Cafe Madison, Riverside, NJ
A Restaurant Review
33 Lafayette St|
Riverside, NJآ
Website
Cafe Madison: Restaurant Summary
Fare: New American
Price: Moderate - Expensive
Food Quality: Serves a well executed, seasonal menu prepared with fresh "farm to table" ingredients. Vegetarian and gluten free options are available.
Service: Professional, friendly, attentive.
Ambiance: Upscale, Philly style elegant, romantic, industrial chic
Overall Rating: 3 Stars. One of the best restaurants in southwest, NJ
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate - High
Dress: Upscale Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy well prepared, creative food with vibrant, elegant industrial chic ambiance.
Not Recommended For: Diners on a limited budget who enjoy casual family dining with traditional American comfort food served in huge portions.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Pepper Crusted Filet Mignon; The Roasted Bronzino; and The Smoked Rib Eye with Lobster Mac and Cheese; For an appetizer, the table side Caesar salad preparation.
Liquor: Excellent selection of reasonably priced wines and specialty cocktails. Bar scene is vibrant.
Restaurant Review
Cafe Madison --- the best fine dining restaurant in southwest New Jersey, despite being located nearby many abandoned warehouses and buildings.
Cafe Madison with seating for 145, is one of three dining restaurants in The Madison. The other two dining restaurants, the Towne Tavern the outdoor Courtyard are casual.
The restaurant is owned by Robert Halgas who has teamed up with General Manager Timothy Eliason and Executive Chef Richard Wilson, Chef Wilson received his formal culinary training at Atlantic Cape Community College. He later went to work at Cafe Madison where he started in The Towne Tavern and worked his way up to Executive Chef in their Cafe.
The seasonally changing menu is offered as a choice of either prix-fixe or a la carte. Chef Wilson is adept at putting out a creative menu prepared with fresh "farm to table" ingredients. The menus are back lit --- great for diners with difficulty seeing in soft lit dining areas.
The decor and ambiance are Philly style elegant, industrial chic. The dining area is done up with attractive vaulted exposed ceilings, soft lighting, cozy booths, fireplaces, an open kitchen, and tables set in white linen.
In the warmer months there is dining in the attractive outdoor Courtyard with a cozy fireplace.
The restaurant is popular for all ages and occasions. For small groups celebrating a special occasion, for a couples to celebrate an intimate, romantic dining experience, and for diners who enjoy excellent food in a vibrant trendy setting.
The younger diners are apt to be found seated at the bar, while the older diners, families, and small groups celebrate special occasions are apt to be seated at the tables. For an intimate romantic occasion, request a table away from the larger tables.
While waiting for a table, visit the attractive and vibrant Martini Bar, adjacent to the main dining area. It has an attractive waterfall and live piano music.
Cafe Madison is easily accessible from the Tacony Palmyra, Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin bridges. The NJ Riverline Light Rail train has a station close-by the restaurant within walking distance.
They can accommodate large private parties and weddings in the Madison Room and smaller private functions in The Wine Cellar.
On site Parking is available.
Cafe Madison is open Tuesday-Thursday, 5-10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 5 pm-midnight. They are Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Open on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
(updated: November, 2019)
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