. Awesome. Thank goodness some things never change. read more

Note that bars are cash only (but if you only have credit, they can charge $20 on your card and hand you the change). They have multiple bars throughout the location. During the day only a few of these are open. On Saturday night when this place is going off, they have them all open. Each area is a big different. Upstairs has an area built out for dancing. Downstairs when you come in is built out like a restaurant. The outdoor patio has it's own atmosphere. Note that no one comes to the tables to serve you for the restaurant. Order food at the window, and listen for your name when your food is ready. If you're looking to see what the Chico nightlife is about, I recommend checking this spot out on a Friday or Saturday night. read more

This is a college town bar and grill that is damn near on the campus. Being my first visit I wasn't aware of the ordering and seating procedures. We waited for a hostess then walked around and didn't see any signage telling us what to do. Finally I asked the bartender what the deal was and was informed to order food from the window, then order drinks at the bar, and to find my own seat. Two checks is a bit weird but whatever. Food was good we had the burger a grilled cheese and salad. Only complaint was salad wasn't on a plate it was served in a cardboard container with a plastic fork. Not my way of eating a salad. Cold plate and actual silverware is preferred but maybe this cuts down on theft of forks? Beer was cold and super cheap for a bar but I do believe I was getting happy hour rates. I'd try other places in town before coming back here but am not opposed to returning. read more

Madison Bear Garden - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

It has been a long time since I've been to the Bear. If you have never eaten here you are missing out. Met my brother and sister in law and shared two orders of their buffalo wings. The wings were as good as I remembered. Brought back lots of memories of my days at Chico State. I know there are people who may not like the atmosphere as it's a young crowd and it's noisy but you will be treated well and will be served good food. With all that being said I dare you to visit and see if you will become a regular customer. read more

This place deserves negative stars. I have never felt as discriminated as I did at this bar. I was standing at the bar upstairs waiting to get a drink for myself and wife for 20 or more minutes. As time passed by, I witnessed other people being served, who had clearly arrived several minutes after I had. I confronted the woman bartender, Jen, and asked why other people were being served before me and she simply answered very rudely "what do you want?" After I heard that response I walked away and left the bar. My wife and friends also said that as I walked away the bartender flipped me off. As I was waiting there for 20 or more minutes, I examined how bartenders were "washing" there glasses. The bartenders were just taking the glasses and dipping them in water and claimed they were clean. After I witnessed this and experienced their professionalism, I was glad to no longer give them my business. read more