Madison Diner — Restaurant in Bainbridge Island

As an immigrant I find the American diner experience one of the most quintessential things one can do. Appearance: it looks like a diner, down to the seats at the bar right in front of where the food is being cooked on a griddle. The counter top was clean, as was the cutlery. Water came promptly (which was good becuase this place was warm -- to be expected when you're sat right next to the kitchen. If you wanted you could sit on the back patio or in a booth where it would have been cooler. Food: I ordered the two eggs breakfast (over easy, wheat toast, hash-browns). The eggs were perfectly cooked: the yolks runny with no hit of cooking of them, and the whites were firm and properly cooked. The hash browns were also perfect: the potato was cooked through, not gummy with the outer layer being firm and satisfyingly crunchy. The toast was well-done, but not burnt; nice choice of jams and orange marmalade to go on it. The coffee was good, not bitter. The mug had a nice heft to it (helping keep your coffee warm and cooling it down to drinkable temperature when filled the first time). Wait staff: could have been a little more on-time with the coffee (I had to ask for a refill), but the place is small enough that they can't disappear. Will put this on my list of places to stop by again when I'm...

I visited Madison Diner whilst exploring the PNW this last weekend. Overall, I was throughly impressed. My burger was delicious, cooked exactly to order, and just the right size. The French fries were not crunchy, not soggy, but at a perfect medium. My meal was pleasantly priced at a good value. I was thoroughly impressed that all the burgers were available with a vegetarian patty. I understand that's not too unusual up here, but it's an oddity where I'm from.

The only reason I didn't give this restaurant five stars was because of the service. Everyone we spoke with was perfectly pleasant and courteous, but it took a while to get anything done. My buddy and I walked in the door waiting for a table and there were three employees reviewing something on the register. I expected that once they finished, one would add our name to the list, but they all went separate ways. We didn't get any acknowledgement for about ten minutes despite being in arms reach of several, including the hostess that eventually seated us. Throughout the meal, the waitress came by the table a few times, but it felt like it may have been a little too long.

Overall, I'd recommend this restaurant. The burger made it so worthwhile. I wouldn't go here if you're in a...

We've been eating at this Diner for many years, but the last 3 visits have been more than disappointing. We can't help but wonder if there are new owner's running it now? We went for breakfast this morning, as a treat. Unfortunately, both of our breakfasts were inedible. No joke. We didn't eat. My chicken fried steak was cold (uncooked) in the middle, my hash browns tasted like they'd been fried in used motor oil, my over medium eggs, weren't, and my poor little biscuit was hard as a rock. I asked for another biscuit, and git one, but it wasn't cooked through... My Mom's sausage patties were horribly overcooked and very salty. Yes, we know, sausage is salty, but this was crazy-salty. Her pancakes were overdone, and her over medium eggs were also not over medium. The staff here, including the cooks, are very, very young. I guess experience is necessary for diner food! I did notice that many if these reviews are from local folks I know, so I'll see if they know what's up with the diner. We consistently support our local eateries and shops here on Bainbridge Island, but this was awful. Anyway, we've had terrible food the last 3 visits and won't be going back. Sorry, but the 3rd time being served horrible food was...