The call
This page is kept as part of the dated record. The order notes below describe the place as Roger recommended it, not as it operates today.
What to order
- Barrel-aged mezcal or whiskey cocktails
Best for
- Cocktail-led dinners
- Dinner and drinks
New American
Madison
A University Heights restaurant where the cocktail program is a genuine reason to stay for dinner, not an afterthought to the food.
“Their cocktails are amazing and even barrel-age some of the mezcal or whiskey based drinks in-house.”
Temporarily closed
Madison on Park closed temporarily on September 7, 2026 for a multi-month renovation, with a refreshed menu and a new name planned for its reopening. Roger's 2022 recommendation describes the restaurant before that change, so it is off the Roger's Picks list until a new visit.
San Diego Magazine — Madison on Park temporarily closing (2026-08-16) ↗From Roger’s camera roll
More photos from Madison
Posted 2016-02-25 
Posted 2016-06-07 
Posted 2018-04-15
From Roger’s Foursquare
Roger’s tips on Madison
Super tasty crafted cocktails! Their whiskey based ones are on point.
Posted
Lovely selection of cocktails in a prohibition era environment/ambiance!
Posted
On Roger’s lists: Crafted Cocktails.
Source-backed notes
Visit history
Checked in 18 times on Yelp and Swarm, most recently Dec 21, 2022. See the check-in log
2020year precision · inferred
Rated 4 out of 5 on Roger’s Google Maps profile, without a written review.
Stay in the neighborhood
More in University Heights.
Roger’s pick$$$$
University Heights
Soichi Sushi
JapaneseSushi
Roger's University Heights omakase recommendation from 2022, paired with Tadokoro as his two go-to sushi counters.
- From the order notes
- Omakase
- Go for
- A special occasion · Letting the chef choose
Latest recordRecommended 2022
Roger’s pick$$
University Heights
Plumeria
ThaiVegetarian
A vegetarian Thai favorite where the panang curry is Roger's personal starting point and the menu gives mixed groups plenty of room.
- From the order notes
- Panang curry
- Go for
- Vegetarian Thai food · A flexible group dinner
Latest recordRecommended 2022
RecommendedPrice varies
University Heights
Swan Bar
CocktailsBurgers
Roger's backup for well-made cocktails when Polite Provisions is packed, plus a smash burger he said rivals The Friendly's.
- From the order notes
- Cocktails · Smash burger
- Go for
- Well-made cocktails · A smash burger with drinks
Latest recorded visit2023
Keep exploring
More like this.
Browse the New American page, or continue to another place with a matching cuisine.
Roger’s pick$$$
Mission Hills
Fort Oak
New American
A Mission Hills dinner-and-drinks choice with a menu built for a proper night out, especially when pork chops and whiskey cocktails are the brief.
- From the order notes
- Pork chop · Whiskey cocktails
- Go for
- Dinner and drinks · A polished night out
Latest recordRecommended 2022
Worth trying$$$
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Waverly
New American
A polished Cardiff stop where the coastal setting is part of the appeal and the menu works best for an unhurried brunch or lunch.
- From the order notes
- Breakfast burrito · Fish sandwich
- Go for
- Coastal atmosphere · Weekend brunch
Latest recorded visit2026-08 · approx.