Madisons – Bromley – Review

A much-loved hidden gem, Madison’s Restaurant has been serving up slices of of Americana since 1996.

What2: Madison’s Restaurant is one of those places you find out about through word of mouth. A secret haunt that when you get there your first words are “why didn’t I know about this place earlier?” A family owned and run hangout since 1996, it serves everything you’d wish to find after a long drive on Route 66: ribs, burgers, shakes, loaded potato skins, a good ol’ T-bone steak and of course nachos & guacamole. Be prepared to spend a long time gawking at the walls adorned with American-themed memorabilia: everyone from U.S boxers and actors, to flags and American signage. The famous “dollar wall” commemorates every person who has held their birthday there over the years!

Why2: Anywhere that allows you to build-your-own burger is pretty awesome, as is anywhere that has a Man V Food challenge. This place has both. We arrived pretty late but was welcomed warmly by the founder and owner who kindly prepared for us somewhere to eat (you normally have to book on busy days). We hung out at the bar and wet our appetite with a drink from their fully-stocked bar, and chatted with the friendly owner. We opted for the rack of ribs, priced at a cool £16.95. Absolutely divine. Fries and a hearty salad completed the meal. As mentioned before, Madison’s is one of the only places that allows you to build you own burger. Create your own tower of burger-goodness by adding your own meat: chicken, steak or an option from their Wild menu; Springbok and even Llama! If you’re up for a challange (and want to be commemorated on their wall) try the Too Hot to Eat, OMG Burger or the Waistbuster. We dare you! On Thursday’s their famous ribs are half price and Happy Hour is from 6pm-8pm on a Monday. At other times you’re looking to spend at least £20 per head including drinks so this place would be great for special occasions or celebrating with friends and family.

Where2: Just 20 minutes away from up-and-coming South-London suburb Catford. Homesdale Road, Bromley KENT BR2 9LD. There is parking after 6:30pm on the road adjacent to the restaurant. To book a table, email info@madisonsrestaurant.co.uk. Chat with them at @madisonsbromley

When2: Madison’s serves from 6pm until 11pm Mon-Sat.

What2 says: We visited on recommendation and was absolutely blown away by how packed it was for such a quaint place. It’s a shoulder-to-shoulder type restaurant (enough space for privacy, small enough to feel like “home”) but that adds to the authenticity of the place. The punters were mostly locals and that speaks volumes for the reputation of the restaurant. The owner really seems to take care in the people who walk through his doors. We left absolutely famished but craving more. A great soundtrack – everything from 70’s funk and 80’s ballads to 90’s and early 2000’s pop plays in the background. This place gets jam-packed so make sure your book a table! We will definitely be visiting again. Next time: attempting the OMG Burger!