The Toronto Lover system:
5 stars = Must visit!
4 stars = Really good. I take my friends here.
3 stars = Somewhat worth it... if you have nowhere better to go.
2 stars = Below average. Attend only when necessary.
1 star = Do not visit!
I think the Madison was designed by someone who tried to recreate whatever vision emerged in my brain from watching American movies about college guys going to bars. It's a big house, and there are taps, and lots of dudes drinking beer.
Do you really need to read a review about the Madison? Even if you haven't been inside, you know what it looks like. It's full of men drinking beer. The women there have either been dragged there by their man, or are there to meet men (if they're into 20 year olds taking Poli Sci and Philosophy), or are there for some groovy U of T birthday party.
I can't merely call it a frat pub, because the decor is a slight step up. That is to say: it's clean, and you can take your study group here to celebrate after finals.
This is the kind of pub that is very popular for people who first move into the area, probably because they're going to U of T.
2 stars