This is why it's hard to come to the filthy dirty Madison Bear Garden. If you ask for a pitcher of beer be prepared to get shorted. After asking them to fill it up all the way, they refused to do so. Even with being almost $20 a pitcher.... Also don't ask the heavy set bald guy with glasses to do anything for you, he's clearly overwhelmed with the stress of his job!!! (Whatever that is, because he can't fill a pitcher correctly.) Garbage food, garbage service, and the food honestly trash unless your wasted. read more

Madison Bear Garden - Supposedly a "full pitcher" - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

We met up with family here on a Saturday at 5:45. We were able to get some tables. When we went to order the line was about 30 people deep in front of us. After we waited in line for a long time they told us, upon ordering, it would take 45 more min to get our food. It took at least that long. The worse part is after all that time our food was all over cooked. My grandson's mini burgers were burnt black. My chicken burger was half black and burnt tasting and my husband's burger was way over cooked. This was a very disappointing evening here but I saw other posts saying they got burnt food. A manager needs to address this. The only good thing about the evening were the two nice employees we encountered; the bartender and the guy who took our food order. That is just not enough to want to return. read more

Been here a couple times as it is close to campus and the food is average. The most recent time I ordered a chili cheese dog with onions to go but when I got home there was no toppings. We went back and the staff was understanding and went to put them on except we checked before we left and there was no cheese. So we had to ask again for cheese and they explained their cheat sheet might not be updated. By the time we got home the food was all cold. Overall, the restaurant is a bit pricey but the setting is quite nice. read more

Madison Bear Garden - The ElDorado Hot Dog - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

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I LOVE CHICO! definitely a staple of the college life is finding a great go-to stop for yummay food! luckily this place is walking distance from campus. this place has insanely delicious burgers and sandwiches. fries are mediocre, though they're very cheap to add on to the burger. drinks are purchased at the bar rather than when ordering your meal. SELECTION IS HUGE! menu ranges from burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, wings, sodas, and beers. free refills on sodas btw! service is really fast, they are quick to take your order and make your food. atmosphere is so lively and fun! super plastered with fun gadgets, posters, and other décors. ofc a TV in the corner to get wasted while watching the game, if you please. overall the place is a must try for the burgers drenched in flavor- especially if you're visiting! i don't recommend this place if you're claustrophobic- it quickly gets packed and cluttered is its aesthetic! homey vibes but uncomfortable for some. if that's you, i still urge you to get take out! worth the try, even if the experience isn't the same :) my friends and i enjoyed every aspect madison bear garden had to offer. i give an 8.6/10 rate on my little piggy burger! my friends agree w 9's and 10's on their burgers. in addition, a great place to meet other college students and make friends! read more

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Spacious and usually not as busy in the early afternoon. They serve some tasty burgers. My faves are the papa bear burger and the jiffy burger. read more

Madison Bear Garden - Papa bear burger &fries. - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

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Went on a trip to Chico and decided to try this gem. Friends have told me this was a super popular place for the college folk to go and indeed the restaurant has a hip pub-like atmosphere. The good: The atmosphere was pretty fun. There were a lot of young families when we went and the staff was very welcoming. Great location. Great area of town. Historic building. The food came out fast. Their burgers were really good. I ordered the Papa bear and also a side of onion rings. The burger was juicy, properly cooked, and well seasoned. The bun tasted fresh and the sauces were great. The BBQ sauce they keep on the tables is just the right blend of sweet and spicy. The fries were very good too and cooked just right and salted properly. Lots of places to sit and eat on a Sunday afternoon. The bad: The onions rings were a bit of a miss. Ours seemed over cooked and over salted. The ranch also tasted yuck. There is ranch you can get cheap at the store that tasted better than what they serve here so they should just switch to another brand. They don't offer Coke Zero or fun drinks like Angry Orchard or Mikes. In the ladies restroom my wife witnessed some young ladies who were sick and ready to puke due to too much alcohol. I think the restaurant needs to cut people off before they get like this. It's in their interest to not have to clean puke from everywhere in a restroom. The mens restroom smelled a bit and was in need of a remodel. Overall: It was a fun experience and I can see myself going back and trying new things on the menu. read more

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Food was good I had a burger went home and wanted more burger. Staff was very nice and friendly. The restaurant was ice sit in booth it very cool. Bathrooms very nice has flushing toilets and running water overall very if you in Chico eat here of your iq 21 just like me read more

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Awesome bar/restaurant with some nightlife as well. Solid, and looked like there were drink specials almost every night. If anything, my only complaint is that a burger subbed with onion rings was like $18, so a little on the pricey side. Beer: Big selection, super cool bartenders happy to chat with you about beer. When they ran out of a beer I ordered, they gave me a bigger size of a different beer. Sweet! Good customer service. Burgers: I've gotten a few here and they were all good! Meat isn't over cooked and all the sides were tasty. Try the Jiffy burger! Peanut butter goes better on a burger than you think. Nightlife: Went upstairs on a random weeknight and they had drink specials and a dance floor. Had fun and it was cheap if you ordered the Red Bull vodkas! If I was a student here I would be a regular! read more

Solid beer choices, average drinks, and no wine. Don't come here when it's busy, you will be dissatisfied. Cool spot otherwise though.

Atmosphere good, food not so much. Burgers kinda dry, garlic fries where mediocre. Lots of college kids drinking beer, good mixed drinks at good price read more

waited 1and1/2 hours to get 2 things from the menu when they said only 30mins. The place had no seating. It was overpriced for the low quality food and service. read more

Came here today! There is a lot of people with no seats available! Food took 3 hours to come out! The food is cold! I am expecting the food to be newly cooked! Bad service! read more

So the staff, such as bartenders and waiters awesome and kind. My issue is keith the karaoke guy. There are 2 situations that made me uncomfortable. But some of the issues i have is he is not adhd or autistic friendly. He has no book or qr code to see what song he has so you have to ask until he gets so annoyed that he buys a song. A comment he made to my friend is he sarcastically said "ive spent 10 thousands dollars already. Pick one of the three. Then the first song she requested he said "no pick another" and was just so rude he nearly made her cry, so she stopped going. The most recent incident: i ask him, "hey can i ask you a question" and his response to me was "no". So i was gonna move on and he stopped me "what do you want to ask" i asked him "is it too late to change the song". I wouldnt have minded a "sorry but i cant" or "unfortunately not". No. What he said, with an annoyed tone "thats my least my favorite question". I tried to say "okay. Nevermind." He asked what song i wanted to sing and i tell him. He said "ill keep that in mind." He seemed unhappy to be working and these were 2 very different dates of incidents. Then the same night he made the comments to me about his least favorite question to me about the switching songs, he said, "is everyone having a good night tonight" and when no one responded, he said, "well your not having a good night tonight yall are r*tar*ded. This is an incredibly offensive and derogatory term. Honestly this monday will be the last time i go to karaoke with keith. His wife is super cool. But i hate to say it he was kind of a disrespectful jerk. I will go to karaoke on sundays at the downlo or friday at cheers chico, with more kind and respectful karaoke djs. This was a huge turnoff to the bear. And we ended up lewving early along with multiple people who were made uncomfortable by him. read more

Came to visit Chico and a friend recommended this place! Didn't know what to expect but they said the jiffy burger is a must and once seeing the menu, I also had to try the bear burger and both were super yummy!!! We got chili cheese fries and garlic fries with our order and loved it. You do need to order at the window when you first walk in and then wait for your name to be called so make sure to order first. read more

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Freaking love this place! Definitely an institution and never been anywhere like it. Well...except for Fanny Ann's, but The Bear's a little better imo. I grew up having these white, metal Coors chairs out in our garage. Always thought it was kinda strange. Turns out my Mom got smashed and spent her night slowly moving these chairs to one of the exit doors and then throwing them over a fence to retrieve. My Mom is a very sweet lady, so I guess the reason that those chairs were always stashed away is that she felt Uber guilty about the incident and hid them out of shame. About 30 years after she took them, she made a pilgrimage to bring them back. All the way from Santa Cruz! What a Gal! She's visiting next weekend and we're gonna rip the place up. Back to The Bear. They've got tasty burgers, strong drinks, the most fun and interesting decor of anywhere around, and it's a friendly spot. Their wings are pretty good too, but they need to bring back the bucket. Just saying. Had some dude walk up to me there last night while I was finishing my drink and tell me how amazing my beard is and that he has a bunch of homegirls that would love to ravish me. If that ain't friendly, I don't know what is. Hope his harem catches up with me one of these days! The pic of the burger makes it look kinda small, but I got a nice beard and big hands, so let's meet at The Bear! read more

Madison Bear Garden - Burgah - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

This seems to be a super popular place in downtown Chico. The building is pretty cool. Seems old with history. The whole service part is weird. You wait in line to order at the kitchen. You then wait in line to order drinks at the bar. They then call you to pick up your meal. There is absolutely no wait staff. I had the Atomic chic and the fire fries. The fries were good. The sandwich was just alright. Nothing to write home about. There is a bar in the back and a bar in the front they have different beers on draft. They do have a runner bringing drinks back and forth. We sat on the patio and we were accosted by a bum in their restaurant offering us marijuana. I asked him to leave and he complied but came back. He was smoking pot on the patio in the middle of all of our kids. I had to tell him to leave again. The whole experience was underwhelming read more

The old bearded bartender ruined The Bear for me. I went on my birthday for a Bear Burger and a few beers. Stood at the bar and waited to get the "free burger" voucher and a pitcher. I was standing right in front of the register for 15 min and the bar wasn't crowed at all compared to what it usually is. He blatantly ignored me standing there but managed to take the drink orders of several groups of girls who approached the bar after me. When he finally asked "are you ready?" I asked my girlfriend the time as I was 5 min shy of the kitchen closing and he snapped at me and said, "so you aren't ready!!" and walked away. Neither him or the barback ever acknowledged us as we waited. Yet, took any girls order as soon as she walked up to get something. Not a nod or a eye contact look of "one second." the guys a prick and I won't be back to the bear nor will anyone who I tell this to. Unreal experience. RIP Bear. read more

Great food, great memories over the years... I love "The Bear"... You have to try this place with a group of friends and get sone pitchers of beer and burgers... read more

I can see why this is a favorite spot in Chico! Fun, Great Music, food and plenty of places to eat. Food was alson delicious. The wait time was quick but food quality was good. I came with family. They even had a stand to put the car seat! Will come again! read more

Can't think of a more classic Chico spot than The Bear! This quirky restaurant puts our little town on the map! There's really nothing quite like it. The place is extremely kitschy and grungy, and I'd have it no other way. You'll find old-timey memorabilia tacked onto the walls, the tables, the bar. Everywhere you look, you're bound to lock your eyes onto a cool photo or figurine. The menu is equally as quirky as the decor. This spot is endearingly informal and makes for the quintessential 'college' bar. The burgers and sandwiches are extremely whimsical but taste incredible. I'm partial to their Jiffy Burger which is essentially a bacon cheeseburger with peanut butter! Unique concept but it tastes amazing! The food is ordered in one area, and you are to wait for your name to be called. The place is most always busy so prepare for a wait. The bar is maybe 20 feet away and all beverages are ordered from there. Actually, there is a second bar area on the other side of the restaurant. Not only that, but in the evening, this spot opens up their second floor for drinks and dancing. A lot of awesome real estate to peruse! If you are in Chico, this iconic spot is a must-try. read more

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

First time there - such a fun and eclectic icon of downtown Chico and the campus. Enjoyed a lunch on the patio (CA Peep was yummy paired with a Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing!) but want to go back with our student to enjoy some Bearaoke or other fun in the evening! read more

I was at the bear yesterday on a Friday night (although I've been there before a couple times) and I was helped by Elizabeth. She was awesome and very helpful. She answered all the questions I had and was able to direct me to a great burger. She had a great vibe to her as well! read more

Burgers are the best here. Though the fries are usually really salt I enjoy the atmosphere and vibes at this joint. Bear will always hold a special place in my heart! read more

The food is fantastic, the service is excellent... but the most remarkable thing is how genuinely friendly the staff is. Every single person we encountered were not only professional, they were incredibly thoughtful and personable. It felt like visiting a friend of a friend than simply being a customer. (Plus they love dogs!!!) read more

Madison Bear Garden - two glasses of beer on a wooden table - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

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Good place. Good food. You won't pay the price that's posted though. Their menu says a price but they charge a lot more than what it says on the menu prices. Other than that good place with good atmosphere. read more

Cool atmosphere burgers were great but my favorite is the must have chicken wings. Probably the best that I have ever had. They have a little kick so be prepared. read more

Great vibe and fantastic wings !It is a walk up and order but the wings were hot and large ! Thank you

No trip to Chico is complete without a trip to the Bear for the best burgers in town. A burger atop a grilled cheese, maybe the Jiffy made, yes, with peanut butter and bacon added. Go for the bleu cheese, sourdough, chili, or a dog, chicken sandwiches or wings. Just a few steps from the Chico State campus, it's full of students day and night ... and the biggest selection of Sierra Nevada beers on tap anywhere ... read more

Madison Bear Garden - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

Grew up in Chico and have always gotten great burgers and fries here. A definite Chico icon. read more

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Good pub food, unique setting, and lots of beer options. This place will be a hit if you love those things. Really loved the old time kitsch decor and the large sprawling layout of the place. Plenty of room for a quiet (or not so quiet) drink with friends. read more

It is self serve so no issues with the service although the bar tender was a bit cold and unapproachable. I ordered a Bloody Mary which mirrored the person serving it, sad and disappointing. I could have made a better one at home! Bloody Mary with one Spanish olive that was just dropped in the glass. They do nickel and dime if you want anything extra like ranch dressing and the food was mediocre. read more

Great time for all ages! Shuffleboard upstairs. Great food and drinks. Multiple bars both inside and outside seating. We had the best time celebrating with a large family crowd. read more

Blast from the past. Best curly fries ever great turkey sandwich as well I have been waiting to eat here for years

I loved the atmosphere of this restaurant! Very lively and so much fun decor everywhere to look at! First time here and I am amazed with how big the restaurant is! Unfortunately the food was just Ok. Burger was a little over cooked and fries were very salty. I'd definitely give it a second chance and try something else next time! read more

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Went to this bar on 3.4.2023 asked the down stairs bartender (Deven) if we can sit at the bar - he said I really do not like people sitting at my bar but moved some stools and said we could sit. I ordered a mimosa - he said they were out of champagne. My husband proceeded to order a drink and I drank water for about 30 minutes. We moved upstairs to a private party and I asked the bartender if he by chance had champagne and by golly he said I do not but I will have them bring some up here. Two bottles of champagne showed up! So kudos to the upstairs bartender, but BOOOO to Deven! Feel like you missed an opportunity! read more

The Bear is an iconic Chico restaurant, both for food and for drinks. During covid they're doing outdoor dining in their patio, or on their streetside dining they've set up. I had the My Chick-A-Dee sandwich, and a raspberry lemon drop, with a Scooby snack shooter on our way out. The chicken sandwich was good, but it wasn't anything crazy. It was literally a chicken tender in a sandwich, which was still tasty but I thought it would be more crafty than that. I've had their burgers before and those were much better than this chicken sandwich. Even though the sandwich was subpar, the environment was fun and COVID friendly (outdoor dining). Service was friendly and fairly quick, especially for a Saturday night. Overall it was a smooth experience and I'd highly recommend you try this place out. read more

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Service ok. Prices ok Burger less than ok. Not a burger place. It is a nice spot for drinks n fun read more

Madison Bear Garden - Chicken n beef less than ok - Bars Near Me - Chico, California

Nice environment good place to kick back have a few beers. Seem to be a certain type of people go here but not bad.

Horrible experience here. I give two stars just because the pitchers are cheap and the food is good. I was dining with my boyfriend and friend during the day, minding our own business, when my friend was asked to leave. She was given no information as to why, and when we asked to talk to the manager, the staff said that the manager would not come down and speak to us. How is that professional? My boyfriend and I were told that we could stay, but when we tried getting more information, the staff was threatening to kick us out as well when we did nothing wrong and paid for our drinks that we still weren't done with. There's no way I will be coming back here if customers are getting treated unfairly, I will gladly go somewhere where my business is welcomed. read more

It is nostalgic to me because I went to school in Chico 30 years ago and "The Bear" hasn't changed much. Burgers are good, no wait staff so pick up at window and find a seat. Good beer and drink specials. Funky cool vibe. read more