Medieval Madness
Medieval Madness
4
Friday
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
About
The Medieval Madness Feast is located inside John Strongbow's Tavern. It features medieval entertainment that incorporates the arts and history to join people and communities in fun and good fellowship. Reservations include a four-course feast with dishes like Gallentyn Pye, Chicken Skewers Roasted in Plum Sauce, Three-berry tart and more. Food and seating are arranged family style. Reservations required.
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Address
Neighborhood: Old Town
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles52 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
10
Average
6
Poor
5
Terrible
5

Sunshineduo
Miami, FL56 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2016 • Family
I had visited a couple of times and thoroughly enjoyed the authenticity, effort and fun that went into these productions and meals.
It is trite to say that 'health issues' caused the decay of the fun factor and some problems associated with the business, but I received an email on 18 April, 2017 that explained the owner's lost battle with bone cancer.
Given that factor alone I give great respect the people who kept on going through very tough times.
Written April 22, 2017
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 Smith
7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2017 • Couples
I have been to Medieval Madness numerous times in the past, have recommended it to dozens of people, and have always had a great experience, but my recent experience is so bad I'm filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

I purchased tickets to their New Years Eve show a month in advance. A week after purchase they call to inform me the show/dinner has been cancelled in favor of a big party and I could get a refund, change dates, or upgrade to the party. No problem, I tell them to cancel and refund since I was taking people from out of town and another date wouldn't work. Now here I am a month later, I have called 7x and sent numerous emails and still no refund. I have been told on several occasions that "the manager is too busy to speak and they're the only one who can issue refunds and we'll call you back." To date I have not received a single call/email/text/carrier pigeon.

Not only that but apparently the managers work sporadic hours that vary from week to week. I've been told my best chance is to call between 10:30-2 on Mon, Tues, Thurs, or Fri, when I called them during those times I was told no manager was on site. After the most recent attempt to speak to them I told the hostess that if I did not receive a call in 24 hours that I would file the BBB complaint and write negative reviews. I am now going through the BBB to resolve this issue since Medieval Madness does not seem to care about keeping a repeat customer happy.
Written January 5, 2017
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.

GypsyTraveller94
Washington DC, DC780 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2016 • Couples
The first sentence was "I came with an expired Groupon", and that kind of summed up the show. Way too long of a monologue by the "hero" of the show who played more of a mother in law hater than a duke. Food came 90 minutes into the show so eat a late lunch. Ladies and gent were good but could've used a better story line. An ok evening.
Written November 11, 2016
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.

Keatman14
Alexandria, VA5 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2016 • Family
The show was ok and kind of funny, but we expected better. The food was decent but was definitely not enough food for the number of people at the table. We were hungry when we left (I was really not happy about this). They are very stingy with the food portions and refused to bring us a little more bread. Some at our table didn't get bread because there wasn't enough. It took a very long time for food to be served and we wound up being there for 3 hours. Make sure you have that amount of time. Unfortunately for the owners, things were made worse by the air conditioner not working so it was very warm inside. I have mostly positive reviews on Trip Advisor, so it pains me to write this one. I'm sorry but we were sadly disappointed and would not recommend this show to family or friends.
Written August 22, 2016
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.

somernaut
Erie, PA32 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2016 • Friends
It started off badly because our party was the only one that was not seated across from each other but in a straight line facing a wall it not allow for any conversation. The music playing did not help set the mood at all ( last I knew "The Pink Panther" theme song and Frank Sinatra " Fly Me to the Moon" we're not typical medieval songs.

It was a long time before we were even approached about how everything worked, yet other tables seemed to get a lot of information from their servers.

Food was awful, sounded pretty good from their menu discription but the bread was stale like it sat out all day, the chicken seemed like it was boiled, and slathered with really bad honey mustard. Plus it's a little hard to eat rice and blueberries with your fingers.

They said it was PG-13 however the songs the wenches sang was more R rated, I didn't appreciate the Isis jokes, I don't know how that or the religious jokes fit the midieval theme. The man who I think the person who wrote it was also the Duke who very often mouthed the lines if the other actors. Some actors appeared to be dresses in midieval attire but when you really looked on wench had on sneakers with some silver design and there were a couple of other poor wardrobe choices.

Also one wench came by our table and said how are you can the member of our party was "choking" (something went down the wrong way ) and they coughed a I'm choking out and the girl just kept on walking.

So in review. atmosphere: very poor
Food: awful
Entertainment?: well the question mark says it all.
Service: there wasn't much.

I have been to at least 3 other Midieval dinners that have been wonderful but this one really misses the mark and that was a lot of money down the drain. If you're looking for great midieval shows check out King Henry's Feast, Midieval Times!
Written June 18, 2016
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.

Rob M
78 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2016 • Couples
Wife and I went on a groupon and was very disappointed. I won't comment to much on the show, except to say if you like Monty Python style skits and comedy you would probably find the show entertaining.

However, I can comment on the food, medievil feast? More like mediocre meal! I understood thier concept of authentic medievil meal, but food still has to taste good and they say feast but the portions didn't add up. You eat with your hands so things like rice, peas, and small slices of roast beef just don't work.

The food was also not prepared well. The peas tasted like Steam fresh microwaved peas, the carrots were watered down and flavorless, and the roast beef was so overcooked it was almost uneatable. The three pieces of chicken with honey mustard sauce on a skewer was the best of the night.

We left hungry that night and appreciated the fact that we had stopped for an appetizer prior to the show.

The concept is good, The staff is authentically dressed and friendly, the location is small but very well decorated and clean, but the food just brought the experience down.

Written April 2, 2016
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.

Davanden
Alexandria, Virginia, USA379 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2015 • Couples
I really like what Medieval Madness is trying to do. They are trying to expose the public to medieval customs and cuisine in a way that's entertaining. They use only food and beverages that were available before 1453. Unfortunately, the execution is so clumsy, especially the entertainment part, that I can't recommend it.

The events take place in the Great Hall of John Strongbow's Tavern, which is operated by the same organization. It is on King Street in Old Town Alexandria, easily accessible from the Metro station via the free Old Town Trolley (bus). The room itself is well-decorated, but very noisy, with lots of echo that makes conversation difficult, including hearing what the servers ("wenches") have to tell you about the event. People sit at long tables are served communally.

The meal is fun. The only implement you have to work with is a spoon. Thus, you pick up the meat (sausages, roast beef, chicken skewers) with your hands. A large towel is provided to help you keep your fingers clean. In addition to the meat, there are rice, peas, and carrots, along with Linzer tart for dessert. Everyone is entitled to a glass of wine, a flagon of mead, or two tankards of ale. More modern beverages (including soft drinks) are available at the bar.

The entertainment is a series of comedy skits with a plot loosely linking them together. Some of them are downright tedious. The jokes are lame, and the delivery has little sparkle. It seems as if the actors are just going through the motions. Near the end of the evening, there is a brief presentation of medieval combat, which was probably the most interesting part of the entertainment.

The evening I attended, they said it was the first night of the new script. Moreover, the script was a departure for them, an attempt to write in the style of Monty Python. Perhaps that contributed to the problems described above. While I am local to the area and may give them another try some time, had I known what it would be like, I would not have booked the tickets.
Written July 19, 2015
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.

mamgavin
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2015 • Family
Bought tickets for my family online due to the incredible number of 4 & 5 star reviews. What a waste. My party's name wasn't even on the list, but I brought my printed confirmation so they did seat us. The beginning monologue dealt with current politics (what that had to do with medieval times?) I have no idea. The play was mediocre at best. The "sword fight" lasted all of 2 minutes and seemed more like an advertisement for the local jujitsu establishment than any medieval anything. The mead wine was actually the best thing they offered but being served by anyone was nearly impossible. Well I could say compleletely impossible since me or my party was never served by anyone. Didn't get the family and friends vibe from ANYONE working but did manage to squeeze my way out of the table arrangement and walk to the bar for self serve. In addition to the 60 per person charge they passed around a wooden bowl both for the sword fight and wench tip. Absolutely ridiculous! Completely unimpressed and would NEVER recommend nor attend another event by this establishment.
Written April 20, 2015
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 M
Stafford, VA47 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2014 • Couples
Found a Groupon offer and decided to give it a go-the husband and I enjoyed the night! The show was very good, and I love that everything offered is researched to be as historically accurate as possible. The beer offerings were excellent. The sword fighting was excellent, and it was very impressive to hear they have a martial arts center where people train in the ancient arts. I don't think I would have paid the $59 per person original cost, but for the $39 Groupon deal, it was worth every penny. We took a look at their regular restaurant menu and want to go back to try lunch or dinner. I would recommend this for a different kind of night out!
Written November 30, 2014
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.

Nicholas C
Axminster, UK37 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2014 • Business
Title says it all; did like the open mike night. Reformed chicken, or that's what it tasted like. Really good beer tho'
Written November 11, 2014
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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MEDIEVAL MADNESS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Medieval Madness

Medieval Madness is open:
  • Fri - Sat 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM