What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travelers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Bar, Pub, Contemporary, Gastropub, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Special occasions, Bar scene, Business meetings
Does this restaurant have private dining rooms?
Details
About
Ben Madigan’s Bar and Kitchen is a welcoming community bar in the North of the City. We are located on the Cavehill Road, only a few minutes’ drive from Belfast Castle, the Cavehill Country Park and Belfast Zoo. Our cosy welcoming pub serves lunches and main meals from 12 noon 7 days per week, and our customer focused team will do their very best to ensure you have a fantastic visit. Our outdoor space (The Terrace) overlooks the bustling Cavehill road where you can enjoy a well-crafted cocktail, a delicious pint or two or a refreshing glass of wine. We have a first-floor function space that is very versatile, hosting Comedy Nights, business meetings and showing major sporting events on their big screen as well as family gatherings for our local community – think birthday parties, anniversary parties and christenings. Our Sunday lunch is legendary in this part of the city and booking is recommended – the best way to do this is via our website benmadigansbar.com
PRICE RANGE
$7.00 – $29.00
CUISINES
Bar, Contemporary, Pub, Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Dog Friendly, Family style, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
494 reviews
Excellent
433
Very good
21
Average
11
Poor
9
Terrible
20
Saints19
Newcastle upon Tyne66 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
We visited here for a family meal out before I return to England in the morning.
As soon as you enter, you sense it is going to be a relaxed and welcoming place and we weren’t disappointed! The staff are so friendly and each one was so kind to us and our dog (Connor).
We were given the time and the space to properly read the menu and all the allergens were clearly displayed. Our food was delicious… Some of the tastiest restaurant food I have had in a long time! Everything was piping hot, cooked fresh and to order, using outstanding produce and ingredients and seasoned perfectly - the food couldn’t have been better!
Written December 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eoin M
Liverpool2 contributions
Oct 2024 • family
Took my parents here for Sunday dinner and we were thoroughly impressed. The menu offers a fantastic selection of classic comfort food, and everything we ordered was perfectly prepared. The service was outstanding—our server was attentive and friendly, making us feel right at home. The cozy atmosphere added to the experience, making it an ideal spot for a casual meal. I highly recommend it for anyone craving hearty pub fare! They're not hard to pay either...very good value!
Written October 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crystal C
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • friends
My friend and 1 went for Sunday lunch to celebrate both our birthdays. We both chose the vegan nut roast. Based on what we saw coming out for other people, we were expecting a plate full of food, but our meal was quite stingy and small in comparison. We got 4 roast potatoes, 3 bits of carrot and 2 of broccoli along with our nut roast. Everyone else in the restaurant seemed to be having trouble finishing their meals there was so much food, but we had to eat slowly to make ours last. The food was lovely, but there wasn’t enough of it. Also they had no vegan desserts, only ice cream. The venue was nice and the staff lovely but as far as the food is concerned, it was £17 for our meal and there simply wasn’t enough food for that price. Maybe the other option would have been better? There was a curry on there but I love a roast dinner on Sunday.
Written November 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tourist01460522866
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • family
I waited 1 hour and 10 minutes for the main course, which was unacceptable. When I asked the waiter about the delay, I was told the food “won’t be long,” but it still took far too long to arrive. Additionally, I ordered a medium-rare steak but was served a well-done steak, which was disappointing. Considering the price, the overall experience was poor. Improvements in both service speed and food quality are needed.
Written January 24, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
caoimhe Dunning
Belfast62 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
Honestly a very disappointing experience. I have been before and love the roast dinners so decided to go for a birthday meal yesterday.We were told to wait in the bar upstairs as tables were running a bit behind and we would be given a complimentary drink. This was fair enough as it is a busy period of the year. The menu was a set 2 or 3 course boxing day menu which we were not aware of before hand so options for dinner were fairly limited as it is. We chose the jalapeno poppers as starters. After a 20 minute wait the server came to take our orders and informed us there was none left and no lamb left. This meant we had to further reconsider our orders as we should’ve been told before. We asked to just do 1 course due to this so we ordered 3 burgers and 2 roasts. 15 mins later we were told there was no burgers left. It is ridiculous paying for a set menu when half the set menu is unavailable. The manager decided to make sirloin burgers which ended up being tasty. Each burger and chips was £23. This is a shocking price to pay and a bit of a take on considering the lack of availability of menu items. The manager told us she would sort us out when the bill came but nothing came of it. The whole atmosphere was disappointing and very disorganized. It was an hour and fifteen minutes before we actually ate. Ultimately a very unpleasant and over priced birthday meal
Written December 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jk
Belfast4 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
We went as 2 friends on the 28th October at lunch time on the back of the really great reviews.
It was my fault as I wanted to try something new.
We were the first ones in the place. Initially we had reasonable service, we were changed tables due to a booking at 2 which was okay.
Unfortunately they only offer the full menu at the weekends so as neither of us felt like big meals we decided to have starters and triple cooked chips.
The triple cooked chips were very disappointing
But the jalapeño poppers were inedible
They were in fact red chillies with a horrible ‘batter’ which was incredibly hard around them and the chillis were so spicy I couldn’t eat them despite liking spicy food
I ate my chips that I didn’t enjoy but I was hungry and I guess they were edible (but not that enjoyable)
The worst part of our visit was the service
My friend received her food a good 5 minutes before me (not a huge issue)
Once we had our meals we had absolutely no server check on us
Eventually
After the tables around us had been attended to etc (approximately 20 minutes, I’m not sure)
we left
I explained that I felt the service was very poor (he……a waiter with a foreign accent and a checked shirt) said that he was sorry but it was really busy
It was not and we were the first customers in the place
I explained that I couldn’t eat my jalapeño peppers and he said they were normally mild but nothing else
I suggested the chef taste them
We left extremely underwhelmed
We both will make it clear to all not to waste your time going to this establishment
Very disappointed
Read reviews with a great deal of healthy scepticism
Written October 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol Ann C
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • couples
Very disappointing. Poor food, poor quality & someone needs to tell the chef rocket is a garnish not a covering for the entire plate. Also prices are city centre & not local pub prices eg £9 for a very small poor starter
Staff doing their best but run ragged
Expensive disappointing evening out.
Sadly we won’t be back
Wouldn’t recommend
Written January 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CiarsIreland
11 contributions
May 2024 • family
At Ben Madigans you will find
They can turn your smiles into frowns
I’ll recap events and explain
Why their claim to hospitality is just a claim
After the starters, imagine our surprise
We were offered dessert before the main arrived
I’d thought you’d had that! The server cried,
Then realised they’d forgot to order - that was the reason for our hunger
Never mind, it’s easy to fix
The kitchen will be on it… Licketty split
(Crying you’ll find will be a theme
As is the server’s version of reality)
The same server then also brought
A nearby table duplicate drinks,
Even though the drinks were clear to see
The server thought they were missing
oh just take them for free I overheard
Or else it’ll be me who takes the blame
Time passed by without our main
Though we were reassured time and again
It’s being made , it’s on the pass
Then being plated -was the refrain
In short the final indignity came
When I was approached after I again complained
The server I was told was upset due to me
When I asked why- oh you were rude you see
Imagine my surprise to be then told
That reported words attributed to me
( a request for reflection in the bill for delay)
Had resulted in sobs behind the scenes
The words alleged had not been said
It’s you against her! was the attitude I met
(Now I’m no wordsmith nor claim to be
But rude? Me? Not a remote possibility!)
Suffice to say I decided to leave
This wasn’t my idea of a pleasant evening
Ben Madigans you’ve really disappointed me
I’m not the rude despot I was made out to be
(I’d even offered to pay for the little we had)
I’ll not be returning, but might I suggest
Listen to your customers while you’ve some left.
Written May 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
happytravellerfeb
Derry50 contributions
Dec 2023 • business
Having been here a few times myself, i recommended Ben Madigans to my employers for a work function they were organising.
Communication was excellent giving us 2 menus to choose from and checking back with us prior to the date for preorders and accommodating changes to help things go smoothly.
Being christmas, it was very busy, but they had set up the snug for our group of 20, allowing us our own area to socialise. Food and service on the night were perfect! Quite a few commented on their meal quality. We were attending an event in the SSE arena after and got there in less than 10 minutes, so it was the ideal location. Thank you!
Written January 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer_Belfast_10
Belfast1 contribution
Jan 2025 • couples
I went to Ben madigans as there was an intimate gig with Ryan McMullan. Thought whilst going we would get some dinner. This was genuinely a great choice. Food was beautiful.
Myself and my partner got starters with both getting chicken he got the wings and I got the korean chicken.
Mains he got fish and chips and I the chicken burger. Portion sizes were big so i couldn't even eat all of the main which I was sad about as the chicken burger was beautiful (had bacon on it also).
I got two beautiful cocktails and my partner got Guinness 0% which he loves lol.
The thing that stood out for me was the service though. Waiters and waitresses were attentive, friendly and genuine. I had made a mistake with the timings of dinner and when Ryan mcmullan was arriving but the manager sorted it that we got to remain seated for when he arrived which was well appreciated.
Would highly recommend anyone to try for food and also drinks. Also a singer called Sean was on before Ryan he was brilliant also. Will 100percent be back.
Written January 4, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angeltobe
Belfast250 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
Went as a large group for lunch. Lots of choice on different menus and we had a variety of food some from the £10 lunch and others from the main menu. All the food came out looking amazing and no issues with the order. Food was great in presentation, quantity and taste. Nothing was too much trouble and the girl looking after us was really helpful and pleasant. Have been now a few times as this large group and each time is great.
Written October 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Florence
57 contributions
May 2024 • couples
We had Sunday lunch at Ben Madigans a while ago so decided to try it for lunch. I don't know if it was a bad day in the kitchen or have they changed chef, but it was a disappointment. We ordered pate for starters , was supposed to be on toasted sourdough bread, it came with cold untoasted sourdough, it was cold and not nice. My salmon was about half the portion as I normally receive when I am out for a meal. I came hone hungry which I have not done in any other restaurant. Needless to say I was very disappointed with the lunch.
Written May 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darren C
Belfast204 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
Called in for a spot of lunch with the family. Served pretty quickly. All the food was great (especially the kids meals and they were a bargain) was a wee bit pricey but worth it. Will definitely be back
Written June 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C M555
3 contributions
Dec 2022 • family
Just had a birthday lunch at Ben Madigan's and as regular customers, we were keen to try the Christmas menu.
Unfortunately we were left a little disappointed. The vegan nut roasts were missing the roasties and mash potato, and the lemon posset which was supposed to come with homemade short bread, had a flimsy ice cream wafer substitute. The cheesecake was also inedible and was either shop bought or had been hanging around a few days. We made our server aware and were told they'd tell the chef which is fine but didn't make our experience any the better.
Usually the food is spot on and perhaps it was the first day of the Christmas menu, so things were a little rusty, but with a fairly hefty pricetag it's disappointing that the experience wasn't great especially in today's climate when eating out is a luxury.
Written December 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelcoll
HI CMK55_tm, thank you for your recent visit and for taking the time to write a review. We do appreciate ALL feedback, both positive and negative as it gives us a chance to look at what we are doing from an outside point of view.
I’m really sorry you left disappointed. We realised at the start of service that the Vegan Nut Roast can’t get mashed potatoes as we put butter in them - the dish is no longer Vegan in that case, so a decision was made to give baby boiled potatoes, however the lack of a Roast Potato was an oversight as was the shortbread.
As you alluded it was the first service of our Christmas menu and while those issues are now rectified it doesn’t help you as one of our first customers. I do appreciate that things are difficult in the current climate and I would ask you to give us another chance to show you what we are capable of. As regular customers I’m sure you will understand that your review disappoints me as much as your lunch disappointed you.
The next time you are in could I ask you to make yourself known to myself, Daley the GM or another member of management so that we may apologise to you in person.
Thanks again for bringing this to our attention
Kelvin Collins
Owner
Written December 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
linda m
Belfast12 contributions
Mar 2022 • family
Seems things have changed since our last visit.
Firstly on trying to book a table for eight at 6.30pm we were told this was not possible and we must accept a 6 15pm slot.
We arrived at 6.15 pm and ordered our starters. These arrived in reasinable time but can I just state I have seen bigger cockles thsn the mussels we were served.
At approximately 7.45pm I had asked what was happening with our food, considering Ben Madigan had been so specific about the 6.15 stipulation I felt it a very poor service to have to wait 115 minutes for the first of our meals to be served. I was informed the reason was there was a party of 25 in the restaurant.
I finally received my meal which had been recommended by the very friendly waitress ' feather blade if beef' I was stunned by the size of the portion of beef so much so I complained.
I would also mention two steaks were served, poor quality. Rib Eye was not cooked as ordered and sinews through the steak. Sirloin also similar.
I told the manager exactly how I felt and informed him we would not be back.
On leaving the waitress and manager called me back to off me £40 voucher.
I refused it and reiterated my disappointment and confirmed we would not be back.
I have learned however one of the party later accepted the voucher. I have instructed them to destroy it.
It totally ruined a special birthday for me.
Never to be forgotten and never to return.
I had recommended this place to friends since our last visit. I will now update them.
Had qe been informed there was a party of 25 being served before us we would not have made the booking.
The couple sat next to us also had to return one of their meals.
Expencive bad experience. once bitten twice shy !
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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