What should I order at Mad ?
Mad
Calamari
Frequently praised for being perfectly cooked, crunchy, and flavorful with added elements like jalapeños, onions, and lemon slices that enhance its bright, flavorful kick. Called 'the best I've ever had' by multiple reviewers.
Short Ribs
Mentioned multiple times as incredibly tender, full of flavor, and very enjoyable. Reviewers highlighted its tenderness and taste as a standout entrée option.
Salmon
Recommended repeatedly for being moist with a perfectly crispy exterior. Served as a satisfying main course and enjoyed by many guests.
Steak (including Filet, Flat Iron, and Steak Fritos)
Steak dishes are highly praised for tenderness, flavor, and generous portion sizes. Specific steak preparations like Steak Fritos and Flat Iron with spicy butter topping were enjoyed.
Seasonal Salad / Farm Salad
Salads with fresh ingredients like spinach, roasted beets, figs, pistachios, and olives were noted for being super good and flavorful, making a great start to the meal.
Crème Brûlée (Caramel and Butterscotch)
Desserts like caramel and butterscotch crème brûlée were highlighted for being rich, creamy, perfectly caramelized, and a lovely way to end the meal.
Burger with Duck Fat Fries
Burgers were well received for being sizable and well-prepared, especially when paired with the flavorful duck fat fries.
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 to 11 AM, 5 to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:30 to 11 AM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 to 11 AM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 to 11 AM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 to 11 AM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 7:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 9 PM |
About Mad
Clean, wood-clad venue featuring seasonally inspired farm-to-table eats plus wine & cocktails.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Fireplace
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Mad known for?
Mad is especially known for the braised short rib and duck fat fries, which are mentioned repeatedly in reviews and described as tender, flavorful, and even “legendary.” Guests also call out the seasonal farm-to-table cooking, with dishes like calamari, salmon, and steak getting strong praise.
What dishes are most recommended at Mad?
Reviewers most often recommend the braised short ribs, duck fat fries, calamari, and the mushroom pasta, with the salmon and steak also getting frequent positive mentions. Dessert fans specifically mention the caramel crème brûlée and butterscotch crème brûlée as memorable finishes.
What is the atmosphere like at Mad?
The atmosphere is described as cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, with both indoor dining and an outdoor terrace or courtyard. It suits couples for anniversaries or birthdays, but reviewers also mention groups, solo dining, and a welcoming setting for tourists in Solvang.
Is Mad good value, and what is the price range?
Mad is in the $20 to $60 price range, and reviewers say the portions are large enough that entrees feel worth the cost. Several comments note that the food quality, service, and setting make the price feel reasonable, especially for dishes like short rib, steak, and duck fat fries.
What should I know about happy hour at Mad?
Mad has a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 pm with $4 off the bar menu, $3 off wine and cocktails, and $2 off draft beer. Reviewers specifically mention pairing happy hour drinks with duck fat fries, calamari, and cocktails like the jalapeño-based Lava Lamp or the Blood Orange Sour.
Is parking available at Mad ?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Mad have vegetarian options?
Yes, Mad offers vegetarian options.
Is Mad kid-friendly?
Yes, Mad is good for kids.
Restaurants like Mad in Solvang
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