M & J Beach Grille and Seafood — Restaurant in Madison

Sorry that I have to give this one star but it needs to be said. While in Madison enjoying a great summer day we did a casual Google search for waterfront dining. M&J Beach Grille came up on our search and looked great. Right on the water, food looks decent and we were only 2 minutes away! Can’t beat that! We drive over and are stopped by a young guy in a small parking hut at the entrance to the restaurant and parking area. He didn’t flag us down he was just standing there - it was a bit awkward so I opened the window and asked if he needed anything from us? It was quite confusing as he would not have stopped us unless I initiated this conversation. He looked at us and asked if we were “from here”. I said yes, we are from CT. He said no, are you from Madison? I said no, we aren’t, is that a problem? He shook his head and said kind of… you’ll need a parking pass. I said that’s fine where do I get it from? He couldn’t provide an answer as to where I could get the pass but informed me that unfortunately it was going to be $40. I explained we were just going to the restaurant and he explained it doesn’t matter. It’s $40 to park. Listen, I totally get that $40 is not that much $$ if you are using the park, the facilities and the beach but we just wanted some lunch. This info should really be on their website. “If you’re not from “here” you’ll be expected to pay $40 to park your car to eat some mediocre fried seafood, but we do have a great view.” Such a...

Went for ice cream with my nieces. One of them didn't like the blue lemonade so I encouraged her to politely ask if they would exchange it for something else. I was at the side of the restaurant while my niece did this at the front and I overheard the owner (white hair, white moustache) in the back(the side door was open) saying that my niece "was an idiot and he can't stand stupid people". I told him that he needs to watch how he speaks about customers, especially kids. He then walked out the door threateningly with a butcher knife in his hand and told me to "shut the hell up and mind my own business". He then slammed the door in my face. I told this to a few people who all said the man is crazy and he has mouthed off to kids before, even one time telling some kids to "go eat some sand." These people have no business having a restaurant in this town. Don't go here and especially don't let your...

Guess they are to good to let you know that you have to pay just to go in and park. Drove 1hr 20 minutes, only to be told, even if we were just going to eat we had to purchase a day pass, $10 for residents, $20 for non-residents. Would be nice to see that on their web page. Assuming one of two reasons: Tricking you to show up and feel you will just pay. Or dare I say, a way to keep certain people out! Would have loved to have been able to review their actual food and service. But refused to pay extra just for the chance to do so! Plenty of other restaurants in the area that seem to value...