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Madison Park Cafe

1807 42nd Ave E
Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: (206) 324-2626
Fax: (206) 328-0432
Citysearch
Price:
$$$
Cross Street:
E Madison Street
Best of Citysearch:
Outdoor Dining 2007, Brunch 2007
Hours:
Tue-Thu 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm

Message from Madison Park Cafe

Madison Park Cafe

A neighborhood French bistro

  • French bistro faire
  • Courtyard or Indoor dining
  • Extensive wine list

Owner Karen Binder originally opened Madison Park Café as a coffee and tea room in 1979. The Café has grown into a quintessential neighborhood café, serving fine French bistro dinners, either outside in the cobblestone courtyard or indoors by the glow of the fireplace.

Favorable things that have been written about us include:

"On their evening menu you'll find such French basics as onion soup, cassoulet, and steak au poivre. Onion soup arrives scorching hot, its caramelized onions and rich beef broth supporting the requisite crouton and Gruyère. Never known for self-control, I refused to wait for it to cool before continuing my assault with the spoon--it was that good..."

--Nancy Leson, Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Best Restaurant to Eat Outdoors," -Seattle Weekly, 2005

"Best Outdoor Dining," -Sunset Magazine, 2006

Paid advertisement by Madison Park Cafe.

Editorial Review for Madison Park Cafe – by Citysearch Editor

In Short
Madison Park's high-powered locals spend evenings soaking up the romantic atmosphere, beautifully created by candlelight, a fireplace and a concise French-inspired menu. Karen Binder has owned this cafe for more than 20 years, creating a convivial spirit with her familiar "hellos" and polite small talk. The menu is divided into two portions: Half offers traditional French fare like cassoulet and steak frites; the other offers update dishes like wild boar tenderloin and seared foie gras.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Where to Sit

In the summer, request a table outside.

The Extras

The entire cafe can be rented out for private parties, making it an ideal spot for birthday or rehearsal dinners.

Brunch

Weekend brunch is extremely popular--expect a wait. Its kid-friendly menu also includes items for grownups, like sourdough waffles and blintzes.

User Reviews for Madison Park Cafe

Citysearch (23), AOL CityGuide (1 ), All (24)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/18/2008 Posted by eatinginseattle

Upon arrival at this busy cafe I can see there is a wait for me and my friend. The artwork was beautiful and the smell of the cafe was like a baked egg. The cooks looked busy. Overall that the food looks amazing so my friend and I decide to wait. I ask the host how long the wait is and he says with a smile "It all depends on when people get up, it's Sunday you know and I'm not about to push people out the door. As soon as they do we'll get you seated, would you like some coffee before you're seated?" How refreshing, good customer service from a good looking professional in an otherwise awkward situation. We waited and were seated at a clean table in the center of the restaurant by the host who apologized for the wait time, he’s very charming. We had people waiting on us hand and foot, the host provided us water, a sassy red headed woman with a New York accent and unusual personality was quick to refill our coffee and said something incomprehensible, a bald gentleman who later claimed to be a flight attended smiled from across the room while taking another table’s order and a high energy talkative lady with a tan and frail body shared the specials (as well as her life story) and took our order. This was our waitress and she talked so much we just sat and listened. We noticed she was genuinely interested in hearing how our morning was going as well and she is a hoot, we let her know that and she started clapping her hands, wonderful character in this place! Overall, we had such a great breakfast and the cost was minimal. I would recommend that all my friends experience this wonderful site for weekend breakfast. 5 stars all the way. Downside: they don't take reservations for breakfast. I say: if you don't want to wait, there's an IHOP right down the street; I prefer style, great service and good food even if I have to wait 20 min.

Pros: Service, Food, Value, Ambience

Cons: Bruch does not take reservations

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/13/2008 Posted by bistecca

I can't believe we've lived in seattle for almost 40 years and never tried this oustanding little restaurant. We recently had one of the BEST dining experiences we've ever had at the Madison Park Cafe. The owner, Karen, greeted us at the door..... we felt like welcomed guests. She frequently checked in on us during the meal, as did other wait staff. Everyone was so friendly and attentive! And the food..... oh, the food... everything was extraordinary. Even simple items like the salads were unique and flavorful. I had the most delicious, unique preparation of fish ever... sturgeon in an orange vanilla bean sauce that was lick-the-plate good. The wine list is outstanding, with a good mix of new world/old world, and the staff are all very knowledgeable and helpful in selecting the perfect wine. Can't wait to return, and we'll pass along the good word!

Pros: Extraordinary food and service

Cons: none

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Editor's Review

Upscale diners crowd into this tiny, charming shingled house for the French-inspired menu.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Where to Sit

In the summer, request a table outside.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Parking

  • Street

Hours

  • Tue-Thu 5pm-9pm
  • Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm
  • Sat-Sun 8am-2pm

Dress Code

  • Casual

Payment Types

  • MasterCard
  • Gift Certificate
  • American Express
  • Visa

Cuisines

  • French

Meal Price

  • $$$

Amenities

  • Fireplace
  • Date Spot
  • Outdoor Dining
  • Brunch
  • Hidden Find
  • Catering
  • Romantic Dining

Recognition for Madison Park Cafe

2007 Editorial Winner - Brunch
2007 Audience Winner - Outdoor Dining

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