The Madison Diner was built in 1948 by the Fodero Dining Car Company.  It was originally located on a street corner in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania under the name Willow Grove Diner. In 1996, Al Packard, a retired airline pilot, Bainbridge Island resident and classic east coast- style diner aficionado purchased the diner and moved it to Bainbridge. The Food Network’s Guy Fieri stopped by and featured the then Big Star Diner on the show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”

Wheelchair Accessibility Comments

• Very small diner on Bainbridge Island with an interesting history and very popular.
• Very good food and great shakes and reasonably wheelchair accessible.
• WARNING: There are several steps at entrance but there’s a side door (usually locked) that they will gladly open and assist. You’ll need someone with you to ask the hostess.
• There are a couple accessible tables and booths although the counter dining is not accessible.
• No designated bar.
• There is a wheelchair accessible restroom.
• Because there are so few wheelchair accessible tables, I’ve always found I had to wait a bit.