This place has been open for a year and we finally went for an event the other night. We sat in the basement, so maybe we didn't get a chance to experience it fully. It was cold and felt like a basement. There were wine and spirt bottles lined up on the window sill to give it that college frat house vibe. My wife had the salmon, and I had the filet. The salmon was hard and felt like it was under a warming lamp for a while. The bourbon honey dipping glaze helped to soften it a bit, but then you couldn't taste the salmon. My steak was overcooked and underseasoned. The sides were good and mashed potatoes had lumps! The chocolate mousse pie for dessert was straight from the Sysco box. I wish I could say the service was a bright spot, but I can't. The wait staff all looked like they'd prefer to be somewhere/anywhere else and were not at all attentive. And, what's up with the anatomically correct bronze bull wearing a hat in the front yard? read more

Our first visit to MP. The space is welcoming and beautifully decorated. Our booth was roomy and comfortable. The waitperson was friendly, efficient, and never hovered over us. The NY-style calamari was ample and very nicely prepared. We order the fixed price dinner. The Wedge Salad was excellent and almost a meal unto itself. My 6 oz filet was perfectly medium rare. While I prefer no sauce, a friend ordered the Béarnaise. After sampling it, I'd skip it. Fixed price menu included mashed potatoes and green beans. Both were tasty. Other sides in the regular menu were more appealing. Overall, a good meal. One star deducted because the cost - particularly for sodas and side dishes - was excessive. Definitely worth trying. read more

the food is actually pretty good (oysters v good) and the locals are very friendly but you might find some of the staff lacking. shame.

We wanted so badly for this to be a great spot. We have given it three chances and will not go back. It is crazy expensive for how subpar the food is. Every time food either came out cold or was not good. The bartenders are friendly enough. No one is in a rush to serve. Disappointing. read more

I grew up in Madison and have eaten at many restaurants throughout the years. Madison Prime is a beautiful restaurant. However, the prices are outrageous. The food was just ok. I had the Burratta for an appetizer. The tomatoes were ice cold and the cheese was more like store bought mozzarella. The burgers were just ok , very little flavor. The wait staff was very awkward. We never saw our waiter after he greeted us and gave us our drinks. It took over an hour for us to get our appetizers. I was very excited to come to dinner here because I loved La Foresta in Killingworth. I expected the same type of experience Madison Prime did not deliver unfortunately. read more

My partner and I celebrated with a birthday dinner there. Although primarily a steakhouse, he had the ahi tuna entree. Beautiful presentation, perfectly seared- he said it was the best he's had. We shared the crab cakes as an appetizer- tasty but could have been a tad crispier on outside. The bar was super busy with live music. We had a quiet table in main dining room which was perfect- quiet since distanced from bar area. Out wait person, Francisco was efficient, personable, attentive but not hovering over us. Ample parking. Entire restaurant is attractively decorated, nice color scheme and reflective of steakhouse focus. The one improvement _ crustier, warm bread instead of one slice of room temp bread. read more

Bar seating is very crowded; chairs are too close to each other. Guy playing guitar and singing was loud. Soft music from speakers would be nicer. Menu is overpriced. I had an app of steak skewers and french onion soup. Pinot noir. Friend had a burger; comes with steak fries. White wine. Food & wine were good. Service was not good. I don't know how long we sat at the bar waiting for one of the two people to come over, answer some questions and take our order. When someone did come, she was not friendly. I don't think I saw either bartender smile. Even though we liked our meal, there are so many other places, better priced, with good food and friendlier service that there's no reason to come back. Service matters! Ambiance matters. Read another review that said the owner doesn't share the tips so we both tipped in cash. And that's another reason not to come back. Message to owner: Take care of your staff. read more

Madison Prime Steakhouse - French onion soup, steak skewers - Seafood Near Me - Madison, Connecticut

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To sum it all up - arrogance. The prices are outrageous. I don't mind paying for a decent carpaccio, as it's tough to find around these parts, but what was served was a dried out mess and the aoili looked like it had turned. I didn't touch it, not a question from server about it. He was the best part of our visit. Warm, smiling, but not a word about a dish I didn't touch. Sometimes, it's a exercise is human nature watching a pro server manage the limitations of a dish, but nothing said and he was very good. The 6oz filet wasn't buttery as described on menu... tough. Not rested. Peppercorn cream sauce was broken. Place looked great. Sound bounced all over the place. Nice pinot grigio by the glass was the highlight. And server too, despite his lack of awareness of my dried our carpaccio read more

Improve service and food. 15 minutes before the waiter shows up. We give him the drink and meal orders. About 15 minutes later 3 of 4 drinks show up. Bread comes. Serving one crust per person with whipped butter with sugar added. Bread was ok. The butter was a distraction. In another 15 minutes the 4th drink comes with the appetizers and we are still waiting for the wine list. We are now 45 minutes in where anyplace else this would have been 15 minutes. About an hour in, Steaks arrive. One overcooked. Sent back, and the returned steak was close enough to not be sent back. Sides were ok except the creamed spinach was watery. The steak itself was ok for texture and flavor. 2hr mark. We are done, leftovers packaged, missing one of 2 bones we requested to be packaged, room almost empty, and no waiter to check out. Go to the bar and pay. They are understaffed. read more

The service was great the food was ok. We were seated in a basement level area that was cold and desolate. We asked them to put the heat on and the response was that it was up all the way. I ordered salmon they did not ask the the temperature to cook it to which is bizarre for a steakhouse. Shoreline dining struggles with being able to get anything more than mediocre . read more

Overpriced, rude, and mediocre like their other restaurant. One and done here. Puny little steak for $60! Mind blowing

We're foodies. This place was great. Huge apps and $10 martinis from 4-6pm. Awesome oysters Rockefeller and tuna apps for $15. Best Colorado rack of lamb i ever had and my wife's filet mignon was excellent. Blood orange martinis were great. We sat at a high top in the bar and Josh took care if us. It was our 30th anniversary and they gave us a delicious chocolate cake. One man band with a great guy playing tunes we grew up with. Great time. Top quality everything as to be expected from the owner of La Foresta. Another home run. Dinner prices are not cheap but you get what you pay for. Thank you Madison Prime. read more

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I've eaten at Madison Prime twice now. Once for dinner and lunch the other day. Both dining experiences were great. The food is excellent, portions large. The decor is beautiful, service very good and kind. Lunch crowd was light - more people should know it's a great place. read more

Staff was great food was great will definitely go back. Only complaint we sat at the bar , Extremely bright in the bar area needs to be dimmed down. read more

The owner and the staff are fantastic. I love this place! Thank you for always being so good to us. Food was excellent. Drinks superb! Steph and Josh rocking the bar! Happy hour is the bomb. Must try! If you've tried in the past and didn't like it, please do yourself a favor and try it again. Always remember, every establishment that opens has to work out "kinks"! They have it figured out! The happy hour is great and they have live music Friday and soon to be on Saturdays! Go!!! read more

Great restaurant with wonderful service. It is a steak house so expect to pay steak house prices. Lovely ambiance and attentive servers

Crazy expensive for quality. NY strip was below average. The mash potatoes saved the entire day. The sautéed spinach was a waste...as was paying $6 for béarnaise sauce. But the biggest fail by far was the service. Waited 45 minutes to order drinks. Our apps never came...even tho we were seated 1.5 hours before dinner came. They arrived after the steaks did!?! Our server was terrible, however I won't name him. Mind you...dinning room was half full. Really wanted to like this place, but we will never go again. No way this place lasts. It was a $300 lesson. read more

$4 million was supposedly spent on opening this place... but it wasn't spent on the food or the staff. High priced steaks, not expertly cooked, and served by young college kids who don't know Wagyu from Ragu... all in a beautiful dining room. This place deserves proper chefs and staff based on this room and prices. I think the plan is to make their money on the large bar room. I wish they spent some money on their cheap outdoor signs that contradicts the image they are trying to create inside. I might go back when the owner transforms it into more of a burger/bistro joint!!! read more

Quite sure the mist over priced place on entire shoreline. $ 25 burger for my Son and mistake for me was a $ 60 NY Strip. Way over cooked. I mean a steakhouse is supposed to get medium down right? What was most discouraging was the Golly Green giant green bean medley and ice cream scoop mashed potatoes. Right out of 1977. Place was brand new, looks snappy but sound echoes all over. Please, go look at the menu prices, holy cow $ 135 tomahawk? These people have lost their minds or maybe people in Madison don't care. No thanks on the return trip read more

2nd time eating here. We wanted to try it again, the first time was last summer. It was just okay, but we like to see it there is improvement with more time. The staff were very nice. Great French fries, burger was good. Husband had steak. It was fair, chewy. not flavorful piece of meat. I was in shock when the bill came and we were charged 6.00 X 2, for my ice tea and refill, 5.00 X 2, for a Diet Coke and refill. no substitutions allow for a vegetable, waitress told me I would be charged 12.oo for a bake potato. . it is not a good business practice. Unfortunate, We will not return. read more

Word has it, the ownership has less to be desired.. taking tips from the workers giving them a small somewhat salary going through bartenders every week.. Management or owners talking to staff like they were dogs not fun to hear while you're trying to have dinner. And college kids trying to make a living and pay bills would not recommend. Not worth $$$$$... For mediocre steaks... Etc. Good luck... The owner Francesca or francesco whatever his name is threatens his staff.. what he's a POS. read more

This is Our Definitely "GO TO PLACE". The Tomahawk Steak for Two is the Best we have ever had. Always cooked to perfection. The Lobster Tail is Huge. You may pay a Little More than most places, but definitely worth every $$. The Wait Staff are always very polite and very attentive to every detail. The Bar is really Huge, and the Bartenders are the BEST and make the Best Drinks, especially the Martinis. The Ambiance is really nice too!! We go at least Once a week. I would strongly recommend it. read more

Excellent Restaurant. We were greeted by the owner, Francesco with a smile. Seated at a beautiful comfortable booth in the corner. The service was impeccable. My wife had the filet minion, and I had the NY Strip - well aged and cooked to perfection. A great night out. Best steak house on the shoreline. I highly recommend Madison Prime. read more

I'll start with the positives. The food is very good and the setting is very nice. However, the service is bad and the prices are really high. For example, a steak at $62 also carries an additional $6 charge for Bernaise Sauce. The appetizers are all over $20. Pretty underwhelming to spend almost $200 for a couple and leave feeling dissatisfied. Our waiter asked us how our appetizers were despite the fact that we hadn't even received them. For the same money or a bit less we would have had a much better overall experience at many other places. We will not return. read more

A Warm, Family-Style Experience at Madison Prime Steak House We had an absolutely incredible experience at the new Madison Prime Steak House. Despite arriving close to closing time and in our relaxed attire from a long day of traveling back from Hawai , we were welcomed with open arms by the owner, Francesco, who couldn't have been more friendly or inviting. His hospitality immediately made us feel at home, and it was clear how passionate he is about creating a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. He even introduced us to his hardworking son, which made the evening feel even more personal and special. The food was outstanding from start to finish. We started with the crab cakes and lobster bisque. The crab cakes were full of flavor and beautifully prepared, and the bisque was unlike any we've had--broth-based instead of creamy, with deep, layered flavors that tasted like they had been simmering for hours. For our main course, we had two fillets--one king cut and one queen cut--and they were some of the best steaks we've had in a long time, especially in this area. Cooked to absolute perfection. The green beans on the side were also excellent--fresh, crisp, and seasoned just right. Madison Prime is a true gem in our town. Between the high-quality food, warm service, and inviting atmosphere, Francesco and his team have created something really special. We'll definitely be back for more! read more

While the food and service was very good, there was one issue I had. The tables for 2 are arranged so that you sit side by side with the stranger next to you. For the price you pay, you would expect the proper configuration. That would be end to end, so you can have the privacy you deserve. I really didn't like that. I hardly had to lean to the side to touch the person next to me. Not good, furthermore it took no effort to hear their whole conversation. I will try the bar. read more

Saturday night's dinner was not good. The ambiance, service and food quality was well below standards. It took 35 mins for someone to approach out table and take our drink order. It then took another hour and a half for us to get our dinner. Steaks was not seasoned or seared properly and the green beans was over cooked. Three couples/tables walked out because of the long delays. They had no answers. On top of that they charged $120 pp for a real bad meal. We were not told in advance that we were not going to be in the main dinning room. We were put in the down stairs level. It was cold and felt like we were in a cafeteria. This was the worst experience I've ever had a restaurant. read more

We had dinner last night with friends. First, I will say that the restaurant is beautiful. Obviously no expense was spared. The dining room is warm and elegant. The table settings are lovely creating an enjoyable atmosphere. The waitstaff is courteous and attentive however that is where the good news ends. My husband ordered the seared scallops and I ordered the honey bourbon glazed salmon. My salmon came with jasmine rice. I asked if I could have mashed potatoes instead and was told "no substitutions". My entire dish was extremely sweet, with pools of honey on the plate. The rice was saturated with the glaze and unappetizing. The salmon was too thickly glazed which made the outer layer stiff. The seared scallops were served on a disc of soggy polenta and the plate was covered with an unappetizing yellow sauce. The scallops were good, but the rest of the plate was not. Granted, we were at a steakhouse and ordered seafood, but we have done this before at places like The Capitol Grille and never been disappointed. I think more thought needs to go into the seafood part of the menu. Our dining companions both ordered steak and were pleased with their choices. The "cafeteria style scoop" of mashed potatoes was not impressive considering the cost of the steak entrees. Management needs to either lower the prices or offer better entrees. I hope they can do better. We were very disappointed and will not be returning. There are plenty of other options on the CT shoreline! read more

Overall very underwhelming, the steaks were good but not worth the price. The sauces were $6 each in addition to the steak price, at least 1 should be included with each order. The wine list was a joke, nothing under $85 and majority at $150 and higher, shows either a lack of knowledge or just ignorance/greed. Service was friendly but rather slow, obviously they staff was stretched as it took 2.5+ hours for salad and entrees. Having worked in restaurants I know what to look for and sadly there is a lot that needs to be improved. read more

We were seated in the basement....yep. Only 1 other couple was down in a very cold and over lit room. The food was good but it was my first time at the restaurant and I could not have been more disappointed with where we were seated. It felt like a morgue with zero atmosphere. When making a reservation ( yes, we had one) I think they should inform you if they plan on ostracizing you in a basement. It is not cheap and experiencing it as we did absolutely left me totally disappointed. read more

Just so you know - the waitstaff does not receive the tips you leave on your check. They are paid a salary and the owner KEEPS all tips! This should be disclosed on the menu or somewhere but it's not. So after having a $300 meal and leaving a hefty tip for the waitstaff, beware that the money goes right into the owners pocket. Food is mediocre at best. Don't bother. read more

Food is mediocre. Very bland. Had the fillet baquette, and my husband had the burger. Hardly no taste. . Overpriced for the quality. Won't go back . Maybe to have a drink and sit at bar. read more

Ate here tonight. Property is very nice, building is very nice. Food is blah. waitstaff is young and inexperienced, prices are high and dessert size is merely a taste. Dinner for two with coffee and dessert ,no alohol total bill $250 before the tip. I wouldn't recommend it. read more

We sat in the dining room with friends who were paying for dinner. My husband and I both ordered the filet he the large I ordered the small with crab, with their "classic bernaise" sauce and grilled asparagus. Both steaks were not the best, mine was small triangular and had a tough part I spit out. The soft overcooked asparagus was doused with Hollandaise sauce. No side order of bernaise sauce for the steak. which is $6 extra. I said to our waiter whose English was not good, that I ordered the side dish of Bernause sauce for my steak, he brings more hollendaise sauce.. Apparently the chef does not know the difference. When I said I did not want extra hollendaise the waiter just said " oh yes that's The house sauce "? plus he charged An extra $6. I gave up. It was one meal of my life and I did not want to embarrass our hosts. Their meals were not great either. One ordered the smallest most expensive lobster roll with a giant plate full of fries. Distgusting for about $38. Save your money there's better places to go. BTW- Chef, check a cookbook on how to make a "classic Bernaise"sauce, tarragon, shallots and white wine vinegar added to the hollendaise and paired with steak. read more

This was our second time to MPS. Our first experience shortly after they opened was great. The steaks were high quality and seared to perfection. The sides were terrific. Plus the service was impeccable. Totally worth the price. Returning last night with another couple, the experience was unfortunately not nearly as good. Ordered the same NY strip as the first time. Sear was barely there and the steak itself was poorly trimmed for the price ($62). Our friend ended up trimming quite a bit of excessive nervy and tough bits. The service was a bit slow even though the dining area was not even half full. On the plus side, the drinks were excellent. Overall, with a final bill with 20% tip of about $450 (four dinners, one round of drinks, and salads), it was not worth the expense given the quality of the steak prep. I hope they go back to their early days of excellence when they first opened. read more

Have been here 3 times now. First time the food was very good but the service wasn't. We were celebrating a birthday but I had to remind them and then the brought the piece of cake to the wrong dinner guest the wine steward was 'rough around the edges' as he put his foot on the banquette where I was seated as he opened the very expensive bottle of wine we ordered! Second time we couldn't eat the lobster Mac and cheese because there were lobster shells in it. Third time was the first -- we were put in the basement with two other groups even though we had a reservation. It was freezing cold and very unappealing. Once again we had same guy that was the wine steward for visit number one. This time he decided it was too much trouble to talk to each table about the specials so he made an announcement to everyone at once. I don't know if the guy is a relative of the owners or what but he has no class at all. The owner should watch The Bear and see how 'cuz' got his act cleaned up by working at a Michelin starred restaurant!! Everyone can learn and this guy needs better training! read more