We went at 12pm. There was a huge party there and they took mouth shots from the server and after cheering for 5 people it was all good but all 20+ people it got extremely loud I just couldn't even hear my friends talking. It took them about 15-20 mins of constant cheering and screaming. I'm all about having a great time but holy it was so loud. Then our honey lattes were extremely bitter but our server was never around to simply ask for any service, like ever. Lastly the few tables that came after us got our food within 10-15 mins ours took almost 20-30. We got hangry and listening to screaming was not what we imagined. Hope to go again and have a better experience again!
Ricky
We made reservations through OpenTable 4 days in advance and Madison confirmed our table for 9 guests. We confirmed again our reservation days later. We showed up and were seated in the inside space we reserved. We were offered water and were given menus. The menus did not match the menus available online and we were not given the brunch specials menu; we had to ask for them. We were asking questions about the menu and they did not have a few of the menu items available. Then they come over and let us know that another party who was seated in the outside space wanted to sit inside. They asked if we were planning to eat our brunch inside where we were seated. Clearly we did, we made reservations, and were seated. They said that the other party bought out the place, but they didn't. They wanted to know if we wanted to sit outside. I said no, I made reservations for inside. The man did not take no for an answer, he stood there and said I don't mind covering alcohol drinks for everyone. We were still hesitant, but clearly he didn't want us there. We accepted the drinks and moved outside. The place was not bought out cause no one else was moved and we ate and ordered drinks. The check comes and we were only discounted the coffees ordered and not the alcohol beverages ordered. So they did not honor our reservation, they made us feel unwelcome and uncomfortable, and then they didn't even honor the discount they gave us for the rude and last minute inconvenience. We didn't say anything just paid and left but, want to make sure I let others know the kind of service that is given. I'll be spending my money elsewhere.
Jennifer
Our server didn't come back to check on us for a while. She had came back and asked if we wanted to look at the dessert menu and we told her we didn't even get our entree. I had to ask another server if they could check on our food. I still tipped 20% and left the 4% hospitality fee on there because the people collecting our food and dropping drinks at the bar off were great.
Valeria Lopez
Kinda disappointing lowk. Was looking forward to the music and everything, but the service kinda ruined the vibe. It just felt uncomfortable and like the staff was very new. Food wasn’t even the best either. **NOTE** She was redoing her hair in the middle of the restaurant… felt out of place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
Christine
I've been here many times, and the service and food have always been fantastic. Unfortunately, this visit felt like walking into a completely different restaurant. The food was mediocre — the shrimp in my gnocchi tasted frozen and reheated, and the dish wasn't even warm. It honestly felt like a Stouffer's frozen meal. The service was just as disappointing. We didn't have any utensils, and after asking our server for them, he never came back. My son ended up grabbing utensils from another table. It was my daughter's birthday, and we were hoping for a nice dinner, but that didn't happen. The whole staff seemed like they were being forced to work, and the energy matched that. At this point, you're better off going to Denny's — at least you know what you're getting. The only good thing was the music. Everything else was so bad, we couldn't wait to leave.
Ashley Mullin
Our experience was underwhelming. The aesthetic was cool and we were excited to check out this place given other reviews but it really did not live up to the hype. For the objectively high prices, the food (chicken piccata and ravioli) and cocktails (old fashioned and honeybee) were thoroughly okay. Our food also came out so quickly that it made me question the freshness and quality. Overall, I don’t think we’d give it another try.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Gail
We were disappointed in both the risotto (undercooked) and the chicken piccata (dry chicken, few capers, but good sauce). It felt like diner food at Michelin Star prices.
Matt McLoughlin
Lower score as add an additional charge of 4% to your bill but don't make it clear so was easily missed...
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Pam
Outstanding experience. Service was great and so was the food. Quality ingredients! Will be back.
Lauren
We have been coming here for years and always have a great experience and love the food. This time we were extremely disappointed with our meal. They took the pork chop off the menu, my husband was super bummed cuz that's always his go to on the menu. They messed up taking it off. I got the gnocchi and it was extremely plain and bland. No flavor, gnocchi was over cooked and didn't have any taste of crab at all. Our server was great and apologized for our dinner. he comped my gnocchi and offered a free dessert so we were extremely pleased with the service. not sure if they switch chefs, but definitely the food was very disappointing this time 
I would honestly skip this place. There are tons of better restaurants and better service. Came in with my boyfriend and no joke we felt so rushed we were signing the check after exactly one hour on the dot and not because of our choice. After appetizers, drinks, dinner. We are very laidback and chill people. We understand when things get busy. But from the server, to the runners, to the bar backs, we just felt so rushed it was awkward. We went to Mabel’s gone fishing right after for dessert and wine and I mean wow what a difference. They just turned our mood around. The service and food at Madison were mid. I would just go elsewhere. Lots of different and fun places in San Diego with better service and food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Zackery Clark
Nice atmosphere and the live music was a great touch. Food is good, not amazing, service was bad (finished plates sitting there until end of dinner, no introduction or explanation of the menu), and cocktails are about 3 sips for $18 (I ordered an old fashioned & martini)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Adrian Olivares
Server obviously didnt want to be there. Food was mediocre, but the drinks were great. Would have drank more but the server was no where to be seen. Had the lobster risotto & ceviche... wouldnt come again. Unless you want to pay for the music and atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Wandering in Paradise
Nice brunch at Madison in University Heights! Beautiful ambiance that makes you want to take pictures, perfect place for a get together with friends. We enjoyed the tiramisu espresso martini and old fashioned for cocktails. For brunch the chicken fried steak & eggs and the G.O.A.T. breakfast sandwich were really yummy. Love that they are dog friendly. Recommend, really cool spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Toast, Sandwich
Amanda
Madison is a really cute place — it feels like you're sitting outside on a patio! The mimosas are made fresh and taste amazing. The food was great, and the whole vibe was perfect for brunch.
We went at 12pm. There was a huge party there and they took mouth shots from the server and after cheering for 5 people it was all good but all 20+ people it got extremely loud I just couldn't even hear my friends talking. It took them about 15-20 mins of constant cheering and screaming. I'm all about having a great time but holy it was so loud. Then our honey lattes were extremely bitter but our server was never around to simply ask for any service, like ever. Lastly the few tables that came after us got our food within 10-15 mins ours took almost 20-30. We got hangry and listening to screaming was not what we imagined. Hope to go again and have a better experience again!
We made reservations through OpenTable 4 days in advance and Madison confirmed our table for 9 guests. We confirmed again our reservation days later. We showed up and were seated in the inside space we reserved. We were offered water and were given menus. The menus did not match the menus available online and we were not given the brunch specials menu; we had to ask for them. We were asking questions about the menu and they did not have a few of the menu items available. Then they come over and let us know that another party who was seated in the outside space wanted to sit inside. They asked if we were planning to eat our brunch inside where we were seated. Clearly we did, we made reservations, and were seated. They said that the other party bought out the place, but they didn't. They wanted to know if we wanted to sit outside. I said no, I made reservations for inside. The man did not take no for an answer, he stood there and said I don't mind covering alcohol drinks for everyone. We were still hesitant, but clearly he didn't want us there. We accepted the drinks and moved outside. The place was not bought out cause no one else was moved and we ate and ordered drinks. The check comes and we were only discounted the coffees ordered and not the alcohol beverages ordered. So they did not honor our reservation, they made us feel unwelcome and uncomfortable, and then they didn't even honor the discount they gave us for the rude and last minute inconvenience. We didn't say anything just paid and left but, want to make sure I let others know the kind of service that is given. I'll be spending my money elsewhere.
Our server didn't come back to check on us for a while. She had came back and asked if we wanted to look at the dessert menu and we told her we didn't even get our entree. I had to ask another server if they could check on our food. I still tipped 20% and left the 4% hospitality fee on there because the people collecting our food and dropping drinks at the bar off were great.
Kinda disappointing lowk. Was looking forward to the music and everything, but the service kinda ruined the vibe. It just felt uncomfortable and like the staff was very new. Food wasn’t even the best either. **NOTE** She was redoing her hair in the middle of the restaurant… felt out of place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 1
I've been here many times, and the service and food have always been fantastic. Unfortunately, this visit felt like walking into a completely different restaurant. The food was mediocre — the shrimp in my gnocchi tasted frozen and reheated, and the dish wasn't even warm. It honestly felt like a Stouffer's frozen meal. The service was just as disappointing. We didn't have any utensils, and after asking our server for them, he never came back. My son ended up grabbing utensils from another table. It was my daughter's birthday, and we were hoping for a nice dinner, but that didn't happen. The whole staff seemed like they were being forced to work, and the energy matched that. At this point, you're better off going to Denny's — at least you know what you're getting. The only good thing was the music. Everything else was so bad, we couldn't wait to leave.
Our experience was underwhelming. The aesthetic was cool and we were excited to check out this place given other reviews but it really did not live up to the hype. For the objectively high prices, the food (chicken piccata and ravioli) and cocktails (old fashioned and honeybee) were thoroughly okay. Our food also came out so quickly that it made me question the freshness and quality. Overall, I don’t think we’d give it another try.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
We were disappointed in both the risotto (undercooked) and the chicken piccata (dry chicken, few capers, but good sauce). It felt like diner food at Michelin Star prices.
Lower score as add an additional charge of 4% to your bill but don't make it clear so was easily missed...
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Outstanding experience. Service was great and so was the food. Quality ingredients! Will be back.
We have been coming here for years and always have a great experience and love the food. This time we were extremely disappointed with our meal. They took the pork chop off the menu, my husband was super bummed cuz that's always his go to on the menu. They messed up taking it off. I got the gnocchi and it was extremely plain and bland. No flavor, gnocchi was over cooked and didn't have any taste of crab at all. Our server was great and apologized for our dinner. he comped my gnocchi and offered a free dessert so we were extremely pleased with the service. not sure if they switch chefs, but definitely the food was very disappointing this time 
Restaurantji Recommends
I would honestly skip this place. There are tons of better restaurants and better service. Came in with my boyfriend and no joke we felt so rushed we were signing the check after exactly one hour on the dot and not because of our choice. After appetizers, drinks, dinner. We are very laidback and chill people. We understand when things get busy. But from the server, to the runners, to the bar backs, we just felt so rushed it was awkward. We went to Mabel’s gone fishing right after for dessert and wine and I mean wow what a difference. They just turned our mood around. The service and food at Madison were mid. I would just go elsewhere. Lots of different and fun places in San Diego with better service and food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Nice atmosphere and the live music was a great touch. Food is good, not amazing, service was bad (finished plates sitting there until end of dinner, no introduction or explanation of the menu), and cocktails are about 3 sips for $18 (I ordered an old fashioned & martini)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Server obviously didnt want to be there. Food was mediocre, but the drinks were great. Would have drank more but the server was no where to be seen. Had the lobster risotto & ceviche... wouldnt come again. Unless you want to pay for the music and atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Nice brunch at Madison in University Heights! Beautiful ambiance that makes you want to take pictures, perfect place for a get together with friends. We enjoyed the tiramisu espresso martini and old fashioned for cocktails. For brunch the chicken fried steak & eggs and the G.O.A.T. breakfast sandwich were really yummy. Love that they are dog friendly. Recommend, really cool spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Toast, Sandwich
Madison is a really cute place — it feels like you're sitting outside on a patio! The mimosas are made fresh and taste amazing. The food was great, and the whole vibe was perfect for brunch.
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