"Beware of Madison Cafe's Bait-and-Switch Pricing Scam – Total Rip-Off in the Bronx! I headed to Madison Cafe at 463 Willis Ave in the Bronx because their online menu on Google looked like a steal – buttermilk pancakes for just $3.95, or $6.95 with bacon, sausage, or ham. Sounded perfect for a quick, affordable breakfast, right? I ordered the pancakes with bacon, expecting to pay around $7 tops. But when I got to the register, they slapped me with a $14.95 bill! That's more than DOUBLE what their own advertised prices say! I politely asked the cashier why the huge markup, pointing out the menu prices I pulled straight from their Google listing and website. Instead of an explanation, this older lady sitting nearby chimes in (thinking I wouldn't understand because she said it in Spanish): "Cárgale y déjame explicar" – basically, "Charge him and let me explain later." Newsflash: I'm bilingual, lady! I caught every word, and it just fueled my rage. This isn't customer service; it's straight-up deception and price gouging. Are they preying on people who don't speak up or check twice? This place is misrepresenting their prices online to lure you in, then hitting you with inflated charges at the counter. In this economy, with everything already so expensive in NYC, the last thing we need is shady diners pulling fast ones on hardworking folks. Avoid at all costs – support honest businesses instead! #PriceGouging #MadisonCafeScam #BronxEats #BuyerBeware #ViralWarning #NYCFoodFail If you've been overcharged here too, drop your story below. Let's make sure this goes viral so no one else gets burned!"

"Review of Madison Café – Willis Ave & 146th St., Bronx I used to genuinely enjoy going to Madison Café. It was a convenient spot where I could grab food and exchange a few friendly words with the staff. Unfortunately, over time my experience there has drastically declined, and I feel it’s important to share what I’ve noticed so others can be aware. First, let me be clear: the quality of the food itself has remained consistent. The taste is decent and they prepare orders fairly quickly. That said, the way the staff treats their customers completely overshadows the food. The girl at the register and the men cooking behind the counter have become increasingly unfriendly and unwelcoming. It feels like they have no interest in their job or in treating people with basic respect. One of the cooks, in particular, gives off the impression that he’s either deeply unhappy with life or completely resentful of the work he’s doing. He never smiles, always seems irritated, and if you dare to ask for something simple like extra onions, peppers, or a little salt and pepper, they act as though you’re bothering them. This is not how you treat paying customers. But here’s what really made me lose trust in this place: the pricing. If you don’t ask in advance what your total should be, there’s a high chance you will be overcharged. I’ve noticed it several times. On one occasion, I actually added up the prices myself and caught the mistake on the spot. When I confronted them, they quickly apologized and called it a “mistake.” But if I hadn’t said anything, they would have pocketed the extra money. That experience made me realize this might not be an accident—it’s a pattern. To me, this behavior shows dishonesty. Whether it’s intentional or not, overcharging customers is unacceptable. Combine that with the rude, miserable attitude and the lack of hospitality, and it becomes very clear: they do not value the people who keep their business alive. At this point, I’ve decided to stop going there. If you do choose to eat at Madison Café, my advice is this: always check your prices carefully before paying and don’t expect a warm or respectful interaction. In my opinion, a business that treats its customers this way does not deserve your money. There are too many other cafés and delis in the Bronx where you’ll be greeted with a smile, charged fairly, and actually appreciated for your business. Sadly, Madison Café is not one of them anymore."

"Came here 3/30 for breakfast. The food was really good. I always love me some good diner food. Who would’ve thought. I think I’ll make this place one of my regulars. Highly recommend this spot. The service was fast and friendly."

"This spot used to be one of my go-to places, but I can’t ignore how badly it has gone downhill. While the food itself hasn’t really changed in flavor or quality, the way the staff treats people has gotten worse and worse. The cashier and the cooks act like they’re being forced to be there. The man cooking especially comes across as angry or fed up all the time. There’s no friendliness, no smile, and if you ask for something simple like a little extra onion, peppers, or seasoning, they act annoyed as if you’re asking for the impossible. It gives the whole place a negative, uncomfortable vibe. What really made me stop trusting them is the way they handle prices. If you don’t specifically ask for the total or break it down, they’ll sometimes charge you more than what it should be. I caught it myself when the math didn’t add up. Only after I pointed it out did they apologize and call it a “mistake.” But once it happens more than once, you realize it’s not just a mistake — it’s a pattern. Between the rude service, the miserable attitudes, and the shady pricing, it’s hard to keep supporting a place like this. If you decide to buy food here, double-check your receipt and what they charge you. Personally, I’ve decided to take my money elsewhere — there are plenty of cafés and delis in the Bronx where customers are treated with respect and honesty. Madison Café has proven it doesn’t deserve loyal customers, and it certainly doesn’t deserve four stars."

"This place is TRASH!! on 1/2/26 went there at 4:10 PM with an Uber eats pick up for myself, my phone screen clearly said order ready, when I ride, the staff was obviously ready to leave and go home for the day already had the doors locked even though the sign said closed at 5 PM. Some guy opens the door and says we are closed. I pointed to the sign. It says it says you are open to 5 PM not to mention I have my phone which says my order is ready. He goes behind the counter cancel my order in front of my face. I watch it say cancel on my phone, then comes back to the door and says oh we don’t have an order. Basically too lazy to do the work wanting to go home bad customer service lie straight to my face play me disrespected me. Screw this place their staff and their business. I hope they get shut down ASAP."