The Vineyard Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Madera

This rating is going to be a combination of both the criteria listed above (food quality, service and atmosphere) along with its surrounding competition.

Madera is a small town so the hospitality game isnt the most competitive, I have to start with the fact The Vineyard definitely stands out amongst it's contemporaries.

My experience I was quickly seated and within 5 minutes I was already ordering my meal. Note this was also on a Friday Afternoon, but also to a relatively empty dinning area.

For me it was between the steak sandwhich or the salmon salad, my server suggested the sandwich, so I went with that.

Off the bat the server was very kind and accomidating, but service loses a star die to the long wait time for a empty restaurant, although this bears no shame to the server but the kitchen.

They say a long wait has a payout, AND... the long wait may have actually have to do with my criticisms on the sandwhich.

First off presitation is beautiful, and props to the restaurant for having some of the best bread I ever ate, both as a side and in the sandwhich itself, adding a salivating inducing crunch. However, the steak in the first half was overcooked, very overcooked. The sundried tomatoes had to steal the show, which is a shame for a STEAK sandwhich.

Also the fries were both overcooked and cold when I got them. The server offered to make it right but I declined, so know these people will make it how you want it if you voice. Perhaps next time I should emphasize a medium cooked steak.

The second half of the sandwhich was much better, little bit of pink to get some taste to the beef.

The atmosphere feels warm and sophisticated, I have zero complaints.

Server was kind, respectful and on top of everything. Kitchen may have just had a fluke out on me. Overall i enjoyed the experience.

Id give a 4/5 for a Madera restaurant. If we changed the geography to lets say Sacramento CA, it would still...

The Vineyard Restaurant is truly a gem in Madera, the center of California's San Joaquin Valley. Operated by a 3rd generation local and operated as a truly independent high quality eatery. You will find great menu items whenever you visit. (Check for their normal operating hours)

Get there early and enjoy the cultured outdoor patio for a cocktail before dinner, or after work. It's reminiscent of a farm or ranch patio shaded by structures and grape vines.

Later, or in colder weather you might enjoy camaraderie in the bar itself. You'll recall the fun times of being at a place with the TV program "Cheers" ambiance (personnel excluded!) Craft beers and a variety of wines are always available. There's a huge inventory!

When you're ready for dinner, select a table to suit your taste in dining atmosphere, whether in a quiet booth, at a family table, or with a larger group - it's all available, even rooms for larger groups with notice. Wait staff and servers are happy to provide first rate presence for your dining pleasure.

The chef-inspired menu is always changing, with the seasons and a variety of popular tastes through the years. But never fear, staple items such as steaks and seafoods are always present, as are fresh hot breads and specialty butter and oil spreads.

The Vineyard Restaurant extends its lineage from the family's earlier Berenda Ranch Restaurant, formerly located a few miles north, where you can meet new and old friends almost at any visit at any time.

But you won't have to wait in line for a table at 2 AM like I did back in the day. Don't ask me why I was at a restaurant at 2 AM!

The Vineyard is a great place for an after work visit, for meeting friends for dinner, and for family get-togethers or other special events. Put it on your list of To-Do places to eat in California's Great Central Valley. The decor as well as the meal will call...

I recently had a 50th anniversary party in the Banquet Room, and I was very happy with how it all turned out. I reserved my date several months in advance and from several states away, never having been to the restaurant before. But the information online combined with other guest reviews really helped. The restaurant was very responsive to my inquiries and messages. Everything was clear and well communicated regarding the requirements for reserving the Banquet Room.

The room itself is cozy with beautiful vaulted ceilings and tasteful art on the walls. It can accommodate 40 seated for dinner, which is close quarters but not uncomfortable. We were all close family and friends, so we didn't mind being close. The restaurant provided table linens and all plates, glasses, and silverware. They allowed us to come in a couple hours early to do some additional decorating, which we really appreciated!

We chose the family-style Italian dinner, and it did not disappoint. The food was absolutely delicious, and they were ready with more plates of food if we were even close to finishing one up. The bar drinks were very well made and good quality. The staff was attentive and accommodating and ready to help with anything. They were friendly and patient with our group. I really can't praise them enough.

They even allowed us to play our own dinner music and some dancing music, provided we didn't disrupt the other guests, which we really appreciated!

Over all, I would highly recommend The Vineyard for your next event. (The outdoor group event space looks lovely as well, though probably better suited for cooler...