What an adorable little spot! It is exactly what you would want for a nice lunch to visit with a friend. The menu is unique and they also have daily specials on the board at the front. The building is a historical one with lots of character. We went on a Monday right in the middle of lunch and only had to wait about 15 minutes. The waitress we had was very knowledgeable about the menu which we appreciated. They also have a kids menu for $5.95 that includes a side and drink. I also thought the pricing for adult meals was very fair. We will definitely be back.
What a lovely evening meal! My favorite was the delicious charcuterie board. Service was superior…thank you Patrick!
I would have liked a little more seasoning in the quiche but the poppyseed bread was wonderful! Easy pickup and a beautiful location.
visited spring 2022A surprising upscale restaurant in Madison. This place, located next to OBB, is a small, intimate restaurant, serving creative dishes. The server was fantastic, and the food was pretty good as well. We enjoyed their back porch seating, but the fans were pretty loud. Would go again.
I seriously loved this cute little place!! The inside decor was so well done. Felt like a modern Parisienne Cafe. Outside was super chill. Great waitresses staff, super friendly and attentive! Just be prepared for the train to go by if you are outside!
great food, great service, great atmosphere!
I have dined at Main Street Cafe regularly since I moved to Madison in 2007. I've taken out of town guests (family and friends) to the restaurant. However, I will no longer patronize the restaurant as of today. Why? Because I don't want nor need to hear the political opinions of a server/waitress while I am eating. I ate lunch on the patio today. As we concluded our meal with a phenomenal waiter*, a waitress explained the price of upcharges to premium side dishes to diners seated at the table next to us. She then proceeded to tell the diners to blame the price increase in Main Street Cafe's prices "on the president [of the United States]." I've never witnessed such appalling and unprofessional conduct from a server in my entire life! Why would a "professional' discuss politicians with patrons of the business? Had I been seated at that table and placing an order, then I would have informed the manager of the issue and left the restaurant. I'm not paying to listen to political opinions whether I agree with them or not. Additionally, the quality of the food has diminished greatly over the years. My "blackened" salmon salad was subpar today. The salmon was baked (not blackened as I ordered) and extremely dry. I tasted my daughter's meatloaf and it was bland -- completely tasteless with the exception of the cheese on top of it. The last time that we dined there, I ordered the Poulet de Normandie and the cornbread base was burned at the bottom. I had to cut it off the burnt section to eat it. I didn't complain because I understand that everyone can mishaps in the kitchen from time to time. In any event, I was able to salvage the dish by cutting off the burnt section. Therefore, I thought that I would give the restaurant another chance after many years of fond memories dining there with family and friends, but I will never return after today. Unless you want a side of politics with your bland entrée, then don't bother dining at Main Street Cafe. *I do not recall our waiter's name, but he is a slender white male with brown hair. He has worked there for many years and has consistently been a professional & personable server when we were seated in his section. Unfortunately, I don't remember names well. The hostess and lady operating the cash register (manager or owner maybe?) were professional as well.
We have eaten here several times and we have always had a good experience. There is a good variety of food. The servings are a good size and not the huge portions you sometimes get at other restaurants that you cannot eat all of. One advantage of the serving size is that after the main course you have room for one of their excellent deserts. The staff are friendly and helpful. It is a 20 mile drive for us and there are many other good restaurants closer, but when we have time we always look forward to eating here.
This was my first time here. Everyone was very nice. The food was delicious, and they honored my special food request. The food came quickly even though I arrived 30 minutes before closing. The atmosphere is industrial chic beautiful. They have dining inside and a covered outside area. I love how they have repurposed this historic building.
I was so excited to try this place, the food and reviews look amazing. Walking in I was greeted briefly and I told the host it was just me. She grabbed a menu and said she was about to seat me so I followed her. As I follow her she goes straight to the BACK of the cafe an takes me to a room and says, "this used to be a jail cell. Cool huh" my reply was no and I excused myself to the restroom to access the situation. Now hear me out. I was in a room all the way in the back,a old jail cell. There were several over a DOZEN empty tables I could've sat at but no. I was taken all the way to the back beyond out of site and excluded from everyone else! Not to mention I was the ONLY black woman In there. See how it rubbed me the wrong way? I went back to the front and told them I did not want to sit In there. It was a beautiful day. Not too busy but a good amount of ppl were there. I wanted to be in the mix. When I voiced this concern it seemed to irritate the host or whoever she was because the next table offered me to sit at was literally not even 10 feet from the door into the restroom. I would've made direct eye contact with whoever as soon as they entered or left. She could tell I didn't wanna sit there so she began to just suggest I sit where I want and I suggested by a window or something. There were plenty of tables. I even recorded it and waited for replies from my viewers to make sure I wasn't tripping and everyone else exclaimed they would've did the exact same thing. Why am I being pushed to sit out of sight !! After she sat me the server who did come over had a attitude and I just left. I literally go places and review them for social media. I will never step foot or recommend this place. ZERO STARS IF I COULD