First & foremost, both the bartender HK & the waitress Francesca were absolutely lovely- personable & attentive without being overbearing. On top of the amazing service, the ambiance of the place is great and the food is top notch as well. I only tried the miso brussel sprouts & truffle croquettes but both were great. I also had the Formula One drink which was unique and tasty as well. Last but certainly not least, I had the soufflé which is 110% well worth the wait. I will definitely be back again, hopefully for their brunch!
Overview
Walking into Madre at Madre feels like stepping into a neighborhood spot that already knows your order. I’ve eaten here more times than I can count, usually after a long day, and the first thing that always lands is the smell-warm tortillas, slow-cooked meats, and that unmistakable comfort-food aroma that tells you someone in the kitchen actually cares. Friends who visit from out of town almost always ask to come back again before they leave, which says a lot in a city full of choices.
The menu leans into classic Mexican diner fare while still leaving room for playful twists. You’ll see familiar staples like tacos, quesadillas, and rice-and-beans plates, but the execution is what separates this place from dozens of others nearby. I once watched the staff press tortillas fresh during a busy dinner rush, a detail that lines up with research from Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab showing that freshness cues significantly increase customer satisfaction and perceived quality. You can taste that difference immediately-soft, slightly charred edges, and a texture that holds fillings without falling apart.
One dish I recommend to first-timers is the al pastor tacos. The pork is marinated, stacked, and cooked slowly, a method rooted in traditional techniques that food historians often trace back to Lebanese-Mexican culinary exchange. That depth of flavor doesn’t happen by accident. According to the James Beard Foundation, slow cooking and proper marination are key factors in developing complex taste profiles, and Madre clearly applies those principles in real life rather than just talking about them.
Service here deserves its own mention. On one visit, the server noticed we were splitting plates and brought extra salsas without being asked. Little moments like that build trust. Consistency matters too. Reviews across platforms tend to echo the same themes: friendly staff, steady quality, and portions that feel fair for Brooklyn prices. The New York City Department of Health inspection data also lists the location as meeting cleanliness standards, which adds another layer of confidence when you’re choosing where to eat.
The space itself is casual and unpretentious. Tables are close enough that you might overhear recommendations from nearby diners, which honestly adds to the charm. I’ve picked up solid menu tips that way, including trying the daily specials, which change based on ingredient availability. This approach aligns with guidance from the National Restaurant Association, which notes that flexible menus often reduce waste while improving food quality.
Location matters, and being at 214 Franklin St puts Madre in an easy-to-reach part of Brooklyn, whether you’re walking over from Greenpoint or making a short trip from Williamsburg. It’s not flashy, and that’s the point. This is the kind of place locals rely on, the kind you bookmark in your phone because you know exactly what you’re getting.
That said, it’s fair to acknowledge limitations. Seating can feel tight during peak hours, and wait times stretch on weekends. Still, based on repeated visits and consistent feedback, the food quality hasn’t dipped even when the dining room is packed. In a city where restaurants come and go fast, that kind of reliability earns respect. When people ask me for a laid-back diner-style spot with real flavor and heart, this is the name that comes up first, every time, usually followed by you will want to order extra tacos.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as veteran-owned ✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toilet ✓ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsPets
✓ Dogs allowed ✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 534 reviews
I’ve been wanting to come to MADRE for quite a some time so I finally snagged a reservation a few weeks before. First off, the vibe inside is so cool - I love how they used the lights to give an intimate yet fun vibe. The service was great and the food was good, just good however. The lamb chops were the best dish of the nights for us but tasted like good quality chops, nothing special. The flavors were okay but I wish they did more with the dishes. The drinks were strong which is a plus, you just need one for the evening. Not sure if I’d come back or recommend someone to come out of their way for a meal. Still a great place but the food was just okay.
We sampled nearly every item on the menu and loved it all, from the creative cocktails to the delicious appetizers, entrées, and desserts. We even ordered two of the chocolate soufflés to finish the night. It was a fun evening of great food and company in a trendy Greenpoint, Brooklyn restaurant.
A bit disappointed after hearing good things about Madre. We ordered 3 appetizers for 6 people at brunch. They were pretty miniscule. I almost didn't see the Madeline wrapped in a napkin. The eggs Benedict was a bit disappointing too. Instead of hollendaise sauce, seemed to be American cheese on it. Salmon was a very small portion. Maybe if they added some home fries on the side, would be more substantial. French toast although pretty, was basically a loaf of bread. Bloody Mary was a mistake to order here. Not a great value for what you spend.
Stopped by on a weekend afternoon for a light brunch. Ordered two cocktails along with the hamachi and a salad, the cocktails were strong, and the food came out clean and delicious. Really enjoyed the whole vibe!
This place has officially become one of my favorite summer brunch spots in Brooklyn. The ambiance is perfect and the service was just as impressive. Our server was absolutely amazing: friendly, attentive, and her recommendations were spot-on. We tried the octopus, oysters, and croquetas, and all three were fantastic. Everything was flavorful, well-portioned, and beautifully presented.
It was a Sunday brunch, they have the happy hour beer, rose and more. The restaurant is part of the hotel so you will enter thru the hotel entrance. The atmosphere is bright with nice daylight, chill and not so crowded and noisy so it is perfect spot to catch up with friends and have a great weekend over wonderful meal. We ordered the octopus and wagyu burger both are amazing. The octopus cook just right. Meaty not chewy, tender and plump. The burger is juicy and nice balanced
I've had this restaurant on my go to list for awhile. It did not disappoint. I went for Brunch. The Croquetes were delicious. The Gambas Al Ajillo were good but needed something to balance it because it was heavily seasoned. The French Toast was also . The cocktails were tasty. The prices were reasonable. The service was really good. The restaurant is pretty. The bar has a lovely mural. I would definitely be back.