Cafe Madison in Albany officially opened its doors at its new location about a month ago. My husband and I recently got a chance to stop in for breakfast. The restaurant--often listed among the top brunch spots in the Capital Region--announced months ago that it was moving from 1108 Madison Ave. to 1100 Madison Ave. where the Madison Pour House used to be. The move and impending renovation was met with a lot of anticipation by Cafe Madison fans. The new and improved Cafe Madison is a vast improvement. The lighting is a little bit too dim for my taste, but the business is now dramatically more spacious. I still remember how last summer tempers flared as visitors waited to be seated. On weekends, the waiting line bottled up near the narrow entryway and cash register area. It was so uncomfortable, especially since some of waits lasted over an hour. This time, there was no line. We were seated immediately by a very cheerful hostess. The space is pretty and comfortable. There's even a nice bar with flat screen TVs. It was busy on a Friday morning, but our server was friendly and helpful. I picked a Buffalo Chicken Beni special. It was a little bit too heavy on the Tabasco sauce, but I enjoyed it anyway. My husband had a mushroom omelette. As always, the coffee is very good. It's a little on the strong side. I like it that way. Right now, Cafe Madison in Albany is open for breakfast and lunch. Some of the staff came over to let us know that plans are in the works to eventually add dinner to the schedule on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. When they do, the nice bar and those big TV sets will make a lot more sense. The set up would serve as a nice sports bar. So look for announcements. Right now, staffers are getting used to their new digs, but things seem to be coming along really well. read more

I've already posted about this place, but got new stuff that was incredible so here I go again... The French Toast Stacker we already knew we loved, but the chicken and waffles - OH MY GOD. Chicken cooked perfectly and the waffle had fresh jalapeños in it with a maple butter and hot honey syrup. This dish was AMAZING. Also, I am usually meh on omelets. It's an omelet, solid but not jaw dropping. I have to say though, this was one of the best omelets I've ever had. Cafe Madison is my favorite brunch place in the capital region and proves itself over and over every time I go! read more

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Look, I'm going to level with you. I go into every establishment with an open mind and open stomach. I was very excited about the new space and new menu, but unfortunately it fell flat. While the new space is nice, trendy, and modern, the food left a lot to be desired. The breakfast pizza was a soggy, bland slab of mush and grease. The eggs on the grilled cheese beni were raw. The accompanying hash browns were also undercooked. I'd love to say the service made up for this culinary disappointment, but again, it fell flat. Not once did we get a refill of water or coffee. While our server admitted to being new, these are basic services most diners have come to expect. We also waited 27 minutes after finishing to be checked on and receive our bill. Thankful I had good company to help the time pass, but I don't think I can recommend this establishment in good conscious. read more

Cafe Madison - Breakfast pizza - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, New York

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This was my first time to Cafe Madison. I decided on the biscuits and gravy. I was disappointed in the gravy and the biscuit. The biscuits were burned and blackened. The service was great and I have no complaints in that area. read more

Cafe Madison - Burned biscuits - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, New York

Cafe Madison used my be my favorite breakfast spot. Unfortunately success has not faired well...this has been downgraded a star from the last time i reviewed them. Service, food quality and atmosphere all down. read more

Drove by town and stop for some breakfast. It was a beautiful day so we sat outside. Standard breakfast place. The waffles and pancakes were good. Service was great, staff was friendly. Would definitely stop by if we ever drove back. read more

Cafe Madison - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, New York

I am big fan of their fried chicken and waffles! I'm pretty sure I've tried other things on their menu, but none stand out in my memory quite like the chicken and waffles . We like to go early to beat the crowds, but the food is just as good after waiting for a table. read more

Visited this spot on a Sunday around noon (right as we were leaving the area), so a bit of a wait was anticipated - it's the weekend rush, after all. We didn't realize they close at 2 and arrived around 1:36, but the staff were so so sweet and it looked like quite a few regulars stayed after as well. Speaking of the staff, they were the incredible! Attentive and friendly, they elevated our dining experience. Portion sizes were impressively big! Each bite was a delightful journey, and we left feeling completely satisfied. Overall a great escape from the cold air outside! read more

Cafe Madison - Cheeseburger Omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, New York

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Really enjoyed having breakfast here. Fun ambiance, great music and lively atmosphere. Had the chicken and waffles and the flavors were savory and mouth watering. The bacon steak had lots of juicy bites and surprisingly very southern grits to dip it in. Service was also on point. Very good for big groups as well. Seems like a go-to for brunch in Albany. read more

I'm sad to say the menu these days is merely a shadow of its former self. All the unique and delicious things created by the original owner have been gradually stripped down and now under the latest owner there is just the typical boring breakfast fare. The seafood omelette was my absolute favorite and that was the first thing to go but I found other unique and tasty things. In fact, whenever I flew home it was a must visit stop on my itinerary every time. But now? Meh. And $9.00 for one waffle with nothing on it?? One dollar to add a blob of whipped cream??? Congratulations Owners--you have killed Cafe Madison. The people may still flock in...but the food is no longer created with the culinary love it once was. read more

Although this was one of my favorite breakfast places to go in my area when they moved locations and expanded the home town feel was lost. Not only with the service but the food quality. It's disappointing I've only been back twice since the live and neither times were anything to talk about. read more

I went to this restaurant for a change of pace from my usual breakfast spot. It turned out to be a huge mistake. I had the shrimp and grits benedict, which was not very good. The grits were flavorless, the hollandaise sauce was supposed to be spicy but was not, and the home fries appeared to be overcooked frozen potatoes with no seasoning. The two shrimp the gave with this meal supposedly had seasoning on them but your couldn't taste it. On the plus side, the hostess was friendly and seated us promptly, and the restaurant itself was very nice and not crowded. The waitress who took our order was good up to that point, but after that she went downhill. I had to keep asking for what passed as ice water, and she didn't offer a refill on my coffee until I asked. However, she was at the table to my left four times and automatically refilled their coffee. I expected more considering all the 4 start ratings. read more

While in Albany i decided to treat my family to breakfast instead of making it our selves. I stubbled upon Café Madison with its cute ever changing weekend specials and decided to give it a try. They have awesome breakfasts at reasonable prices. They have bottomless coffee for the coffee drinkers, my cousin had at least 4 cups. we tried the chocolate chip pancakes and they were hugeee and tasty. The French toast stacker was soo good and the French toast were bigger than expected. we also tried the California omelet and that was amazing as well. When we arrived it was very busy but the staff was very attentive. The cafe it self is cute and cozy and can accommodate a group of 6 the most i would say in side but a good amount of outside seating with adequate social distancing. I would love to go back when i am visiting again. read more

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Very cozy and welcoming dining room. Nice bar with TV's. Very friendly and attentive staff. We had breakfast and it was delicious. Nice seasonal specials as and regular comfort favorites. Nice seasonal cocktails as well. Lots of brunch and lunch offerings as well. read more

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This location is much much better than the Latham one! The new place looks so good. Elle was our server and the service was tremendous, no wait, great personality and wonderful! I had the Nashville hot burrito and my husband had the apple pie French toast. My partner finished the whole plate, so good. Great prices , ambiance and more, we will definitely be returning. read more

We got seated quickly, and the staff were very friendly. I really liked my food, and I thought it was reasonably priced. The restaurant is pretty big, and had a lot of natural lighting which I love. Overall, good food and good experience. read more

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I went to Cafe Madison for brunch with a group of about 12 people to celebrate a birthday. The restaurant was so accommodating and even put us in a private room (AND did separate checks for all 12 guests!). I ordered the breakfast sandwich on a croissant. It was delicious! The bacon was perfectly cooked and crispy, and the home fries were seasoned well. I will be back! read more

Cafe Madison - Breakfast Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, New York

Food is so good. Went with a group of people and they were fast and accommodating! Great drinks!

Cafe Madison created a beautiful new space since their move/renovation. The decor is modern and comfortable, with big open spaces and a full bar. Unfortunately my experience with the food was extremely disappointing. The Nashville Hot Breakfast burrito was the worst brunch food I can remember. It consisted of thin, over-fried, extremely dry chicken, fried potatoes, eggs, and undetectable amount of cheese. They smear the top of burrito with hot sauce and ranch. The chicken is not 'nashville hot', it's the same chicken strips served with their chicken and french toast dish. It was folded more like a 'wrap' than a burrito, with the dry chicken tearing holes in the tortilla. The same fried potatoes that make up the majority of the burrito are also served as the side. I'll probably give Cafe Madison another try with hopes that the rest of their menu is less awful. Service was friendly and relatively quick. But overall the experience was not worth the 45 minute wait for a table at 11am on a Sunday. (No reservations, cant add your name to a list online) read more

Almost two months later, I'm finally writing about my brunch experience there. On January 5th, 2025, the packed restaurant had a long wait. There were only two Black families who appeared not to know each other on this morning. To my amazement, they were the only ones who were served by a child. Literally a nine-year-old child served their meals while every other diner was served professionally by an adult. Exactly who thought this was a good idea is not a question I can answer. read more

Really great atmosphere.. very relaxing. The waitress was just the sweetest. The drinks were amazing and the pizza was beyond delicious. I definitely would recommend very nice and very clean! read more

Cafe Madison - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, New York

Mornings Made Better by Cafe Madison This was our first visit to Cafe Madison and we're planning to go back...many more times. There was immediate seating at the bar so we bellied on up and started our meal with hot and frothy cappuccinos brewed up right before our eyes. The restaurant was filled with energy as the staff buzzed around ensuring patrons were well tended to. Our servers at the bar helped us with making suggestions and engaged in conversation when time permitted. We ordered Huevos Rancheros from the specials menu and the Hash Breakfast. The staff said the Rancheros used to be a staple on the menu but they only bring it back for specials these days; they highly recommended it saying they usually sell out of quickly. The chorizo was a tad spicy but still delicious. The hash dish was just as good as the Rancheros. As if corned beef hash is decadent on its own, they add a cheese sauce that puts it over the top. The only missed was I paired it with onion/dill bread; you should definitely get rye bread with corned beef. The eggs were cooked perfectly on each dish and the side potatoes were well seasoned. The restaurant is clean and offers a comfortable and fun atmosphere. There seems to be plenty of street parking and they offer outdoor seating when the weather permits. If you haven't been yet, go! Be sure to sign up for their rewards program for takeout and delivery orders. read more

Cafe Madison - Huevos Rancheros - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, New York

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Great Food, generous portions, good service. I would recommend the wild mushroom omelette.

Stopped here for lunch on the first day of their soft re-opening. The restaurant expanded into the space next door to the original; it's much more spacious with a new country modern vibe. Service was excellent. Even though they didn't have everything on the menu available, we still enjoyed an omelette and BLT in true Cafe Madison style. read more

I heard this was a great spot and it isn't too far from my job. I met a colleague there for a working breakfast. There's plenty of street parking but it's metered so you have to pay to park. The restaurant is long and narrow but has good seating we sat towards the back. We had a wonderful server gave us good recommendations. I have the regular house coffee and The Madison Plate. The Madison Plate is Croissant dipped in French toast batter, your Choice of meat and eggs I chose ham and eggs scrambled well. It was topped with cheese sauce and a side of home fries. The medicine plate is supposed to be one of the most popular it was a good breakfast but the croissant was a bit mushy to me and I didn't really enjoy that cheese sauce on top of my food. read more

Cafe Madison - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, New York

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A go to breakfast/brunch spot. I love the cozy vibes here and coming when there isn't an hour long wait is even better. Still need to try the oatmeal pancakes! read more

Cafe Madison - French toast with fresh berries and whipped cream - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, New York

My girlfriend and I had a wonderful experience at the new cafe Madison, which is such a relief because we've been going to the old location for years. We're really happy about the upgrade in space and service. This place is bustling with friendly staff that are always available to help with a request. The food was fantastic! For drinks, I ordered the house blend coffee because it's bottomless, and my partner had a Cinnamon Toast Crunch beverage. Hers was deliciously well balanced and I enjoyed my coffee black. The French toast stacker tasted great, but she noticed that the bread wasn't as fluffy and sweet as it was before. She asked them to hold the ham and they didn't. As well as the bottom of the bread was a bit burnt. We aren't upset about it though, and we know that the staff is probably adjusting to the new kitchen so we hope for the best moving forward. The bayou omelette was perfect, I loved how my eggs were runny, and that the hash browns can absorb some of that flavor with the sauce. The meal was sizable and I had no issues fitting everything into my fork, and filling my stomach to the brim. Overall really excited about the new cafe Madison, and can't wait to try out the rest of their menu. read more

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We sat at the bar for a lunch on Father's Day and ordered a Peach Bali ini and Espresso Martini. Our drinks were fabulous thanks to our bartender, Drew. He did a great job, so friendly and nice. Our meal was delicious too. Will definitely come back. read more

We loved the vibe. Food was good, not great. Service was just OK. Loved the drink menu! read more

Cafe Madison - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, New York

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WORST HOSTESS! We were told that the bar is first come basis. We put our names down with her for a table and explicitly told her we will stand by the door (next to her) for the bar just in case the bar comes available first. After about an hour wait standing by her, we saw 2 customers at the bar leaving. Another person gushed in the door and asks if theres table for 2 and she gave her the bar seats. I then told her we were standing here waiting, and her colleague attested to her, and she said to us... "guess it's bad luck". Glad her manager stepped in and gave us seats. Apart from the hostess, the food were actually amazing and the rest of the staff were really lovely. read more

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This place is so cute! It's got a very homey feel, and the staff enhances that. Everyone had smiles on and were very attentive. I stopped for a quick breakfast, and boy did they deliver. I ordered the chicken and waffles, and it came SUPER fast! The breakfast itself was delicious. The chicken was crispy and juicy. I was a little nervous about the waffle, as sometimes I find things with jalapeño in them can have an overwhelming jalapeño flavor that takes away from the trash of the dish. I'm happy to share that this was not the case! It had such a great balance of smoky, sweet, salty, and just a hint of spicy... it was done so very well! As for the waffles texture, it had a little more crunch than I usually like, but overall I was so impressed at the way the flavors all blended that it didn't really matter! read more

Cafe Madison - Chicken & Waffles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, New York

This place is always crowded, and for a good reason! So far, everything I've had here has been appetizing: if you're looking for a good brunch drink I highly recommend the peach bellini. I've also had their Monkey coffee, which is a combination of vodka, Bailey's, and cold brew. I think the coffee hit harder than the alcohol TBH, but the bartender was happy to add in more milk for me because I'm a wimp :3 But regardless, it was a very enjoyable drink! The egg burrito is a solid choice, and when I asked about the French toast it was suggested that I try the vegan version; I have no regrets. If you're going on a weekend morning, just make sure to expect a wait! read more

Cafe Madison - Vegan French Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, New York

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Went on a Sunday for brunch and there was a wait. We didn't mind and were seated within 20 minutes. Food was delicious and our server was on point. Very friendly and attentive, which was great because they were packed. It was our first time and we do plan on returning. read more

So happy to be able to dine-in here. I've gotten take out which was good but dining inside was a nice experience! Such a charming place. The service was excellent too! Not too long of a wait either. Lots of indoor and outdoor dining. Their cheesy hashbrowns are so my favorite! Lots to choose from on their brunch menu. read more

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Good food, beverages and service were excellent. We went to see a play across the street at Steamer N.10 Theater afterwards. HIGHLY recommend Cafe Madison for a great night out read more

This place absolutely lives up to the hype. The food was incredible, fairly priced, and left us eager to return. Our server was wonderful! My singular complaint lies in the fact the other guests were inconsiderate during our brunch, allowing their children to jump up and down on the booth abutting ours, it ruined the ambiance for our meal. read more

Great breakfast with excellent service. Their newly renovated restaurant is very nice and roomy. Better come early or you'll have to wait! Eat here often with the family & enjoyed every meal read more

Ughhh soooo yummy and clean and tasty ... Grilled cheese Beni and a morning martini sugar cookie and of course for the man a basic breakfast all turkey sub love them so yummy and filling great cheese so smooth Hallandale sauce is a score ... not to over powering !! Thank goodness !!! Ohhhh and let me tell you the bread though yessssssss. Made in shop, please somebody old grandma wakes at a ungodly hour to creat this melt in your mouth tantalizing all the senses Bread please if any thing try some the dill onion bread to die for read more

Delicious & great atmosphere for breakfast!! The Benedict was amazing! The service was great as well! read more

Cafe Madison - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, New York

A great breakfast/brunch place. The omelettes were expertly prepared and include many innovative combinations. The coffee was very good (a peeve of mine) and the service was excellent. read more