Real Detroit Weekly

June 02, 2010 Food » Raise The Bar

Raise The Bar (June 2, 2010)

Madison’s Pub

by Terra Bella

Geno Bisoni

Summer's Hottest Hot Spot

Walking into Madison's is like walking onto the set of the Smashing Pumpkins video for"1979" — the backdrop for a perfect summer song, or a perfect summer evening. In Mt. Clemens, Madison's is a homebase for crowds of young people gathering for fun in the sun.

"Madison's is very low-key and attracts just about everyone," says General Manager Brandon Schwark. "Happy Hour at 5 p.m. attracts the locals, and when 9 p.m. hits the surrounding suburbs flow through the doors." Like moths to a flame, they're flocking to Madison's outstanding patio, which has won several "Best Patio" awards in RDW's "Best of Detroit" issues. With outdoor heaters, plasma TVs and a raised stage for performers, customers can appreciate all the benefits of being inside, while still being able to look at the stars. "In the summertime, you can't beat being on the patio here," assures Schwark. "If you haven't seen our patio, you've got to. There's nothing like it on the East Side."

Schwark isn't kidding — this patio is unlike anything we've ever seen. The bar resting in the center serves patrons from every angle, but it's what's on the oustkirts that catches patrons' attention. Surrounding the patio is an area that could pass for a park — we're talking real grass and tall trees. There are also some eccentric oddities, like a life-sized bird cage that seats a few adults, and an oversized tree trunk bursting out of the ground.

However, Madison's isn't all patio. This East Side destination has live DJs from Thursday through Saturday, bands in the summertime and a back room dedicated to gamers and much more. "We have a great staff; we pour good drinks at a fair price; we play good music and people simply have an all-around good time here," says Schwark.

It shouldn't take much more to convince you to stop on by. But just in case ... $2 drafts all day, every day; all night, every night. That should seal the deal. | RDW

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