I have been to Mader's twice. The first time was about a year ago and the second time was yesterday. I went there again to see if the food AND the service had gotten any better. My second visit gave proof that neither had improved unfortunately.
The first time I went to Mader's my group's server took forever between trips to the kitchen and our table. She seemed quite snobby and as if she was really unhappy with her job. No one, I REPEAT NO ONE welcomed us upon entering the restaurant and no one (not even the server) wished us a good bye or thanked us for coming. I have experienced better service at fast food establishments. I was under the impression that most of the waitstaff were relatively new and lacked training. I felt as if I did not even exist and went completely unnoticed. The food was basically bland and at the most, mediocre. I have had better German food elsewhere. Not that the prices mattered much to me, but for what you receive for what you pay, it is not worth it. I had the pork shank. It was okay, but nothing too special to brag about.
Then came the second visit. I went there again hoping for a change and the possibility that the negative experience my group endured the last time was just a one-time ordeal. It seemed as if the restaurant I dined at a year before had not changed at all.
Where do I begin? The waiter was very aloof. He seemed spacey and as if his head was in the clouds. Whenever my group asked him a question or made a simple request, he seemed either irritated or confused. I cannot place it exactly, but I think our server was either conceited or angry about something. Our server, like the last one, seemed as if they did not enjoy their job. In fact, it didn't seem like most people working liked their jobs. Ahh, it was such a stale and uninviting environment to be in! Especially in the bar, with it's bright lighting and non-German music playing, which gave it a tacky non-European vibe and made it feel somewhat off. On the plus-side, the maître d for the most recent visit was cordial and greetful.
During my second visit, I had the German sampler. This was okay. It certainly was not a light meal as described on the menu. This is a very hearty meal choice. You really have to enjoy pork, because that is essentially most of what it is, with some sauerkraut. It is sad to say it, but the sauerkraut was probably the better part of the meal. The baby spinach salad was pathetic. The reuben rolls were basically beef rolled up like an egg roll with cabbage and cheese. The schaum torte was rock-hard and not very good at all. It was not light as listed either; in fact, it was very rich and heavy (not in a good way). Again, this food was mostly bland and nothing spectacular. I don't feel like I got what I paid for. I asked the bartender for a Spaten Weissbeer. Even though it is listed on the menu as being a part of their selection of beer, he said they did not carry it, which I found confusing. Their Old Fashioneds are not very good (too diluted and bland); I have had better drinks made at other bars.
In hindsight (which is always 20/20), I wish I hadn't gone to Mader's a second time. I am not the type of person to bash restaurants. In fact, I am not even the type of person who really writes reviews much, but this place deserves it seriously. I really disliked my two dining experiences at Mader's and do not plan to eat there again. They need to work on their food and especially their service in order to become a better restaurant. I think that the next time I feel up for some good German food I will try somewhere else. read more