4. Restaurants

Madison Square & Garden Cafe

320 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651
  • (949) 494-0137
  • Store is closed

Madison Square & Garden Cafe Menu

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  • Jasmine S.

    My new favorite breakfast spot. 3 stars for the food and an extra star for the friendly and funny owner and adorable garden decor.

    (4)

  • ava c.

    3.5 stars, mostly for everything else other than the food. This place has that adorable, fairy tale ambience. Its beautiful garden makes it a really relaxing spot. Food was however disappointing. They serve the usual brunch menu but all tasted bland to me. The fritata was overdone, and the egg benedict was also not very good.

    (3)

  • Niecie L.

    Charming, quaint setting; good food and super dog friendly! We've been here several times for breakfast and lunch with and without our dog. The food is consistently good particularly the breakfast.

    (4)

  • Win K.

    When I come down to Laguna Beach area, every so often I go to a house/garden converted to a cafe called Madison Square Garden & Cafe. If you enjoy the garden motif and atmosphere with your lunch and coffee, this is a nice little place you can stop by with a date or with friends. It's attached to an antique store, which sells a lot of hand-crafted work. The food consist of sandwiches and coffees and teas, but nothing complicated. People often bring their little dogs. Some of the choices in the menu, such as the big German pancake, some of the vegetable omelets, and the juicy Ahi Tuna Sandwich (although that was around $14) were quite tasty. The line to order tend to get pretty long, however. The bathroom is shared for both genders. The place can seat around 2-6 people. (Note: Another similar place like this with a garden motif is Cafe Veronese in Fullerton, although that place is more for coffee and desserts)

    (4)

  • Heidi M.

    This is the most relaxing place in Laguna! We love the fountains and spanish moss hanging from the trees. Very dog-friendly - makes me want to get a dog so we can just hang out here with a cute dog in tow...The food is always tasty and fresh. I like the burger and chicken sandwich. Omlettes are delicious. John, the owner, is always fun to see and my favorite entreprenuer in Laguna!

    (5)

  • Mike H.

    My wife and I had breakfast there this morning with our dog and it was a real treat. The garden atmosphere and decor make for a perfect outdoor setting. We highly recommend the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast and Madison Rancheros!

    (5)

  • Yvonne Y.

    Very weird place to eat in the sense that you walk in and you think,"Is this a store? Is this a restaurant? I don't know!" Very good burger. They let you substitute avocado for bacon even though it's not on the burger. Fries were alright. Omelette looked a little to well done for my tastes but my foreign friends seemed to like it...those crazy foreigners! They are very generous on the stuff they stuff the eggs with. Pretty place to have brunch and meet your friends...especially if you can't afford the $30 brunch at Las Brisas across the way. $11-12 for the burger and fries. $4 for the beer. about $10-11 for various egg plates. The most important part: They sell ceramic chickens for $20 out on the front of their store/restaurant.

    (3)

  • Prat P.

    Great atmosphere. Very quaint and serene... the setup is awesome, and very unique. Food could have been better though... Sorta bland. I got the California Omelette, and it was not worth the $11 since it was something I could have made at home for a fraction of the price. The fries were good though. The GF got a grilled cheese with tomato... which was adequate. All in all... you don't here for the food, you go for a nice atmosphere.

    (3)

  • Leslie C.

    This is a cute little gem in Laguna. The hubby and I were in Laguna for the afternoon checking out the exhibit at the Laguna Art Museum and some of the local galleries. When you first walk up to Madison Square you think it's a cute little house that's converted into a gift store with garden items. Then you realize, it's also a cute little cafe with tables and chairs through out the garden. We were starving so the hubby ordered the Turkey Club and I ordered the Organic Salad with Seared Ahi...oh and a humongous chocolate chip cookie. How do I rate any turkey sandwich? Is it roast turkey or is it compressed turkey? It was actually sliced roast turkey, crisp bacon and tasty. The salad had a grapefruit vinaigrette, pine nuts and the seared ahi I think had a spicy cajun seasoning. Loved my salad and I think it tasted even better because I was sitting outside enjoying the sun and feeling as though I was in my own secret garden. Next time, I'm going back specifically for the breakfast.....there were some lemon ricotta pancakes that I must try!

    (4)

  • Crystal M.

    I could spend my whole day here. When you drive past this place on the PCH it just looks like another cute decor shop in Laguna Beach. We heard some rumors that they also served some food here so we decided to scope it out one day. If you drive behind the building you will find a little parking lot that opens up to the back of the lot. You walk into their property and can't believe your eyes. The landscaping is absolutely gorgeous with huge trees and flower everywhere. They have tables and chairs everywhere throughout the lot so there are plenty of places to sit. Wind-chimes and waterfalls are everywhere so you feel constantly in zen. You walk inside the building and find a little kitchen with a pretty decent size menu. The french toast is soooo good here and so are the omelets. Even though the tables are pretty packed there never seems to be a large line for the food. Whenever I need a place to escape to I go here to relax. They also serve Diedrichs coffee which is another hidden gem.

    (5)

  • Tim S.

    I go to the place almost everyday for lunch. Not just because it's next to work but because it's one of the most relaxing places to eat I can think of. The dining area is in a lush garden setting. Spanish moss hangs from huge trees. I'll have to post a picture soon. The owner is great too, he comes around and says hi to everyone. Dogs are more than welcome. The food is good cafe style(high end). I would try almost anything but probably would stay away from the $7 grilled cheese. :)

    (5)

  • Dyke V.

    Love the place, miss it. Since moving to Palm Springs full time I realize how hard it is to find a few favorite casual places in one's area. Regardless of others' taste or perspective (especially if your new to Laguna Beach as in less than 10 yrs), finding a place that serves more or less what ya want the way ya like it when ya need it is a blessing - - mine may not be yours and visa versa, but isn't that what keeps the line at the door a little shorter. John's cafe is one of those places for me, where locals run into one another and out-of-towners will not feel out or place or unwelcome - and you can bring your dog! If you want to call it a formula, John put together just enough ingredients to make it appealing, appetizing, enjoyable and easy to keep consistent. So why haven't more people figured out that this same kind of set-up would work just about anywhere the climate is moderate, especially since it easily adapts to what local lifestyles enjoy. You don't even need the Chachkes shop

    (5)

  • rizzo s.

    this is a perfect place to go if you want to eat outdoors with your dog. the owner is really friendly and gives out treats to the dogs. all the seating is outdoors, where there are lots of trees and cool stuff to look at (ex. ceramic garden ornaments). the california omelette (zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms) was really good and came with fries and fruit. the ricotta pancakes were pretty dense, and i didn't like the berry butter they came with. they serve diedrich's coffee and also have beer. this place is really, really cute, and there's lots of metered parking just down the street.

    (4)

  • Anna Y.

    Headline: great post hike brunch spot came here after a crystal Cove hike. What: Maison Rancheros- fried egg, black beans, guac, sour cream all on top of a giant crisp tortilla. I was hungry and this really hit the spot! Ricotta pancakes with Berry butter- that Berry butter is lip smackin good German granny Apple pancake- almost like an apple pie... big pancake sided stuffed with apples Ambiance: littered with random artwork for sale, wind chimes included. Cute outdoor garden seating

    (4)

  • Rachel G.

    The food here is mediocre. Much worse, I just ate here and the chair broke at the table behind me. A woman fell and hurt herself. When they complained to the owner he screamed at them and told them to leave. It was shocking. I'm a Laguna local and will never be back. Go to Zinc Cafe or Heidelberg for a better breakfast and less hostile environment!

    (1)

  • Kevin K.

    Interesting brunch joint to say the least. Reminds me of a Rogers gardens meets homeless shelter meets antique store that serves food. The food is good and comes out quick. The ambience is delightful if you are looking to relax and have a nice meal. In regards to food, the ricotta pancakes are seriously bomb. They are served with a berry butter and the pancakes have bits of ginger and lemon zest which is a really nice touch. Also, the ricotta really makes the pancake light and airy. The rancheros are pretty good too. Nothing special but executed well. The rancheros are served with a crispy tortilla topped with beans and an over easy egg.

    (4)

  • Realtor Karl B.

    The owner is very friendly chatting it up with all his customers and their kids. There's only outdoor seating, so plan accordingly. There's actually a lot of seats available to fit a couple of large parties. Order your food at the counter, and they will bring it out to you in about 10 minutes. While waiting, check out and maybe even buy their rustic statues, mirrors, fountains, or other unique patio items. I would suggest their eggs benedict and get a side of bacon. I know it's $15, but it's well worth it and you will get full. Great location just a block east of the ocean. You can park nearby using the street meters or park for free up on the hill just a block or two away.

    (5)

  • Raquel M.

    Very cute atmosphere! Definitely whimsical and a little creepy (some of the statues are odd). Great food, good coffee!

    (4)

  • Casper C.

    The best breakfAst service in town . Jon is a burst of energy and joy in the morning .

    (5)

  • Michael S.

    We loved this nick-knack store and breakfast cafe. The garden is beautiful with cool wind chimes, sculptures, water fountains (all for sale with tags marked) and semi private outdoor tables. Our food was very good, I had delicious citrus ricotta pancakes with real maple syrup and thick cut bacon and my wife had a veggie omelet that she loved. The coffee was unlimited and nice and hot. This dog friendly place is great for people and animal watching. Ignore the poor reviews, it's worth the visit plus you can pick up a nice item for your garden or a gift. Walk the Cliff Walk first, great views and surfers. Highly recommend before or after breakfast!

    (4)

  • Taryn B.

    Try Urth Cafe, opening next door to Madison Square on September 20th. I was walking by when they were not even open and was invited in by the friendly staff and manager. I had a delicious taste sampler (see my Urth Cafe review) and they were much friendlier than the hostile staff at Madison Square.

    (1)

  • Zach P.

    We were initially drawn in to Madison Square & Garden Cafe by the cool looking ambiance on the website. And when you get there it looks for like a touristy artist shop with a surrounding garden and fountains than an actual restaurant. When you walk in, you notice the counter to the right with an overhead menu board. Initially, we almost left right then because menu appeared very limited in regards to breakfast options and it's VERY expensive. Unfortunately decided to stick it out. I ordered the three eggs with bacon, "house fries" and fruit with coffee. The food is sub par. The eggs were under cooked and the house fries are literally soggy french fries. The coffee was also not good. And for this, we paid about $30 for two plates plus coffee. Ridiculous. On top of that, all the seating is outside, so if it's cold you just have to stick it out. They also sell pretty much everything on the property (they all have price tags), but those items are also incredibly overpriced.

    (2)

  • Christian H.

    I've had my fair share of bad food experiences, but this one was surprising considering how beautiful the outside was. Don't judge a book by it's cover. The seating and outside area are beautiful and display Laguna's eclectic style very nicely. However, the food is nothing like the outside. Their food is burnt, dry, covered in dripping cheese, and did I mention burnt? I ordered a turkey club, pretty basic for any cafe or restaurant to do. But behold they burnt so badly I was biting into a black crouton. A turkey club is incredibly easy to make so I'm not sure what went wrong here. Hopefully the rest of their food isn't like this because if it is these 4-5 star reviewers must have zero tastebuds left. My suggestion: Try it but don't get the turkey club, and if it ends up as bad as mine did review it.

    (2)

  • Kevin D.

    This is a review for the shop, not the restaurant. My wife and I went to Madison Square for breakfast, but decided not to stay since seating was outside only and it was a little too cold out for us. We did walk around the store and found lots of cool items. This was one of the two shops in Laguna Beach that I thought had really interesting, unique items (the other was Pacific Gallery). If you're looking for home decor, definitely check this place out. So many interesting things - plus the largest selection of clocks I've ever seen! (Many wall mirrors as well).

    (5)

  • Caitie B.

    German apple pancakes were light and fluffy, sweet and delicious.... bacon was savory and crispy to perfection. Love the whimsy flair of this place, will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Erika A.

    Two stars for the food, five stars for the decor and ambience, so this is a compromise review. Went here for a quite brunch with my husband and mother in law and it was the perfect environment for a long, peaceful brunch. We all enjoyed the whimsical outdoor decor and splashing fountains, and were happy there were enough tables that we didn't have to rush through our meal to give up the table. The downside is that the food is utterly unremarkable. Eggs taste like the bargain eggs at Safeway, bacon was overcooked to the point of crumbling, fruit was underripe, and the coffee was weak. However, we were full at the end, no one got sick, and I have certainly had worse. Stop in to admire the decor and the garden, but don't expect a great breakfast.

    (3)

  • Meghan R.

    This is our favorite breakfast spot in Laguna Beach! We go back time and again and have the Ricco's breakfast sandwich. It is delicious, as are the variety of coffees they serve. The staff is super friendly and warm. Sitting in the outdoor garden while we wait for our food is a real treat, the place has so much character. Can't recommend highly enough!

    (5)

  • Khatherine T.

    I wish that I could simply write "Don't go here," but of course I won't and here is why I do not recommend them: Walk up to the counter to order and then they give you a number. At that point, you are thinking "Okay, probably have to find a seat and place the number on your table. They will probably bring utensils around with them." Your food and drinks get delivered and they walk away hastily before you can ask them for utensils or where to find them. You look around and see nowhere inside with utensils and such so you look for a station outside. Still don't see anything, you ask their staff where the utensils and milk are, they look you right in the eyes and say "It's right there." Right where? You did not motion a hand, or bat a lash in a single direction, where?! Ask them if they can share where it is exactly and get a shitty response with attitude that it is to the right a bit more so go get it. Go over and try to get some milk for your tea, and since the milk has been sitting outside for who knows how long, it is gross and smells sour. Food had no taste, absolutely none. Waste of money and was priced higher than it should be. They served the worst chai latte I've had in California. They also pile all of the food onto one plate so your fruits are touching everything, and the sauces from your food has smothered your fruit. Have you ever ate a tasteless strawberry? I have. Let's not end negatively and focus on some good parts: It is located right across from lovely Laguna Beach and with all the shrubbery, you get plenty of shaded seating. Bathrooms are nicely kept up with and has funny signage inside. Let's also focus on all of the fun art and decor that a singular place has to offer!

    (1)

  • Mary G.

    We visited here twice during our stay at an AirBnB in the neighborhood. The breakfast food and coffee were delicious, staff friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is relaxing and beautiful. Gorgeous garden and trees intermixed with fun garden accessories, sculptures and artwork. I wish I could come back everyday! Convenient to Many of the hotels in the North PCH ARE OF Laguna and really makes you "feel like a local" hanging out here. They only serve until 2:30--- bummer, cause we would have been back for dinner too! Limited parking-- best to walk. And there are 2 entrances. One on Cedar in the back and one on PCH in the front. Fun shops and galleries surrounding the area too. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Danielle S.

    Still a lovely location and Laguna institution, even if it isn't called The Cottage anymore. There's really nothing like having breakfast "al fresco" and then walking downtown all day and heading to the beach. Rustic, healthful, homey, old timey with ample portions. Yum.

    (4)

  • Kari L.

    Such a fun place to grab brunch or a cup of coffee! Amazing, beautiful little garden with so much stuff to look at (and/or purchase! ). I met a friend for breakfast on a monday morning... not sure if they get crazy on a weekend but we were able to walk right up to the order menu and had our pick when it came to tables in the garden! I ordered the ricotta lemon pancakes and they were SO good! Super thick and fluffy with just the right amount of lemon. Served with a seriously good berry butter, maple syrup and a side of perfect bacon. So yum!

    (5)

  • Kelli D.

    Really cute location from the patio decor and convient walk up service but the food was overpriced. My daughters grilled cheese was $9.00 and it was nothing I couldnt make from store bought bread and cheese. If you are looking to grab a quick bite that is not fast food then you can consider this place. The staff seemed very friendly and happy to be at work, the owner (at least i think he was) was walking around handing out bubbles for the kids and making conversation with every table which is always nice to see!

    (3)

  • Jane W.

    I had this place bookmarked for a while, and I finally and unexpectedly stumbled upon it when I was in the area for brunch with my family. Ambiance: 4.5 stars because it's fun and quirky. They have a lot of different things for sale and it's fun to look around. I also like how they have tables outside so you can enjoy beautiful SoCal weather (if it gets chilly, you can turn on the heat lamp). Food: 2.5 stars. Very mediocre. Ordered a variety of different things, including ricotta pancakes, vegetable frittata, california omelette, and Madison rancheros. Everything was bland. The pancakes were dry. The frittata was also on the dry end and really bland (needed hot sauce and ketchup). The other food items were not any better. Price: 3 stars. Food is definitely overpriced, and you're basically paying for location. Also takes a while for the food to come out. Probably won't be back.

    (2)

  • Amanda W.

    Great garden setting and fantastic food. I almost always get the eggs benedict, although I've loved every dish I've tried here.

    (5)

  • Deborah H.

    As much as I wanted to love this cute little cafe, it was definitely not up to par as I would have liked. An obvious pro would be its location: right across the street from the beautiful Laguna oceanside. My family and I decided to settle here across the street, when we realized we were too late for the usual Las Brisas breakfast buffet. The ambiance and atmosphere of this place was very nice and particular. However, seating is pretty limited if you have a party bigger than 6-7. Additionally, you have to order first, find your own seat outdoors, then wait for your food. I ordered the traditional eggs Benedict and it cost me $15.75. Came with some French fries and a few pieces of mixed fruit. The dish was neither extraordinary nor tasteless, just mediocre. By the time I cut into my second egg, the yolk had already hardened somewhat, so I was a little disappointed. The steep price tag definitely did not reflect the quality of the food, but the surrounding ambiance and location save this place from being nothing but mediocre and overpriced food.

    (3)

  • Kira W.

    A decent lunch or breakfast stop, but not amazing. Super pricey for what you get--$14 for a chicken sandwich? I love the location, a cute store in Laguna Beach. Of course, parking is always a drawback, but there is a private lot in the back if you're lucky enough to find an open spot. I love the patio seating and service was nice, but for the price? Might not be returning anytime soon.

    (3)

  • Nahum S.

    The service is always friendly and the atmosphere is unique and tranquil. You order at the front and go outside to eat, there is a lot you can buy to make your home more magical. Food is pretty good!

    (5)

  • Taylor C.

    Been coming here for years. Not only is the decor 8 out of 5 stars, the food is fabulous too. I've never been disappointed and recommend to anyone looking for a unique, fantastic brunch. The owner is always there talking to customers, helping out, making jokes, being fabulous. He is always kind and adds a great presence to the already fabulous atmosphere. It is not a waiter atmosphere but I personally like that it's counter order style. Overall a great place to take friends or family to catch up, talk, eat, drink and enjoy the aura. I've also bought several things from here and they're amazing beautiful lamps from local artists made of shells. The stuff can be pricey but it's all beautiful.

    (5)

  • Ed L.

    Perked with curiosity we came to Madison Square and Garden Cafe. The place was not busy, which surprised me considering its location. Then I found out why. First off, ordering food took a long time because the only person who writes order stepped away for a minute. We waited almost 40 minutes for our food because each item is prepared to order. I ordered the Laguna Platter. Quality is OK but not something one must try again. Most items on the menu are $12.95. You are definitely paying for the location and its ambience. If you have a dog you will love this place. Almost every other tables has a dog. The decor in the outdoor area is quirky and eclectic. Very fun to look around and it's full of surprises. I am glad I found out what it is like. Whether I'll be back is an open question.

    (3)

  • Cynthia A.

    Love this place, a brilliant concept - wonderful al fresco restaurant in a garden settling - casual and special. Dine among fountains and whimsical garden decor - from mermaids and fairies to Buddhas - all for sale. The little gift shop is filled with an eclectic array of quality items - fragrant candles, beautiful chandeliers, a variety of colorful wind chimes and weathervanes. The merchandise changes with the seasons, but there is always something fun to buy - great housewarming gifts! The food is always incredible - from baked apple Pancakes to Eggs Benedict, a variety of yummy salads, gourmet sandwiches and entrees. Mimosa, cafe mocha or tea. A romantic place to start the day and a serene spot for a casual meeting. The owner, John Madison is a delight - always friendly and attentive, full of advise on local happenings - he is an art patron and supports many local charities. Honestly, I think he is a community treasure - he aways has a special treat for the kids and makes everyone feel welcome!

    (5)

  • Michelle R.

    Never know this place until my boyfriend bring me here, when I first walk in I thought this place is a charming and I do enjoy the atmosphere. But boy do you have to hunt for your seating though it took us almost 15 minutes to find our seats also first come first come first serve and we have to walk up to the counter and order, after ordering they give you a number and you have to wait for another 20 or 40 minutes for your meal to arrive. I order Lox and Bagel and my boyfriend order Eggs Benedict, when our order arrived mine was perfect but my boyfriend order was kind a cold it seems like it was sit for a while and he is not happy about it. The waiter did apologize and told my boyfriend he will make another one for him. Next five minutes the waiter did bring out the fresh Eggs Benedict and again he apologized for not making it fresh the first time. My boyfriend were happy this time the eggs is fresh and everything was perfect like the way he had order it. Even though this place is very busy but they do pleased their customer and wanted to make it right the first time and I am very pleased with it and so is my boyfriend. Overall, I do like this place, it is right at the the beach after eat you can take a stroll along the beach window shopping and just hanging out. I wish that next time when we come back we don't have to hunt for our seats though.....lol

    (4)

  • Joyce L.

    Some girlfriends and I came here after our Sunday hike to the "Top of the World"- Laguna beach. Towards the end of our hike, all we could think about was a yummy, well-deserved brunch. We had seen this cute "garden-esque" place on PCH earlier and thought this would be a nice place to try, especially in our hiking clothes. Metered parking is available on the side streets around the cafe, but we later learned that there is free parking behind the restaurant as well! Definitely using that next time. When you walk in, there's an endless selection of windchimes, antique fountains, buddha statues, frames, etc! Such a different feel than any brunch place i've ever been! Only outside seating and super dog friendly (aka the most adorable dogs everywhere)! You order your food first inside and then seat yourselves wherever you like. We ordered the "Chicken breast Capri sandwich", "Shanghai Salad", and the "German apple pancake." All three = DELICIOUS! Our favorite of course was the AMAZING "German apple pancake", topped with maple syrup and strawberries. Imagine grandma's homemade apple pie in a fluffy pancake form. To top off this wonderful experience, the owner came by each table offering miniature bubbles and spinning tops to play with post-meal... yes... BUBBLES! With a table full of girls in their 20s, you can only imagine our reaction. Extremely high pitched screaming of "BUBBLEESSS!" How you could you go wrong?! All in all, it was a GREAT experience and we're definitely coming back! :)

    (4)

  • Jon V.

    Went here based off good yelp reviews, but sorely disappointed. In short: * Flies everywhere if you sit outside * Hole in the wall diner quality food (but not in the good way) * Cold food * Complacent/despondent staff. * Long wait. * Dogs everywhere * Cool vibe if you're into antiques. Im not much for leaving negative reviews, but this was a total let down in every way possible. I'd recommend going elsewhere for sure.

    (2)

  • Diane C.

    We've been coming here on regular basis for 2 years now. Nothing has changed! In this case, that's a GREAT THING!!! The food is still made fresh as you order and tastes great! The gift shop is full of original gifts for those that are hard to shop for (me) ;-) The staff know us now and are always welcoming. Over time, we've tried everything on the menu. There's not one thing we don't like. John (the owner) is always warm and welcoming. What's funny is that when regular dogs see him, they all get excited as he has a treat for them every time. He doesn't stop there. He passes out little bubble bottles for kids or those of us that are kids at heart. It's impossible to come here and not smile. Always a pleasure.

    (5)

  • Hilary A.

    I have a love/hate relationship with this place. If you come early, when they aren't busy, the food and service are great! But if you come during peak hours, I can guarantee that your food will sit in the pass, and die. There is a lack of organization and expediting in the kitchen, which leads to cold or soggy food. The atmosphere is peaceful (minus the current construction next door). My only real complaint would be the flies. So, so many flies. I understand that this is an outdoor restaurant and therefore some bugs are understandable. But this is ridiculous. I'm constantly fighting hordes flies off my food and drinks. Tons of flies means rotting garbage, which makes me question the sanitation of the kitchen.

    (3)

  • Kyle Y.

    I wasn't impressed with this place at all. There were a lot of reasons why Madison square and garden cafe wasn't' good, 1. The place had lots of flies inside the cafe. 2. The fries wasn't salty and it tasted weird. The only good thing was that the place was the garden itself. Also the antiques as well. Feels like an Armstrong's.

    (2)

  • Anthony H.

    Overall: Food was great, prices a little high, location and setting almost perfect, but ordering process and service need improvement. Location: 4.5 stars. Located on the corner of PCH and Aster Way, this is a prime spot near all the little shops and galleries and about a block from the beach. Pricing: 5 stars. Pricing is a little high, but let's face it: you're basically paying for the locale. Think of it as an extremely short term property lease and it will seem cheap. Atmosphere & Setting: 4 stars. It's like a nice house surrounded with a big yard containing a nice garden filled with a curios and knick knacks. Many unique fountains are strewn about, along with many types and sizes of hanging wind chimes, windmills, weather vanes and other decorative items. All seating is outdoors. Dining tables are placed around three sides of the "house", mostly round tables seating two or four people. In the back there is a section with thick transparent plastic curtains that forms a little outdoor room and has heat lamps for keeping chilly guests warm. It's a very nice setting for eating, especially with the sounds of the wind chimes as background music. Its relaxing and peaceful. The front yard is a little too cluttered and cramped, however, and can be hard to navigate. You might get your meal interrupted slightly by someone admiring or trying to get one of the items near your table. It also gets some street noise from PCH up front. The whole yard is dog friendly, which is a big plus if you like friendly pooches--I do. If you want a little more quiet, and easier access to the coffee and water, then sit in the backyard. If this place was right across from the beach, or had a clear view of it, this would be five stars for this category. Merchandise: ? stars. Most everything you see upon entering the front yard is for sale and has price tags prominently displayed. That takes away from the nice atmosphere to some degree, but it's practical and is one of the ways this place stays open. If you like something it is easy to figure out how much it will set you back. How many stars this rates really depends on if any of this is your style. Ordering and Service: 2.5 stars. You have to walk inside the "house" and go to the right to get to the kitchen. Right there they have paper menus or you can look up and view the big menu board posted there. You order, they have you pay and give you a number, then you find yourself a table, put your number on the table top, get comfortable and they will bring you your food when it is ready. Mostly effective way to order, but can get chaotic when a lot of people are there and it isn't immediately clear where you order, or where you should line up to order. When you order they tell you an approximate wait time before your food comes out. So, the ordering process was a little confusing and disorganized. The person taking the order wasn't mean, but could've used some customer service training. Although he didn't quite say "what do you want?!?!", his attitude and demeanor conveyed that. I did appreciate, however, that they tell you about how long it will take before your food will be brought out to your table. On back of the order number card they give you there is a note stating something like "Your food is made fresh to order, so we appreciate your patience as we prepare it for you. Remember good boys get rewarded, bad boys have to bring a credit card." Wish I took a picture of that. The first part I got fine, that last part though had me scratching my head. Was I a bad boy because I paid by credit card? The hours posted said they were open until 3pm, but the kitchen shut down before 2:30pm and that same "gentleman" who took my order asked us to leave around 2:50pm. He didn't chase us out or say "get out", but, again, his attitude and demeanor conveyed that. I understand that we came on New Year's Day and he might not have wanted to be there, but the dude needs to chill out and not be so uptight. Everything else about this place was nice and welcoming, but a little more manners would go a long way! Fortunately for this place I'm not really downgrading the rating for this. Our food was brought out in about 20 minutes, instead of the 30 minutes we we're told it was going to take. That was nice. But the person who brought our food forgot syrup for our cinnamon swirl French toast dish and said she would be right back with it. I'm still waiting, what happened? 4.5 stars. My wife and I ordered the German Apple Streusel Pancake and the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast, which comes topped with fresh fruit (which, in this case, was sliced pieces of banana, strawberries and some whole blackberries). Both dishes came out picture perfect, hot and were delicious! Despite order and service issues it was worth the trip. Thanks for the recommendation Loren L!

    (4)

  • Cris H.

    You're paying for the location. Food is decent but a little overpriced. When we were there a huge cockroach was making the rounds., freaking diners out. The bus boy responded with 'oh there are a bunch of those around, not a big deal. The situation didn't bother me much but not the best response in a restaurant.

    (2)

  • El S.

    Nice Japanese Maple trees but otherwise experience is like eating in the crazy cat lady's backyard. I hoped the food would compensate. It was underwhelming and overpriced. I ordered the Madison Rancheros. The eggs were undercooked. The black beans were bland. The guacamole was lukewarm and tasted like a refrigerator. This place has too much going on. Lots of quantity in price tagged clutter whilst lacking in quality of food.

    (1)

  • Regan S.

    I only give this one star because I can't do 0. We took my parents here for a nice brunch as they were visiting from Texas. I need to preface this by saying my husband played football in college and is a large man but it was my Mom (who is not large) whose chair broke from under her sending her falling straight into a pile of stone statues and hurting her knee badly. She was so embarrassed and I asked the server if the owner was around as we wanted to make sure he knew his chairs were faulty... He never showed up (I asked for him 3 times). Then to add insult to injury I had a dark hair on my bacon and told the waiter and he made me walk it back to the cashier to fix the problem. I opted to get a refund as the food was very disappointing on its own. After that I asked for the owner for the 4th time and he finally came out to speak to my mom. I was looking for an apology or "are you ok" at least. Instead he kept saying "I bought these chairs 2 months ago and I haven't had any issues... You're the first one" and my Mom was sweet & said "I just wanted you to know in case an elderly person used it or my Mom could have had my infant in her arms when she fell. The owner became irritated and said "these chairs are new and I've never had an issue" it was like he thought we might sue (ironically my husband is an attorney) so he wouldn't admit fault and basically started insinuating that it was my Mom's fault. I got fed up and told him he should just leave and at that point he blew up and screamed "well I don't want your business anyway!!!" I told him I would be putting a post on social media about this and he defiantly said "GO AHEAD I can't wait to respond!" So Mister owner have at it. What's your response to being a horrible manager in an industry that is 100% based on the customers experience? I'd really love to hear what we did to deserve your attitude. All I wanted to hear from you to my Mom was "I'm sorry you're hurt can I offer to do anything to make it better"

    (1)

  • Faraaz Z.

    Came here for Mother's Day brunch and it was wonderful! The restaurant's ambiance simply makes this place. So much cool art all over the quaint and mildly difficult to find property (with prices, too, which I appreciate seeing to give me perspective--I'm not an artsy person). I ordered the Eggs Bene with traditional bacon (substituted for Canadian bacon) and it was great--but what I was really impressed by was my gf's Huevos Rancheros! Best Huevos Rancheros I have ever had. Ever. Period. It was so good. I could taste every flavor in the rancheros and they even gave us an extra plate of the good stuff. Right on. You order at a counter, grab a number, and then find a table here. Extremely dog-friendly so be sure to bring your well-behaved pup. Parking is cramped (as is everywhere here) but you'll more than likely be able to find something up the street. Price is what you would expect in Laguna Beach, but food quality was great and the people were generally happy and helpful.

    (5)

  • Harini S.

    The fourth star is definitely for the ambience. I would give this place 3 stars for the food. Located in Laguna beach, the artsy vibe is carried on throughout the store. The seating in the garden is very pretty. My only complaint is it takes too long to get the food and it always ended up being cold. I would love to come back to shop for my garden and may be get a coffee. Not sure if I would be back for brunch though!

    (4)

  • Dena N.

    Came here after hiking nearby. Went on a sunday so there was sufficient street parking. It's about two small blocks away from the busy area of laguna beach so parking may not be such a big issue. From PCH, this place doesn't look like a restaurant. You will see the sign, but there are a ton of stuff for outdoor house decor. It just looks like a small shop. But once you get inside, there is a counter to the right hand side where you can order your food. Then you self-seat and wait for the food to come out. I tried the German granny apple pancake. The pancake is about the size of my face and has slices of apples in it. The inside of the pancake is nice and soft, but the outer edge is a bit crunchy, which adds a great texture. I rarely put syrup on my pancakes so I eat it by dipping it into a bit of syrup and it tastes amazing! This is by far the best tasting pancakes I've had. Will definitely come back for the pancakes. I also tried some of the eggs benedict my friend got. It doesn't feel as heavy as some other places. Not my favorite, but still very good. For brunch food, this place can be a bit pricy. But if you want a cup of joe, then it is very cheap. $4 latte and the cup is half the size of my face. :) Can't wait to come back and try the pancake again another day!

    (5)

  • Sommer S.

    If you don't want to have great food then don't come here!!! Really, a little gem that you may pass thinking its a garden store. The menu is amazing and huge. Beautiful garden in the back where you sit surrounded by garden features and ornaments that are all for sale. Favorites are the French toast, Madison Rancheros (breakfast) and Chicken Capri sandwich (lunch). But really, everything is delicious. Service is walk up counter to order, you get a number and find a seat. It may take awhile to get your food, but they are making it fresh and hey...good food takes time. The prices of the garden items are pretty much outrageous and sadly, I see the same ones there all the time. (Prob bc they are so expensive no one buys them). But that's not why I go...its for the food. But really, why sell that stuff, just decorate your place with it. The prices are crazy!!! Food is delicious, prices are a little much for breakfast food...but I'm not eating there daily. It's a place we go when we are visiting from Las Vegas.

    (4)

  • Widad D.

    I love the setting of this place! So cute and unique. The outside seating is so green and foresty-like. I loved it! The food however is average. It's a bit expensive for something so average along with the coffee. I'd be back just to sit outside with a cup of coffee and engage in conversation with a friend with a great scene surrounding us. They also close too early.

    (3)

  • Alexandra F.

    My boyfriend and I came here on a Friday morning during a staycation and loved the food. We shared the ricotta pancakes, and be bad the 3 egg breakfast while I had the eggs Benedict. DELICIOUS! we decided to come back again this morning, expecting a bit of a wait since it was Sunday morning. It only took a few minutes to order, so we paid and found a nice spot by the fountain. Twenty minutes into our wait I got a little impatient but reminded myself it was Sunday morning with perfect 73 degree sunny weather. Ten minutes passed again so I went to the front to make sure our order wasn't forgotten. A nice young guy took my receipt and asked the two employees at the counter if they had an ETA on our food. It had been 35 minutes and for the obscene amount of money we paid, i felt it was a reasonable request. The dirty, green-haired looking guy at the front shrugged his shoulders, saying he didnt know where my order was. He then took my receipt, and said "what's your number?" I told him I didn't know, it was on the table, and he said "oh this receipt is yours?" then proceeded to stare at me until the first guy went to find out what number I had on my table. It's been 40 minutes since we ordered and I still have no food. Great taste, but 40 minutes for some eggs and pancakes while everyone else has their food? And a bad attitude from a dirty-looking green-haired employee? I think I'll take my business elsewhere next time I want overpriced breakfast with a "unique" ambiance.

    (2)

  • Ina K.

    I came here for brunch, so it follows the regular brunch-ordering procedures- order something at the counter, get a number, then find a table. The counter where you order food is basically the kitchen. I watched cooks cook, and it wasn't very clean. That didn't really matter too much since the food was spectacular. The menu is pretty unique. It has the typical egg benedict, pancakes, coffee, etc., but everything has a little twist. The food wasn't what I expected. It was extraordinary- just like the place itself. The tables are all outside. The area is pretty nice and mellow with lots of expensive artifacts laying around. There is a little shed outside for kids to play around. Since I came on Easter, there were egg coloring, bubble, and other Easter-themed activities/toys. A scary-looking easter bunny later came out to take pictures with kids. Needless to say, the whole experience was very nice. The "decorations" seemed a bit random. There are random things laying around outside (a huge bust, huge wind-chimes, water fountains). I put quotes for the decorations because they're items that the place wants to sell. All the decoration had a price tag on them. Service could have been much better from the cooks and servers. The cooks and servers had a grand time talking to themselves, but when I asked them a question, their faces became pretty cold and rude. The lady who sells the artifacts (probably the owner?) was really nice! On the outside, this place looks very weird and a bit creepy, but inside... it is just so warm and fun. I definitely recommend this place for a nice brunch date!

    (4)

  • Kevin Y.

    So I visited Newport/Laguna beach to escape the cold Chicago winter last week and had a super early morning flight. As soon as I landed, I yelped a nice brunch to eat and found Madison Square & Garden Cafe. After reading the yelp reviews, I thought this would be a pretty good spot to relax and chow down on some food. As we approached the restaurant, we were greeted with tons of different art pieces..it looked a little weird at first as I was thinking, "Am I in a restaurant or an old person's home?" Madison Square & Garden Cafe is not like your traditional restaurants. You go up to the counter and order your food and then they bring your food out to a table. You basically order & seat yourselves. Price of the food: Super expensive. For us of us, we spent $55. We got a salad, eggs benedict, and an omelette. Quality of food: sub-par! I was definitely not impressed. The salad was actually pretty good, but the eggs benedict was just whatever. It wasn't a great start to our vacation =(

    (3)

  • Terry S.

    John, I have always loved coming here but am now vegan and wish you offered soy or almond milk and at least a fee vegan entrees except oatmeal. You could offer quinoa instead of eggs, or brown rice, black beans and grilled veggies instead of the traditional huevos rancheros, there is a lot you could do to slightly alter the menu and increase your visitors. Let us vegans know if your veggie pattie is vegan, etc., your kitchen staff is completely uninformed. My order would have been a lot bigger had I known these things. Unless this changes I will not be coming back, and I LOVE your place, as does my family. I love that you are dog friendly, love the atmosphere, so 5 stars on atmosphere, a 1 on food for vegans and a 4 on food for non vegans. Hope you make a few tweaks and I will be back!

    (2)

  • Tragedy D.

    There is free parking behind Madison Square & Garden Café; not many spots though. The parking on PCH is tough and all metered; trust me the meter maids are on your car with that ticket too quick. Long line when I got here...wrapped around the cashier's counter in the next room. Every seat was occupied; thank goodness my friends saved me a seat. No matter where you looked there was art. They make your eyes dance; it was tough to focus on a conversation. Shared French toast with my friend...yummy fresh fruit on top. Dog friendly place. One bathroom near the store cashier counter. What a great place to hang out and feel like it's your very own backyard.

    (3)

  • Larry Z.

    What a pleasant surprise to find a cafe inside this garden decoration store! I know, it's in the name, but we just blindly walked in without a care in the world. Honestly, the garden decorations were a bit much to look at - there was so much and none of it matched our very good taste. Thankfully, this isn't a review of the store, it's a review of the cafe. And the cafe was very good! While I may not have wanted to purchase 30 different kinds of gnomes, buddhas or planters, it was very peaceful and calming to eat while sitting in the backyard garden area with all of their eyes upon us. It felt like we found a hidden jem reserved for locals. The Madison Rancheros were muy bien. Nicely presented and plenty of yummy avocado, cheese, tortillas, beans and egg to make a beautiful mess on my plate. The highlight of the meal. My better half went for the massive Turkey Club. For us, more doesn't mean better. But since the sandwich was yummy, more was a good thing. She had to take half of it home. For a change, my foodie son selected the bummer of the day. He had such high hopes for the Ricotta Pancakes, but while they were good, they weren't as delish as he had hoped. Nothing special - they tasted like good ol' regular pancakes. I kind of felt bad for him. For a few seconds.

    (4)

  • Brad S.

    Amazing atmosphere and food

    (5)

  • Brittany L.

    What a cute little eclectic find in Laguna! This place is more about the charm than the food...it's a restaurant/store with tons of random stuff..windchimes, christmas ornaments, clocks, candles, etc. that fill the entire space. The food was good...I tried the Apple Pancake which I'd get again. They have an outdoor patio with plenty of tables and chairs. You order at the cashier and then sit down after...I think it'd be better if it was waiter service, but overall a cute little restaurant.

    (4)

  • Joe S.

    Pretty decent. High prices for what you get. I ordered the eggs Benedict with steak. Pretty good sauce. Feta were homemade but we're not fried twice, which made then soggy. Wife had the Apple German pancake. It was lacking the traditional powder sugar and lemon. But it was nice with butter and syrup. Probably won't be back.

    (3)

  • Jenn S.

    I love this place. It is very laid back am comfortable. The food is about $4 more then anywhere else but you are paying for the experience. Great for Mother's Day.

    (5)

  • Jeff Y.

    Read some bad yelp reviews before coming here and thought "it can't be that bad, it has 4 stars!" So we gave it a try... The only thing this place has going for it is the ambience. It's "gardeny" The guy taking our order couldn't tell us if the tortillas had wheat in them or not and my wife is severely allergic. Employees couldn't care less about you. Rude and very unhelpful. Seemed miserable to be working. Asked front guy taking orders a few questions, he shrugged his shoulders and said "I don't know" a few times. YOU DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE FOOD YOU SERVE??? What kind of restaurant is this??? Not to mention way over-priced. Everything is $10-$15 and not very flavorful at all, and portions aren't great. It's like diner food just thrown on a plate. Nothing special. WE WILL NOT COME BACK HERE. My first impression walking into the garden was wow, what a nice place, but the experience we had left us feeling completely disappointed and let down. Not to be mean, but can't wait for Urth Cafe next door to open and take all of their business. Maybe then they'll step it up a notch.

    (1)

  • Savvy J.

    Entirely over priced and mediocre coffee. Too much focus on over priced knick knacks and not enough focus on food and service.

    (1)

  • Rebekah K.

    I really liked this place. Good food and cute garden. Staff were nice too. I would like to take my husband next time soon

    (4)

  • Tania D.

    Awesome French Toast! Everything was tasty. Laux and Bagel had great tasting dill sauce on the side. Huge coffee mugs. relaxed atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Ginger W.

    Madison is my favorite coffee and breakfast spot! I love the fountains, wind chimes, and browsing the whimsical store. It is a pet friendly neighborhood gem!

    (5)

  • Kelly B.

    Staff is rude and doesn't care much about customers. We came in at 2:30 and they'd already closed the kitchen. Hello? If you close at 2:30, DON'T advertise 3. Not going to bother coming here again if the food is also nothing spectacular. Garden items are also cheaply made and overpriced. Avoid avoid avoid.

    (1)

  • Karen R.

    Love the ambiance of this place. Cafe dining area is an garden oasis. Good was equally was wonderful!!!

    (5)

  • John M.

    The service here moves at a turtles pace...& the turtle is crippled...& retarded....with a gimp leg...& a blindfold. The food is good but you'll wait SO long to get it you'll be in a terrible mood which will ruin your entire dining experience anyway.

    (1)

  • Johnny U.

    I ordered a the vegetable frittata made with egg whites and no cheese. This frittata was overcooked on a plate and looked sad. It was this round concoction of overcooked egg whites slammed on a plate with no seasoning. Not even salt and pepper. Sheeit--when I make egg whites I'll even throw in some mrs. dash if I'm feeling Jewish with salt. They didn't even put that in. After that, I was over the breakfast and took my sad plate back up to the mexicans saying Como muertha. They looked at me as if I was the el diablo. I said please just make me a hamburger plain with fries. No problem. I got my burger and haven't had a burger in 9 months was scared to eat it. It was tasty, however, the fries were bland. They don't have salt. In fact, I don't believe they even know that everything needs salt and pepper. Robert irvine taught me that. The only people patronizing should be tourists. I am a local and I'm done!

    (2)

  • Kay A.

    This little gem is on PCH just past Main Beach. It's actually a decorative store with lots of unique garden goodies. You'll probably have to park on PCH but at least it has the meters for credit cards! There's a counter inside that you order your food then they will bring it outside to you wherever you sit. There are plenty of tables, some with shade and some without. I ordered the ricotta pancakes and they were soooo good! They are big, fat, fluffy and moist. Comes with berry butter, syrup and a side of bacon. I also tried the huevos rancheros. It came with sunny side up egg, cheese, beans and guacamole layered on fried tortillas. Only thing I didn't like was that the tortilla was too fried for my taste. The owner and by and was super friendly. I love how there's so much interesting stuff to check out while you eat. It helps to entertain the kids. It's hard to find a spot that serves good breakfast through lunch time on a week day so it was perfect!

    (4)

  • Denise J.

    I have been eating here for years. At one point it was my favorite breakfast spot and I recommended Madison Square to friends and family. But I am sad to say that I won't be going back. The menu is tired and needs some updating, food quality has gone down hill and it often arrives cold. I love the owner, but he really needs to update things and improve the food before Urth Cafe opens. If you been to Urth in LA you know how fresh the food is with an expansive menu. I realize what a smaill kitchen he has but they needs to make quality dishes. Very sad to give this review.

    (1)

  • Stephanie W.

    What an amazing place! The food was superb, and the ambiance even better! Everything around you, from wind chimes to statues of Buddha to wooden cows is for sale. Everyone is really nice, and the owner was there. He gave us all bubbles and chatted with us at our table. Such a nice guy who loves kids and dogs!! This place is how a restaurant should be run, family friendly with really nice people. Highly recommended for a lazy Sunday brunch, followed by a walk on the beach. If you're in Laguna Beach, have breakfast here and thank me later.

    (5)

  • Denny C.

    Brunch isn't just about food. It's also about the atmosphere. Based on that alone MSGC gets a five star. When you walk up the stairs and through the main doors, you find yourself in a house-turned-business, one of those Ma and Pa stores you only find in non-gentrified downtown spaces. The store, of course, is filled with gadgets, trinkets and the like. You might even forget you were there for brunch as you start scanning the room and learning with your hands. When you finally order at the counter and get your number, you find your way outside to the seating area. The tables and chairs are all resting on rocks, but the surface isn't too uneven. Plus all the tables have giant umbrellas for shade, so don't worry about getting skin cancer. There was no wait when I came on a late Saturday afternoon. I ordered the eggs benedict with salmon (costs extra, no doubt) and a hot tea, and joined my friends outside. The food came out shortly, and I was excited when I saw my eggs benedict. It came with a few home fries - these were excellent: soft on the inside, well seasoned and slightly crispy on the outside - as well as a few pieces of sliced fruit. The eggs benedict themselves weren't anything special. They actually tasted pretty average. I was surprised the English muffins were a bit dry, and the slice of salmon was pretty skimpy. At any other place without this ambiance that served food of this caliber, I'd be pretty disappointed, but on a sunny SoCal Saturday afternoon, sitting outside with the presence of friends and the fresh air from the Pacific Ocean, I had to give MSGC the benefit of the doubt. Service: Order at the counter, bussers are very courteous. The water (hot and cold) and coffee and tea station is all self-serve. Bottom line: Perhaps not the best food, but a good getaway for brunch in the OC just to get lost in the magical world of trinkets and widgets.

    (3)

  • Timmy S.

    The ambience is what makes Madison Square & Garden Cafe a great place to eat. Very soothing atmosphere and visually interesting. For me it is more of an artist's gallery & store first with the food as a bonus. The exterior and interior of this eatery is filled with the work of a plethora of artists. Fountains, glass objects, sculptures, metal abstract art, planters and so much more are located everywhere you look. I have to admit though, it's all a little pricey! But then again, it is all original artwork. When you enter the building, you order at a counter and receive a number. Your food is brought to your table; all the tables are located outside in the "garden" area. We were here for breakfast so I had traditional eggs benedict and a mocha. The mocha...well, it wasn't so great. But my eggs benedict was superb, done to perfection. To accompany it I would have preferred any type of potatoes rather than fries though. The fresh fruit on the plate was all perfect too, not underripe or overripe as is often the case. Most definitely a place I would come back to!

    (4)

  • Jesse And Lara M.

    This place is unreal! Food and atmosphere are fantastic, huge trees dripping with moss and they have such a cool assortment of unique goodies for purchase. Every time I have out of town company I take them here and they rave about it!

    (5)

  • Huyennnn D.

    i am so in love with this place. its one of those order pay, take a number with you type place. they have a station set up outside in the back for coffee refills, napkins and utensils so its very "self serve" which gives you the freedom to do as you please and not wait for a server to get you anything that you're missing. We had the lemon ricotta berry pancake and the salmon bagel. both oh so yummy. Def going back to try the rest of their menu!!!

    (5)

  • Rowena D.

    Loved this cute little place! The pictures don't do it justice. Went for breakfast on a Saturday morning, weather was perfect, open seating...got the perfect little table in the middle of one of the garden areas. You order at the counter and they bring your food to your table. The only thing is you have to carry your own drinks, but not a big deal. And then the kids were somewhat scared of all the statue's, but after checking out the rest of the area and chatting with the owner, they thought it was a pretty cool place, especially because of the koi pond and fun things inside the store. The owner came by and chatted with us. He was very friendly with the kids. He even brought them an easter basket to choose an egg and a toy. I wish we could have come back the next day as they were having egg decorating on Easter. I enjoyed my german pancake! We will definitely be back!

    (4)

  • Laina A.

    I'd really like to give more stars for this very cute and charming little spot, but the service and limited menu does them in for me. There are items to purchase galore in the front and inside, and it's kind of distracting when you are with somebody who was starving! Nobody greeted us and when we were wandering thru trying to figure it all out, we finally found a staff member to ask. We were told there was no indoor seating just outside, but they had heat lamps (it was chilly that late a.m. in Laguna Beach). So off my mom and I walked to the back outdoor patio where it is tented in plastic with heat lamps. We seated ourselves as nobody seemed to be doing it (there were no signs). After waiting for about 5 minutes I finally got up and went back inside to ask somebody for assistance. I was then told you order inside/pay inside and your food will be brought to you. It would have been nice to have been told this before. I brought out menus to peruse. Unfortunately for me 80% of the menu held little to no interest. Food was fine, nothing remarkable, not worth the prices. A bit of a disappointment. One other mention, some of the tables are cheap plastic, with tiny uncomfortable chairs to sit on, which are situated over 1/2 pavers and 1/2 gravel, not stable and I felt off-balance and it was just NOT a great dining experience.

    (3)

  • Karen G.

    Good food, dog friendly & a true Laguna local spot. The owner John is always present, friendly & has a pocket full of treats for the pooches....The Madison Rancheros is the best in town!!

    (5)

  • Trena R.

    If I lived in the area, this place would be my home-away-from-home. Walk through a quaint shop filled with trinkets and art to a welcoming patio filled with tables shaded by umbrellas and mature trees. The owner, a transplant from NYC, is the nicest guy you'll ever meet. He was constantly floating around making sure everyone was happy and well-chatted-up. And who knew this town and this restaurant was SO dog-friendly. There were at least six very well-behaved dogs to love on. The owner ever brought around has treats and squeaky toys for them. Oh... and the food was really good. Nice and clean... although there were many guilty pleasures like the ginormous french toast.

    (5)

  • Taryn S.

    We love this place. The menu is small but good. We love sitting outside under the trees- the ambiance is great! Plus, the owner is a doll!

    (4)

  • Olivia C.

    First impression of this place are wonderful. At first glance seems like another art gallery. But they actually sell amazing food here! As well as every garden decor! I highly recommend you come at least once for breakfast. The California omelet is good for two. Aroi mak!

    (5)

  • Judy G.

    Like they say: foods and environment! They have it. Great little fresh menu in a super garden atmosphere. Locals and tourists alike, tell them apart by who has a dog at their table and who John the owner swings by to say hello to. Self serve hot coffee is abundant. I love that for a lingering weekend breakfast. A definite sweet stop in Laguna for breakfast/lunch.

    (4)

  • d s.

    I used to looooooooove this place. I loved my eggs benedicts, mimosas in a lovely garden full of quirky stuff. Also the owner is really friendly, esp with the his four legged guests. :) I did come in for lunch once - around 1:30. I finished 1/2 of my sandwich and about 2:15, one of the cooks did come out and politely asked me if he could pack the rest of my sandwich because they were closing. :(( Despite that incident, I still went back for brunch and would've given them 4 stars. Came here on the 1st with my sister for brunch and it was pretty crowded. Took about 20 mins in line, which I didn't mind. But it took an hour to get our food - for 2 orders of eggs benedicts. And the food was cold. :(((((((((( The cottage next door has closed. This is probably why this place was crowded. I will only eat here if there isn't a line or at prime time 11:30am-1pm.

    (1)

  • Laura B.

    I really like the ambience here as it's perfect for a brunch with your mom or girlfriends. The outside is decorated with uniquely crafted wind chimes and fountains. It's spacious (rare in LB) and relaxing. Sadly though, the food is subpar. I've ordered a variety of menu items and have never wanted to take anything home for left overs. It would be just one of those forgettable meals at a restaurant which you'd never return, but the garden is just so nice! Please, please, please make your food less bland and you could easily become a new favorite in Laguna. P.S. Street parking :(

    (3)

  • Lisa B.

    They kicked me out of the store. Yep, escorted me to the gate and said, "Have a nice day." I thought that might get your attention. Here's the longer version: I've only eaten here once and it was fine, but expensive. The most impressive part of Madison, for me, is its ambiance, and I often drop in for a little bit of shopping. The buyer there has interesting taste and I've got some unique items in my home from this store. So, prior to last week, I would have ranked this place high for browsing/shopping. But then, a strange thing happened: I got kicked out. It was a weekday afternoon and I was popping into local LB shops, enjoying the sun. Madison Square's open gate beckoned to me and I wandered in. A lady inside was sweeping the floor and never looked up to acknowledge me. I browsed a bit, maybe 3-4 minutes and walked past her to go out back, where they have another little "shed" of goodies. The fountains trickled, the sun shined and I was so into my oasis of calm. (now cue the record scratch sound ..) Then a man walked over and told me they were closed and that I had to leave. WHAT? I just walked in through your open gate & open doors, not five minutes ago! Apparently, they closed during the 5 minutes I was inside. It was clear that the man was simply doing what he had been ordered to do by someone else and that he had trouble understanding my protests, other than that I was annoyed, probably. With a smile, he led me to the front gate, now shut, and unlocked/opened it for me to leave. Gee, people, that's pretty rude.

    (1)

  • Cathy S.

    Really? Almost everything here is on consignment? Doggies are allowed with their parents! And if you're lucky when Jon is here, he will give your doggie a treat! Looking for a place where you can dine among Animal sculptures, garden decor, bird feeders, tongue in cheek signs, fountains, pots, glass objects, wind chimes, and other unique and whimsical gifts for the home & garden? Order at the counter and take your number to the table of your choice, either the front, side or back of this former home. Hubby, Shiro (my doggie) and I just love to come here and dine on Eggs benedict yelp.com/biz_photos/osxM… - I always have this with the smoked salmon and it is served with asparagus, fries and fresh fruit. I have to say this is one of the best eggs benedicts around. California omelette yelp.com/biz_photos/osxM… - This is loaded with mushrooms, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, garlic & basil and is also served with fresh fruit and fries. This is a heck of a great omelette! Parking can be a bear sometimes. Very limited parking behind the home in the alley or paid parking on the street on the side and front. After dining you can always walk down to Laguna Beach and walk your doggie on the beach until 9 am and after 6 pm during tourist season. Ambiance - 5 stars! You just can't beat the whimsical atmosphere where you just can't NOT smile! Service - 5 stars! You order at the counter as mentioned below and they bring the food to you ~ simple as that! Food - 4 Stars! Very yummy for our tummies! Been coming here for years and will continue to do so for many years to come.

    (5)

  • Christina N.

    One of my favorite breakfast spots. The owner is a sweetheart and every time I have been here he's outside chatting with customers and giving their dogs treats! The staff is equally amazing, attentive and friendly. The food selection is more of the classic American breakfast selection with a few twists. They even offer beer!

    (5)

  • James M.

    Awesome spot! Awesome food. You're eating outside in a setting that's halfway between middle earth and the land of elves and leprechauns. Laid back and cool. This is a must place to visit when you're in the area. Friendly and helpful staff and enough trinkets and works of art to make the Sawdust Festival feel shame. We'll be back!

    (4)

  • Elle C.

    What took me so long to discover this place?! I loved (looking at all of the items in and around) the shop, the peaceful and shady outdoor seating areas (with the sound of fountains throughout), and that they served Diedrich's coffee! Service was very pleasant at the counter. The scone I'd ordered was generous in size, and bursting with big-and-plump blueberries; however, disappointingly bland. I'd like to return to sample, perhaps, a hot breakfast off of the menu.

    (3)

  • Deborah H.

    Really, Yelpers, really? You give 4 stars average for this place? I hate to give low rating for places with friendly staff, but this ain't a 4-star. Got eggs benedict, California omelette & the burger, and all of them were bland at best and mediocre to be frank. "Home fries" were just french fries (that I suspected were the frozen kind...?), english muffin was just those dry ones from supermarket, and nothing special about the burger patty or the Hollandaise sauce, as well. "Latte" looked more like a cappuccino with too much foam and tasted like a mix of regular coffee and milk, really. Orange juice isn't fresh squeezed, just out of the grocery store bottle. Prices aren't bad, but for the quality and taste of food/overall experience, it is overpriced. Oh, and we waited 50 minutes for the food. One staff member said that was the normal wait time for Sunday brunch. Honestly didn't find the garden or the shop specially charming, either... Just a hodgepodge of everything of not-really-high-quality-at-all with expensive tags. Super dog friendly, though. & a gentleman--the owner?--went around and gave everyone a little bubble bottle. That was fun. Also serves beer & wine, so I guess that's a plus for those who are of age. I might as well have gone to Las Brisas and enjoyed the ocean view if it was going to be a long wait and mediocre food anyway, but maybe I just had my expectations too high after I saw the 4-star average rating on Yelp. Yeah, I guess this rant goes mostly towards previous Yelpers... Really, guys, this place ain't a 4-star. If this is the best brunch experience you guys get in Laguna (out of all neighborhoods!), I feel sorry for you. Go explore other neighborhoods. Your taste buds & eyes will open to a whole new world.

    (3)

  • Linda S.

    We love the Madison for breakfast especially. The food is consistently very good, and the garden dining is wonderful. The owner is very friendly and provides treats for dogs and often little toys for children. The fountains and wind chimes add to the relaxing environment. The staff is always friendly and helpful. You order in the front, and they bring your food to you. Your coffee and ice tea are in never ending supply. The Madison is a locals' favorite.

    (5)

  • Ben F.

    I went here yesterday while visiting LB for the weekend. I had the eggs Benedict which they serve with fries and fresh fruit. They also have Diedrich's coffee which felt like an added perk. Food was all good and fresh tasting, I would return here and recommend it.

    (4)

  • Kerena M.

    We went here for Mother's Day this year. Amazingly, we didn't have to wait too long for a table. Once seated, my husband went inside to order our food. The receipt said 1:07PM. He was told that it may take a while to get our food, possibly up to an hour. Fine. We waited. And waited. And waited and waited. My kids were restless. The possible hour that it would take to get our food came and went. At 2:37, 1.5 hours after our order was placed, I went inside to inquire about our meals. Our group was small and we didn't place complicated orders. They had no idea what order I was talking about it because THEY LOST IT (this was an assumption because nobody would really talk to me)! The girl I spoke to said she would take care of it. Our food came out shortly after. Two of us thought our food was fine (good, not great) and gobbled it up because we were crazy hungry, but my daughter and husband didn't like their meals and, even after waiting what seemed like forever for our food, didn't eat. They had servers roaming the restaurant. Obviously we had been there for a long time. Nobody ever stopped by check on us. The owner cruised around a few times and talked to some patrons. But not us. He brought bubbles out to kids. But my kids, who were being amazingly well behaved through the whole ordeal, didn't get any bubbles. We saw other customers who arrived after us get their food, eat, and leave. When the server finally brought our food out, I asked what happened. Did they lose our order? He reluctantly mumbled "yes." I asked about a discount or something. He mumbled something I couldn't understand, and walked away. That was it. No more communication from anyone at the restaurant. We won't be back.

    (1)

  • Bobby B.

    Good place to get breakfast. Had the scrambled eggs, home fries (actual French fries), and bacon (very dry and too crispy). OJ was fresh. The apple pancake was really good. Cool place to eat and atmosphere (dog friendly) was good. Overall: B

    (4)

  • Erica L.

    Best breakfast ever! And believe me, I know my breakfast. Love the chill atmosphere. Great place. Ive had many huvoes rancheros, none even compared to the one here. if you are here you have to get it.

    (5)

  • Tawna R.

    The ambiance: 5 stars - this place is great for a cup of tea, a good book, chatting with friends, and just hanging out The service: 2 stars - 2 guys behind the counter who didn't seem to give a crap about anything The food: 1 star - the bacon tasted microwaved, the pancakes were supposed to be lemon ricotta, but I tasted neither, they were bland and uninspired. Basically, the food was awful and TERRIBLY over-priced. I do, however, recommend this place to someone who enjoys studying/reading/relaxing outdoors in a tranquil setting

    (2)

  • Richard D.

    This is a charming little place and I enjoyed our meal and very much enjoyed the atmosphere, at least once we got seated. We went last Sunday on a beautiful morning and dined outside on their beautiful patio. You start inside by standing in line and ordering at the counter which is the same counter used for dispensing the meals. While standing in line I looked around at the various interesting artifacts throughout the store. After we ordered they gave us a number and we went outside to find a seat. This was the part of the experience I did not enjoy. There is nobody from their staff to help you, and you stand around waiting for somebody to give up their seat and make sure you grab it before somebody else waiting around gets to it. Kind of like vultures waiting for the lion to leave. I did not enjoy this at all. They were very busy, and we waited quite a while for our food. When the food did arrive I opened up the tray and my french fries that came with my eggs Benedict were ice cold. I told the waiter and he came back a moment later and said were going to get you a whole new meal. Surprisingly, he was back two minutes later with a brand-new hot meal. My eggs Benedict and fries were terrific, and my girlfriend liked her bagels and lox meal as well. Oh yeah, the fruit that came with my meal was perfectly ripe sweet and delicious. Overall, I really like this place, but would be very reluctant to go on a busy spring or summer morning as the finding a table process is all too much for me. Perhaps on a weekday when they're not as busy it would be much nicer.

    (4)

  • Jennifer R.

    The gardens are lovely and peaceful and very dog friendly but the food is average to below average and over priced. My vegetable omelette was pretty good but cost 12.95 and did not even come with toast. my partner got the eggs Benedict with bacon which was not good. The bacon was too hard to eat and the hollandaise sauce was old and reheated. She only ate about half her meal. It was one of the worst eggs Benedict she had eaten. It's a shame the food was bad because the setting is lovely.

    (2)

  • John S.

    Lots of mixed reviews, now I see why. We went for breakfast this Father's Day and the food is ok, could be better but definitely over priced. This is a dog restaurant not a people restaurant . The servers are oblivious to what is going on in this eatery . The owner walks around handing out dog treats and blowing bubbles. I would not patronize this establishment again.

    (2)

  • Joey M.

    Cute place but very disfunctional. It took us 1 1/2 hours from the time we arrived to get our food.

    (1)

  • Kat W.

    Love love love this place!! Can't find any other place in Laguna that does breakfast after noon. The manager is friendly and loves animals and babies!!! I get the eggs Benedict every time. Love it!!!

    (5)

  • Cyndi C.

    Good Brunch Spot. I loved the location and the ambiance here! Eating outside around whimsical decor and chimes in this cute@ss shop is 5 stars. I enjoyed that locals had their very well behaved dogs under the tables and there was a chill relaxing atmosphere with quirky water fountains gurgling as soundtrack to your bfast. Rated only 3 for food and service. The food is very overpriced and you do everything but cook yourself. Carrying your own juices, water and coffees on skimpy trays that barely hold said drinks... then freezer style French Fries served with Eggs Bene is just weird... home fried potatoes would be more appropriate? If the food improved or prices lowered, I'd rate this 5 stars. Currently, I think most anyone will feel a lil ripped off after eating at these prices.

    (3)

  • Mira C.

    Love, love this place! The food is delicious! I got the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and it came with french fries and some fruit. It was soooo good! It was a nice surprise because most places only offer their eggs Benedict with the Canadian bacon. The restaurant is combined with a store that sells things for your home and garden. The name of the place fits really well since it literally is a garden cafe. Tables are outside in their garden decorated with fountains, gnomes, little statues, etc. It's all very whimsical and cute! AND it's dog friendly! Since it is right by the beach, parking is difficult to find and because this place is popular, there's usually a line. But everything else is great, so I don't mind!

    (5)

  • C V.

    Pretty good food; but great setting made for a nice relaxing breakfast. One of the better little boutique shops in all of Laguna.

    (4)

  • Wendy C.

    One of my favorite brunch places to go to during the weekend! Can never go wrong with Madison Rancheros-eggs over easy on crisp corn tortillas with black beans, with sides of homemade guac, salsa and sour cream. I'll take 2 please! Have also tried the German Apple pancake. Kind of like a crispy thick pancake. It is soooo delicious with just the balanced amount of sweet and tart from the apples. Order your food inside the shop. Then find a table and they will bring your food to you. Not your typical place to eat. But so much better with character and things to look at! Plenty of tables to eat at surrounding the shop and more in the back. Ambience is lovely like being in someone's backyard-dog friendly, family friendly. Owner of the place is super friendly. Often has doggie treats in his pocket and we've also gotten mini bubble blowing bottles! It's a trinkets paradise with so many things to see and unique fountains and decorative items for the home and garden. Note: place closes around 230p or 3pm on the weekend. Not sure during the week. Funny sign at the gate: If the gate is closed it means they are closed!

    (5)

  • Nancy N.

    Cutest atmosphere to spend on a beautiful Sunday morning!

    (4)

  • Sarah S.

    Dog friendly and had the most amazing french toast! The owner comes around and gives your pup lots of love and even gave my dog its own teddy bear to take home! Head to Heisler park for some beach fun and then head to Madison for lunch!

    (5)

  • Kathy H.

    I just love this place. It is so relaxed and friendly. The atmosphere is laid-back and it feels like dining in a good friend's lovely landscaped backyard replete with water features funky décor and some classic bits thrown in. The dining is all outside and has water features and an interesting shop inside to peruse. You order your meal inside from a yummy menu with some old and new choices so everyone's quite pleased with what they get. It's brought to your table and you fill your coffee, water, tea choice from a beverage bar in the middle of the shaded garden. Feel's like my own Secret Garden when I visit. And maybe not the best part, but a real draw for me, is it's dog-friendly environment. Jon comes to say hi and make sure your doggy is café-friendly and to greet you. Just lovely....hope to go and indulge for Easter.

    (5)

  • Aaron O.

    Charming is the definition of this place. Service is really up to you. Self served at a window but the tables are situated in garden setting with garden stuff to purchase.. Loved it and will go back time and time again. Not 5 stars because you have to order at a window and no waiter service but they do deliver it to your table.. If that is what they need to do to keep the price down then so be it.

    (4)

  • M T.

    The staff was rude and the food was overpriced and substandard. The menu was very limited and only offered what was easy for them to cook. Come on, who serves cold french fries with eggs. It is not that hard to make cottage potatoes. The food was just thrown on my plate and all mixed together. Then I found a hair in my eggs. EWWW! I will never come back.

    (1)

  • Zentinii T.

    Great location and down the street from the beach. The back patio is dog friendly! The place is filled with water fountains and gardens decor. Great nature ambiance. Street parking ( takes quarters or credit cards only; 25 cents for 12 minutes parking , with max 3 hrs parking). The sidewalk curb is high, so be extra CAREFUL opening the passenger door. It's a self serve restaurant, get your own drinks, utensils, condiments. It took 15 mins before our lunch came (the restaurant was not too busy). You order at the counter and the waitress will bring it to your table. I agreed with everyone else about the cost for egg salmon Benedict's $15 a plate (2eggs, fries or salad, small side fruits), pricey!

    (3)

  • Karen P.

    My husband and I decided to take my Mom and Dad to Madison Square and Garden for Memorial Day. My Dad is a three war veteran and we wanted to treat him to a nice outdoor lunch. The table next to us were two couples and one of the gentleman was a veteran who came over to thank my Dad for his service. My Dad was wearing a hat with some veteran logos and he noticed. My Dad was quite pleased but what happened next was so special. This gentlemen went inside and told the owner, John, he wanted to treat our entire table to lunch. John knew this gentleman and knew he was a veteran as well. John told him he'd treat our table to lunch! He came and thanked my Dad and shook his hand and it made my Dad's day for sure! We love coming with our dog and the good food. The kindness John gave today was priceless.

    (5)

  • Rachel B.

    Went here for breakfast the other day. My friend and I ordered the German apple pancake and boy was it amazing! One of the best, if not the best, pancake I've ever had! Great place.

    (5)

  • Tammy C.

    Just came in on a Sunday around lunch. Stood in front of the counter to try to order for several minutes and no one acknowledged us or took our order, even though it was not at all busy. Walked out.

    (1)

  • Nicole M.

    Home of the weirdest, and most incredible, Christmas Ornaments.

    (5)

  • Christian B.

    Very different kind of eatery. More like dining in the garden section of home depot... Food is okay and ordered at a window then brought to you in the garden... Where you are surrounded by garden nick nacs you can buy...

    (3)

  • Stephanie W.

    This place is so cool! Practically everything was for sale... all the art, and garden accessories. and of course they sell food too! We went there for breakfast, and it was pretty good... I had bacon and eggs, with toast, and fruit... Husband had a scramble, full of veggies... There were quite a few dogs running around. parking sucks as they only have 3-4 spots, the rest is street parking where you have to pay..

    (4)

  • Tamara M.

    Great breakfast and you can bring your doggy and sit outside.

    (4)

  • Pishool P.

    Maybe just the fact that you could have breakfast in the middle of a garden makes it interesting, but the fact is that food is not good at all! First of all the time you get your food, it's cold and take toooo long to get to you. I was so excited at first looking at all the corners and finding new things, but really the food is iky !

    (2)

  • Tom B.

    We went there on a Thursday morning so there were very few guests. Breakfast was excellent. The French toast was really good. We enjoyed the cool, calm surroundings. I like the self serve feature. You can get a coffee refill when you want it. Go there, but maybe not for a crowded Sunday brunch.

    (5)

  • Chris K.

    nice place to eat on a sunny day. it's set in a garden with various artistic garden decorations, fountains and statues all around, all with price tags on them. we ordered our food inside, got a number, sat at a table of a choice and waited. prices are a bit high for regular american food fair but it was close to our hotel and we were on vacation so we splurged. it wasn't the fastest service so don't come here if you're in a hurry. you have to wait in line to order then wait again for your food. food was good. ambiance was great on a warm sunny day.

    (3)

  • Elizabeth H.

    I don't know why it's taken me so long to write a review... I've been going to this place since I was a college freshman. Woah, have I really been in Orange County that long?? I ALWAYS take family here whenever they come to visit. It is infinitely better than the other options next door: Las Brisas and the Cottage. It's quite easy to pass by Madison Square Garden and never know that there was a quaint little cafe hidden in the back. Traverse through the selection of odd knick-knacks and unusual decor to find yourself at the order counter. You place your order, receive a number, and have it brought to you outside. Simple. I've never been disappointed with anything I've ordered here. And I don't remember anyone I've brought here being anything short of blown away. Even the oatmeal is beyond ordinary. Generously covered with fresh berries, as if they were picked fresh from a garden a few minutes ago. When has oatmeal ever made you smile?? It does here... The cinnamon swirl french toast is my personal staple. It easily feeds two and is saturated in sweet, sticky cinnamon goodness. John, the owner, once explained to me (step by step) exactly how they source and prepare this dish to get the perfect amount of fluff and crisp in the toast. But I'm not a cook...at all. So I've forgotten all those amazing secrets. Sorry John. The salads are also phenomenal. I don't tend to order salads anywhere, because they are one of the least impressive dishes on every menu. But I ADORE the salads here. I have a bit of a sweet tooth (okay, it's more like a terrible cavity), that to have my candy and my veggies in one dish pleases me to no end. The organic mixed green salad has ahi seared just right. I wouldn't expect this from a counter-order cafe of any sort, so thank you Madison for doing ahi justice. And the pear salad with my own addition of a side of cinnamon is just OMG wonderful, my absolute favorite. My boyfriend enjoys the turkey club every time, and he's quite picky. My sister is a self proclaimed eggs benedict connoisseur and gives the MS benedict 5 stars all the way. She's also a salmon fanatic and just looooves the salmon bagel and how it comes to you ready-to-assemble. No matter how many people are enjoying the gardens, the atmosphere is always intimate and personal. John is one of the most welcoming and friendly of owners I've encountered. You don't even feel like a guest, you feel right at home, like you're having your very own garden party. Surrounded by a crazy collection of oversized pots and colorful fountains. What really sets this place at 5 stars for me is how wonderful John is to my brother. He once brought out a freshly made dish of cinnamon french toast because my brother mentioned he didn't want to share the dish with me. He's given my brother cookies upon cookies upon sweets to say thanks for coming, to congratulate him on his new job, or just because my brother really enjoys desserts. It's that attitude that encompasses the entirety of this whimsical gem of a cafe and it's that attitude that keeps me coming back for more fresh and happy memories.

    (5)

  • Douglas F.

    The decor is fun and the setting, beautiful. That's where the perfection ends however. The service counter wasn't very friendly or inviting. The food looked great on the menu though, so I was hoping for good things. My dining partner ordered apple pancakes and I ordered the California omelette. Both dishes had great potential but they felt like they were missing a vital componteacher each dish. My omelette tasted like it had very fresh vegetables in it and the egg was cooked well enough but it lacked flavor that my dining partner and I agreed was either salt or cheese. I don't like adding salt to anything, so I believe this omelette would've been a home-run if there had just been some California cheddar in my California omelette. The lack of it really made the dish bland, regardless of the fresh fruit served as a side. It was the same with the apple pancakes, which really resembled and tasted a bit like apple pie. It was almost delicious, but again, it was missing a key ingredient: any sort of sweetness. Even adding syrup, couldn't save the dish from its lack of flavor. The pancake part was cooked correctly but tasteless, the baked in apples lacked sweetness, and the ample amount of cinnamon only highlighted that sugar wasn't added to the dish at all. Overall, the experience was only ok. One star knocked off for the poor, inviting service and another for both middling dishes that could've been amazing if two of the simplest, most obvious ingredients had been added. Three stars for a place I really wanted to love. :-/

    (3)

  • Linda R.

    Not impressed. Food was really not very good, and by the time it reached us outside it was already cold.

    (1)

  • Rachelle W.

    This is one of my favorite little spots in Laguna. The food is pretty good... prices seem high at first, then you see the enormous portion they give and it all makes sense. Totally a place to split a meal with someone. My ahi tuna salad was MASSIVE and very good. The owner sent out some desserts and it put the whole experience in the 5 star zone! Also, be sure to buy a bird bath or something... this place is the cutest!

    (5)

  • Mel R.

    Horrible. I was in the area with my husband so we saw this place having good rates on yelp so we stopped by to have breakfast. Nice ambience? No. I don't know what makes people call this place 5 star ambience to be honest. They have things looks like came from random yard sale hanging everywhere with over price tags flipping around. Not very organized. There were ice tea box stacked up in the middle of the garden. We sat there for 15min until we realized that we actually have to go inside and place an order. Not much choice and very over priced for having to serve ourselves. My omelette came with french fries. Who wants to eat French fries for breakfast? Not me at least. My husbands German pancake was just ok. The place smelled funny because of the new soil or fertilizer they were putting in. $30 for this not-so-nice breakfast experience. Way to spoil our morning:( not coming back nor recommending to anyone. Should have walked across the street to Las Brisas.

    (1)

  • Erik L.

    Madison Square & Garden Café is an absolute must see. It's a gorgeous home & garden store with hundreds of Buddhas, hanging wind chimes, glass blown watering sticks, plants, and fountains and statues of all shapes and sizes. If you bring a camera you could take pictures for days. The kitchen counter window is inside. Walk up, place your order and they'll deliver it to your table. Open for only breakfast and lunch, they are a little on the gourmet side - for example, instead of pancakes they have ricotta pancakes flavored with lemon and ginger, or German apple pancakes with sautéed Granny Smith apples and German batter. Yeah. That kind of place. Excellent menu. Best description I can think of: It's like if you had way too much money and you had your own personal chef make you a killer gourmet meal and served it to you out in your amazing landscaped backyard and garden.

    (4)

  • Sean M.

    We were in Laguna for a quick trip. The plan was to go to the Cottage but unfortunately it is no longer there. Based on the reviews we decided to give Madison a shot. The vibe is like you are sitting in a quirky garden (garden store) for breakfast. The staff was efficient and attentive. You order then pick a seat in the garden. They come find you with your food. There is a self serve coffee bar in the back to keep you caffeinated. I ordered the cinnamon French toast and my wife ordered the eggs Benedict. I thought both were tasty. The toast was not overly sweet and was nicely crisped up on the edges. The Benedict had just the right amount of hollandaise sauce and the eggs were cooked just the way we like them. The fries that came with the Bene were a bit limp and it tasted like oil needs to be changed in their fryer. No big deal for us since we were all about the Bene. Oh, and the coffee was Deidrich's which we both like. Over all two thumbs up from our stand point. The only gripe I can think of was the price. It was expensive for what it was. I am sure the beach zip code is to blame. But even that considered it was expensive.

    (4)

  • Frank B.

    Great location and stellar ambiance. The food was wholeheartedly average.

    (3)

  • David S.

    Great food, nice location, and interesting clientele. Check it out, especially like brunch

    (5)

  • Ligia A.

    I visited two times for breakfast and tired a different menu items each time. I especially remember the Madison Rancheros, which turned out to be very tasty. Their backyard seating is beautiful, though a bit crowded in some areas. You order and pay at the counter, then your food is brought to your table. It's a little expensive so I don't go too often, but I enjoyed my few visits so far.

    (4)

  • Moe S.

    People here seem friendly, but in a random, east coast way ("Madison Square", so it makes sense). Coffee self-serve pots get refilled seldomly. The food here is very pricey for what you get (cost is always fine if it is justified, but not here), and food & service here is very, very slow. This place is usually half-empty at peak times which should tell you something. If you are wasp-white they'll acknowledge you.

    (1)

  • Angela C.

    This place is a dead solid 3 stars. Came here on a beautiful, sunny, California day. There was not a cloud in the sky. How can anyone not love the ambiance here? It has so much charm - you get to eat outdoors on the patio amidst the cutest knick knacks. They serve mostly breakfast foods, but also offer some salads and sandwiches here. Honestly, I think everything sounds a lot better than it tastes. I thought the breakfast foods were pretty standard fare. Ricotta Pancakes ($9.75): flavored with lemon and ginger, topped with berry butter, maple syrup, and served with bacon. These looked like plain, buttermilk pancakes that I could easily make at home. The one standout of this dish was the berry butter, but I couldn't taste the ricotta, lemon, or ginger! California Omelette ($10.75): with mushrooms, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, garlic & basil, served with fruit and house fries. Your typical omelette - chock full of veggies, but I couldn't taske the garlic or basil at all. The "fruit" is really just a lone strawberry - it looked kinda sad. Vegetable Frittata ($10.95): eggplant, potatoes, garlic, red and yellow bell peppers with parmesan & mozzarella cheeses. This was the best dish of the 3 we ordered. The frittata is huge, and the cheese really made this dish. It melted soo nicely on top of the eggs. Come for the ambiance, but don't come expecting food that will blow your mind.

    (3)

  • Liz G.

    Love all of the puppies allowed on the patio!

    (4)

  • Michelle V.

    This is a VERY unique breakfast/brunch spot. It's literally in conjunction with this cute antique/random trinkets shop. You basically go inside the shop, order your food, they hand you a number and you go find your own table outside in their beautiful garden setting patio. Only Con: This place would definitely be 5 stars for me if the food and drinks weren't so pricey. The SBBF Brad C. told me that the 2 mimosas we got for myself and my OC friend Sheree were like $24. They were teeny tiny mimosas. Food: I had the cinnamon french toast and a side of eggs. The french toast was perfection. Not too sweet and buttery, just the right amount of ooey gooey cinnamoness in the middle. Topped with bananas, strawberries and huge ass bluberries, mm mmm yum! The eggs and coffee were decent, nothing special about flavor there. Ambiance: If you love dogs as much as I do, THIS would be THE place to take your precious pooch for brunch. We brought our new puppy Chunk along and he made his very first friend Mack, this adorable bulldog sitting across the way from us. The owner of Madison Square definitely was a hit for us! He's simply amazing. He has healthy dog biscuits in his pockets and he goes around making friends with each table and their dog(s). In our case, we had a puppy and a sweet little baby as well. The owner is full of jokes and he gets everyone engaged in conversations. He definitely makes each and every guest there feel right at home. Anyone who's a fan of gorgeous Laguna Beach and wants to have a great time having brunch, this would be the GO-TO cafe.

    (4)

  • Kim N.

    Super rude owner makes fun of female customers. Poached eggs are way over cooked.

    (1)

  • Andy K.

    It has the atmosphere of a hip Los Angeles village restaurant but the food of a low end Denny's. If you're a coffee lover and enjoy your espresso drinks, don't waste your money. I ordered a simple, single espresso shot and the guy pulled it so long that it was basically a cup of lukewarm watered down coffee. A friend got a latte and it was just horrible and they charge more than a Starbucks. I ended up pouring out my "espresso" shot in a plant pot and proceeded to get coffee out of the 7-Eleven style dispensers. That too, sat idly in my cup, never to be touched again. After ordering we waited at our table outside in the aforementioned hip atmosphere and were hoping that the food would make up for the bad coffee drinks. During our 40 minute wait we were given bubbles... Anyway we got our food and it was bland and overly greasy, like something that you get at a Denny's or small Midwestern town diner. We're never going back. Over $30 for an upset stomach and bad coffee.

    (1)

  • Patty Z.

    Whenever my husband and I travel to Laguna we ALWAYS come here! LOVE this place. The owner is a hoot...very friendly and visits everyone at the tables! ( He carries bubbles/toys for the kids and dog biscuits for the doggies !) I recently read a post from a disgruntled customer...on the pace of the service. Really? Get a grip...everything is fresh and made to order and my food is always hot and delicious. Besides this place is a treasure and meant to be enjoyed. Rest, relax, listen to the fountains and chill a bit. Life is too hectic! Our food arrives, every time, in a reasonable time frame. ( Plus, how much credence can you put in the review of a person who uses words like " cripple, retarded and gimp " all in the same sentence? ) Do yourself a favor and visit this place...but chillax and enjoy it!!!

    (5)

  • A N.

    Frittata was so oily my husband could only eat half of it and had a stomach ache for about 2 hours afterwards. My ricotta pancakes were so bland, and there was no way I was going to use the fake maple syrup -- coming with a side of rubbery, undercooked bacon did not improve the plate. Neither of us can understand the positive yelp reviews this place has received.

    (1)

  • Robb E.

    This place has charm, flair, and great food. I am soon to be a regular!

    (5)

  • Brian S.

    Very welcoming staff in a comfortable, casual setting. The food is fresh and delicious, and the coffee strong and rich. Just what's needed for breakfast. Best bet as a dog-friendly venue... but a curse for impulse buyers, because there are so many cool things to buy, besides breakfast. It's my favorite place to go on a lazy Sunday morning.

    (5)

  • Sandy M.

    We stopped here for lunch one day. What a charming place! So perfect when you're near the beach. The food was good, but it's the atmosphere that would have me coming back often. The wide outdoor patio in back is just chock full of fun things to look at (and buy if you want) while you sit there enjoying your meal.

    (4)

  • Marissa L.

    One of my fav spots for breakfast/brunch in Laguna! It's definitely an eclectic little joint. Confused as to what it should be but not. It looks like you're walking into a little house to shop the most random anythings. Everything that's displayed has a price tag on it but somehow the jumble of "junk" to buy meshes with the whole ambiance. When you 1st walk through the front and up the steps, straight in heads into the garden yard where you munch under the shade or sun. The eating area is actually a little ring around the place so that there's seating near the front and right side but it's not as nice as sitting in the back of the yard. Again, garden decorations abound that you can shop as you eat. But none of the pressure to buy. Being in that little yard/meadow is so relaxing that you're just happy to be there while the cool ocean breeze swings through. Realize this isn't really a restaurant setting. You order & your order will be brought to you. Other than that, you seat yourself, get your own utensils and water/tea and condiments from the center of the yard. No server will come by, asking you if you'd like anything or need anything. The owner might cruise around passing out treats to your furbabies and he's an absolute gem :). The dog friendly aspect is extremely appealing and truly appreciated. There's usually plenty of seating but with large groups or when the weather warms up, you might want to have someone grab seating and then take turns ordering just in case. Their menu is not as expansive as The Cottage but the food is tasty if a tad pricey for what it is. Then again, you're in Laguna and you're partially paying for the location. The Eggs Benedict is standard fare but in a good way. Lots of fruit and some fresh french fries are served along with it. Huevos Rancheros is very hearty. The tortillas are super crisp and hold their crunch as you slowly work your way through the eggs, black beans, sour cream, cheese and a really great serving of their homemade salsa. House ice tea is my fav liquid here. It's just sooo yummy!!

    (4)

  • L J.

    Lovely settings. Bucolic back area perfect for a quiet lunch under dappled sunlight. The food was the best, drinks easy to refill and everywhere you looked it was a delightful setting. Didn't want to leave too quickly and will be back again to enjoy the food and atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Doris Y.

    They forgot our order and then it came out dry and bland. Service is nice but this place needs to get on top of their game. Relaxing atmosphere, mediocre food.

    (2)

  • Sapna S.

    Worst lemon ricotta pancakes I've ever had. Dry, heavy and bland. Don't bother ordering the mocha either. Actually, do yourself (& your wallet) a favor and just don't go here.

    (1)

  • Jack S.

    The atmosphere is wonderful. The food was average and a little pricey. I tried the french toast and my wife tried the pancakes. Our friends tried the omelets and they seemed to enjoy their dishes. There was nothing special about the service. Overall 3 stars. +5 stars for the cool atmosphere. -1 star for service -1 star for average food We may give them another shot to try some of their other dishes.

    (3)

  • Terry Y.

    Driven by here many times. Finally went there for a private event. Beautiful garden in back. Interesting, pleasant decor with wind chimes, female Buddhist statues, etc. Owner is super friendly. Good food and service.

    (5)

  • Dan K.

    The atmosphere is quaint, charming and cute. The food is so-so, but the garden-feeling more than offsets the bland taste of the food. There are no waiters, per se, so order your food at a standup counter (like a fast-food place) and then it is brought to your table with a plastic cover lid to keep it warmer and sanitary, which is nice. Today we tried: 1) Vegetarian Frittata, very large, lacking any flavor but packed with fresh veggies and cheese...$10.95 2) California Omelette (oddly also bland) with tasty homestyle fries and sweet fresh fruit.....$10.95 3) Cafe Latte in a big ceramic mug ..$3.95 There is only outdoor seating but there are so many different little private nooks and spaces in the garden that it will be a different experience each time. Lots of windchimes and little water fountains everywhere. Very nice. Feel free to bring your 4 legged friends who are welcome to hang out and enjoy the garden in this 70+ year old beach home turned restauarnt.

    (4)

  • Monica M.

    I didn't like the food. But it's a great spot. U can take you're doggy. I got the California omelet and French toast. It was a 3/5. I didn't finish it

    (3)

  • Audra H.

    This place is unreal! The ambiance is very whimsical, quirky, and unique! &&& best of all, this place is DOG FRIENDLY :)

    (5)

  • Susan F.

    Friendly staff, consistent. I only go here for a monthly networking event, but they are always terrific and have plenty of space for us.

    (3)

  • Jeanenne M.

    We stumbled into this restaurant for lunch after talking with an art gallery owner. We had no idea about the garden setting in the back until we ordered our food. My husband got the halibut and I ordered the pear gorgonzola salad. The halibut was wonderful and worth every dime. The filet was huge and came with a nice salad and fresh fruit. My salad was very fresh and the chicken nicely grilled. The service was fast and the owner was very courteous. Overall the experience was excellent. We visit Laguna often and are always on the hunt for casual but good restaurants. The road noise was minimal in the back since it is far enough off of PCH. I highly recommend this as a breakfast or lunch stop.

    (5)

  • naushad h.

    What makes this place leaps more desirable than other breakfast places, especially the one next door (!) are the following: -good food, the German pancakes are awesome with the granny apples, butter and brown sugar mixture! -super friendly owner, he randomly gave our 7month old halloween toys! -eclectic garden seating -relaxing and casual setting with a good easy-going staff Good work! We'll walk on over every Saturday morning!

    (4)

  • Americus A.

    Very dog friendly place. Great food, great staff.

    (5)

  • Justin M.

    Great place to grab breakfast. The German Apple Pancake was outstanding and very filling. Eating in the garden (the only option) offers many great things to look at. Just be careful where you sit: you are outside, so there are critters around. A plus was that we sat under a hummingbird making a next, a minus was that I had a spider fall into my syrup (Thank God it was AFTER I had finished eating).

    (4)

  • Christine A.

    I sometimes go here in the off season for weekend brunch. Love the atmosphere and the staff is very friendly. The only complaint is that it's a little pricey. I spend well over $25 just on myself for one meal. Bacon should be included with the breakfasts instead of offered as a side item. How can I not have bacon for breakfast? Their coffee is flavorful and the meals are generous in proportions. I love the breakfast fries and fresh fruit. The German Apple Pancakes are decadent but my favorite is the Ricotta pancakes served with an amazing berry butter. The California Omelet is always good (but needs bacon) and the Eggs Benedict is delicious.

    (4)

  • Suzie A.

    I look forward to friday's at Madison's for the beautiful garden, unique items and delicious food served by the nicest guys for sure. The owner John has a special gift of making all his guests feel both welcome and personally attended to (including small dogs!) The coffee is great too:) S.Abels Irvine,Ca

    (5)

  • Shon T.

    This place has great curb appeal but it ends there. There's a total disconnect from the appearance to the experience of ordering food and dining. You walk up to a food counter that feels more like ordering from a roach coach at a construction site. Ordering at Del Taco feels classier and less risky. When we ordered, we asked a simple question about the content of the cookies on the counter and the cashier replied in broken English... "I don't know" and didn't offer to defer to the cook, owner, manager, or anyone. Once we sat down, we witnessed two separate dog fights at the tables that carried on for far too long. I'm all for "dog friendly" outdoor dining but there's a point where staff needs to step in and kindly ask for the canine collision to go for a walk. Once we did receive our food, we realized it was bland, flavorless, and overall subpar...especially considering the prices. Laguna has a ton of great food and dining experiences to offer but MS&GC doesn't make the pack. Rough Rough.

    (2)

  • Clarice T.

    The best pet friendly breakfast/brunch place in Laguna Beach IMHO. The salmon Benedict is very tasty and I absolutely love the halibut ceasar salad. We try to come here at least once a week, but since we moved away from south county, we haven't come in as much. Even with that the owner John is the friendliest of owners, he doesn't fail to say hello to us and our dogs (doggie treats in hand of course). He truly spoils my dogs everytime we are there. I can't help but feel welcome in his beautifully decorated garden.... Lushly green with patio seats and beautiful accents everywhere!

    (5)

  • Anita L.

    The store has a bunch of unique garden knick knacks, garden accessories and other gift items. The lady who runs the shop is pretty friendly and you can browse at your leisure. The breakfast menu was limited which was one of the reasons why we didn't end up eating here, but the garden setting was pretty lovely and the atmosphere so tranquil and relaxing that I wish they had a better menu. There is a front and back area of the garden to sit in and pets are allowed which is cool for pet owners. Counter service -- food brought out to you when ready.

    (4)

  • Christopher L.

    I came her for breakfast with my wife and friends. The atmosphere is incredible, it seems a bit busy at first but once you settle in all the wind-chimes and fountains make for a unique and relaxing atmosphere. We love that they are very dog friendly and that the are located within walking distance to the beach. It is self service, so as long as you do not mind ordering from a board and seating yourself this is the perfect weekend breakfast place.

    (5)

  • Christine A.

    Went Sunday morning around 10. Hesitant at first reading othter reviews. But got food quickly, not crowded, and good good cozy table in the garden by a fountain. The German apple pancake was delicious and generous. My husband got the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast which he loved. It was some of the best breakfast dishes we've had. Coffee in big cappucino cups and orange juice freshly squeezed. Couldn't be better, good food in a garden setting.

    (5)

  • Julia M.

    Absolutely fabulous. We love to bring our dog with us. The eggs Benedict, huevos rancheros and pancakes are yummy

    (5)

  • Kathy G.

    My family took me here, for brunch, on my birthday. There is a wonderful shop with things for your home and garden. So many unusual things! For food you order at a counter, and take your number to a table. Your food is delivered to you. The dining area is outdoors. There are tables all through the wonderful garden area. There are so many wind chimes, and decorations of all types! It's absolutely beautiful. I had Eggs Benedict and a Mimosa (yes, they have beer and wine). It was served with fries, and fresh fruit. My husband and daughter had the German Apple Pancakes. Everything was delicious! We brought our Standard Poodle, Indy. He was absolutely spoiled with treats from the owner. I can't wait to return to this amazing place!

    (5)

  • Azita R.

    Love how quirky this place is. Most places that try to be different are just annoying, but Madison Square Garden & Cafe is actually really charming. Came here for breakfast and got the lemon ginger ricotta pancakes which were really great. The food is good and the owner is really friendly (he went around passing out Halloween candy!).

    (4)

  • Jennifer C.

    a very chill place to hang out, dogs friendly, it's like someone's garden that's open to public. The food was just ok, portion was pretty big though.

    (3)

  • Melissa L.

    At first glance you wouldn't know that there is a little cafe tucked into this re-purposed house filled with home and garden decor. It was fun to look around at the whimsical items (lots of animal sculptures for indoors and out, wind chimes, fountains, etc.). My favorite were the tongue in cheek signs that decorate the restroom. As for the cafe, the menu is pretty small with a few different salads, soups, sandwiches, breakfast classics, and heartier meals to choose from. You order at the counter and are given a number to place at your table. The seating is outdoors, but there was a nice covered area with heaters for those, like me, who get too cold. I ordered the smoked salmon bagel and an iced tea. The bagel was great, it came unassembled with plenty of cream cheese, salmon, capers, tomatoes and a small green salad with some great dressing. The only think lacking was some red onion, but it was still great. The iced tea and coffee are self serve. The prices were a little high, but I guess that comes with the location. My meal came to be about $17. A little steep for breakfast for one, but still very satisfying.

    (4)

  • Beth M.

    Nice atmosphere. Took some out of state relatives who thought it was very cool. Service was EXTREMELY slow and food was over-priced.

    (2)

  • Farrah Z.

    The place looked cute so we tried it out. You have to place your own order then find a place to sit. It's a little pricey and the food was not very good. I Had apple pancakes. It resembled anything but pancakes. It looked like a deep dish pizza with apples baked in to it. The flavor was ok but I didn't appreciate the strong egg "after taste" and smell. It actually tasted a lot more like French toast with a strong egg smell. I ate it because I was hungry but wouldn't go out of my way to eat here again.

    (2)

  • John K.

    Always delivers a truly fantastic breakfast. They also allow dogs and treat them fantastic. What a fun place.

    (5)

  • Carla D.

    The place is pretty nice. Very casual, the prices are right, the staff is nice.

    (3)

  • Natalie M.

    We were visiting Laguna for the weekend and we had our dog, a 60 lb boxer with us. We were walking around trying to find a dog friendly restaurant when we stumbled upon the Madison Square Garden and Café. I loved the shop! It was decorated with adorable Christmas trees and interesting lawn ornaments. The food was good, My finace and I split a meal because it was a little pricey. But tasted delicious. Our dog sat at our feet listening to all of the fountains flowing around us and watching all of the people and other dogs. The owner came over to talk to us, pet our dog and gave him treats! IT was a great experience! We will defin be back!

    (4)

  • Jim K.

    Being a dog owner can be trying at times. Every dog owner knows that look their buddy gives them, when they know you're leaving without them. That slight turn of the head, the forlorn look in their eyes, they even look like they're frowning. It kills me to the point where sometimes, I can't even look at them when I leave and just say, "bye guys." What makes it worse is when I drive out the driveway and I see them peeping out the window as if to say, "Don't leave me, Daddy!" Today was different. It was gonna be a dog's day out. I had read about Madison Cafe in Laguna Beach on yelp and other dog-friendly sites, saying it was super dog-friendly. Perfect, some lunch at Madison and a romp around the parks and beaches of Laguna Beach. Well, Madison is indeed dog-friendly to the point that the owner comes around meeting all the dogs and giving them treats. The best thing about Madison is the ambience, it has a garden setting, perfect for sitting outdoors and enjoying a sunny day with your best buddy. I got the cheeseburger and it pretty good. Even Cody and Kaylee gives it a paw's up. Do yourself and your dogs a favor and take them out to Madison for a dog-day afternoon. They'll love you even more than ever. Five stars for being pet friendly and 4 for the food.

    (4)

  • Kevan F.

    Service takes way too long & the ambience is that of a creepy hoarder forced to sell her crap way above its actual value. Would comment on the food, but after an hour, I'm still waiting...

    (1)

  • H H.

    I've been coming to Madison for years. I know some people give it a so-so rating, but that's because you have to know what to order! I would definitely call myself a foodie and maybe I'm wrong, but I'd say I have good taste. If you have family in town, or are visiting Laguna Beach, Madison Square is a great place to begin a stroll! It is located across from the Art Museum, and just a block from Heisler Park and a marvelous ocean view! And, not to mention it's basically steps from the North end of downtown. If you've got a dog with you, bring your furry friend along because Madison's dog-friendly outdoor only cafe setting is a social hour for our furry friends. Now, to the food. I pretty much ALWAYS order the Huevos Rancheros. I consider myself a HR connoisseur, I must say. Every restaurant has its own flare and take on the traditional mexican egg dish and I really appreciate Madison's perspective. You've got two fried corn tortillas (although I always ask them not to fry them) eggs, black beans, sour cream and an avocado salsa to die for! I always get extra salsa because it just makes the dish. I've tried other things, like the Ricotta Pancakes with the whipped strawberry butter and the Veggie Burger. The pancakes are made really fluffy from the ricotta and the strawberry butter, though untraditional makes the cakes dance on your taste buds. The burger is good, but it doesn't come with the trimmings and I am not too fond of the fries... but that's just me! Madison's decor is an experience in it's own and words cannot prepare you for the experience. But don't wake up on a Tuesday morning ready to go because Madison is closed on Tuesdays! Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Amr H.

    Slow service for tasteless food. Avoid "turkey" club, it's more like a soggy chicken sandwich.

    (1)

  • Jason C.

    My wife and I received a recommendation to go here while on vacation for the New Year in Dana Point and because it was dog friendly. When we arrived, we weren't quite sure what to expect, as it is a very outdoor "garden-y" looking place and even "sells" (or appears to) antiques/garden items... Plus, you have to order at the counter. However, all that was forgotten once we relaxed and enjoyed the surroundings - and when the food arrived! The owner walked around, giving out treats to the dogs that were there and chatting with people. As for the food, once it arrived, it was excellent! My wife ordered the french toast which was REALLY tasty! I ordered the huevos rancheros and they were among the best I had! I absolutely look forward to trying some of the other items on the menu, as the food was excellent and other choices seemed very appealing!

    (5)

  • Remi S.

    We went here for breakfast after looking up Yelp reviews and my German hubby saw the German Apple Pancakes. We arrived and didn't realize it was order then sit down and wait, which was actually fine because we hate waving down our waiter for the bill. My husband had Eggs Benedict and they were lovely. The egg was cooked perfectly and hollandaise sauce was not heavy. Fries accomodated and were crispy and yummy with his side of fruit. I had the German Pancakes, which were pretty good, but I like my pancake more crispy on the outside. Apples were a perfect compliment to the syrup...I think half of this would have sufficed for me, but overall very tasty. Coffee and Ice Tea were yummy too!

    (4)

  • Julz D.

    Let's face it... Laguna is gorgeous... and this darling place has a great setting outdoors in the garden with windchimes galore! It's funky and fresh and relaxing. And the food was great. I really liked the Ricotta Pancakes with lemon zest AND the berry butter! I would definitely recommend this place!!

    (4)

  • Shahnaz T.

    Love this place! The owner is dog friendly and since I can bring my pup it is a frequent breakfast spot for me. Their french toast and coffee are delicious! I also like how they have parking in the back and the cute outdoor seating is adorable. Great place, I highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • Jim H.

    The place is very peaceful, especially in the back patio with all the water fountains and stuff. Breakfast was delicious. Madison Rancheros was savory and filling for a 6'3", 225 guy. Roxy consumed the oatmeal with fresh berries in the same time. We will definitely return here. GREAT PLACE TO EAT!

    (4)

  • Renee E.

    Really love this place and the shopping for unique interesting gifts is as good as the food. Come here whenever I am in Laguna. The zen atmosphere with the beautiful koi pond makes you want stay.

    (5)

  • Luke M.

    This place is one big citch explosion. There are useless trinkets and garden decoration for sale everywhere. I compare it to a Real House Wives version of a Cracker Barrel! The food is tasty but nothing to rave about. I was lured into making an uncharacteristic breakfast choice (pancakes) by the words "ricotta," "ginger," and "berry butter" and enjoyed them with half a bottle of mediocre white wine (meets expectations). Since I don't live nearby enough to be forced to come here often I'll call it A-OK. Points for having white wine with pink pancakes in a gnome and smiling clay sun filled garden, an enjoyable but overshadowed part of a great holiday weekend.

    (3)

  • Allison L.

    My furry son loves Madison Square and so do I. This the perfect Sunday breakfast spot. 1) They serve breakfast all day, so we eat at 1 and still call it breakfast. 2) Relaxing outdoor garden setting. 3) They are critter friendly! Well, they are dog friendly. I imagine if they are going to allow dogs they will allow other critters such as iguanas or cats too...keep your little hoodlums on a leash though. I don't want an iguana attacking me while I try to eat. I like to take my doggie on weekend outings, so being able to walk him over to Madison Square for breakfast is a major plus. He loves it there. He gets to make new friends. Last time we were there someone was having a birthday party for their dog. Theodore (my gremlin) scored a doggie cupcake from the festivities and was super stoked. I liked watching him get icing all over his face and doggie whiskers, so I was stoked too...free entertainment :) I usually get the California Omelette (no bell peppers) and am always pleased. I think one day, if I'm feeling wild, I will order the Huevos Rancheros. Arriba! ;D

    (4)

  • Paul M.

    Big portions and unique household and garden items for sale

    (4)

  • Jenna B.

    To be honest, the best thing about having breakfast at this restaurant is the garden setting - the gigantic outdoor patio filled to the brim with garden knick knacks sheltered by leafy trees is pretty and unique. The food is what can be expected from a completely traditional and extremely standard breakfast menu. The bf had their ricotta pancakes served with berry butter (which I promptly deemed 'frosting for pancakes'). The menu claimed ginger was involved, but neither of us could taste it. The pancakes did have a great soft, light texture. I had the eggs benedict with smoked salmon instead of bacon - no flavor at all. The french fries that were served along side were also flavorless. To echo another review, the fruit (especially the pineapple) was the tastiest thing on my plate.

    (2)

  • J L.

    5 stars for relaxed atmosphere. The garden is calm and relaxed. Perfect for breakfast or brunch. 4 stars for the food. Eggs Benedict was good. Eggs and hollandaise sauce were nice. Ham was a little tough so was English muffin. Omlet was a little tough and bland. French fries were very good.

    (4)

  • Colleen C.

    Can't help but smile upon entering this place! Relax with the chimes and fountains and cute doggies roaming about. Menu has something for everyone. If you don't like ordering at a stand up counter, go elsewhere. I don't eat breakfast foods, but they all looked amazing. Cheeseburger was huge and came with bacon! Extra stars for major coolness!!!

    (5)

  • Jack O.

    Even I have not eaten or bought anything here yet . We stopped in to look around and there is alot of interesting stuff here and the staff was super nice and knew there way around.. can`t wait to go back !

    (5)

  • Mikal B.

    Over priced, passionless kitchen staff, and limited hours make this unique Laguna Beach eatery both memorable and wishing for more. On a recent visit, two out of three orders were prepared incorrectly, and upon bringing this to the attention of the kitchen staff (whom you order from directly), we were met with indignation and anger. The manager--she runs the retail side of the operation--was more than accommodating when we made our feelings known, but the kitchen staff continued throwing glaring looks our way throughout our meal. As for the atmosphere, this place is a must see (and honestly, it is why it received three and not two stars). You are surrounded by some of the most amazing decorations and had crafted soaps you'll find in Laguna Beach, but the overpriced food and consistently poor kitchen service and attitude still causes concern. UPDATE - June 8, 2008 I decided to give Madison Square & Garden Cafe another try this morning... as before, a friend asked for a recommendation and I said we should we give Madison Square & Garden Cafe another try (the atmosphere is truly unique and is always something out-of-town visitors appreciate). While the service was excellent, both of our orders were prepared and delivered incorrectly, This time, however, the correction to my friend's meal was instantaneous without any attitude from the staff (while I simply didn't feel like sending back yet another order). Both of us enjoyed our meals, but at Madison Square & Garden Cafe's prices, your orders should always be prepared properly. Two notes related to today's experience: 1). The owner was there, and while he knew nothing of our order mistakes, he was amazingly cordial, friendly, and a joy to interact with. 2). Keith Morrison--an award-winning correspondent for Dateline NBC--was at Madison Square & Garden Cafe this morning. Seeing him with his dog just being one of the guys was pretty neat, but knowing that his order had an equal chance of being screwed up alongside my own was of little solace.

    (3)

  • S B.

    Such a wonderful little place! Our food was delicious and there was such a great ambiance with all of the fountains. Highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Wassim E.

    Overrated. A bit too hipster-y. Food was disappointing

    (2)

  • Tiffany G.

    Love it! First time here and the food is delicious!!! Great service, the outdoor patio is delightful to sit in and enjoy a great breakfast. Highly recommend it!!! Tough to find parking but worth the search

    (4)

  • Russ S.

    Try the Madison Racheros they were awesome! Great atmosphere and service too.

    (5)

  • Karen B.

    Came here for brunch almost at closing. Our friend was here earlier than us and had already gotten our orders in. As we were finishing lunch around 3ish waiters kept coming around reminding us they were closing. At 315 one of them came and told us they wanted to go home too so we had to rush. Soooo rude. Talk abt costumer service! We were already trying to gulf down the food as quickly as we can and someone has to come rush as like that. I know we were late but come on, its not like we were there for 30mins, chatting ot just hanging out. They couldve done it with more poise too. Food is average, ambience was actually good for the 15mins that we were there. Nothing to come back for though, esp such service

    (2)

  • N W.

    This place has the best energy, the loveliest local crowd, sweetest dogs, and the nicest owner. We just visited from NYC and spent our last morning in Laguna there- perfect. Just be careful with the cappucino, latte, and coffees- not very good! The french toast made up for it. :)

    (4)

  • V.L. S.

    For our last breakfast of the year, my husband and I wanted to celebrate at Nick's of Laguna Beach because their breakfast is to die for (especially the bacon), but they were closed. We drove down PCH and decided to try Madison on a referral from a friend that lives in Laguna. What a mistake that was. The place itself is great to walk through, and it's a fun time to browse around the shop, but we will never eat here again. 1 star for the cute garden and environment, and 1 star for the delicious chai latte that I had. We both ordered eggs and bacon, and were extremely dissatisfied when we received our food. Half of the plate was covered with french fries, which tasted rubbery and cold. The other half was rammed with fruit, overdone egg whites and toast. 2 tiny pieces of overcooked bacon sat atop the huge mound of a carb fest. My husband liked the pineapple that accompanied the plate, and that was about all he liked. We were very disappointed considering what we paid for this food. So if you are visiting Laguna Beach and want to relax with a great cup of coffee or chai, this is a good spot to walk around and enjoy. But, if you're looking for a great breakfast, I would go elsewhere. This was our last breakfast of 2009, and we were sad that we wasted our money & appetites on this place. :(

    (2)

  • Matt F.

    We loved this place. I love outdoor dining especially in a gallery like setting as clean as this place. Dog friendly, mostly locals and seem to be locals, like us. Friendly staff, unobtrusive service, and delicious fresh food. I'm not usualy a fan of black beans, but these were cooked to perfection. My eggs were cooked exactly as I asked for, the tortilla was way above average especially for a breakfast place and the pico de gallo/ guacamole was fresh and unadulturated. My friends omellete was definetly a 4 star. Fountains, chimes and other garden features add a nice touch.

    (4)

  • A Y.

    My mom and I were hoping to visit Break of Dawn for breakfast, but didn't know it's closed Mon-Tues, so here we came. From the outside, it looked like a knick knack shop, and once we stepped through the door we saw the ordering counter. I remembered the reviews saying there wasn't much to choose from, but there were still enough items that I had a difficult time choosing. We ordered Eggs Benedict (smoked salmon), Vegetable Fritatta, coffee and hot tea. We toted our cups and wandered into the yard, searching for a table under some shade. The cafe is so unique and adorable in every way. Except everything runs from $100 +, extremely pricey for morning shopping. We saw a family there with their dog and a lot more people came pouring in soon after us. Food took a while to come, but that gave us ample time to see everything and me to visit the beverage/condiment/coffee /utensil station. The server came with our plates covered with plastic tops and it was game time! Much to my surprise, the eggs benedict came with fries. Fries with breakfast, really? Not complaining though, because they must be the best fries I've ever had. Even better than In-n-Out ! The eggs were perfect and the combination of salmon, hollandaise, eggs and english muffin were a match made in heaven. Portion was huge; one plate was plenty or two people. We ordered two items, imagine that. Vegetable Fritatta looked pretty, pretty huge. It looked like a huge egg cake with vegetables throughout. It was delicious, but we had to take it home or risked getting stuffed. Service was surprisingly attentive, as someone actually made a round around the diners asking how their meals are. The garden setting and atmosphere is very soothing and perfectly complimented the food. Despite the steep brunch prices, we'll be back.

    (4)

  • Nicole Rynee B.

    Absolutely love it. What better way to enjoy your scrambled eggs, potatoes and bacon bacon bacon .... Sitting across the way from the glorious ocean in Laguna Beach ..... Adorable little Inn looking spot ..... People watching ..... Sipping (or rather gulping) some mini bottles of champagne ..... With a side throw of home/garden shopping. You walk up the steps and place your order / counter for the kitchen. Pay your tab. Take your number and find a seat. The guys behind the counter - super nice. I ordered 4 mimosas and they brought me 6 bottles of mini champagne and as many glasses of OJ as I wanted. Ummm great deal! Menu is limited for breakfast, but includes all you could desire for a breakfast craving. After all, if it has bacon on the menu, the deal is practically sealed. To top it all off, after a yummy brunch I found myself flexing my biceps carrying a solid cement Dachshund for my brother's garden - we estimated 50-60 lbs... To be fair to my bro, I offered to carry it. After all, I just ate tons'o'bacon, more than enough champagne for a morning and I wanted my workout. I got it. Again .... Absolutely love it.

    (4)

  • Sherry S.

    5 stars for the food and -1 star for the price but wow, I love Madison Square's brunches. Eggs are great, pancakes are GREAT (German apple), and the atmosphere.... well.. odd, but everything kind of fits together and the great food helps you relax and think of their of their odd statues as interesting and appreciable instead of borderline creepy okay, ignore my tangent! GO and EAT!! Be careful though, the prices made me :(

    (4)

  • Kat S.

    Had to make 100 stars for our local laguna spot. Went there this morning with my newfie puppy and enjoyed spending time in the gorgeous surroundings. My favorite is the eggs benedict with salmon. Yummy!

    (5)

  • Melissa W.

    Adorable place! You order your food at a counter inside and walk outside to find a spot in the garden. There are sculptures, water fountains and other fun garden items for sale all around the garden and inside the building as well. Such a unique atmosphere. They are pet friendly here too!

    (4)

  • Tom B.

    This is my girlfriend's favorite restaurant ... and I can see why. The place itself, though, is a bit odd - kind of a cross between a bed & breakfast, a garden store and a cute little shop. You order the food from a very small area and then make your way past candles and bars of soap - all for sale - to an outdoor garden filled with fountains, potted plants and hanging trees. Nice and serene. Every time I've gone, I get the same thing: halibut with a citrus sauce. It's really good. I'm still not sure if it's a store or what, but I dig it.

    (4)

  • trinity K.

    As a local, I occasionally come to Madison to hang out in the garden and read. However, the food has always and continues to be mediocre. Did I mention it is very expensive! Today I had to return and exchange the slop they call oatmeal for the Eggs Benedict which came Luke warm through and through. Luke warm eggs, hollandaise and French fries make me a bit queasy... On the other hand the coffee and fruit embellishments are good! Two stars for the ambience, wish I could bring my own food.

    (2)

  • Renuka V.

    Went there for brunch on Friday.Shared the ricotta pancakes and the california omelette- both of which were just ok.The omelette came with fries which wasn't tasty at all!Had an espresso which was quite good.The reason I'm giving it 3 stars instead of just 2 is because the patio area is so pretty and has a great ambience away from the cliche vibe on the main laguna beach spots!

    (3)

  • Elane M.

    Fantastic !!! We were walking by with our puppy and somone else stopped us to say hello to the new addition to our family and suggested that we try Madison Square & Garden Cafe .. they said it was one of their famorite places in Southern CA - It is now one of ours!!! We loved it !!! Jon - the owner is fabulous and the entire staff goes above and beyond !!! Breakfast and Lunch are served daily except Tues I think .. GREAT PLACE for our furry friends - Cannot wait to visit this little sancuary in Laguna Beach again very very soon !! Cheers and Enjoy it - Madison Square & Garden Cafe is PERFECT !! madisonsquare.com

    (5)

  • Anne L.

    I love this place. Its a very homey cafe that is well hidden with a patio and garden. They sell home and garden items indoors and outdoors. Indoors they sell handmade soaps, clocks, unique sculptures, etc. All the items in the garden are for sale with wind chimes, sculptures, fountains, etc. The atmosphere is great on a nice day for brunch. Seating is primarily outside but there is a covered seating area with heaters. The menu is a decent selection with salads, soups, sandwiches, breakfast foods, etc. You order at the counter and they give you a number for your table. I went with some relatives and friends and we ordered a california omelette with mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, garlic, basil with fruit and house fries and the german apple pancake with cinnamon and brown sugar to share and a few lattes and coffees. The food and coffee were quite satisfying and delicious with good portions. The owners of the cafe are extremely friendly to everyone and say hi to all their dog friends that come in, with a little treat for each of them. Definitely a dog friendly place which is nice for dog owners. This is not a cheap place, but a it is a beautiful and relaxing change of environment with good food for those who need a break time to time. Also on a side note, I think they do landscaping design..?

    (4)

  • Lauren S.

    Great ambiance! Excellent food- I haven't yet had a meal I haven't loved or recommended. Great owner and staff. Fun for a weekend brunch.

    (5)

  • Marichelle M.

    Such a charming place....On Sunday, I had breakfast there and ate in the garden -- full of fountains, plants and interesting decor. It was very relaxing to be outside among it all. The dish portions are generous. A plateful of Eggs Benedict. A plateful of Cinnamon French Toast. I had the German Apple Pancakes and couldn't finish it. The only thing that could be improved is the coffee. The cappuccino I had could have been better (and more of a generous size). The staff was very friendly, and it was fun watching fellow customers' dogs be themselves.

    (4)

  • Priscilla O.

    I really enjoy visiting with my dogs. The owner is a dog lover and will spend time talking to your dog while pretty much ignoring you (funny). My husband loves the German pancakes and I am always up for eating their burgers, which are huge. The lovely atmosphere makes for a perfect morning. I like the order counter and have found it to be quite efficient. This place is a keeper and I suggest all LB visitors to check it out.

    (4)

  • Sarah B.

    I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE! It's dog friendly (so I can bring my pups). Not only do they serve AMAZING food, but the garden is beautiful. I usually go for breakfast/brunch and get their huevos rancheros, but I also remember that one summer they were open for dinner too?? I wish they'd go back to it!!

    (5)

  • Erin G.

    LOVE. Can I please come here every morning for breakfast and sit outside in the beautiful, magical garden? And order the ricotta pancakes? And then shop for treasures inside the house-turned-amazing-restaurant-and-shop? Sweet, thanks!

    (5)

  • Larry C.

    Beautiful garden atmosphere (you have to ignore the price tags on everything, it -is- a retail shop too) a hidden gem, especially given that its next to the (overrated) Cottage and only 20 yards from PCH. We stopped in with 2 hungry kids on a weekday morning, and were pleasantly delighted with everything. You order from a bar, then go back around the side of the 'house' and discover the luscious garden where you find a seat. We found a table next to one of several fountains. The food was great -good portions, great fresh quality from eggs to oatmeal to muffin tops to bagels with lox -and it arrived quickly. A great way to start the morning. One warning, this is a garden shop, so there are a lot of breakables around, probably too stressful for those with small curious kids.

    (4)

  • Chase A.

    Get your Zen, Mojo or whatever flowing here! This is my new favorite morning spot I just wish it was closer to me, you'll never find a more beautiful and relaxing place... the food is great a little pricey but good, I'm defiantly always coming here for now on for bagels and coffee, and they sell my favorite coffee brand of all time here DIEDRICH!!! Words honestly cant describe this place, its like a Rogers Gardens that you can eat at. By the way the photos of this place do not do it justice its 100x better in person.

    (5)

  • Liz A.

    A really lovely place with a quirky artsy twist, Madison Square keeps the old Laguna vibe alive. I ate lunch here for the first time with my mom yesterday, and had a great time. The restaurant is a bit self-service, with a walk up counter and choose-your-own seating. And while not extraordinary, the food is pleasant and the portions are generous. Meanwhile though, the food is really just an excuse to spend an hour relaxing and enjoying this thoroughly lovely space. The garden setting is wonderful with fountains, mature trees, and lots of statues and windchimes. Indoors, the shop, while pricey, has tons of fun and interesting things to look at. The thing really impressed me though, was the exceptional and personalized attention that the owner, John Madison, gives to his customers. He took the time to chat with everyone, and even surprised us with a coconut macaroon on the house for dessert. (Btw - the coconut macaroon is DELICIOUS!!!) I will definitely be back for more.

    (4)

  • Lisa G.

    This is my fourth five star rating. What more could one ask for than a delightful garden filled with wind chimes and novel garden decorations??? Well...great food for one with a menu that enables the healthy eater to keep to their routine without sacrificing a thing. The garden has so many quiet nooks and crannies that you can have a great business meeting or a large gathering out in the open. I'll definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Carlos R.

    What a nice little place. I find the sound of running water is not only good for speeding up the desire to pee, but it is also just so darn peaceful during a meal. I also enjoyed looking at the little frogs, dachshunds and fish made of metal, stone or concrete. My meal was a German Apple Pancake. I love me some Granny Smith apples and this had plenty to satisfy me. It was very filling and the fresh strawberries was a nice bit of sweet to refresh my taste buds for the next bite of tart apple. The friends that I was with had, the California Omelette (red and yellow peppers, mushroom and some other veggies) Aaron must have liked it.The plate was clean! Brandon had the Ricotta pancakes, which I secretly envied, Morgan had the Cinnamon swirl french toast and was first to clean his plate. And David had the Ranchero (Fried corn tortilla topped with black beans, eggs, jack cheese. Along with a side of guac. It looked pretty good, and will likely be my next victim when I return. Prices are north of what I am used to at my favorite cafe in my area, but figuring the locale, it pretty much makes sense. One final note, if you park street side bring enough quarters to feed the meter. Thanks for the Breakfast David! It was appreciated.

    (4)

  • Wyndi M.

    YAY for pet friendly!!! This place was awesome! My husband and a couple of friends met up with our 3 greyhounds. We met the owner and a HUGE Great Dane! The food was very tasty! I'd recommend bring a blanket or towel for the dogs that don't like laying on gravel or concrete, 2 of the 3 greyhounds stood the entire time because the ground was too hard for them. Very cool place and will definitely go back!

    (4)

  • Tess R.

    Loved the location. Loved the garden, the fountains, the decor - adorable! My friend and I picked it because it was halfway between LA & SD, so our drive time was equal. Her 19 month old LOVED the fountains, splish splashed to her heart's content. (Luckily mom had extra dry clothes with her). The brunch food was good. Unfortunately I can't give more stars, as I apparently ate a bad strawberry or something and have been battling food poisoning since about 2 hours after eating. I'm pretty sure it's a one off thing, as the whole place was very respectable looking, etc.

    (3)

  • Jeff C.

    Outstanding breakfast menu! Great location and fun surroundings. My children enjoyed walking aroun looking at all the wind chimes and water fountains. We ended up buying a large airplane prop to use as a wall decoration while we were there.

    (5)

  • Z A.

    Great service and GREAT food!!! John is amazing!

    (5)

  • Jeanae D.

    Without a doubt the BEST French toast anywhere!! I crave it all the time. And the OJ....yummy. Love the ambiance too. Always look forward to visiting.

    (5)

  • Debby L.

    I more than love this place! My daughter and I, and her furry son Theodore went on Easter. It was the perfect setting for a fun, low key, no stress Easter. It wasn't overly crowded and they even had a table set up where the kids could dye Easter Eggs:) They serve breakfast all day so we didn't have to worry about getting there by a certain time. I had the Granny Smith German Pancake and it was delicious. My daughter had the California Omelette that came with Rosemary Fries which she enjoyed very much. They have a self serve coffee bar so you can get your own coffee when ever you want to. We got a wonderful corner table in the courtyard garden with the fountains going and the wind chimes singing, it was my kind of place. It has a fun gift shop with all sorts of great accessories for your home as well as garden. Not just your same o same o accessories, but unique items that you won't find in every other gift shop. To me this place screams Laguna. It's artsy, with a kick back vibe that I personally find very inviting. In a nutshell, it's a fun, whimsical place, with great atmosphere and good food. I mean come on, they even let you bring your furry friends. If you want some Laguna flavor this is a great place to try. This was my first vist to Madison Square Garden Cafe but it most certainly will not be my last. I think I'll try something from their lunch menu next time...gee, I'm getting excited just thinking about it.

    (4)

  • Sarah G.

    This is a hidden little gem, overshadowed by the long wait next door at the Cottage. You order first and then sit. It's standard breakfast/brunch with a gravel outdoor patio. Dogs are almost a price of entry. It seems like almost every table has a dog. The owner walks around with dog treats and talks with the guests and their pets. It's very welcoming and pleasant.

    (4)

  • flo c.

    3 1/2 stars. Mostly because the french/home fries were neither french or home fries. Because my life is centered around my dog (as many of you may have noticed), I had to try out this little teeny place by the beach. As noted on the Web site and by other Yelpers, the outside terrace is very pro-dog. However, it should be noted that since the ordering area is still technically "indoor," you'll need either someone else with you or you'll have to leave your dog outside for a second. In any case, the food was okay/good but not spectacular. The prices are a bit high, but it IS Laguna Beach so it's about average. I had the california omelette, which came with fruit and "home fries." The omelette wasn't fluffy and was more of a scramble. It was, however, chock full of zucchini/bell peppers/mushrooms and overall, very filling and semi-healthy (no cheese or fatty meats). The home fries were essentially soggy, dark brown (or overcooked) potato "fries" and not the roasted potatoes or hashbrown-y things I expected. I wouldn't order the fries a la carte.They were just so... dark. The omelette was very good though and huge. My boyfriend had the chicken sandwich which arrived super hot (and fresh). It was very very good, albeit not unusual or gourmet or anything. It was a grilled boneless breast piece with spicy dijon mustard. It came with a side of salad and fruit. He wasn't a big fan of the salad, for whatever reason. The owner's wife (or something) came by with Easter eggs, which was a nice touch. He got a motorized egg that "walks" and I got a chick whistle in mine. I thought that was a cute and sweet gesture. Great atmosphere (if you don't mind the flying pests) and I like self-serve water and drinks. Very cute place with lots of neat little garden things to get. Food took quite some time to arrive but then I guess you're supposed to enjoy the ambience in the meantime. The crowd there are very friendly, and a lady told us to take her table because it was shadier and she was leaving anyway. Lots of LB couples and ladies chatting and a small crowd of families with little kids too. I would come back again for the ambience but not necessarily for the food. That wasn't particularly different from other high-end cafes.

    (4)

  • Judy W.

    Breakfast in the garden. Coffee and the paper. Leisurely eat your eggs and potatoes. Bring the dogs. Order at the counter and wait for your food at your table outside in the garden. Fantastic weekend spot. Grab a bite and read the paper. Chat with friends over coffee and then take a stroll along the beach path to main beach.

    (4)

  • Gezelle L.

    It's no wonder MS&G Cafe has so many high reviews. I visited for the first time last Wednesday to celebrate my birthday and it was paradise. My girlfriend and I arrived around 930am for breakfast and there was plenty of outdoor seating available. They have heat lamps in a few areas which was great since it was a cool morning. The ambiance is serene and the staff is helpful & friendly. I enjoyed their fresh brewed joe which is self serve and I ordered the huevos-rancheros dish which was delicious! My friend had the ricotta pancakes and coffee...she was also very pleased with her selection. I will definitely return to MS&G Cafe, it was so relaxing and an absolute treat. It was a fantastic start to my birthday :D

    (5)

  • Nicole W.

    This place has a lot of potential; located in the backyard of an adorable cottage right off PCH with a charming facade and a beautiful outdoor space. It is a very casual place where you order at the counter, receive a number, and take a seat. Your food is delivered to your table a few minutes later. All sounds good, right? Think again. What could be a fantastic outdoor dining area is filled with plastic tables + chairs with no real "style" to mention. Food is delivered on a tray reminiscent of your elementary school cafeteria days, complete with a plastic lid. The food was bland, tolerable at best, and was sloppily slapped onto the plate with no thought in the presentation. High prices are expected due to the location, but are ridiculous based on the food being served. I'd be embarrassed to take a guest here. Ever been to Zinc or Anastasia? If you want quality food, you should give them a try.

    (2)

  • Mandy D.

    Went here with a friend and had a enjoyable time. One of my favorite parts of this restaurant is the atmosphere. Lots of greenery create a very relaxing setting which is perfect for a brunch with good friends. The food was very fresh and well prepared. It didn't wow me, but it was pretty good.

    (4)

  • Kay W.

    I was reminiscing of the beer gardens of Germany with my partner while looking for a place to have a brunch. Las Brisas across the street was too crowded. So we came to this cafe and hoped that there would be a couple of seats left. We were in luck. This is a Southern California version of beer garden -- plenty of shade trees, crushed rocks as ground cover to easily wash off spilled beer, small tables and folding chairs rather than picnic benches. We tried eggs Benedict and Vegetable frittata. Both were yummy but a bit to much and priced for the location. Good place for a date. Interesting stuff / souvenirs, junks and art reproductions. I liked their imitation antique toys.

    (5)

  • H I.

    Care for insults with your meal? Well then this is the place for you. Way overpriced, but I guess that can be said of many places in Laguna Beach. Food is so-so, nothing special. Strange setup. Is it a store? Is it a cafe? Not sure what makes it a garden. Guy behind the counter is either really rude or socially inept. My friend and I were standing away from the counter to read the menu board, and the guy tried to be funny and said, "It's safe to come closer, ya know." I was still busy reading the menu so I didn't really make eye contact with him but I politely laughed in response. Then he says," Just so you know, we don't have a split charge. So you could order something and you could get something else and then you could share. (pause) Then again (looking in my direction) you don't look like someone who would share." WTF?! For the record, my friend is very thin and I'm still struggling with losing the weight I gained after having a baby but I don't know if he was making a jab at my weight or my personality or both. In any case, who says that sort of thing to a patron? At the time I was caught so off guard that all I could muster was "Ouch! Wow... ." So then he said, "Oh well I'm sure you're not like at." If I had better sense I would have given him a piece of my mind and left right there and then, but I brushed it off and we stayed and dined. If the food had been better then it would have at least made me want to go back again, despite the jerk behind the counter. Sadly it was not so I will be taking my business elsewhere. Beware of the guy behind the counter who obviously doesn't think before speaking and dishes out insults with not so great, overpriced food.

    (1)

  • Amory G.

    Beautiful garden setting! Great relaxed atmosphere...truly a special place in that regard. I live pretty close to this cafe and would love to go a little more often, but it's hard to justify the cost with there menu prices and food quality. I go simply for the relaxing experience of it. There fries are usually tasteless and cold as are the pancakes. The staff has a real condescending attitude about there food and service which is really below par...still I've been there at least twenty times, for the quietude...

    (2)

  • rachel j.

    Love this dog friendly cafe. The patio is really beautiful, nestled with in tall trees, fountains and cute figurines. Best of all I can come here to enjoy really great food with my best friend! :)

    (4)

  • Sharika S.

    Very unique and healthy breakfast menu. We had the German Pancake and the California Omelet. I have not come across a place with pancake so good in laguna beach and the omelet was full of veggies and was not greasy. Nice ambiance and very laid back. I wonder why I didn't stumble upon this hidden joint before. Thanks yelp!

    (4)

  • Geoff L.

    I was looking for some dog friendly locations, and since I have yet to see much of the O.C., we decided to head down PCH for a little road trip. I googled some restaurants, and this place came up as being a good restaurant to bring your pooch. The best way I can describe this place -- It's like a Smith & Hawen with food. There is an actual store area where you can buy household items and garden knick-knacks. Over to the right, there is a counter where you order your food. Outside there is a lovely garden dining area with canopied tables. It is a very peaceful and relaxing environment. After checking everything out and getting the dog settled, we went to the counter to order. I was somewhat surprised that it was mainly just over-priced diner type food. I got a bacon cheeseburger and my wife got a Turkey Club. My daughter ended up getting a $13 cheeseburger because they had no kid's menu. I'm sure the burgers were some sort of Kobe/Angus super-mega hybrid beef, and that's why they were so pricey.(yeah, right!) For two burgers, a sandwich and sodas it cost us close to $50 for lunch..... ouch. The food was good, but it was FAR from being $50 good. Overall, it was a very nice place, but until I start making Laguna Beach type money, I don't think we'll be back anytime soon.

    (3)

  • Patricia D.

    A group of us took our greyhounds to lunch at Madison Square & Garden Cafe on 7/9/2011. The menu had a nice combination of lite fare, including breakfast, salad and sandwich selections. The food was good, prepared quickly, and delivered to the table promptly. If you're watching your calories, you can eat here without guilt, as the food choices are healthy and if you want, very low calorie. The ambiance is casual, friendly, and welcoming. The dog-friendly owner walks among the guest and their dogs, lovingly handing out doggie biscuits to the 4-legged guests and chats with the two-legged ones. Great guy! I live 70 miles away from this place, but can't wait to come back to the area just so I can eat here and do some shopping in the retail part of the cafe, with or without my greyhound!

    (5)

  • Melinda K.

    An original Laguna Beach Cottage restored and turned into a wonderful restaurant and boutique. While the owner, John is quite entertaining and makes everyone laugh ... the dogs surround him for the treats he carries in his pocket! That's right. This is a dog friendly restaurant in a charming outdoor/backyard setting where waterfalls can be heard and seen in every corner, wind chimes hanging from the trees, and many birdhouses to choose from. Some even in the form of human faces! Locals frequent this restaurant to dine, laugh and simply enjoying the ambiance and wonderful food. Oh, there are so many great things about this place that I forgot to tell you just how delicious the food and excellent service is every time!

    (5)

  • T W.

    This place is really charming. It's an outdoor eating area in a museum like garden with sculptures and other gardening knick knacks. wife had the california omelette. i had the fish. and we split a potato pancake. they were all pretty big sized servings. Everything tasted fresh. Would definitely come back, and next time, perhaps buying some decor for our home garden.

    (4)

  • Devon B.

    Madison Square would have been 5 stars if it hadn't been for the super slow service. I didn't realize that by relaxing atmosphere people meant that it would take over 1/2 an hour to get our food. The setting is beautiful though. It would be a nice place to take your mom for breakfast, or maybe meet up with the book club to discuss the latest read. I had the french toast and hubby ordered the eggs Benedict. Both were yummy, but his poached eggs were more on the done side (not runny). The berries that came with mine were perfectly ripe. Coffee was good here and I like that it's self serve. Overall a nice setting for a peaceful brunch and some shopping (if you've got $150 to spend on a birdhouse).

    (4)

  • Julie R.

    I love the veggie frittata, it's huge and feeds two people! The atmosphere is very quaint and the owner does regular rounds to see how the customers are doing. An added plus, they allow dogs!!!!!

    (4)

  • Ben M.

    I don't know... this place was OK - it just wasn't my style of food. I cant fault them for that though - I can fault them for being too expensive! Two people for breakfast was over 30 dollars, that is expensive, for a two dollar sign rating. When you are going to charge that much you need to stand out - and this place simply didn't in my mind.

    (3)

  • Tashina H.

    I've been there before and its always very pleasent there. I took my friends and family there for breakfast before my wedding. Everybody enjoyed the vibe there. They were all satisfied with their breakfast. We met Jon the owner and he was a hoot. I definitely reccomend this place to everybody.

    (5)

  • Dianna D.

    Love this place. Came here while visiting family in nearby Mission Viejo. Great variety for lunch, food and service were great. When you're done eating, browse through the garden store, and take a picture out front by the incredible koi pond. We'll defintely be back.

    (4)

  • Andrew M.

    I have to say that I'm not really a fan of this place. I will give it credit for having a really fun atmosphere due to all of the antiques and such that decorate the place and that are available for purchase. Be aware however that the "art" (for lack of a better term) is extremely expensive. Anyway, I went here for the food, and it wasn't a good experience. I went here in the morning and ordered a "smoked salmon sandwich" to go so that I could eat it at my house right next door. I love lox and will usually order it any time I see it if I feel that the salmon will be good quality. I figured that this place seemed classy enough that I'd be safe ordering it, and the price was high enough ($14 total!!) that I'd get my money's worth. I didn't. Instead of a well-made lox sandwich, they basically just boxed up all of the ingredients for me and sent me off. The bagel was cold as soon as it got to me, the onions and tomato slices were just tossed in there, and the salmon itself was pushed to the side almost as an afterthought it seems. They didn't even bother to put the cream cheese on the bagel; instead, they just gave me a small pad of it in whatever wrapper they bought it in. Lame. The menu mentioned something about a dijon mustard that was supposed to be on the sandwich that I was anxious to try, but they must have forgotten to put it on mine or something. Also lame. They included a rather stale-tasting salad with my lox as well, but who wants to eat a salad with lox?? Anyway, I know it's just one experience, but I probably won't be going back. The high price for a haphazardly-thrown-together box of poor quality ingredients will keep me away from this place next time I'm out looking for breakfast. I had heard good reviews from this place via word-of-mouth from a local resident, but it definitely didn't live up to its expectations for me.

    (2)

  • Dana G.

    Great garden atmosphere and wonderful staff! We visit here all time for brunch and lunch! They welcome dogs and I've seen the owner handing out doggie treats at lunch time. Slightly pricy, but worth it for the wonderful sound of wind chimes as you eat!

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :8:00 am - 3:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Brunch
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : No
    Caters : No

Madison Square & Garden Cafe

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