I've read the reviews of Madison Pub and have to tell you that until you go there and meet either Jabriel, Logan, or Joey, you will never know what you are missing.
At first, I had my own opinion about the environment being a little "stand off-ish". But that has changed. If you respond to a nice smile from someone who works there (they are all friendly to me), they are likely to return the favor. Most will ask and remember your name. I never visited for six weeks having only been there a few times before but was greeted by name the last time I was there. That meant a lot to me.
I think the key is, what I have learned is that if you are visiting Seattle, fitting in to the crowd may not be the easiest. But fitting in with the staff is and they can introduce you to the crowd there. That makes all the difference.
I've only been to one other bar where I was treated so well. I'm not a Greek Adonis or exceptionally good looking or young (late 30's) or a huge tipper (only due to financial restrictions at the moment) so I know that no one is being friendly to earn brownie points. They just want you to have a place where you feel like you are sincerely welcome and that's how I feel.
I can officially say that when I go to Madison Pub, I feel like there is a sense of a "home base". I belong there, I fit in - something I'm not used to. And when time permits, if you are the type that doesn't want to deal with the weekend crowd, go in one night during the week and meet some of the kindest, outgoing, and friendly staff you will find in a Seattle Gay bar.
The cool thing on those nights is when the staff has more time to interact and not just stand around and look handsome - though there is no problem with looking.
But I've seen employees there direct out of towners to places to go and see, where to stay and what to expect - regardless of who the new face in the crowd may be.
Go and have two drinks and see if you haven't discovered the best bar here.
Pros: Friendly staff, mixed crowd, warm environment, pool tables, smaller intimate tables, inviting atmosphere
Cons: Parking is not always easy, No Official Coat check (but you can ask nicely if space permits)
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