No Sign, No Website, and Killing it: Madison Avenue Pub

“Cleanest bar in Everett,” a friend responded when I’d mentioned I’d gone to check out the Madison Avenue Pub. I thought about it, “wow, you’re right, the place was really clean now that I think about it,” I responded.

More than cleanliness, though, the Madison is known for its steady stream of live music. And half-price Classic Burgers on Tuesdays.

Word is they’ve even won multiple awards for their involvement in the blues music scene. While I’ve known of the Madison for years, I’d never actually been until a recent weeknight visit.

Nondescript building full of good times. And yes, there is a sign on the East side of the building. // Garret Hunt

The parking lot was packed when I arrived, so I followed a car that also appeared to be looking for parking to the bank parking lot next door. It was around 7 p.m., so the bank was closed and they didn’t have any “no parking signs” posted, so it seemed chill.

Every single table was packed and there were many TVs all around to keep sports enthusiasts entertained. I found a seat at the bar with a nice view of the tap selection, which included a nice variety of a couple dozen options. I opted for a 7 Seas Cherry Baltic Porter. The waitress asked if I wanted my beer “small or large.” I opted for the small, which was a traditional pint glass whereas the “large” glasses looked to be around 20 oz.

I was under the impression the Madison had live music about every night, and so I was thankful the band was just starting up as I looked over the food menu. The music was remarkably good. Kind of an upbeat rock with some nice groove. I learned later, and wasn’t surprised, they were all award-winning musicians.

Musicians Paul Quilty on bass, Erik Scott on guitar, Rick J Bowen on drums and Angelo Ortiz on percussion // Garret Hunt

The menu had a good array of options from burgers to sandwiches, wraps, and seafood. A few salad options and they even do breakfast daily until 3pm. There weren’t too many vegetarian options on the menu, but I saw any burger could be swapped for a garden patty. So I opted for the avocado burger with the garden patty and I splurged an extra $2 to upgrade my side to sweet potato fries with honey mustard sauce.

I felt a bit silly when my burger arrived and I’d totally missed it on the menu that it came with bacon. Oops. Though I must have been secretly craving bacon, because I decided just to eat it anyway. It was a very hearty and filling burger with lettuce and tomato and plenty of guacamole piled on top. Mixed with the tasty sweet potato fries, cherry porter, and killer tunes, the Madison Pub really hit the spot. Talk about an enjoyable Wednesday evening.

An almost vegetarian burger // Garret Hunt

We heard the Madison lost access to their Facebook, and I’m not finding a website (be careful if you do find a website - make sure the pub you’re looking at is in the right state!). Filtering the calendar by “Madison Ave” on the Washington Blues Society calendar is a good way to find out about blues events. The Unbound Blues Jam Facebook page is another good source of information. I happened to have pretty good luck just showing up, and maybe that’s how the Madison is best experienced.

I mean, there isn’t even a sign on the front of the building, and the place was packed on a Wednesday night. Perhaps the Madison Avenue Pub is one of Everett’s best-kept secrets, just waiting for you to show up and discover it.