MadMacs — Restaurant in Newark

Unfortunately I was unable to experience the food. However, I was able to experience the calamitous and negligent behavior of the staff members. I walked in for the first time just to try out anything to see how this place would pan out for later visits. I was greeted at the door asked if I wanted drinks or not since this was happy hour I told the staff no I did not want to drink today thank you. I told them that I would be dining out however I quickly changed my mind because of the Sixers game that was on. I gave my order to the front since they knew I was going to order out but I quickly followed the young lady to the back near the kitchen and let her know along with others that were in the back joking and playing around that I would be dining in. I was told by the staff that I should pay at the bar. There were no seats at the bar so I sat closest to the bar as I could and continued to watch the sixers game. I watched the game from the third quarter to the middle of the fourth quarter. I started to get a little Restless because I had not heard anything back from anyone about my order. So I went to the bar and asked both the gentleman and the woman hey can I pay for my food. Both individuals looked with concern and confusion as they frantically tried to find my order which was never placed or communicated from the beginning. The bar man asked me if I wanted to place an order since it was never placed I told him no because I've been sitting too long and it was never done from the beginning it's okay no problem thanks again. And then left the store and sat in the car and called the store to speak with the general manager about the entire experience. To my surprise the general manager was one of the individuals playing around with staff. I truly believe that this is one of the reasons why my order was never placed because of the managers playfulness and familiarity with her staff. As I spoke to her over the phone I noticed that she did not want to take responsibility for her actions or the staff and it was push back on me that I should have communicated more than once twice and three times that I wished to dine in. I was also told by the general manager that I ordered a drink and never told the bar man that I wanted to order food. This is another case of negligence and miscommunication since I never ordered anything from the Barman since I was under the impression that the staff took care of my order from the beginning. I am very fearful for this pretty cool establishment if the general manager is unable to be organized, take responsibility for her actions along with her staff, know when to be manger and friend, when to be compassionate to customers, and learn to abstain from negligence. I believe the owners do not know what is going on amongst managers and staff. Hopefully this is rectified. Note to all* make sure you repeat your order more than 10 times and maybe just maybe your order will be put in and your experience will be...

I mean, what?!!

These words were spilling out of me Saturday evening after every bite of every course I had. Who knew that Newark, DE was home to the best crafted meals you can find in the tri-state region?

Mad Macs has all the greatness going on. The interior has been redesigned since the last time I visited for happy hour over a year ago. It’s stunning and romantic yet eclectic and modern. Honestly I am not sure how they pulled all of that together in one design, yet there they are rocking it!

The food…come on now! I had the privilege of ordering their limited time only Guinness beef stew. I do beg of you, please make this a full year menu item! The flavors danced perfectly combining the carrots, onions, and very tender beef. Let’s not forget the Parmesan topped crusty bread on the side. If one were going to write a letter home about the food, this is the dish!

My son has dined there before with his dad and his GOAT is the short rib melt. I tried a bite. I get his rave reviews! Cajun Mac with shrimp and crab was my daughter’s choice and it, too, hit all the marks. A mix of creamy with the right touches of seafood and a crunchy breaded topping. THIS is how Mac and cheese is supposed to be. My boyfriend ordered the French dip upon our waiter’s high recommendations and has, many many times tonight, said that we have to go back..and often!

Then there comes Dan. Not only was he an attentive and really genuinely nice human being, I’m told he’s the best bartender to ever exist. My boyfriend is a ride or die old fashioned fan and said that the one Dan made was by far the best he’s ever tasted. We also very much adored Dan for playing into our jokes when my 16 year old spilled his soda and we joked about a sippy cup. A minute later a cup with a lid arrived providing for some family bonding laughter.

I live 30 minutes from Newark and in an area with highly rated restaurants. I do love my hometown but I am left feeling that we need a Mad Macs here! Mad Macs 2.0… because when you have both the meal and experience leave such an epic impression, you want to...

Took my kids there for dinner on our way home from a trip since they love Mac and cheese. We were seated in the back by the kitchen and wait station, which was good because the bar area was packed and really loud due to the Eagles game being on. We ordered drinks and an appetizer to start and we ordered our meals when we got our drinks. The appetizer we had was good and came out in a decent amount of time. The meals took 45+ minutes to come out after we finished our appetizer. Others that were seated after we finished our appetizer received their food way before my two younger ones received their food. The delay seemed to be because the kitchen staff was watching the game on the TV outside of the kitchen. When I finally received my food and my son received his, there was a large difference in the portions. I brought it up to the waitress and she said they were the same size, even though the pan they came in were different sizes. She went to get the manager, who came over with an attitude, and she said “okay, what's the problem over here" like I was some unruly person causing trouble. The explanation was that the difference in protein portions was the cause of the difference in sizes and that all dishes have 2 cups of Mac and cheese in them. Even though I understand there could be some differences in portions due to different meats being added, it didn't seem to justify such a large difference. So because of the poor attitude of the manager and the price for the portion I received, I asked them to take it back and off my bill. I was really looking forward to trying their Mac and cheese, but after such a bad experience from the manager, I won't be back. The server was nice and kept a good attitude through the situation, not treating me any differently and I thank...