I picked this place out for a Saturday night drink with the boy and my girl friend. Basically, we got there to try the hot toddy and impeachmint but we did get distracted by many pretty cocktails. We got Topolino and East Barnet for me, and a hot toddy to share after. We picked Bourbon, Honey and Pineapple. My East Barnet is going to remain an all time fav till the next drink comes and topples it off the chart. It was so flavorful, without the sugary sweetness that some cocktails have. The pepper hit the right notes and the basil with a tiny clip cut a pretty picture. My girl friend got the same drink too! The boy liked his Topolino and really enjoyed the full bodied flavor of his bourbon. The hot toddy was good, but I prefer the one that we got at PP. The prices are aligned with the services, and quality. Parking is obviously hard in this area. But we got lucky because of the rains. All in all, we really enjoyed Madison, and we will pop over when in the mood for crafty cocktails and a place to wound down. read more

Had to wait 10-15 minutes for a table, even though we had a reservation, which was a bit discouraging. Server came over and grabbed our drink order right away. Cocktails were great, but they did take a little while The Churro waffle sticks are incredible. I am not much of a sweets guy, but we get them every time we go. Food was very good as well, and the portions are a good size. Definitely enjoy the atmosphere and the layout of the place. read more

Had 6:30 reservations and were seated on time. Food and service were excellent. It was very busy, and the noise level was high. Would certainly return. read more

The space was very well decorated and picture worthy. We got the Papas Locas and it was absolutely delicious! Probably the best potatoes I've had and it was pretty filling. I also really enjoyed the avocado sauce that it came with. As for cocktails, we ordered She Sells Sanctuary, Kokoro, and Future Music. All were good, but pretty pricey. Only downside was that it was about an hour wait over the weekend and the food took a while to come out. Overall, would recommend if you are in University Heights! read more

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This was my first time here. Recommended by a friend, and it was great! Tony, our server, was awesome and super friendly. I got the French toast and a Mango-mint mimosa. Both were superb! Will definitely be bringing friends in the near future! read more

Got the worst food poisoning of my life from the chicken here. When I told a friend about it she said she had the same thing happen to her not long ago too. When I called to ask to talk to a manager about it they said they didn't have one.. read more

One of my favorite places in San Diego. Beautiful ambiance and the food is outstanding. Fresh, vibrant and chic. This place is a must try! read more

Madison - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is sexy. Maybe it's the decor, maybe it's the crowd, maybe it's the lighting, maybe the drinks themselves look sexy. As you walk towards the back, you'll enter the back patio, which I only saw from a distance. At the front, it's semi-open-air. They play great music. A bit pricey for the area, but then again, I haven't been to neighboring bars to see how prices really compare. Let's just say that my scotch cost significantly more than their cocktails. I may be wrong with the vibes of these bars, but here's what I'm noticing. If you're single and ready to mingle, or you thrive when you're around large groups of people, you'll find some fun at Park & Rec. But if you're a bit classy and want something a bit more chill, Madison is the way to go. The booths tend to be reserved. Since we didn't try to ask about those, I can't really speak on that. Parking can require some effort. Street/residential parking is all you get, and you'll need to take a short 1-2 block walk (hopefully) to get here. read more

We have been huge fans of MOP for many, many years due to the food, service, and ambience. However, my experience went down about 10 notches last night and this is why.......last night I ordered the chicken special and it was probably two notches above a Swanson TV dinner. Totally low grade and typically wouldn't pay more than $8 for what was served. Not sure what happened Madison, but your quality and portions have seriously taken a dive. As always, the wait staff is superb - from Bella to Tony to Malina - they are truly the best and always take care of their respective tables. read more

The cutest decor. The pasta I had was amazing. The drinks were good enough to order 2 of them! Great place for a girls night or brunch.

My boyfriend and I came here for Valentine's Day and I absolutely fell in love (with the food) ;) You are most definitely paying for quality over quantity here and it is out of this world. They combine very different ingredients to create the most unique and delicious appetizers and entrees. Absolutely tree the watermelon stack appetizer, I was weary of it at first but could not get enough of it as soon as it hit the table. You will most definitely enjoy this place if you have a tongue for different plates. Customer service is very polite, knowledgeable, and fast. It is pricey but very worthwhile. read more

The ambiance here is great, very unique. Came here for brunch which was busy but with a reservation made in advance our wait was minima and the service was definitely the highlight, from the hostess to the waiter both very attentive to making you feel welcomed. I ordered the Turkish Breakfast Sandwich it was very delicious and flavorful. I tried the Blue Dream mimosa which was also very good. Overall the experience was great from start to finish and will definitely be coming back. read more

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The waffle was surprisingly crisp and fluffy at the same time. I ordered the Mediterranean plate with two eggs. It tasted fresh and hummus was delicious. Being the Starbucks girl that I am, I was surprised at the small portion for the macchiato, so for the first time I learned what a "true macchiato" looks like. The restaurant has a small entrance but runs deep with mid-century influence throughout. They managed to fit our group of six into one of the booths in front next to the bar, but it felt cramped. I would have much rather liked to dine in the back "outdoor" area which is accentuated by the arched bamboo canopy. They had converted a row of tables in the center into a long table which seems like an ideal place for group gatherings such as bridal showers. It's a good thing we made a reservation because the place was packed for Sunday late lunch. read more

Madison - Mediterranean plate, hummus is delicious! - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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Gorgeous inside! Server was awesome! Hostess quoted us an 1.5 hour wait and she pulled some magic from her pocket and sat us in like 20 minutes! Cocktails were good. Gnocchi was good but way too rich as well as the mac and cheese with crab. Mushroom fries were tasty. Burger was not great. Salmon was good. The brie though!!!!!!!!!! BOMB! Comes with toast and jam. So yummy! I gave this place 4 stars cause it's over priced. read more

Madison - Delicious! All 3 of the cocktails we ordered we yummy! The chocolate cake with raspberry sauce was yummy too! - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

A huge factor in my five-star rating is the restaurant's atmosphere itself. As you can see from pictures, this place is incredibly beautiful. Never eaten at a place like it. Picture-perfect spot!!! I went for a weekend brunch so it was nice and bright but I'd also love to return for a dinner to experience the nighttime vibe they've got going on. I had a party of three and we ordered the Waffle Churro Sticks, Skirt Steak Benedict and Carnitas Stack. The churros were arranged really cute and came with a variety of dipping sauces, each one so good, especially the blackberry jalapeño. The Carnitas Stack was pretty hearty, which was good since that was my brother's order and he has a big appetite. On the other hand, the benedict is definitely small. It only came with one, even though benedicts usually come in pairs. However, I do have a smaller appetite so it was the perfect portion size for me. For others, probably not lol. So if you're looking for a big breakfast, you'll want to head elsewhere. read more

Madison - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

Nice place. No wait due to having a reservation but it seemed like we could have walked in and still be seated. The waiter was a little slow, we waited forever for our check, but very friendly. I had the Carnitas breakfast tacos, they were very good except the side of pinto beans were still on the hard side and the carnitas were a little dry yet had great flavor. Don't skip out on the Churro Waffle sticks! They were delicious. Very filling so make sure you share them or it's your main meal! read more

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Great food. The brunch has lots of options. Everything is great. For dinner, the pork chop is my favorite. It gets loud if you eat inside. Service is excellent. read more

It was my first time going to Madison for brunch and sadly I won't be going back. The ambiance and restaurant itself were great, however the food was NOT! It's understandable that most places are understaffed and over crowded during these times but there's nothing like going to a beautiful place and the food disappoints. The food lacked flavor all around, like not even a hint of salt. Our server was cute and nice but he was slacking as well! read more

I can't say much positive compliments for the food itself. But the cocktails and ambience are excellent.

Three stars is kind of an average of the different parts of the experience. Décor and atmosphere: very beautiful and special design, 5 stars. That's why you see it in the magazines. Drinks: I didn't have any tonight but the cocktail menu was very interesting and people were certainly ordering them left and right. I tried to have the bar make me a mocktail but it didn't work out well. Food: very mixed bag here. Tuscan toast special: mascarpone + salmon; pretty creative, 4 stars Curried hummus: I found this inedible though my companion thought it was ok: 1 star from me; too oily and the curry for me just did not go well with the olives and chickpeas and cucumber Salmon pasta pesto special: very very ordinary. I was able to eat it more than the humus, but it was an absolutely nothing special dish. Not anything that would drive me to come here again or recommend it to others. Dessert: limited menu, but I tried the raspberry mascarpone GF dessert. It was nice to see that the restaurant catered to gluten free folks, and this was actually pretty good. It was sweet, but I liked the texture. If the rest of the meal had been of this quality, I would certainly come back. Service was friendly though things seemed very busy. Hostess was very nice. I do give them extra props for the awesome playlist - Chaka, Gap Band, Dazz Band, etc. - fun music for a classy dinner on a weeknight. read more

Super yum and super cute. I got the chiliquillas and one of the fancy mimosas but vigirn so really just a green juice, but super yummy. Will be going back. read more

I have been here twice no with zero complaints or disappointments! It's walking distance from home, with a warm, inviting and beautiful aesthetic! Both brunch and dinner were phenomenal! For brunch I ordered the churro waffle sticks with a side of bacon and eggs because I couldn't decide if I wanted sweet or savory! It was amazing!! My husband ordered the carnitas stack! It is a tasty Belgian waffle with carnitas (better than carnitas snack shack carnitas easily). So good! Every drink I've had there has been delicious! I highly recommend the Cortez Bank! Great date spot, Beautiful architecture, Perfect cocktails in a great little neighborhood! We're definitely going back! read more

Madison - Gorgeous interior by day or night! - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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I feel like this is kind of like a hole in the wall type establishment that definitely surprised you once you walk in. I thought it seemed small from the outside, but it was very vast and open inside. Tall ceilings, natural lighting, and multiple rooms/areas to walk through. Very beautiful and modern inside, with a very welcoming feel. Great for small and large parties. Carnitas Stack $16 This dish came with a decent amount of carnitas, tomatoes, onions, and guacamole. The hot sauce that came with it wasn't spicy, but it gave it good flavor. The waffle was a bit too soft/soggy for us. Nutella Waffle $12 Came with a decent amount of bananas with some nutella drizzle and powdered sugar, but we honestly didn't taste much nutella at all. And the waffle was too soft/soggy as well. Cucumber Honey Mimosa Pitcher $29 I honestly think that it's overpriced, but it was refreshing, and we were able to finish the whole pitcher between two people, although i don't recommend it. Can definitely be shared between 3-4 people, but we finished it with no problems and got a strong buzz. Overall, pretty restaurant, good food presentation, nice concept, but could work on the food to make it better. read more

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Great location. Cute interior. Food was delicious! Service was outstanding and drinks were good!

Beautiful ambience. Gorgeous.Modern design. Cool vibes. Came here after 12:00mn kitchen was already closed sad but definitely coming back to try the foodies. Had Chardonnay Ricki shaw Sonoma was pretty good. Service was impeccable excellent CS. Highly recommended cute restaurant for dinner, snacks & late cocktails. A little bit loud but everybody's having fun. Friendly people here. Great wines selection n local beers. Foodies looks good n delish! Can't wait to come back here soon! Bar opens at 4pm. What are you waiting folks? Lol! ;) read more

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I went to Madison for the first time last weekend for drinks and appetizers with a friend. I was a fan of Lei Lounge, which formerly occupied the venue, so was excited to see what was there now. I was really impressed. They did a really great job decorating. I liked the brightness of the room. Though it has a bit of the retro hipster vibe (which I find overdone), it felt refreshingly modern. We found some seats at the bar and were greeted quickly. Looking around me, I could see a variety of cocktail glasses. Some bar patrons had foamy or fizzy cocktails, all in different shapes and colors. Glancing at the menu, they featured house cocktails as well as old standards. I was in the mood for gin, and chose the East Barnet which was a citrusy cocktail with the bite of yellow chartreuse and a sprinkle of pepper. I liked it so much, I had two more. My friend also enjoyed the same cocktail, but decided to switch to the Topolino, a well-mixed bourbon cocktail. As we were gearing up for Girls' Night Out, we decided we needed a few bites to tide us over. So, to stay on the healthier side, we chose the tuna tartare and lox flatbread. Our drinks were excellent. The service was excellent. When our cocktails were low, it was noticed. Our waters were filled and our questions were answered. The appetizers were beautifully presented. The reason why I cannot give 5 stars, is that the appetizers, though beautiful, were decent, but not delicious. All in all, I loved the place, but I would have to order some different items from the menu and give the food another try. read more

Madison - Tuna tartare - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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I loved the outdoor seating and the food was excellent. One of the nicest places to dine in the time of Covid. Service was great and very welcoming. I only wish they stayed open later, but completely respect the need to keep their staff safe. We'll definitely return to try the other dishes. read more

If you're looking for a solid yet creative cocktail spot, look no further. The Clover Club cocktail was top-notch and beautifully presented to boot. The other cocktails on the menu all looked delicious, and for a fancy cocktail, I'd say these were reasonably priced at $9 a pop. This is a great spot for a date night or a gathering with friends - the lighting is bright and inviting and the architecture is unique. Madison has that contemporary, post-modern sleek look to it and it does it well. The only qualm I have is that this place was super crowded on a Tuesday and the hostess stand is far inside - so one could be hypothetically walking around like a deer in the headlights. It's easy to get lost in the cool crowd. I came here only for drinks but plan on coming back for food at some point! read more

Madison - The Clover Club - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

My experience here was honestly not that great. We came in on a Sunday night and it was not busy at all. I thought it was weird how there was not a host at the door, you have to walk to the middle of the restaurant to be greeted for a seat. Our server was very slow with everything. It took a while for menus, water, food, the bill, etc. We spent a lot of time just waiting for her. I had the gnocchi which included a flavorful truffle cream sauce, corn, and jumbo shrimp. It was pretty good, however they only give you 3 pieces of shrimp. For $18, you would have expected a lot more. I probably would've gotten more shrimp from an entree at Olive Garden. I also tried my friends Pappardelle. It was decent, nothing amazing. We ordered dessert and tried their strawberry macaroon with mango sorbet and the Chocolate mousse truffle. I am a huge fan of desserts and sweets and they both tasted pretty decent. Honestly, I probably would not come back for the food especially with such slow service on a non-busy night. The decor was really nice inside, a good place to come once and check out. Other than that, everything was average. read more

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Good bye Lei Lounge ... HELLO Madison!! what a great lil addition to our area, i went here for a cocktail and really loved the ambiance. At first, the bartender seemed to be cold and unfriendly but he warmed up to us quickly...we were an irresistible trio, i thought my cockatail was too EGGY but ask them to make anything else for you and they will try their best to accommodate. i love the bar area, beautiful upgrades done and i can't wait to return for dinner! read more

Madison - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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Whatever you're looking for, Madison provides - whether it be a fun night out, a quick nightcap, a dinner date, or great brunch... The interior was what first attracted us to Madison - it's contemporary meets Japanese-modern meets Art Deco. Super cool! But several key things that make and define a quality spot is what prompted us to stay and now frequent. The variety of FOOD (portion size and flavor selection, etc) is enough to rotate with every visit - although it's hard to steer away from the pork chop. Now with freaking BRUNCH in the mix, I'm having a really hard time figuring out whether staying all day is totally appropriate. I would say TRY.THE.BRUNCH - the menu is really fun and 100% worth exploring. You must try the AVO TOAST (I know that sounds ridiculous considering you could maybe make it in your sleep - but without a doubt - THE BEST AVO TOAST EVER!!) then there's carnitas stack, waffle churros, beet hash, and bloody Mary's?!! Dear god! Apart from the food, the STAFF is next level. They are not only supremely warm, so friendly, and welcoming; they are all really knowledgeable.. It's a great vibe! Finally, the DRINKS, truly what has us frequenting.. I read a few reviews that said the craft cocktails were expensive, but $9 for a craft cocktail is cheaper/average than most places. The drinks here are so fun, while I recommend the Stone Stairs or the Vieux From Above, each bartender knows a lot about craft cocktail and if you're feeling risky I would 'dealer's choice' it - just make sure you know what you like/don't like. See you there! read more

Madison - Avocado Toast with the best tomato concoction- I crave it in my sleep. Brunch is 100% worth it! - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

Love, love, LOVE this place. Whenever I have family or friends in town, Madison is my go-to. First of all, the ambiance is on point. Super funky architecture and really intimate setting. The cocktails are awesome, and I appreciate their limited menu that doesn't overwhelm you with options (and that you honestly can't go wrong when ordering off of- everything is SO GOOD). This is probably my top 3 favorite dinner spot in San Diego, and they have amazing brunch too. Their staff is the best and I've always had great service. If you're looking for recommendations, try the Brie and Tuna Tartare for shares, the Gnocchi and Half Roasted Chicken for entrees, the Watermelon Stack Salad and the Carrot Cake for dessert! For cocktails, I recommend the Jumping Cholla- my personal fav! read more

Amazing drinks, great ambiance, and amazing food! Looking for ambiance despite COVID, this place is a sure win! Joshua was our server, he was GREAT! Make sure you try the pork chop and portobello fries! We will be back, can't wait to try more! read more

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The food is ok, but the service deserves a negative 3 star. Melina was a very sweet server, but she attended to us 3 times in a 2.5hour time frame to the point where we had ask the busser for assistance. We spoke to the manager to explain our experience to him after paying and still tipping her well. The manager pulled up a chair with a blank face, said nothing but a sarcastic sorry and got up. read more

After several visits to the bar, I had my first dining experience at Madison last night with two girlfriends. I had held my breath, hoping for a really good experience, but that didn't happen. We had a 9pm reservation. When we arrived, it was still busy, but the Saturday night rush was clearly over. We were seated promptly but our server did not show up for some time. When she did show up, we ordered drinks and a friend asked for a wine recommendation. We were immediately aware that she knew nothing about the wine list....the very small wine list (by the glass). Ok, so I don't get too bent out of shape about this, although I don't think it should be acceptable by the managers at the place. Well, it turns out that our server not only knew nothing about the wine list, but she knew nothing about the food menu. Or if she did, she was not interested in sharing anything of value when we inquired. The Madison menu is small. Too small, IMO. So for a server to struggle to answer basic questions was really, really odd. For example, when asked what the most popular appetizers were, she couldn't pinpoint a few for us, she said that they all are ordered about equally. Really? All equally popular? I find that hard to believe. So, after a VERY long wait between that order and our dinner order, she took our entree order. My friend asked "how is the gnocchi"? And I sh*t you not, her exact response was "if you like gnocchi, you'll like it". Really?? Wow, I can't imagine a less helpful comment if I tried. Did it cross her mind at any point to offer information about the flavor profiles, the ingredients, the textures, something specific to the menu items? Anything? Then my friend asked a follow up question, still seeking any bit of valuable information possible (something unavailable to this point) to make an entree decision. "I'm trying to decided between the gnocchi and this salad". Our server's response: "They are very different from one another". Gee, thank you captain obvious. We landed on 2 salads and I had the parpadelle pasta. I'd read mixed reviews about the pasta but enough positive ones to give it a try. I am glad I did. It was lacking salt, any easy fix that should happen in the kitchen, but I was able to get some to make it a solid pasta dish. It was a good portion size, appropriate for the price. The salads, per my friends, were good as well. So at least the food ended up being good, despite having the worst server I've ever had in my life. Honestly, she was really, really terrible. In closing, something else odd happened enough times that I can't ignore it. We were seated to the far back left of the restaurant. And every so often, a sewer smell lofted through the area. It happened 4-5 times. I have no idea what it was, but it was not good. Thankfully it happened after I finished eating, but strange none the less. I love the bar, and inside. I'll continue to have drinks here, but I'm going to hold out on another dining experience for the time being. read more

Madison - Enjoying old fashions in the bar! - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

Madison is radison. The hip eatery presents a focused menu with sleek, seemingly simple dishes that pack a surprising burst of intensity. The steak salad, for example - sliced skirt steak complemented by small sides of guacamole and quinoa - appears basic enough but quickly transforms into an explosion of flavor after buttering the guac over the tender meat. Mac n cheese? More like mac n crack...because crab meat and red potato. The food presentation mirrors the restaurant design: clean lines, no distractions, open space. Like before, there is both indoor and back patio seating, with a narrow bar indoors and the bulk of the table seating out back. Craft cocktails, wine and local beer round out the drink menu. The long awaited return of the space formerly occupied by Lei Lounge does not disappoint! read more

Madison - Steak Salad - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California

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Love this spot. I tend to only want to sit in the bar - their tenders are some of the best in town. Fun small plates and the happy hour burger special is delightful! Adorable and very instagram-able interior. read more

We love this place, sometimes the service is hit or miss. It depends when you go, the food is well made and the drinks are creative and delicious. We've had great experiences and some just okay ones here. I think they could improve their customer service but overall it's still a beautiful spot with yummy brunch and dinner items. Make sure you get there on time for your reservation especially Friday or Saturday nights. We love the bee cocktail, burger, and appetizers. It's a fun atmosphere for groups or date night! read more

We found Madison because We know one of the musicians who was playing there on a Tuesday night. It was a random rainy night, and we were absolutely amazed as soon as we walked in. The architecture of the building is stunning with San Francisco vibes. The whole restaurant had a lovely buzz about it. We were immediately sat by a friendly hostess (but also had made a last minute reservation on open table) Our server's name was Steve and he was top-notch! I had a question between two cocktails and he was able to clearly describe the difference and I went with the lavender whiskey, my boyfriend ordered the old fashion and when they arrived we were both very pleased. My drink actually had a small piece of honeycomb that was a very nice touch! It was incredibly smooth and absolutely delightful. I ended up re-ordering the same one, but my boyfriend went on a libation journey. His second was a specialty cocktail recommended by our server. And the third one that he had was the Woodsman... Each drink Steve had paired for my boyfriend went extremely well with the food we ordered. The brie was delicious and was very appetizing. The skirt steak was prepared fantastic and the chimichurri that came with it was out of this world! Finally the pork chop was one of the best pieces of meat we have ever had out. Two bone in, breaded and cooked to perfection! Incredibly juicy, tender, and beyond our expectations. This was a date night to remember, and we certainly will be back! We also had the pleasure to meet a few of the owners as we were walking out and they were all very friendly gentleman. We highly recommend this classy joint if you're looking for a hidden gem in the city! read more

This place is a must stop for drinks. This review is based on the bar experience since we didn't dine. Stopped in after dinner in the area and we were instantly drawn in by the design of the place. We were greeted by the bartenders and all ordered a round of cocktails. Service was friendly and knowledgable. There wasn't much standing room at the bar so they offered us one of the booths in the bar area that had opened up. I loved it minus the fact that no one comes to the table to take drink orders. We flagged down the bartender and he politely told us we needed order from the bar. Didn't make any sense at all, but he ended up serving us at the booth. That weird rule reminded me of being at Starlite, which I despise. I hope that isn't a theme and they are open to making money and serving guests. **Still giving them 5 stars in hopes they apply that info to their service standards.** read more

Madison - Impressive design. Modern, romantic, yet alive! - Italian Near Me - San Diego, California