Cafe Madison

I had gone here for lunch with a friend last year and the food was so bad I actually called the manager. But we were in the neighborhood and thought we would try again. \r My friend wasn't feeling that well so ordered hot tea and poached eggs on dry toast.\r I asked for a turkey sandwich. They were out of turkey (pretty strange!)\r So I ordered a hamburger medium rare.\r \r My friend was brought hot water for tea but never asked again if she wanted more.\r Her eggs arrived on buttered toast (she can't eat butter on toast). She asked for them to fix it. THey brought her one piece of dry toast and then another. THey were not particularly apologetic for the mistake.\r \r My hamburger was barely edible. It was not medium rare. It was not particularly good. The curly fries they brought with it were just about equivalent to what you get when you go to an RPI hockey game. \r \r I couldn't figure out what we did wrong but the waiter avoided us, and when I asked for the check, seemed annoyed. \r \r I do understand that this place might be great for breakfast but they really need some work on lunch, as well as their attitude. I truly can't justify going back there for lunch as they are 0 for 2. I think the first time I went they also served something in an order that they were asked to omit. \r \r more

I was in town for a wedding and read about Madison Cafe online. We arrived around 9:30 am on a Sunday and there were several parties waiting outside for a table. We went inside to see how long the wait would be and saw two empty chairs at the bar and asked how long the wait was for the bar. We were seated immediately! Not sure why no one wanted to sit at the bar but it was great because our waitress was always right in front of us and available to refill our water or give us extra napkins. Even though it is a bar, the Sunday morning atmosphere was very family friendly.\r \r I had a hard time choosing what to order because there are so many unique and delicious sounding options, like fried oatmeal and a variety of omlettes. The food was so good. We both got the Super Breakfast: 2 eggs any style, toast, juice, coffee, meat (sausage, or ham) and pancakes. I got the raspberry oatmeal pancakes and LOVED them. The toast is from homemade bread and was also really good. Even the sausage was better than average, very flavorful. Plenty of butter and syrup, which is unusual for a breakfast place, they are usually stingy with it! I wish I did not live 3 hours away so I could come back! Pros: you will def get your money's worth! Cons: you might have to wait for a table more

After coming to Madison's a few times, I have to say that some of the worst service/management I've ever come across has been at this establishment. \r The last time I went (which will be my last), there was a short line of customers. I was told to expect a 20-25 minute wait, which was a complete lie. I waited over an hour and 15 minutes. For the last 15 minutes, one (very sweet) waitress kept on assuring me that my name was up next, and indeed looking at the seating chart, she was correct. After another 15 minutes and even showing us which table will become ours, we were escorted to our table only to find another group sitting down that was escorted in by the manager.\r After complaining, the manager told us repeatedly that we were NOT next in line, and the other group was before us and to wait our turn. After 5 minutes of deliberation, when he finally looked at the seating chart he pointed at MY name and said, 'see this group is before you'. \r Once realizing his own mistake, I was shocked to see how unaffected he was. There was hardly any apology and he kept on saying, ""well, there is nothing I can do now.""\r Yes, the food is good. The waiters and waitresses are also nice. However, you usually have to wait more than 3 times the amount of time they suggest for a table and the management is lousy and always in a bitter mood. The event ruined our breakfast and the day for my party. Pros: Decent Food Cons: Horrible Management, that ruins your dining experience more

I have been going to madsion for many years ( at least 15) on and off. Consistant and good, what more could you ask for. more

Being from the south, i know southern food pretty well. I lived all over the carolinas for years. I recently moved to albany. In hopes of finding a southern-esque spot, i tried cafe madison. The menu says southern accent! Please let south cook southern food....this restaurant was such a letdown..instant grits!!?? NO NO NO. Buttermilk fried chicken..wheres the breading?? Swiss chard thats barely cooked!!! This guy needs to get schooled in southern food!! the service was good though..the food was not! Pros: good service Cons: crappy food more

Anyone who actually rates Denny's higher than Madison's end is an absolute moron. I moved to Saratoga 2 years ago, and Madison's end is one of the few things I can truly say I miss about Albany. You just don't find breakfast places with this kind of unique selection and quality anywhere. The BEST. Hands down. more

amazing sourdough bread. this is one of those fantastic mom and pop places. its changed hands or names a couple of times but the last time i ate there it was a real treat. limited hours though more

Traveled to Madison End Cafe for breakfast from Amsterdam NY - about 22 miles - results = what great and unique breakfast selections - I had the Greek omelet - wife had a peach and berry crepe - homemade walnut wheat bread - AWSOME - such a warm and pleasant atmosphere with attitude to match - left us with a warm fuzzy to start the day - Outstanding Pros: food, service, atmosphere Cons: Parking more

Friends of ours who have visited from Chicago, DC and New York rank this itty bitty brunch place as among the best they've enjoyed. A bit of a wait on the weekend when the local colleges are in session, but wonderfully worth it. The coffee is always fresh and delicious. The lovely bread and granola are homemade and outstanding. The menu covers all the basics (eggs any way, omelettes, pancakes, waffles, fried oatmeal), and the special menu covers the truly special (unique fritattas, stuffed french toast, huevos rancheros, eggs benedict). The food is uniformly wonderful, the staff friendly and attentive...only one tough decision remains as you decide from the tempting menu - do you want sweet or savory? more

I moved to NYC for the summer, and despite all of the food choices down there... I craved the distinction of Madison's End... My only regret is that speaking highly of it makes the wait on the weekend even longer! Pros: Delicious Food, Generous Servings, Inexpensive Cons: Small, Need to wait, Weak weekday menu more