James Madison House Bar & Restaurant

I was super excited to go here, but the food was a let down. My gf got the pizza which smelled weird and had so much grease on it. I had the patty melt and French fries, there was no seasoning and everything tasted like rubber. I was super disappointed because I wanted to visit this location for a long time.

Aside from the food, the staff is great. Everyone is super professional and kind. Great service from our server and she went above and beyond! Additionally, there was great music playing and a great crowd as well.

My overall recommendation is go here for drinks and music. It’s a great bar, and spot to have a beer with friends and family!

While disappointed with the food, I would recommend this restaurant for a good time with friends and family.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Bartender not attentive at all to us. We sat at the bar got menus for both food and drinks. Not crowded but totally bypassed us until I waved down what I thought was another bartender… then he jumped to… took over 20 minutes for him to make 3 drinks and it was clear he didn’t know where to find anything to make the drinks…. ? Why is he alone behind the bar😠

Service: 1

$10 for a draft beer is ridiculous. I paid less in Alaska.

Atmosphere: 2

Service: 1

Sat down and got a drink right away. Once I told the guy(bartender) i wasn’t having food I wasn’t spoken to again for 40-45 mins. I was planning on having a few drinks but ended up only having 1 due to crappy service. I was 1 of 4 people at the bar(there was 2 bartenders). Wont be back!

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 1

Staff is always friendly and personable. They pick up small talk you may have started with them a week or two later. The small town vibe is great to escape the boring chain restaraunt feel & the space works for solo to large groups. The menu has quality classic favorites and new twists on bar staples. Specials are frequent for seasonal items. Never had a bad meal.

Dietary restrictions: There are vegetarian and gluten free options, which are labeled on the menu and staff know well

Parking: Large lot shared between businesses like Roberts food center means there's always a spot. And, free.

Kid-friendliness: Great family-friendly atmosphere. I see families here all the time. It's more of a pub than a stand alone bar, so stopping by with family is not unusual.

Wheelchair accessibility: Theres a depressed spot in the walkway to get up to the concrete, then there are no stairs or major obstacles to worry about. There are also low set tables you can roll up to.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Apple Goat Cheese Salad, Fries

An amazing place
Brilliant memories ? ? ❤️ cool place and people ?

I can’t stop thinking about those steak tips! Yum! I highly recommend! Great selection of bourbon and whiskey too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Shhhhh - dont tell anyone about this place. If it gets out that the food and service is amazing here you'll never get a seat. :) Just kidding - the place was awesome. Great service. Amazing food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We love the James Madison House. I just had the best food I have eaten in 2024. Tonight’s Shrimp Scampi over spaghetti squash was the best dinner I have had anywhere in CT. Presentation was 5 star good. The spaghetti squash was actually better than the shrimp. I can’t believe a pub bar can produce such incredible food. And it was gluten free to boot. I had an unbelievable experience there tonight. My wife’s tacos were top shelf as well. Keep it up friends at JMH. Can’t get a better dinner anywhere.

We love this place. Food is excellent and staff are awesome! Best place around!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Apple Goat Cheese Salad

Been going to the restaurant since they opened. Food is good however of late the service has been horrendous and the owner has been extremely rude to several clientele. Would not recommend this establishment to others.

We live in North Madison. There are a lot of restaurant options under 20 minutes.I've gone there several times a month. Initially because it is close but there is a warm feeling there that brings me back.

The new owners totally renovated the place. They also revamped the menu and refined it over the past year. Everything is good quality and prices are reasonable. We have been there a couple of times when they had live music too

I would drive further to get there and thankfully I don't have to. As it gets more popular there can be a wait but it's never very long and they do have tables outside. Live music, great food and everyone is friendly. The crowd is a good mix of people... All ages.
Well done!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

best black bean cruchwrap ever, taco bell could neverrrr! chicken Caesar wrap is also 10/10

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I eat burgers all over the state of Connecticut and this place definitely has the best burger in the state

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Duck Gyoza, Buffalo Wings, Cheese and Jam Plater, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Apple Goat Cheese Salad, Fries

We had a great time here. Black Bean wrap, truffle fries, crab cakes were all awesome!

Vegetarian options: Salads, black bean burgers and more!

Dietary restrictions: I'm type 1 diabetic and there were options available to my restrictions.

Kid-friendliness: We have six kids that were treated like family!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fries