Grill 23

I was taken to Grille 23 for my birthday and the dining experience truly made the night special. It started from the moment we sat down, our waiter was extremely personable and knowledgeable about the wine list and made a wonderful recommendation. We received our appetizers and were never rushed to order the main course but left to enjoy what we had infront of us. My main course was a Kobe steak that was cooked to perfection. To end the night the waiter having know it was my birthday brought out a giant slice of chocolate cake that was delicious. This wasn't my first experience at Grille 23 and was nothing less than what i have come to expect from them.

The steak I had was one of the best I have ever had. Cooked to perfection, it was paired with carmelized onions that complemented well with the delicious garlic mash potatos. The service was wonderful as expected. I will return!

Pros: Steak, location

Cons: busy, make reservations

I have always been a fan of steak, being originally from the south, so of course I had to try Grill 23. Upon hearing good reviews about Grill 23, I decided to make reservations online for my recent graduation dinner on May 1, 2009. My party??s first impressions were positive. We had no trouble waiting for our table, and the dcor was ambient and beautiful with wood paneling. I felt that my waiter was prompt and his service to our table was decent enough.

When my party received our food we were initially impressed by the taste and presentation. However, our impressions abruptly went sour when one person in our party spotted something CRAWLING on her mashed potatoes. She immediately called one of the waiter??s attention. The waiter took her plate away without an explanation or apology. We waited approximately 5-10 minutes before my friend contacted ANOTHER waiter and asked, ??what are the restaurant??s procedures regarding a mishap in your food?? The staff appeared to be negligent and unconcerned. When the manager finally arrived for what we thought would be a sympathetic apology, he stated that he could only replace her order. My friend stated, ??I have lost my appetite and would rather not have another plate.? She then respectfully asked for a refund and the manager refused to give us any other options. He said, ??I can only replace your order, but since you ate half of it, I can give you half of your order to go.? I have previously dined at a fast food joint where the manager refunded an order with no problem, regardless of the amount of the food consumed or other variables. Not only was the manager not prompt about this serious matter, but he was unprofessional and had some nerve.

Overall, Grill 23 lacks in professional management, and promptness about a serious manner. The quality of the food was subpar and unsanitary. This is an occurrence one would expect at a fast food joint or chain restaurant, but not at a restaurant that has been deemed ??Best of Boston.? I would highly recommend that you dine somewhere else ?? perhaps try another steak house in Boston such as Abe and Louie??s.

Pros: Friendly waiter, nice decor

Cons: Unprofessional management, unsanitary food

Grill 23 is a great restaurant for a special occasion or a guys/girls night out. The meat is very good and the appetizers are quite niece too. If you don't like steak, try the yellow-tail entree. This Sushi-grade dish is a fantastic alternative to red meat. There is an impressive wine list and some interesting cocktails to choose from. Or, if you want to keep it simple there are plenty of beers for about $5. All together this is a nice alternative to S&W or Davios if you are looking for a new steak house. However, on balance, we prefer Davios.

Pros: Entrees and apps are great

Cons: Sides are nothing to write about.

Ok, so the steak was pretty good, but have had better at Abe & Louie's. I had the arugula salad which was nothing special either. I agree with other reviewers that the place is loud, but it didn't bother us too much. My boyfriend loves steak and we have been to several of the other steakhouses in town, so for his birthday we decided to try something new. I went on the website and they had a pretty strict dress code, and when I made the reservation I double-checked with the reservationist what the dresscode is (jacket/tie, business formal is what she said so we dressed to the 9's). When I showed up, most of the patrons were in jeans/tee shirts (no exaggeration) and I saw one patron walk in with gym shorts on. Now, I am all for casual dining, but I suggest Grill 23 recheck their website and what their reservationist tells customers. It was almost embarassing as my boyfriend and I were the most dressed up people in the restaurant.

Pros: Good Service, Ok Steak

Cons: Slightly overpriced, Inaccurate standards of dress code and ambience

This was my second visit here with my husband - went last year around the same time. Both times I ordered my steak medium, and both times it came out rare (2 different cuts of meat mind you). On our first visit, our server was attentive, great personality, and very apologetic about the undercooked steak and rushed it back to cook longer. Unfortunately it wasn't the same once it came back. This last time, our waiter disappeared on us (the last we saw of him was when he took our entree order), so when the steak came rare, there was no one to tell. I decided instead of sending it back to eat the more cooked portions, but unfortunately I did eat some of the rarer portions - about 3/4 of the way through the entree I could feel my stomach turning already (I'm one of those unfortunate souls who cannot digest rare/raw meat). When a different waiter came to clear our plates, I didn't even get to finish telling him my steak was undercooked - he could immediately tell it was rare. Unfortunately though, no one, neither our original waiter nor a manager nor the chef, came to apologize. I wasn't looking for anything free, just some acknowledgement of the error. Needless to say, after two blatent errors with no apology from management or the kitchen, I will not be going back, nor will I be recommending this place to anyone. I will stick with my favorite, Smith & Wollensky - I've been to 3 of their locations (NY, Boston and Vegas) numerous times (it was our fave place when we lived in NY) and have never had this problem. It got 2 stars because the blue cheese mashed were awesome and the wine list is tops - they even had a wine from a not so well known vineyard we visited in New Zealand so that salvaged the meal for me.

Pros: Ambience, wine list

Cons: Can't cook their steaks to order

appetizer was great, best crab cake, fantastic service, nice wine list, main course, too much salt, disappointing, husband had the halibut and was way to salty he said. I had the soft shell crabs, not bad, just disappointing. The hash browns and onion rings were good.

Pros: great service, great crab cake

Cons: not everything is good IMO

The food is spectacular. I had the 3 pound lobster and my husband the fillet, and both were perfection. It is definitely costly but worth every penny. This is not a place that we can afford to go to often, but it is perfect for that special occasion dinner. The food is so wonderfully prepared that if you are going to eat here you should spare no expense and spend your money freely. So go, order to your heart's delight and don't worry about the bill. It's going to hurt a bit once it comes, but you'll be so happy you splurged after the fact.

Pros: The food is devine!

Cons: You pay a pretty price for it.

I recently went to Grille 23 for a business function. It to me is overpriced for what it is. Also, I had trouble conversing with my colleagues as it is incredibly loud. Additionally, our service was what I would expect at a place like TGI Friday's. If I was paying out of my own pocket, I would have complained to the manager. I, along with my business colleagues, will probably never go there again because the other alternatives in Boston are much better in service, menu, and value. If you're looking to go Grill 23, you should instead consider Capital Grille, Abe & Louie's, or Ruth Chris Steakhouse.

I ate here for a buisness dinner about 2 months ago, I did not have to pay..however I felt bad for the person who did as it was not up to par with other restaurants we have had business dinners in before. For starters they tried to seat a party of 9 in this small round booth underneath the staircase...which could not have comfortably fit more than 7 people, they seemed annoyed when we told them we couldn't all fit in the space and didn't seem to care that we were irritated since we had reservations made about one month in advance....finally they moved us and yes I know it is a steak house, but one would think they would have some chicken or vegetable option on the menu...they did not, steak and seafood thats it, they told me they took the chicken off the menu the week before... I ended up getting a pasta veggie dish made special by the chef....which you know must have been way over priced, it was terrible, I can cook better than that! Completely bland with no kind of flavor what so ever! Some of the other people in the party enjoyed there meals and some said they wouldn't eat here if they had to pay....not the worst restaurant, just not worth this type of money...you are much better off at Abe and Louies...like I said not a steak person, but everyone who had steak agreed they liked the previous months dinner at Abe and Louies far better!

Pros: Friendly bartender

Cons: snooty hostess, food sub par

My family and I had dinner here on July 22, 2007. Being a Sunday evening in the summer, the restaurant was not overly crowded. We had a nice window table overlooking Berkeley St. This is not a typical steakhouse in its decor. It is upscale and beautifully decorated with great artwork throughout. Our server, Jennifer, was polished and professional. Our salads were great - I had a wedge of baby iceberg with a great bleu cheese dressing and a wedge of the cheese. We all enjoyed different steaks - I had a bone-in Delmonico which was flavorful, juicy and hearty. Others had filet mignon and the 18 oz. NY strip and all loved the staks which had a tasty, crusty char to them. Side dishes shine here. Hash brown potatoes are omelet style, crisp on the outside and hot and moist insdie. Ginger beets are different and a real treat. Broccoli au gratin is taken to a new height here. Incredible bread basket. Cocktails are steakhouse-big and well made. It is an expensive restaurant and very much worth it! Great dining experience.

Pros: superb steak, creative side dishes, polished service

Cons: steaks not cooked exactly as ordered

It is difficult to find a great steak if have had steak in Texas, Kansas, and Japan. I've tried Abe & Louies, Capital Grille, Ruth Chris, The Palm, Smith & Wollensky, Plaza III, and Mortons. All of them are not as consistent in quality and atmosphere as Grill 23. I preferences are the Sirlon, Bone in Filet, Prime Rib, Steak Tartar, Tater Tots. They have two dining rooms; downstairs is noisey and upstairs is more clubby with a nice intimate bar. Great wine selection and professional servers. The only negative is the management can be snooty and some host/reservation people have a terrible attitude. Be sure to make reservations and request where you prefer to sit.

Pros: Best Steak in Boston, Nice Atmosphere, Great Wine List

Cons: Expensive Valet Parking, Management unfriendly

I am a hard-working professional who looks forward to dining every Saturday night at Grill 23, generally at the bar. Having eaten at several steak houses before, including the chains (Ruth's, Morton's, Capital Grille, etc.), I find that Grill 23 is refreshingly unique and quintessentially Bostonian at its best: the atmosphere is elegant but masculine and subdued, the food is carefully prepared and delicious (including the appetizers), the wine list is expansive (and expensive), seating is prompt, and the service is unsurpassed. The crowd is upscale and when I go there I am always certain to be surrounded by others who share a love of red meat and the finer things in life. Don't be offended by the prices (all good steakhouses are expensive), and give the place a chance because it will grow on you like a full-bodied Napa Valley cabernet. And dress appropriately -- at least business casual -- because the ambience and tradition of the place deserve your respect.

Pros: Atmosphere, little or no riffraff, food

Cons: None

I've been up and down the east coast for many of years. I've tried every fine steak house in every major city and yet have I had anything close to the DRY-aged NY strip at the Grill. Its so tender, but has a flavor like no other. No wonder this place is packed every night. The service from the minute you walk in the door, to when you leave is no other. This place is a must and thats why I will keep coming back for more. There is only one Grill 23 and this is why its the king of all steak houses.

Poor service and steak was overcooked, I've had better steaks at Outbacks. Mash potatos was watery,
Asked for medium rare steak, and it was delivered well done! Waitress blamed cook.
Not worth the money!!!!!!!

Pros: Nothing

Cons: service/steaks

Grill 23 is definitely one of those highbrow places that are great for entertaining clients or for when you land that great job. The service was attentive, which is a must given how much you are paying for this place. I went with 2 other friends and we each put down about $100 for entree, wine and a starter or dessert. Given the price, I would have expected better food. I have had better steak au poivre at other places. Plus they mixed up the cooking instructions for my friend and me.

Pros: Great service

Cons: Loud, expensive

I travel frequently and have the luxury of dining out often. Grill 23 holds a special place for some of the best steaks and wine. They offer the best selections of wine and their cuts are excellent! Don't bother with Morton's when you can have Grill 23.

Pros: Steak and wine

Cons: Parking

Admittedly I went in expecting a lot from this well reviewed and expensive restaurant. Sadly, the food left me wishing I had grilled a steak at home. Me and my girlfriend both ordered steaks off the weekly entree list, and neither one was very good. Hers was a cap sirloin that was so salty as to be almost inedible. Mine was a skirt steak that left an unpleasant burnt taste in my mouth.

I guess the lowdown is only order the a la carte steaks and don't expect anything else on the menu, including appetizers and sides, to be imaginative or even particularly good.

Pros: Big steaks

Cons: Overpriced, many mediocre or worse menu items

Despite the influx of steakhouses in Boston, the Grill 23 continues to excel. From the moment you walk in, service is paramount. Excellent bar, great room.. noisy, but open with a great "steakhouse" feel. Menu is beyond the typical steakhouse, with inventive appetizers, and signature main courses. Dry aged steak remains the best in the city. Service is attentive, but not obtrusive. The wine list is beyond belief.. pricey, but with bottles not readily available anywhere. The Niemetz designed 2nd floor is welcoming. This is a far cry from the "castle" where they make you feel you are doing them a favor by dining there..

Pros: service , dry aged steak , wine list

Cons: none

Grill 23 is a splendid restaurant, superior on Food, Service and Value.
The Waiters here were extremely professional, very personable and never in a rush. Congratulations.

Pros: Inexpensive, Fast parking, The best Service

A very good restaurant - professional and timely service, nice size pour on wine-by-the-glass, decent steak, tasty side dishes. The dining space is large and lacks intimacy, but the artwork on the walls is elegant and tasteful. This is a great place for a large group, a business lunch or dinner, or even pre-theatre.

Absolutely the WORST steak I ever had. Also you need a megaphone to talk to the person next to you. In addition, don't complain, because the manager will literally (as it happened to me) stick his face in yours (5" away from me).
I don't know who the people are that write good reviewws for this place, but they probably have never been to any other restaurant to make a comparison. Totally not recommended.

Pros: none

Cons: steak, noise, manager

Best steak I have had in Boston. Delicious side dishes and had a nice bottle of wine too. My girlfriend took me here for my birthday and we both loved it. More of a power lunch place than a date spot, but once you have the steak you forget everything else. Thanks again!

Pros: great steak, wine, sides

This steakhouse leaves behind all other steakhouses. It does not offer the same menu that every single other steakhouse does. while it does offer the traditional items one would find in a steakhouse there is so much more to offer. From kobe beef steaks, to foie gras, to a highly imaginable desert list. Service is the best in the city, unlike every other steakhouse in town the waiters know what they're talking about. And the novel of a wine list has a selection for everyone.The dining room is very impresive. There are no cheesy kmart looking portraits on the wall like you will see in capital grille. Instead there are oil painings from many different artsits all over the restaurant, of which the manager was kind enough to tell me about when i asked. It's also the best steak in the city. Don't waste your time going anywhere else.

Pros: steak, ambiance, service

I went with my friends on Fri. night, the place was packed and noisy downstairs, but we had a seat upstairs so it was ok. It was a perfect place for group dining, the atmosphere is cozy and the food is great. Def. one of the best steak house in Boston! Seafood was really nice too!

Pros: great food, group dining

Our experience at Grill 23 was fantastic. We went on a Sunday night and sat upstairs, so the place was very quiet. I had the Kobe Delmonico with a glass of Pinot Noir. The Delmonico was extremely flavorful and melted in my mouth. It is probably the best steak I have ever had. The bread and Caesar Salad were also exceptional. I will definitely be going again soon.
Another perk--free street parking less than a block away!

Pros: wine list, knowledgable servers, amazing steak

Grill 23 is far and away the best steakhouse in Boston. The steak is excellent and you actually get almost generous proportions of what you order. Desserts are excellent as well. Certain members of the wait staff could be upgraded. However, the bartenders are excellent. Overall excellent place to dine.

Pros: Serving Size, Steak, Bar Staff

Cons: Wait Staff

Grill 23 has the best porterhouse in Boston, and really, that's all you need to know. Real steak lovers never mind paying extra for quality, and this is just that.

The small downside is, don't expect any value on the wine side. But the atmosphere and service are also excellent, and after all, you'd be happy if they served you this steak in a shed.

Pros: Steak, Steakhouse atmosphere

Cons: Value wines

Finally, a restaurant that offers Classic American fare with the scene and atmosphere of a fabulous dinner party. Don't expect a quiet night. This place is big & hopping. If you love a good steak or great seafood, you can NOT have a bad meal here. Creative dishes and amazng sides, served a la carte, will have you licking the plate. Nothing too fancy and over the top here. You'll get your belly's worth for sure. And don't forget to order a bottle of wine; Amerone Tuscany Region.

Pros: Food, ambiance, wine

My first visit a few years ago was WOW! so I couldn't wait for another outstanding dining experience. I'll still give 4 stars for the lux but relaxed, bubbly atmosphere and good service but the iceberg lettuce with blue cheese dressing was only that, no more, and the steak Diane was good beef but not filet and the sauce was a thin jus with only a distant hint of mustard. I turned down the blueberry and cream dessert because it was described as no more than that and at $10 seemed overpriced. I'll visit again but without walking in with such high expectations.

Pros: atmosphere, service

Cons: , weak scotch drink