Madison & Vine
The menu has a wide array of appetizers to choose from, ranging from a classic French Onion Soup, with a mouth-watering amount of cheese, to Avocado Toast, with the perfect amount of lime for zesty flavor and red pepper flakes for some kick. My favorite appetizer has to be the Meatballs, which are topped with House Ricotta and Parmesan Cheese. It is that perfect comfort food to start your meal off right. You can’t go wrong with any of these, although be prepared that some of the appetizers are enough to be your main course (such as the French Onion Soup).
The mains are, in my opinion, the reason to go to Madison & Vine. I am struggling between my favorites as I have enjoyed many entrees equally, but if I had to choose my top three, they would be the Pan Seared Salmon, Truffled Macaroni Au Gratin, and the Roasted Half Chicken. Each has unique attributes, and each has its place depending on what you’re in the mood for. If you want something light on the stomach but very flavorful with lots of aromatics, go with the Salmon. If you want a hearty winter dish that nourishes you, try the Chicken. And if you are in the mood for pure comfort and savoriness, do the Macaroni. The mains are all strategically put together, and with seasonal sides to each, it warrants return trips depending on the time of year. I have yet to get a bad main from here, and I am thoroughly impressed with the presentation of each.
The sides at Madison & Vine are delicious. I have to shout out the Crispy Brussel Sprouts as these are the best Brussels sprouts I have had from any restaurant. They have the perfect crunch, yet also provide a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that I have never experienced with Brussels sprouts anywhere else. On top of that, with the addition of crumbled bacon and an amazing dipping sauce, they are worth a trip all on their own. I also heavily praise the Parmesan Truffle Fries. The addition of truffle and parmesan gives the fries extra flavor. Overall, you can’t go wrong with any of these options, and I appreciate how there is enough provided to encourage sharing of the sides.
Madison & Vine, just like any bistro, excels at their dessert offerings. They do provide some selections, such as Creme Brule, Ice Cream/Sorbet, as well as Cocktails and Martinis, but they also offer more intriguing sweet treats like their Warm Fudge Brownie, which is decadent but worth it, and their Mason jar desserts, which include Chocolate Mousse, Italian Tiramisu, or Classic Banana Pudding. My favorite is the Warm Fudge Brownie. The brownie was dense, moist, with a rich flavor, balanced with homemade Vanilla Ice Cream and whipped cream. However, if you like a light and fluffy brownie, then I would not recommend this, as it is very dense.
Madison & Vine is an American bistro located at the corner of 41st Street and Madison Avenue, blending French and American dishes with tasty results, and given its location, it is reasonably priced for what you get!
Without a doubt, part of what you're paying for is the location. Anything on Madison Avenue is going to be pricey, and, given that it is conveniently located near Grand Central Station, that plays a role as well. A caveat to that is you get an amazing atmosphere with relaxing music in the background, a candlelit table, and, if it isn’t winter, an elegant outdoor seating area. Behind the bar, you will see the assembly of wine that the bistro has to offer, and while the wine will not be covered in this review, it offers a good selection. Overall, the ambiance is nice, relaxing, and a good spot for a business lunch or dinner or a casual meal with friends.
Along with good ambiance, the service is also excellent. Every visit has felt very welcoming, and it’s those little touches that can really change how your experience is overall. Throughout the evening, the waiters provided attentive and polite service, and they were very willing to make alterations to an order.
To enjoy a restaurant, there needs to be a match with your personal preferences. For me, that is the style of service, flavors, and the overall atmosphere. For me, Madison & Vine is the perfect fit. The food is delicious, the flavors of each menu item are unique and exciting to try, and the atmosphere is attractive and comforting. The service is on top of everything, so you will never find yourself calling the waiter over, because they are already there! With the frequent menu changes, I will see myself coming back here frequently, and even if I choose to get the same dishes I got previously, I know I will enjoy them again.
Service: 9/10
Food: 8.5/10
Atmosphere: 7.5/10
