Step into the nostalgic charm of a classic diner at Madi in Normal Heights, where tradition meets indulgence in every bite.
At the heart of Madi is Matt Sieve, co-owner and operator, whose roots in the restaurant industry run deep. From a young age, Matt worked at his family’s 100-year-old diner in Minnesota, working the griddle at Travelers Inn alongside his father and brothers.
Madi’s menu has recently undergone an exciting transformation, introducing over 25 new dishes and recipes that pay homage to the classic diner fare that Sieve grew up with. Among the new menu items are the beloved pancakes, which bear the legacy of Grandma Helen’s 70-year old pancake recipe. New pancake flavors include Orange Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, cinnamon swirl buttermilk pancakes covered in an orange glaze drizzle and the Very Berry Swirl Stack, buttermilk pancakes with mixed berries and raspberry sauce swirl. Additional diner-style items include, the Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs, Wedge Salad, and a selection of $8-$10 sandwiches on white bread, including an Egg Salad Sandwich, Hot Ham & Swiss and a BLT.
And if diners are judged by their smash burger, Madi delivers with their interpretation of the Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger earning the Normal Heights’ restaurant a spot on the list of San Diego’s best burgers. Served on a brioche bun, this burger bliss features grass-fed beef smashed with a pile of thinly sliced white onions, topped with melted American cheese, and finished with a perfect drizzle of burger sauce.
Additional new menu standouts include, the Posole that calls back to Sieve’s first San Diego restaurant job at Chef Isabel Cruz’s Isabel’s Cantina, where he met and worked alongside Madi GM, Tricia Rowley, Greek Fries, BBQ Pork on a Bun, and Corned Beef Hash and Eggs.
Madi encapsulates the essence of a classic diner experience but in a vibrant and modern space, where each visit feels like a journey back to consistent and simpler times. From the nostalgic flavors of Grandma Helen’s pancake recipe to the hearty warmth of the Posole, every dish on Madi’s menu tells a story of tradition.
www.brunchlikemadi.com
