Love the bartenders and the owner. This place legit had me coming back night after night when I was frozen in South Bend. So thankful for the vibe, so thankful for the good people, so thankful for the drinks. Also the food? SHEEESSSSHH. read more

Madison Oyster Bar - Bars Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Honestly SHOCKED at how great their oysters are. It's hard out here in the Midwest but wow these are good. We had the stuffed mushroom app and it was quite bland, pork loin sandwich was good but left some to be desired. Our server was great, I can't remember his name sadly but he was very friendly and really attentive without hovering. We went at about 8pm on a Saturday so we probably just beat the bar crowd; it was relaxed and I didn't feel rushed at all. read more

Madison Oyster Bar - Bars Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

My son and I decided to meet here for dinner tonight. I was running late so I asked him to get us a table. As he approached the hostess she asked if he as wearing shorts under his Notre Dame football team issued warm-up pants (he was in a team warm-up suit). He said no and she told him that he needed to go home and change. He left, called me and we agreed that we would never patronize this place. Further, we shared our experience with the rest of the Notre Dame parent network and we collectively crossed Madison Oyster Bar off of our restaurant lists. Other parents expressed similar experiences. Shame. read more

Love the food, atmosphere and the great staff! I can't to a week without the chicken cordon bleu from here, always a great time!

Don't waste your time here. There're nothing good to say. my worst complaint other than the service,, atmosphere, food & drinks is that the place smells horrible. It smells like bleached scum in there. Only the bravest of souls eat oysters in a dive bar in a landlocked state. Best of luck read more

Love this little bar!! We had an iu watch party with a ladies group. Great service and food

This gem in South Bend was worth the trip. Nothing fancy about the place but they deliver on great food with no frills. Outside of NOLA, haven't had charbroiled oysters this good. read more

We have had only good experiences at the Madison Oyster Bar! Their spicy Cajun grilled oysters are fire! We get them extra spicy. Love their chowder. One person commented that it came out of a can. Wrong! It is homemade and delicious! I order a cup every single time I come in for dinner. The ambiance has the bar ambiance that we love! Service is always superb. Our drinks are made for us as soon as we are seated at the bar....without telling them what we want! We not only tip the bar and wait staff, but the cook as well! This is a Friday night favorite! read more

I was (and my best friend) SEXUALLY HARASSED AT THIS ESTABLISHMENT. We were minding our own business at the bar when some old dude approached us and started talking to us. We thought to ourselves, oh seems like a nice guy. It was not a nice guy. He was an absolute creep. He said to my friend, when he asked what high school we went to, and I said Penn, he said "I don't care about Penn, I just want to get in her pants". I am 22 years old. So is my friend. This guy "Mark" was over 70. We were creeped and reported him to the bar security. The bar security replied he was a regular and that this was not the first complaint. Imagine OUR surprise that sexual harassment is deemed the norm at this establishment. We will NOT BE BACK. DO NOT SPEND $ HERE. read more

Been here many times wearing the same thing and nothings ever been said to me. Went this evening and was kicked out for wearing joggers which I've worn every time I've been here. Inconsistent service is detrimental to any hospitality business. I was greeted and seated and received menus. A drunk patron at the bar was yelling about my joggers to which the staff took their side and told me I had to go. I don't mind wearing what you "require" but don't let me in 15 times wearing something then make me leave once because your absolutely WASTED clientele has an issue with it. I can get much better service and a thousand times better food/drinks at bar loui or any other dive bar in the area. It just hits wrong when the PATRONS are enforcing the dress code and the staff doesn't seem to know what they want. Won't be back. There's a reason some bars around here don't make it. Can't fix ignorance. read more

I really like this place. I was there a month ago and 4 of us shared different types of grilled oysters (Casino, Savannahs, and Grilled)....all 3 were amazing! The Casino oysters were seriously off-the-chain good. My fave for sure. Put bacon on anything and....well....enuf said. read more

Madison Oyster Bar - Assortment of different types (sorry one is just a shell....I couldn't wait) - Bars Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

These reviews are terribleIn my experience the cooks are great!! The salmon, the chowder, the crab stuffed baked potatoes!!! All top notch!!

My daughter, my son, and one of their best friends were not allowed to stay. One of them had jogger pants and $200 basketball shoes on. One had a cap on. And they planned to spend a lot on seafood because 2 of them really love oysters and seafood. This isn't New York. In South Bend, that is inappropriate social norm for what reviews call a "dive bar" to enforce a dress code for men. One can only assume what patrons they are aiming to exclude. Their menu is posted in the window. Looks 10 years old. I looked at it this afternoon when patronizing Saigon Market. read more

We were so excited to see this place finally open and come back after Covid. Prior to Covid we would come here at least once a month as we do drive an hour to get here this was our favorite place for oysters. However we returned after they re-opened and updated everything was totally shocked to see the price of the oysters almost double in price I understand the prices have gone up and expected an increase but $3 a oyster not sure this place can justify that type of cost. read more

Always friendly staff, good drinks and great food. Kitchen open til 2:30am is a DTSB blessing. Great ambience, each floor has its own personality. Starts casual on the ground, grad students on the 1st floor, and a sea of youth in the 2nd. I actually like that there are options depending on how you feel when you get there. Nightly specials, and a vast selection of vodkas. Friendly and efficient bartenders. The only real drawback is that management blocked some middle of the road songs on the TouchTunes. Food is always delicious. Burgers are definitely reccommended. The first floor smells like a meaty heaven most nights. Had a few kinds of oysters and the mushrooms. All were tasty! Did on the Half Shell, Casino and Savannah. Also a side of Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. And the Oyster Shooter. Huge oysters, was expecting them to be half the size they were. Fresh and lovely. If you aren't sure, try the Oyster Shooter for a change of pace. (Shot of chilled vodka, an oyster placed in it, and a dollop of cocktail sauce.) read more

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Dominick and his team have nailed it!!! If you enjoy the the vibe of a dive bar ( a clean one at that ) with gourmet level food, this is the place to go. Everyone who is involved with this establishment should be super proud of what they push out on a nightly basis. Way to go!! 11/10 would go here again. read more

Terrible service. Cold food. Sad this local spot went down hill. The rude waiters and the lack of respect should turn everyone off. read more

An Oyster Bar? In South Bend? Well if that doesn't make you wonder a little- the small type on the menu stating that the oysters are flown in "every couple of days" should. Couple that with the fact that no one was eating oysters on the night we were there and take my suggestion and go for the beer. All three of the stars on this rating are for the coldest, cheapest beer I have had in awhile. On this Sunday night- the Coors Light was 6 for $11 and were so cold that they almost hurt my teeth to drink. Perfection in a bottle! Service was pretty good as well. Friendly, accommodating and quick to take our order. We had to order some of their cheese and chili fries as they were cutting the potatoes right in front of us. The anticipation of fresh fries was actually better than the fries themselves were but hey- we wanted to try something on the menu. The interior is dark and there is an upstairs with a pool table. You can still smoke in Indiana but for a smoking bar- it didn't reek when you walked in which was a plus but I suspect when the place gets hopping, that the smoke could be bad. Pleasant service, easy street parking (at least on a Sunday) and the coldest beer around. Now that's A-OK in my book! read more

Cannot stand this place. Not once, but twice they have not let us in because we had a member either wearing a shirt that was "too white" or someone was wearing sweatpants. If they had a website with their dress code maybe I would understand, but they justify their decision with a tiny posting outside the bar (which was not there the first time we were not let in). Both times we had to drive back home, change, and enter again (only cause we had friends already there). I will not be coming back (and neither is any of my other friends) so congratulations you lost a bunch of customers to enforce "the atmosphere", even though every other bar in South Bend is nicer than this one. read more

Worst clam chowder I have ever ate, which is a disappointment considering the business calls itself an oyster bar. I was there late, so maybe it was just bad luck and i got the bottom of the pot. But I only found 2 clams and the large bowl of soup. read more

I went here tonight and was not impressed. They seemed flustered after a Morris performance. I could not tell who did and did not work at the Oyster Bar. My salmon was terrible.....it tasted like someone poured a pound of salt on it. Service was bad and drinks were half pours at double the cost. I am sorry but I will not be back. This place is not what it was in the past. Maybe a good place to play pool and drink pitchers but definitely not a place for a meal and a date. Come on man! read more

Spend your money elsewhere. The owner is persistently rude, which is unfortunate because the servers are friendly and the location is good.

I have tried to come here 3 times and have yet to enjoy myself here. The first time they made me show three forms of ID which was incredibly insulting as they asked no other patron to do the same. The next two times I've tried to go, they have turned my group away for either being under 25 or another unknown reason. The dress code they've added is also "interesting" to say the least. read more

I went in today around 2:30 pm and truly enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. When I entered I immediately acknowledged and received service right away. Though there were only myself at a table and a couple seated at the bar, I was NEVER ignored like some restaurants I've visited. My bartender/server was very pleasant and had my Coors lite, dozen of half shell oysters and fresh/hot clam strips on the table in less than 15 minutes and that time started when I first walked in. I'm differently returning and the oysters were huge. read more

Madison Oyster Bar - Bars Near Me - South Bend, Indiana

Despite the fact that it's just a few stumbly steps away from Fiddler's, and will pour me drinks until I pour myself into a cab, this is my least favourite bar in South Bend. It started strong the first eight weeks that it was open, and just nosedived into disgustingness. This place REEKS of mildew and jock straps (literally, not figuratively), they don't know how to pour a Manhattan (grenadine?!?!), and don't even think of trying the hookahs. Also, the prices are high for SB. This place does know it's in SB, right? A friend forced me to try the oysters. Now I hate oysters, even through all that hot sauce. On one occasion, the doorman made me take off my baseball cap. That, coming from a doorman wearing track pants. On another occasion, the doorman asked for SIX, yes SIX forms of ID because I "had a different hairstyle in each one". Thankfully, I had my driver's licence, ND, Library of Congress, 2 credit cards, and UIUC (undergrad) ID cards. I even showed him my social security card. The only reason to come here is if you absolutely HAVE to play foosball. It's right at the top of the stairs, where the waitress can conveniently pass right by you while she ignores you. read more

Terribly disappointing. We had a shocking experience here tonight even after the establishment was recommended to us. The bearded geeky bartender was particularly obnoxious and demanded three forms of ID before he would serve us. Three! Hahaha! Ridiculous. After furnishing him with the requested documents we decided to go somewhere else as we collectively felt that his grumpy face would sour our freshly poured pints. By all means frequent this outwardly seedy but otherwise potentially welcoming bar. Just make sure you go there when this nerd on a power trip isn't serving. read more

The staff and owners are top notch, the sandwich game is solid, and the beer specials are great. If you haven't gone before, I strongly recommend you do. Beers beers beers beers sandwiches and beers sums it up. read more

First time I ever went and while I did have fun and enjoyed the atmosphere the place was completely disorganized. Parties over three get one ticket even if you request separate checks. The waitress looked annoyed when we asked for separate checks. Almost like she couldn't be bothered. We spent over $100 on food, etc and you get annoyed? Not how you retain people that's for sure. The manager also charged us more for a Cosmo made with pineapple juice instead of cranberry juice. Ridiculous!! I don't think I'll be going back unless I'm hard up for a drink. read more

I actually eat the oysters here and they are good. The rest of the place is pretty lame and can be a funny sort of pick up bar. I tend to like it after 11 pm when people pour in. I think it is the only place in town to get oysters on the half-shell. Now, it is not like a big city Oyster Bar where you might have oysters from the West and East coasts, but what they get has been good and you can order them all night. Awesome. Hookah bar also. Smoking is allowed as well. read more

If I were a college freshman seeking to sneak into a bar, this place would get a 3, otherwise, they get a 2 because of the guy tending the bar - not the food, not the atmosphere, and not the lady tending the bar. Smoke filled place (it is a hookah bar right), but the smell of menthol cigs and funky people doesn't mix well. read more

Um. No. never again. My list of reasons: 1. They allow smoking in here still because they have hookahs. 2. The guys at the door checking ids are jerks plus FYI they require 3 forms. Luckily I still had my teacher id with me even though it's summer 3. horrible beer selection 4. Pretty much disgusting bathrooms and tables. So save yourself the trip. Go next door to Fiddler's read more

I went to Madison Oyster Bar for the first time a couple weeks ago with some friends. It was a Saturday nite and we were looking for a place to start the nite and get a few drinks. I was pleasantly surprised with this place, I liked the laid back atmosphere. I was a little put off that the bouncer asked me for two forms of id. I know I have a baby face, but come on. The service like the drink specials was decent. Though the mens room could use a facelift. If you're looking for a place to dance and get crazy this is not the bar bar for you. But if you're looking for a jumping off point to your evening or to meet up with some friends, this is a great place. read more

I've been here before and it was ok. Came again on March 22, 2014 and what a nightmare! I ordered two-dozen oysters. The first dozen oysters were NOT fresh, they were runny and tasted like they had sat in water all day! The second dozen were good and fresh. While eating I got to listen to a waitress and the cook cuss at each other for 10 minutes, all while the customers were staying at them. Then when the bill came they insisted that I pay for all of the oysters even the ones that were bad. Yeah, well I can honestly say, I don't think I'm going to return for a very, very long time. read more

This bar is okay. We only head here when McCormicks is having a "non-smoking" night or want some cheap chili cheese fries during the afternoon. Speaking of which, DO NOT go here during the afternoon. It's always empty but they crank the music up like it's Friday night. Really annoying. The crowd also confuses me. I've been here on nights where it's packed to the brim with loud, drunk Notre Dame students. But I've also seen it filled with a crowd comparable to that of a nursing home. All in all, pretty cheap drinks, indoor smoking, a few pool tables, okay food, weird atmosphere. read more

Can I confess to loving this place because the bartender has a righteous beard? He had trouble building a Manhattan or a Sidecar, but we hardly noticed. Hookah selection was thin, but the place was lively, the music good, the drinks reasonably priced. And did I mention that beard? read more

This place is normally a really good time (except for the smoke), but it's been a while since I was a patron. On a recent trip back home, I almost fell on my face after reading the sign on the door. "THREE FORMS OF ID REQUIRED." Three?! Is this a customs terminal disguised as a bar?! read more

The Chicken Cordon Blu is a great sandwich. The onion rings are amazing. I have been coming here for years just to get that combination. It's quiet and calm during the day. Nice lunch spot. read more

I work in a bar in ohio and this place is clearly not used to being busy on the weekend. I came to visit my friend and she was trying to show me a good time and we wanted food. But due to having more than 5 people we could not order food unless it was all on one tab. I'm sorry but if you can't handle 2-3 tabs on one table you are losing business. When I come back to Indiana I will not be coming back to this bar. read more

I like to hit the oyster bar for some decent priced drinks and some of the food isn't too bad. I have only ever tried the oysters once and I wasn't overly impressed, of course that is what we get for trying oysters in Indiana. The other non-seafood offerings on the menu weren't too bad. This last time we decided to stick to something small since we had dinner a few hours before, onion rings nothing spectacular regular out of the bag O Rings. The real reason we come here is because the drinks aren't over priced, the staff is mostly friendly, and the other customers tend to be a mix of professionals without too much drama. And the nice laid back feel. read more

Wow. Tried to get a table a day ahead tonight, for 6:00 o a Thursday for my kids and I. Made sure the staff wasn't going to give us grief because my son is just shy of 21. You'd have thought I'd called down the Apocalypse. OH NO, not in the state of INDIANA!! (When I know for a fact there's no such law, as we eat at restaurants with bars, e.g. Hacienda, TGI Friday, all the time). APPARENTLY NO FAMILIES ALLOWS TO EAT TOGETHER. Just sad. read more