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    Madre

    4.2 (172 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 1 week ago

    Madre Photos

    MADRE ATMOSPHERE

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    Brisket Croquetas
    Alex A.

    Stopped by for dinner at Madre earlier this week. When you arrive parking can be a bit difficult in this area as you'll need to find street parking or park in a nearby lot. When you arrive you'll walk past the smoky hollow archway and find the entrance to the restaurant. When you walk in you'll feel like you transported to an upscale, late night social hot spot. To start we sat at the bar and I ordered the Satin Espresso Martini (brandy, orange & vanilla custard cream, averna, fresh espresso) which was well balanced and nice and cold. After our first drink we migrated to a table where I ordered a charred old fashioned (rye whiskey, burnt sugar, PX sherry, citrus bitters) which was on the sweeter side with a smoky finish. I also ordered a Madre Margarita (tequila blanco, mezcal, lime, agave) which had a nice mezcal finish. Out of all the drinks I'd say my favorite was the espresso martini. After drinks we ordered food which consisted of bread service (union special sourdough, cultured butter, chives, flake salt), venison tartare (tender strip loin tossed with shallots, capers, and house russian dressing. served on toasted marble rye, finished with egg yolk jam and pecorino romano), salchpapas (where street food an comfort food meet. crispy potatoes, chorizo, and dijonaise), brisket croquetas (slow braised birria and melted monterrey jack rolled in crispy panko. served with lime aioli, pickled fennel, onion, and watermelon radish salad), and the Calabrian chicken (hot honey chili aioli, and chives). The stand out dish was by far the Calabrian chicken which was deep fried and had the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. They ran out of ribeyes on this trip, but next time I'm at the Madre I'll definitely have to try their steak. Definitely check this restaurant out if you are in the Glenwood South area.

    The view from my seat
    Dina L.

    Wow what a disappointment. The service was warm and attentive. Wish I could say good things about the host and food. There are less than 15 people for brunch at 1:30. Im expecting to sit near the other diners. Noooo. The host walks past several tables in the sunshine to seat me at a dark table near the kitchen. Dining while Black strikes again. I felt punished. I decided to try Madre for restaurant week 7/16-21. Sadly, they aren't participating. No Gambas. In fact there was NO seafood on the brunch menu- no pulpo or calamari Making due, I chose the gem salad and the Calabrian chicken and churros. The more I ate, the more I noticed the salad didn't seem freshly made. It was also overdressed. . Same for the chicken-seemed reheated It was warm in temp, mild in heat and very dry. The large drumstick didn't seem like the juiciest choice. To me, the churros seemed like the only thing freshly made. It was the best bite. NGL I was expecting more given the hype in the reviews. I did appreciate the manager for comping my cava- maybe bc of restaurant week. It would've been nice to say thanks and share insights. Any place that seats me near the kitchen, particularly if the restaurant is empty, can't earn more than two stars from me.

    Mina L.

    This place has potential, but we had a really bad experience! It started by us standing at the entrance for 10 minutes as a waitress after another passes by as and telling us the host will be right with you! 10 minutes later she comes and asks how can I help you! No apologies or anything! We obviously would like to be seated! Our waitress (Asmaa) was great, kind and attentive, so we're like okay things are turning around, then I open my utensils and the fork was not clean with food stuck to it .. The food was good but our steak which we ordered first, came last and it was cold! So clearly someone forgot it in the kitchen! Overall bad experience

    Darbie V.

    WOW WOW WOW! THIS PLACE IS FANTASTIC! I was here on a business trip and came here with the team and it was fantastic. I have never been to a tappas restaurant before and honestly it wasn't my first pick but the team was excited and I was so glad that I was wrong! We had a group of six so we ordered a variety of plates to try! The staff here is incredible! We had several people in our group that had dietary needs and they carefully marked each item that we could/couldn't have and what modifications were available. There were some really stand out dishes and some that I wouldn't order again but everything was delicious! If you're looking for a special meal out I highly suggest this! Here are a few of the best dishes in my opinion that I hope you will try! - Trout - this was my favorite dish! Really great flavor balance and the sauce was delicious - Roasted cauliflour was fantastic - Pork Belly was so well cooked and the flavor was incredible - Grilled shimp was delicious Really I can't rave about this place enough! If I'm back in Raleigh I will be here agian!

    Bambi S.

    I took my friend to Madres to celebrate his birthday, and from start to finish, the experience was top tier. We were seated promptly upon arrival, and the service was immaculate. The waiter was very attentive without being overbearing, which is always appreciated. The food? Absolutely delicious. Madres offers small plates, which made the experience even better because we were able to share dishes and sample a variety of flavors. Every plate was well-prepared and full of flavor. The atmosphere is versatile in the best way. It can easily be romantic, celebratory, or just a laid-back night out depending on the vibe you're going for. We noticed other guests celebrating birthdays as well, which added to the lively but still intimate energy of the space. Whether you're planning a date night, a birthday dinner, or just want great food and service, Madres delivers across the board. The atmosphere, service, and food all get high marks from me. Highly recommend. Would absolutely return.

    Shrimp
    Alexus H.

    Madre is such a vibe with the mood lightening and the music. It is a tapas style restaurant and the portion sizes are pretty good. The food was also tasty.

    Gin sour
    Emebet E.

    Went for dinner on friday night (close to opening). Seated quickly at the bar & immediately hit it off with the bar staff. Everyone was kind, attentive, and had great recommendations. I ordered three plates (dining solo) and it was MORE than enough food. I left quite full, and incredibly satisfied. I should mention I tried two of their craft cocktails (gin item on the menu, similar to a gin sour) and then had two regular gin sours. After dinner I made my way to Moon room & kept the vibes going. Great place, trippy bathrooms, but overall great vibes. Gracias, Madre!

    Samantha R.

    Back for more! This time I tried the calamari and bread and butter. The calamari has a thick crunchy batter that works, topped with a tangy tartar sauce that brings that brings it together nicely. I walked in around 9:45, just before closing and they still let me order food and drinks at the bar. Stayed for an hour and never felt rushed even though we were the last to leave. As always, a cool dim ambiance!

    Carrots
    Theresa P.

    This place is really cool. Many patrons were dressed up, giving the restaurant an even more upscale feel. Delicious braised cabbage and the STRACCIATELLA Staff (Brie) is super friendly and informative.

    Amy P.

    Brandon was spectacular!! They took the menu and marked up items that I could safely eat as a celiac - so many delicious things to choose from Not to be weird - but check out their bathrooms! You will thank me The food was good, the assortment was amazing - the butter was out of this world. Our server made sure that everything came out correctly, quickly, and kept our drinks full! It was quite enough that you could have a full-blown conversation :-) they also have a bar area and generous seating

    Hanger Steak
    Sahib G.

    Madre has a great selection of tapas that are great to share. I always order a bunch of tapas to share so we can try different items. Out of the items we got, the hanger steak was my favorite. It was seasoned well and cooked to a perfect medium rare. I was not a big fan of the olives. They were bland and the fact that they were hot didn't help. The cocktails are pretty good. I got the old fashioned and it was made perfectly!

    Carrots, Ribeye, Bread, Cauliflower
    Mira J.

    I've been wanting to visit Madre for some time now. The service was fast and our server never too far. He gave us some great suggestions. The food was flavorful and drinks were great. Next time we won't split a main as it was not big enough for both of us. Enjoyed the ambiance with the music and the decor! Great spot for a girls night.

    Relaxing night at Madre!
    Brian V.

    After I found the entrance I wandered in and was greeted by the hostess that showed me to the bar. Madre is tapas and I love eating small portions of great food. I ordered the salchipirata and chicken legs in aioli and hot honey. This meal was outstanding! The bar area was on the dark side which was great to chill out and relax and less so for social interaction with random strangers! I will add Madre on my Raleigh collection for future visits. Cheers!

    Birthday Dinner. Excellent service and Tapas

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    FOUNDATION - Seasonal menu and famous Appletini which is not to be missed!!

    FOUNDATION

    4.4(331 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    This is a whiskey lover's dream and one of Raleigh's most unique drinking destinations. It's quite…read moreliterally underground as it's in a basement. With little signage the space feels like a natural speakeasy. It's unpolished enough to feel a little sleazy, yet polished enough to never feel dirty. In other words, it has character, and plenty of it. The bartenders were fantastic: knowledgeable, talented, and happy to chat about the spirits behind the bar. Whether you're a serious whiskey enthusiast or just looking for a well-made cocktail, you're in good hands. Being open later than most Raleigh bars makes Foundation one of the city's go-to late-night options, but that shouldn't overshadow what it really is........a great bar at any hour. The atmosphere, the drinks, and the people behind the bar make this a place worth seeking out whether it's your first stop of the evening or your last.

    Came here before dinner and had a great time. Even though it's a speakeasy, it was pretty easy to…read morefind. The menu leans heavily toward whiskey and bourbon, with lots of solid options. I had their basil smash, which was refreshing, and the Manhattan--bold with a warm, spicy profile. Pleasant surprise to see Michter's as the special of the night, and it was excellent with smooth caramel and vanilla notes. Service started off a little hands-off since we ordered at the bar, but picked up toward the end when staff came by to check in. Drinks were high quality without being overpriced, and the vibe is relaxed--not at all pretentious. You can definitely come casual. If we had more time, we would've stayed longer or come back for another round.

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    South side

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    Bittersweet - Bubbles and cupcake special

    Bittersweet

    4.4(484 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    What a fabulous dessert shop! Perfect place to grab an after dinner cocktail and dessert and…read moreconveniently located near St Roch Oyster Bar which is where we had dinner. Service was top notch with friendly folks greeting you the moment you enter the doors. Our bartender was so sweet and so welcoming. Had me a $10 Paloma cocktail that was just right and went to town on dessert. Everything was just delicious. Fresh made whip cream, perfectly balanced sweetness with the desserts and cute atmosphere. Loved my first time here and it won't be my last!

    Bittersweet has amazing desserts and drinks. I've been several times and each time I enjoy what…read moreI've had. A solid go-to is their s'mores sundae which is sooo good! The chocolate brownie is thick and rich, but not too sweet, and the marshmallow cream is divine, especially with the ice cream. A lot of their drinks and gin based, which I'm not the biggest fan of, but I always find something I can enjoy. The service is great and relatively quick, and everyone I've met there is kind and willing to help. The inside is a bit small, so smaller crowds are better and it does tend to get crowded later in the evening and on weekends. The outside street sitting area is nice too and hopefully will be fully fixed soon. Overall a great places to stop for drinks and desserts after a nice meal! And the menu rotates seasonally so you'll always have the chance to try something new!

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    Bittersweet - Chai espresso martini

    Chai espresso martini

    Bittersweet - Derby Pie and Gin n Tonic

    Derby Pie and Gin n Tonic

    Bittersweet - Pecan pie

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    Pecan pie

    Cuya

    Cuya

    4.5(32 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    I can't say enough about Cuya! From the amazing food and secret hits (they have pastelón! Iykyk),…read moreto the excellent drinks, and gorgeous vibe - I can't say enough! But the hospitality took it over the top- our wonderful server was so friendly and kind and on her game. And the owner as well. He is so gracious and warm and just out there with his guests! It was a very relaxed chic vibe with music and low light and then he went around to every table to ask if they had interest in watching the World Cup game (England v Norway). Luckily everyone said yes and then the vibe was all heart and all love. We stayed for HOURS & didn't want to go. lol. This was our first time in RTP, and as New York foodie snobs, we were blown away by the food scene and overall vibe. LOVE Cuya & really dig RTP!

    I really enjoyed my visit here for brunch. I didn't realize from the outside how much seating is…read moreinside this restaurant; they have a front area that has bright lighting, but they also have a back area that's a little bit more moody and sexy. Our server Maria was amazing, she gave us great recommendations and was very nice and accommodating. Actually, everyone was accommodating. I had a strawberry coconut Mojito to start, which was good, but maybe just a tad more bitter than I like. But I did love how creamy it was. For my meal I ordered the breakfast sandwich and added bacon. It was really really good. I also tasted the grits and wow, they may have been the best grits I've ever had. I believe the chef added garlic and it really kicked the flavor up a notch. All in all had an amazing experience here and I couldn't recommend it more.

    Photos
    Cuya - Très lèche

    Très lèche

    Cuya
    Cuya - Seasonal cocktail

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    Seasonal cocktail

    Whiskey Kitchen - Cracklin' Biscuits

    Whiskey Kitchen

    4.0(798 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    Stopped by Whiskey Kitchen for drinks after eating nearby. When you arrive parking can be a little…read moredifficult in this area as you'll either need to parallel park or find parking in a nearby lot. Walking in to Whiskey Kitchen it feels easy going, stylish, and lively. The bartender was super knowledgeable about the different drinks and made the experience even more memorable, For drinks I ordered the Old Fashioned (Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, Sugar, Bitters, Orange), Twist of Fate (Old Forester Bourbon, Campari, Averna Amaro, Jamaican Rum, Bitters), and the Blush & Brimstone (Cook's Mill Bourbon, Pink Peppercorn Grapefruit Syrup, Lemon-Ginger Juice, Rosemary Peppercorn Bitters). By far the Blush & Brimstone was my favorite as it had the right level of spice and it was just a good drink. Definitely check out Whiskey Kitchen if you are in the Downtown Raleigh area. Btw, if you go here for dinner I hear that the Lamb Burger is excellent.

    We have been to Whiskey Kitchen before and normally have a good experience, but today was…read moredisappointing. We ordered the Lamb Burger and the WK Burger with bacon. The Lamb Burger was incredible the last time we had it, but today it came out closer to medium-well and was overcooked and very dry. The WK Burger was much better. It was juicy, flavorful, and the bacon was a good addition. The collard greens were also delightful, with just the right amount of spicy kick. Unfortunately, the entire experience was overshadowed by the flies. There had to be at least 20 houseflies constantly buzzing around and pestering us throughout the meal. It was difficult to relax and enjoy the food. Whiskey Kitchen is normally a solid experience, but the excessive number of flies completely killed the mood today. Three stars because parts of the meal were good, but the dining environment needs to be addressed.

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    Whiskey Kitchen - Whiskey Flights

    Whiskey Flights

    Whiskey Kitchen - Smoked mozzarella salad with fried chicken

    Smoked mozzarella salad with fried chicken

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    The Botanist and Paper Plane

    Madre - mediterranean - Updated August 2026

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