Madeline's on Moonstone - Wine Tasting Room — Restaurant in Cambria

You know, when this place first opened I was really excited there was a spot like this on Moonstone with a spectacular view and cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying some quality time with a friend or two or just hanging out with my dog for a sunset. But it has consistently been more and more of a disappointment every time I come here. I have moved it from my Must Visit list to my Definitely Skip list and this final visit was the last straw. The past several visits I have been ignored by the server for great lengths of time even when not busy. I don’t think it’s me because I have been treated really well everywhere else I’ve been. I don’t expect much, just politeness and efficient service and I am a really good tipper. Maybe it’s because I’m a solo traveler usually and I bring my small dog? She is very cute and well-behaved and we have made so many great friends in this town and we frequent Cambria very often. I will say that this is the most touristy establishment we visit when in town so maybe that’s why the service has been so bad. One of the last times I came here I was ignored for over a half hour without even an acknowledgement. I ultimately left as it was kind of busy and I was hoping it was a one-off. Another time I was treated very coldly and was never checked on after my initial order. I usually order a tasting or a glass or two and a snack. The last couple of times I would have ordered a second glass of wine or a bottle (when tasting) if I had literally been attended to after the initial order. The last time I did a tasting it was right before Thanksgiving and I was trying to decide on a special bottle of wine for my dinner. I was closed out without even asking before the flight was even complete. A second server completed the flight since the first server went off to socialize with their friends. This last time I was ignored for about 15 minutes then finally asked “what do you need?” So awkward. The glass of wine wasn’t delivered until well after the food was. The food was over-microwaved to the point of being weirdly burnt (it was a quiche thing so the eggs got that weird microwave texture) and tough. Pretty gross. I was never asked if I wanted another glass of wine. There was a bad usb speaker blasting top 40 70’s jams and it kept cutting out which was really jarring as I tried to enjoy the incredible sunset. This was topped off by the extremely loud woman talking nonstop on her phone next to me. Not the fault of Madeline’s but just all added up to a crap atmosphere. I was waiting for the server for a while after finishing my glass but she never came and the jacked up music was so unsettling I ended up throwing down some cash at the server’s station and leaving in a hurry. I don’t think I will be back. It should be noted that all of the bad experiences I have had have been when the same server has been attending. She was notably talkative and friendly to everyone else there. I swear I am nice and an over-25% tipper! And I am not looking for a bff just politeness. It really is a bummer. The wine is good and I used to love coming here by myself on Sunday eves after the tourists kind of faded out and I always bring friends here when they are in town. Maybe from now on I will just pack a picnic and a bottle and do my own thing. I think the only time visiting here would be worthwhile is when staying at the Inn as a guest with the complimentary glass. Then you can go sit in the lawn chairs. Otherwise...

5/2023 Our server for this visit was Chance. He was great! Cheerful and friendly. Answered all our questions in detail about the wine selections.

Madeline's on Moonstone at Cambria Shores Inn is a great place for wine tasting. The patio seating has beautiful views of Moonstone Beach across the street. It has a very nice relaxed ambience. Oscar, Taylor and Giovana were the servers today. They were wonderful, very friendly, cheerful. and welcoming. Oscar provided information on the red and white wines for sampling and answered all our questions. You get a complimentary free sampling if you are a guess at this inn. It's $15 for five pours if you are not. Their bottled wines are available...

Wow, what a find! We nearly missed this place that is nestled in with the hotel. However, it sounds like they haven't been open long and still working things out. We were blown away by the food - The Crab Stuffed Mushrooms were phenomenal. The steak was great as well. So good with what looks like a very small...