New Madison Grille The

"Dive-In'
by Josh K.

When it is VERY late, or much too early (depending on how you look at it), this is the spot to get a cheap glass of bottom shelf Scotch, pitchers of Rolling Rock, and shoot some pool.

The tables are sticky, carpet in the back "restaurant" area has seen much better days, and the bathrooms are a monstrosity.

But, the staff is great, as are the regular barflys.  This is a townie place where everybody knows everybody, but the not-so regular locals like me are still warmly received,   The Madison Grille is also without the faux- hipster pretensions of the what could be awesome, Palais Royale.  

The Madison Grille, although perhaps not the legendary spot I hear it once was, is the real, true dive of Center Square.

Oh, and the thin-cut pizza is surprisingly tasty.

Stopped here before seeing a comedy show at The Egg. The drinks are cheap and strong - just like I like 'em! They seemed to do a killer take-out pizza business, too. Definitely the place to go for some chill, local flavor.

After a lecture at the museum last night, I wanted some place close to catch up with friends over a few drinks. The term "dive" came to mind and since the original Palais no longer exists, I decided on here. It wasn't too packed and it had just the right balance of "local color." Best of all, the drinks are cheap. Where else can I get a $3 gin-and-tonic? I win!

It's got a slightly weird smell, but I think that's part of the charm. For some reason last night, the juke box was cranking out all sorts of punk songs, which was pretty awesome. They've also started hosting the occasional show here, including Deer Tick from Brooklyn this past week, which I'm quite sad to have missed.

If you're looking for a cheap, no-frills dive that's not overrun with obnoxious college students, Mad Grill just might be your spot.