Main Street Cafe opens for dinner, boosts downtown mood

MADISON – The nighttime vibe in downtown Madison has brightened with Main Street Cafe opening for dinner.

New owners and operators John and Tammy Hall moved to Madison in 2016, and John soon visited Main Street Cafe for lunch. “He thought it was a charming restaurant … good prices, good food and pleasing atmosphere. Main Street Cafe is a well-established restaurant with a very loyal customer base,” Tammy said.

Tony and Cindy Sensenberger opened the cafe in December 2000.

“John overheard Cindy speaking of selling/partnering so that she could semi-retire. Without speaking to me, John handed Cindy his business card, and two years later here we are!” Tammy said.

Before moving to Madison, the Halls owned and operated Ranch House Diner in Columbus, Miss. “Ultimately, we sold the restaurant so that we could officially settle in Madison,” Tammy said.

“As of October 2018, Main Street is owned and operated by myself and my husband under J & T Hall LLC. Cindy and Tony Sensenberger are still very involved with the restaurant,” Tammy said. “They have been incredibly helpful in partnering with us as we transition into full ownership.”

Deliberately, the Halls have avoided ANY changes at the restaurant. “We stress this every day. We have the same cooks and order the same food from the same suppliers. Nothing has changed,” Tammy said.

“Main Street Cafe is an excellent business and had very little about its day-to-day function that needed changing. However, we have opened at night,” Tammy said.

On a new dinner menu, the Halls retained some ‘dinner-like’ options from the lunch menu’s “Local Favorites,” such as Poulet, Georgia Chicken and Meatloaf. They accept lunch reservations of five or more but take all reservations for dinner.

Corkscrew Calamari and Baked Brie are new appetizers for dinner. Black and Bleu Salad and a Grilled Caesar Salad also are new.

Dinner entrees include Bourbon Pork Medallions; an ever-changing Stuffed Chicken option; eight-ounce filet; and Salmon, Sea Bass and other fish. For dinner pasta, guests can choose Fettuccine, Linguine and Manicotti. The Halls offer dinner specials on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Main Street Cafe opens a full bar at night. “We do offer domestic and seasonal beer. We have a cocktail menu, along with weekly cocktail specials,” Tammy said.

Guests can enjoy all of the cafe’s popular, homemade desserts at dinner, along with Strawberry Pretzel Salad. The savory Clam Bisque and Mushroom Brie Soup are served.

Dinner hours include Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m. Currently, Monday and Tuesday evenings are available for private reservations.

For more information, visit mainstreetcafemadison.com, Facebook and Instagram @Main Street Cafe Madison.