The Madness- Morganton, NC — Restaurant in Morganton

Update: the last couple of times I’ve been here it’s been much much better. I hope they keep up the good work.

I’m forced to amend my review from a 5 to a 2 based on the last couple of times I’ve been here. I’m strongly motivated to see this place do well, and I’m more than happy to change it back to a 5. Here’s the thing - management needs to do a better job being present and training staff appropriately. I sat at the bar once and the bartender I’m pretty sure was intoxicated or at least totally distracted because I had to ask several times for routine things. Got our order wrong, forget several things, etc. That’s not ok. Most recently, my server must have just started 5 minutes before we sat down, because she didn’t seem to know which end was up. Bringing red wine when white was asked for, forgetting waters, serving appetizers with no plates, that sort of thing. That’s a management issue. Please, train these people well and do quality control checks because it wasn’t very busy when I was there and these simple things kept getting missed, and that’s a training issue plain and simple. The Madness has terrific food, but hire good servers who know what they are doing, or at least teach them well. It’s not to much to ask. Thanks and please please please do better.

Here’s what I initially wrote:

Quite simply the best hamburger I’ve ever had in my life. No exaggeration. And the prices are terrific. A great new addition to my...

From the moment I walked into Madness Restaurant, I knew I was in for something special. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between edgy and elegant—think modern vibes with just the right touch of warmth. It’s the kind of place that feels like a hidden gem, yet radiates the confidence of a local favorite.

🍽️ The Food: Every dish that came out of the kitchen was a visual and flavorful masterpiece. I’m talking plated like fine art—the kind that makes you pause before diving in, just to admire the creativity. But the beauty wasn’t just skin deep. Each bite was a symphony of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and thoughtful execution. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who appreciates a great meal, Madness will blow you away.

💁‍♀️ Customer Service: Top notch doesn’t even begin to cover it. The staff was attentive without being overbearing, genuinely friendly, and clearly passionate about what they do. They made us feel like VIPs from start to finish, and their knowledge of the menu added an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

🎨 Atmosphere: It’s got that cool, slightly rebellious energy that makes you feel like you’re part of something special. The decor is stylish and unique, the music sets the mood just right, and the overall vibe is welcoming yet elevated.

If you’re anywhere near Morganton, do yourself a favor and make a reservation at Madness. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. Five stars, hands...

Wow! FANTASTIC Variety. I must admit that I didn’t have high hopes for this place. Burgers and sushi? We ordered the Classic Bento Box. What we were presented with was a feast of flavors and textures. Words cannot explain the tastiness of the small bites. It was like having the best things from a gourmet buffet all presented on one sectioned tray. The fried dumplings with the exquisite dipping sauces were savory and sweet at the same time…fresh edamame tasteful with a sprinkle of umami seasoning…the just right burger-slider juicy and topped with the right amount of everying down to the pickle….crispy fies with a perfectly textured crunch…I chose the salmon/avocado sushi roll and it was fresh and vibrant… and the ginger salad! Oh my! The 16.95 price point was spot on. Our waitress Cheyenne was delightfully informative and attentive. We will be back to try the Madness Bento Box next with the more gourmet styled options… but it’s hard to imagine that it could be any tastier than what we ate for lunch. Being open for a late lunch was also an option we appreciated. I did find the atmosphere a bit dark and sterile. That did not affect the great time we had there with friends. Go and try it! You won’t be...