15 Best Southern Restaurants in Madison

“Had Main Street Cafe for the first time after having multiple people recommend. And they lived up to the expectations! Amazing service and food!“

“Love the tamales, it’s what I usually get. Tonight I tried the smoked wings as well. They were incredible. Highly, highly recommend. Great food, great atmosphere!!“

“I have not tried much of their menu, but what I did try was great. We didn't wait long at all. I was really confusing the lady trying to take my order. She was very sweet and helped me decide what I wanted. They have lots of items on the menu, and I just wanted plain chicken salad. It was good. My husband got a BLT-something. I can't remember exactly what it was. But, it was delicious! I think it was a chicken blt-ranch sandwich.“

“absolutely my favorite diner in madison!! from bfast to lunch, everything is wonderful!!!!“

“Great place. Love everything there“

“Husband & I stopped in after an eye apt about 1pm on a Wed. Never been efore. AMAZING!!! Friendliest staff, good portions, locally sourced, HUGE biscuuts handmade in-house, jams that my picky Mom in law is STILL RAVING about the next day & FANTASTIC food!!! We would definately be willing to wait in the car for a table if need be next time, as they were packed at 11:30am! Great job!!!“

“UPDATED: 2024
Maybe some of the Greatness is returning, ventured by with a couple of friends and found the place more like I remembered from days of ole. Hushpuppies were awesome and plentiful, the barbecue was great, the chicken was back to that standard from the ole days it really felt like going home. Hoping they maintain the service and quality levels but for today you are my 5 star BBQ restaurant.

Update to the Update: July 2018:
Looking for greatness once again food was good and service is great. The new Mazda/ Toyota plant coming across the street, gives this place a chance at a definite re-birth and hopefully will regain that 5th star. Definitely edging back toward 5 from 4 stars.
Update to previous review:
Okay folks it was last fall 2017 but my sister convinced me to go back, oh yeah she was buying. But the service, Hush puppies, and food were all edging back towards their greatness for that reason I’ll go to 3 1/2 to 4 on this one. Definitely worth the ride.

This review teeters between 2 and 3 stars, for years this restaurant was a mainstay in our family's dining pleasure. The last two times I have gone the food was not up to expectations. The first time the Chicken was too dry which made it tough to eat, I'll give you the Hush Puppies were still good.
The last time Iw as there the food was awful remembering my previous experince withthe chicken I went with pulled pork-- Mistake, also the hush puppies were terrible.
So, So long to this one maybe one day you can retrieve your glory but I will have to hear some awesome review before I ever venture back.“

“What about the one on Jeff Road ???“

“Absolutely the very best fried catfish I have ever eaten! It's so light and it's never greasy. I don't know how they do it but it's delicious every single time!!!“

“The location near Toyota Field is AWESOME! I go often and it's always hot, fresh and the staff is always great! I have never had a bad experience or bad food! GREAT JOB to the Managers and staff there! Give them a try!“

“Rashad Newbie was a great welcome and friendly face at the drivers pickup window who showed great service. I will definitely be back.“

“Great experience, but I was not able to order extra pickles on the side like I can at the one on 72. Other than that it was a great experience and the food was really delicious. I also had a coupon that I got since this is a new location. Very happy to not have to drive down 72 to get chicken salad chick.“

“Great service and FANTASTIC BBQ!“

“I've been two times recently and have been pleased. This location was having problems but seems to have gotten much better with service and the food. Great experience“