Maddens — Restaurant in Belfast

This is the best kept secret in Belfast. Real Irish music (traditional) played and sung by the patrons, a pub atmosphere, Irish culture, language, jokes, beer, lads, lasses, Republican sympathies. Have to be buzzed in to get in. Once you're in you're family and home. They will spot you a mile away if you're not a local, but will welcome you like family anyway. The BEST pub in Belfast. It's a small place so be prepared to be close to the person having a pint next to you. Also expect that person to be Irish. What a wonderful night. The music was lively, real, genuine, Irish music. We're going back tomorrow after the Belfast Opera house. It was so wonderful. We looked far and wide and must have asked about ten folks for authentic Irish music. ...

Our experience with Maddens was a real bummer. Loved this place the first night we went. Great trad music, quick service, cozy atmosphere. The second night we went, the bartender wouldn't allow my friend in because she was wearing track pants. I can understand a dress code, but it really spoiled the night when I was catching up with a friend I hadn't seen in 10 years. My friend went home because they had to work in the morning anyway, and we decided to stay. Bartender was rude to me the rest of the night, despite the fact I hadn't raised a complaint about the dress core or treated him differently after he kicked my friend out. Not sure who pissed in his cheerios that morning but we certainly won't be back after that.

The musicians we saw here were...

Went in on the Sunday...had a few tasty pints. No problem getting served wearing my Adidas clobber. Had around 5 pints, content and ready to return again. Went in the next day and a bloke comes out the door ranting about "no tracksuits". He then said I could go "in for one". I refused. At the end of the day I'm a bloke who has a good job who's on a holiday here. My accommodation is literally over a mile from town. I'm not going to be dressed to the nines! So why be so judgemental on someone's appearance? Maybe it was the English accent? Ended up at the Hercules around the corner where I was given a warm welcome, had good craic with the locals and stayed for a fair few hours. And I'll return there again during my break away. I won't be...