City Grille & Raw Bar

Wife and I celebrated our 12 year anniversary there. Olivia was our waitress and she was absolutely wonderful. She took time to talk to us and get to know us. Wonderful service. The food is top tier. Wife and I split the short rib brucetta which tasted amazing. We also got some bread with butter and olive oil to do it in. Our entrées were cooked to perfection. Wife got the Elk shank while I got the ribeye. Couldn't have asked for a better night. We will be back again.

Amazing happy hour! We sat in the bar area for happy hour and enjoyed many of the small plates with drinks. Everything was top notch. The entire staff was very friendly and our waiter Rick was fantastic. Such a beautiful building / atmosphere too. We will definitely be back!

My lovely wife and I decided to drive up from St Aug and have an evening in San Marco. We have never been to City Grille and Raw Bar so we decided to give them a shot. We expected a nice experience but they still vastly exceeded our expectations. From a service aspect, it is clear that the staff is extremely well trained. Everyone was very engaging and personable including the valet, host, maitre’d, girl serving water and even the fellow shucking the oysters. They make you feel like a valued guest. The ambiance is nice with what seems to be 3 or 4 different rooms for dining and a mid sized bar in the front. Our server was Olivia and she was very much on her game. She was well versed on a rather intricate menu and adroitly guided us through our culinary experience. We started with a lovely bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and decided on starters of baked oysters and a small serving of one of their oyster specials. The raw oysters were out of Washington and had a delicious mango sauce. Both were fantastic and were served without delay. My wife and I had great troubles deciding amongst the many entrees. Olivia helped us land on the postage stamp. I had the Pork Iberico which is a special pork out of Spain. Some refer to it as the wagyu of pork. It had a unique buttery flavor and melted in your mouth. My wife decided upon the snapper special which was stuffed with crab and a fontina cheese. She adored it and I could see why as the leftovers were my lunch (she is so sweet and always lets me eat her leftovers). Again, we expected our meals to be delicious but I truly believe that City Grille and Raw Bar stands right up with some of the best restaurants in North Florida. We highly recommend.

+1

City Grill and Raw Bar is a top-tier dining destination that masterfully combines elegant sophistication with an exceptional culinary experience. From the moment you step inside, the refined atmosphere, with its tasteful decor and upscale ambiance, sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. The menu strikes a perfect balance between land and sea, with standout offerings from their raw bar. The fresh oysters are a must-try, expertly prepared by their skilled oyster chef, ensuring each one is perfectly shucked and beautifully presented. The quality and freshness of the seafood are unparalleled, adding a touch of luxury to the meal. The service matches the high standards of the food and atmosphere—attentive, professional, and welcoming. The staff’s knowledge of the menu enhances the dining experience, whether you’re seeking recommendations or learning more about the dishes. City Grill and Raw Bar is the ideal spot for those who appreciate fine dining in an elegant and sophisticated setting. Whether it’s a special celebration or a refined night out, this place delivers in every way. Highly recommended!

We are visiting the Jacksonville area and had dinner here last night. I cannot say enough good things about this place! The food, service, and drinks were all excellent. The oysters and scallops were incredible. They also have a fabulous wine list. This was one of the best places I’ve ever dined.

Toree took our reservation to celebrate our anniversary. Was super great and sweet on the phone. Then same Toree called to confirm reservation and again was amazing. Toree was there when we arrived that night and greeted us and took us to our table. As we were leaving, it was Toree who walked us out. In a world where this type of service is becoming extinct, it was the most refreshing dinner we’ve had in several years. To say our food was on point is an understatement. It was perfect. Loved every single aspect of this restaurant. This will be our special occasion go to.

We went in for an amazing Happy Hour. Drinks and taste options. Service was friendly. Try the wonderful fish n chips and the best Hamachi crudo and Steak sliders taste cheese plate. Go try it and enjoy.

The food is worth the visit. Everything met or exceeded my expectations. The service was a little slow but the server was nice. Interior atmosphere can use a little work, I would not recommend it for any special occasion. But it could also just be where we were seated. Overall, decent experience.

Thank You, Pasha! We just wanted to take a moment to thank our amazing server, Pasha. Every time we come to City Grille, he goes above and beyond to make our experience memorable. His warm personality, attention to detail, and outstanding service are truly unmatched. Honestly, he’s the reason we keep coming back. Thank you, Pasha—you’re the best! — Loyal City Grille Guests

We were cheerly welcomed and seated in the tree house room. A beautiful GIANT oak tree greeted us wrapped in sparkling lights. We had fresh delicious appetizers, entrees and a scrumptious shared dessert. Our server, Marcella, was awesome, catering to our every need

Wow. The service was top notch from beginning to end. That’s one thing. The food is absolute insanity. My party of 5 ordered a seafood tower as to which we were all very impressed with how amazing it was. The chef came out to walk us through it and put his own spin on some items. Everything was amazing. The portions for the main course are very generous and well done. I would come here every time I’m in the area going forward. Worth every second.

My wife and I are visiting Jacksonville for her EMHA graduation from UNF and looked for a nice place to have our celebratory dinner. We saw the reviews from City Grille and decided to check it out. WE ARE SOOO GLAD WE DID!! Great atmosphere, phenomenal food, and exceptional service from Kevin. Thank you for a great night out!!

We had a very enjoyable evening here. The staff were friendly and service good. We shared a crab cake, tuna tartar the lamb chops which were cooked perfectly. Dessert was blueberry bread pudding and that was delicious.

My mom, aunt & I went to the Sunday brunch. The inside was gorgeous! The area we sat in had a ton of natural sunlight and was very well decorated. The restaurant has a very light and airy atmosphere to it. Literally EVERYTHING we ordered was delicious! We had the Argentina shrimp, beef skewers & oysters for appetizers. It was all very delicious! For entrees, we had the brunch hash in skillet, lobster roll (served warm) and Rockefeller Benedict. It was sublime! The owner, Karen, came over to our table & she was a delight to speak with. Craig also came by our table (he did not mention his title) but was pleasant as well. The wait staff was very attentive and seemed very happy with their jobs. The restaurant does offer valet services and the valet, Robert, is such a sweet guy! Overall, such a great experience! Would definitely recommend trying this place out. Here are a few photos!

This was our first time going and we were celebrating a birthday... Let's start with the service - from the valet who was prompt and polite to the hostess to the server - service was amazing all around. Our server Sydney - an absolute gem! She knew the menu and specials forward and back. Her recommendations were on point . She was so knowledgeable about every item on the menu without even a cheat sheet - I was so impressed! The manager brought us our drinks and checked in on us which was top notch. The service all together was just not something you get at a lot of places anymore and we were very impressed. Now the food - delicious! Everything was perfectly prepared! Kudos to the chef! He had the salmon and I had the tenderloin topped with truffle butter - just perfect! The dessert - Banana Foster bread pudding! - yes, you should be dreaming of this! If you haven't gone - go! Worth it!

Our first time here and won’t be our last. The venison dish was AMAZING. My wife got the chicken also AMAZING. Kids got steaks and they were cooked perfectly. We shared the octopus and crab appetizers that were also delicious. I got a fancy Bloody Mary too garnished with lobster and shrimp that was also incredible.

First time here, and I will definitely be back for more!! I sat at the bar and had an amazing experience. The selection of oysters was superb. I went with the house oysters, and they were shucked perfectly. The crab cake was not the best, but it was good. The star of the show was definitely the Argentinian shrimp...soooo flavorfil!!!

We celebrated our anniversary here and had a fantastic dinner. We started with the red shrimp appetizer and a couple of cocktails. For our mains, I ordered the beef short rib and my wife chose the lamb chops and also a side of mushrooms. The short rib was enormous and packed with flavor while the lamb chops were nicely cooked. Peach bread pudding for dessert. Service was outstanding. Our server was friendly, attentive, and accommodating. Overall, a great dinner and a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion.

Went for happy hour to get a quick bite—the sliders were delicious and the cucumber gimlet was refreshing. Everything came out quickly. Especially on happy hours prices, I’d fully recommend! I thought I’d have to order another appetizer to be full but the sliders alone left me satisfied. Definitely worth the trip. Will be coming back!

Went for dinner last night and could not have had a more perfect dining experience. Our server Sydney was incredible. Her experience as a server was over the top. My ceaser salad so fresh and the dressing (Filling Station dressing..if you know,you know) was delicious. I also had the Sea Bass special entree, best sea bass entree with lobster chunks with risotto and asparagus. Desert was a lemenchella mouse with lemon cake so so good. Drinks were also very good. Highly recommend this restaurant.

I can’t express enough how much I enjoyed this place! Great use of space…very esthetically pleasing! But the service is what really stole the show!! Every encounter was very pleasant and warm!!! The food and drinks were absolutely amazing!!! Looking for a place where the steak doesn’t need any steak sauce…right here! You’re welcome! The Argentina shrimp….elite!!! Their crème brûlée the elite-est (lol) 😋 somebody’s whip game went crazy on that custard!!! The pineapple 🍍🍸 sidecar…showing out behind that bar! Whoever on the crab cakes I hope life is generous to you like you are with the crabmeat and flavor in those crab cakes, you deserve the world! Anyways, definitely gonna add the to the monthly places to visit…I love it here ❤️

This was a huge surprise for my husband and I.. we came here by chance as most places are closed on Thanksgiving. It kept reminding us of somewhere we went 15 years ago so my husband looked up the details of the restaurant and it turned out to be the location we were at for our 3 year anniversary. Now we're back 17 years later celebrating our anniversary and was happy to find that our beloved Wine Cellar did not die after all but was reborn into something else. Yes I cried as everything was PERFECT.

Dinner reservations for 6:45 on a Saturday night for an engagement celebration brought us to the “City Grille”. We valeted the car and were quickly seated at a spacious four top overlooking the outside garden tables. Our waiter brought us menus,water and took cocktail orders pretty soon thereafter told us about the specials for the evening. We did try a couple of dozen oysters on the half shell along with four “Rockefeller “ style that were all delicious. Bridget tried the seared Sea Scallops and I ordered a full rack of lamb medium. Way too much for me, so everyone had some to help me out. The lamb was cooked perfectly and it was delicious. We all enjoyed our meals and followed with dessert and we were on our way around 9:00. It was a fun night, the service was great and I would definitely go again.🍾🥂

Great service with an old-school feel and engaging staff. Courtney greeted me as soon as I was seated and set the tone by making me feel welcome, reassured that Chris would be along shortly to get my drink order and make some recommendations for dinner. I was assured that the rib steak was certified aged and USDA Prime beef, but it was aged choice beef with plenty of lean meat inside. They did cook it to a nice med rare and it was flavorful with the bone marrow butter on top. The asparagus and mushrooms complemented my meal very nicely. I was grateful for the Elijah Craig with a gentleman’s rock and Chris made a frothy carpaccio that was probably the best I’ve ever had.

My husband and I stopped by for happy hour and absolutely loved everything we tried! The fresh oysters, tuna tartare, and beef carpaccio were all amazing. My personal favorite was the raw oyster topped with cream cheese—definitely planning to go back for more of that! (Bonus point: their coffee was also amazing)

I can not say enough good things!! Marcella our server was amazing, the food was AMAZING!! EVERY BITE was delicious. It was such a pleasure to eat here. Everyone was so friendly but the FOOD!! OMG!! Literally cooked to perfection!! There must be magic in that kitchen because it was out of this world!! And im a good cook so I am judgy lol

JiM PiZarro

We celebrated our anniversary here and had a fantastic dinner. We started with the red shrimp appetizer and a couple of cocktails. For our mains, I ordered the beef short rib and my wife chose the lamb chops and also a side of mushrooms. The short rib was enormous and packed with flavor while the lamb chops were nicely cooked. Peach bread pudding for dessert. Service was outstanding. Our server was friendly, attentive, and accommodating. Overall, a great dinner and a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion.

Sherri Meadows

Went for dinner last night and could not have had a more perfect dining experience. Our server Sydney was incredible. Her experience as a server was over the top. My ceaser salad so fresh and the dressing (Filling Station dressing..if you know,you know) was delicious. I also had the Sea Bass special entree, best sea bass entree with lobster chunks with risotto and asparagus. Desert was a lemenchella mouse with lemon cake so so good. Drinks were also very good. Highly recommend this restaurant.

Adrian

I can’t express enough how much I enjoyed this place! Great use of space…very esthetically pleasing! But the service is what really stole the show!! Every encounter was very pleasant and warm!!! The food and drinks were absolutely amazing!!! Looking for a place where the steak doesn’t need any steak sauce…right here! You’re welcome! The Argentina shrimp….elite!!! Their crème brûlée the elite-est (lol) 😋 somebody’s whip game went crazy on that custard!!! The pineapple 🍍🍸 sidecar…showing out behind that bar! Whoever on the crab cakes I hope life is generous to you like you are with the crabmeat and flavor in those crab cakes, you deserve the world! Anyways, definitely gonna add the to the monthly places to visit…I love it here ❤️

The Real Kimberly Thomas

This was a huge surprise for my husband and I.. we came here by chance as most places are closed on Thanksgiving. It kept reminding us of somewhere we went 15 years ago so my husband looked up the details of the restaurant and it turned out to be the location we were at for our 3 year anniversary. Now we're back 17 years later celebrating our anniversary and was happy to find that our beloved Wine Cellar did not die after all but was reborn into something else. Yes I cried as everything was PERFECT.

S. TILLMAN

Dinner reservations for 6:45 on a Saturday night for an engagement celebration brought us to the “City Grille”. We valeted the car and were quickly seated at a spacious four top overlooking the outside garden tables. Our waiter brought us menus,water and took cocktail orders pretty soon thereafter told us about the specials for the evening. We did try a couple of dozen oysters on the half shell along with four “Rockefeller “ style that were all delicious. Bridget tried the seared Sea Scallops and I ordered a full rack of lamb medium. Way too much for me, so everyone had some to help me out. The lamb was cooked perfectly and it was delicious. We all enjoyed our meals and followed with dessert and we were on our way around 9:00. It was a fun night, the service was great and I would definitely go again.🍾🥂

Marty Shaw, Author

Great service with an old-school feel and engaging staff. Courtney greeted me as soon as I was seated and set the tone by making me feel welcome, reassured that Chris would be along shortly to get my drink order and make some recommendations for dinner. I was assured that the rib steak was certified aged and USDA Prime beef, but it was aged choice beef with plenty of lean meat inside. They did cook it to a nice med rare and it was flavorful with the bone marrow butter on top. The asparagus and mushrooms complemented my meal very nicely. I was grateful for the Elijah Craig with a gentleman’s rock and Chris made a frothy carpaccio that was probably the best I’ve ever had.

Janel Domenici

I can not say enough good things!! Marcella our server was amazing, the food was AMAZING!! EVERY BITE was delicious. It was such a pleasure to eat here. Everyone was so friendly but the FOOD!! OMG!! Literally cooked to perfection!! There must be magic in that kitchen because it was out of this world!! And im a good cook so I am judgy lol

Deborah Riehl

We had a very enjoyable evening here. The staff were friendly and service good. We shared a crab cake, tuna tartar the lamb chops which were cooked perfectly. Dessert was blueberry bread pudding and that was delicious.

Aki A Tran

My husband and I stopped by for happy hour and absolutely loved everything we tried! The fresh oysters, tuna tartare, and beef carpaccio were all amazing. My personal favorite was the raw oyster topped with cream cheese—definitely planning to go back for more of that! (Bonus point: their coffee was also amazing)

Jeff Vongjesda

Delicious food and generous portions! I started with the Cesar salad then the braised beef. Nice service. Parking was a little limited. They have a parking area on the other side of the bank. I ended up parking on the grass. Thankfully it was after 6:30 pm and already evening.

Tyler Rivers

My mom, aunt & I went to the Sunday brunch. The inside was gorgeous! The area we sat in had a ton of natural sunlight and was very well decorated. The restaurant has a very light and airy atmosphere to it. Literally EVERYTHING we ordered was delicious! We had the Argentina shrimp, beef skewers & oysters for appetizers. It was all very delicious! For entrees, we had the brunch hash in skillet, lobster roll (served warm) and Rockefeller Benedict. It was sublime! The owner, Karen, came over to our table & she was a delight to speak with. Craig also came by our table (he did not mention his title) but was pleasant as well. The wait staff was very attentive and seemed very happy with their jobs. The restaurant does offer valet services and the valet, Robert, is such a sweet guy! Overall, such a great experience! Would definitely recommend trying this place out. Here are a few photos!

Dana Darmanin

Amazing happy hour! We sat in the bar area for happy hour and enjoyed many of the small plates with drinks. Everything was top notch. The entire staff was very friendly and our waiter Rick was fantastic. Such a beautiful building / atmosphere too. We will definitely be back!

Candace Huston

This was our first time going and we were celebrating a birthday... Let's start with the service - from the valet who was prompt and polite to the hostess to the server - service was amazing all around. Our server Sydney - an absolute gem! She knew the menu and specials forward and back. Her recommendations were on point . She was so knowledgeable about every item on the menu without even a cheat sheet - I was so impressed! The manager brought us our drinks and checked in on us which was top notch. The service all together was just not something you get at a lot of places anymore and we were very impressed. Now the food - delicious! Everything was perfectly prepared! Kudos to the chef! He had the salmon and I had the tenderloin topped with truffle butter - just perfect! The dessert - Banana Foster bread pudding! - yes, you should be dreaming of this! If you haven't gone - go! Worth it!

Trey Johns

Our first time here and won’t be our last. The venison dish was AMAZING. My wife got the chicken also AMAZING. Kids got steaks and they were cooked perfectly. We shared the octopus and crab appetizers that were also delicious. I got a fancy Bloody Mary too garnished with lobster and shrimp that was also incredible.

Krystal

City Grill and Raw Bar is a top-tier dining destination that masterfully combines elegant sophistication with an exceptional culinary experience. From the moment you step inside, the refined atmosphere, with its tasteful decor and upscale ambiance, sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. The menu strikes a perfect balance between land and sea, with standout offerings from their raw bar. The fresh oysters are a must-try, expertly prepared by their skilled oyster chef, ensuring each one is perfectly shucked and beautifully presented. The quality and freshness of the seafood are unparalleled, adding a touch of luxury to the meal. The service matches the high standards of the food and atmosphere—attentive, professional, and welcoming. The staff’s knowledge of the menu enhances the dining experience, whether you’re seeking recommendations or learning more about the dishes. City Grill and Raw Bar is the ideal spot for those who appreciate fine dining in an elegant and sophisticated setting. Whether it’s a special celebration or a refined night out, this place delivers in every way. Highly recommended!

ALICIA PRESHA

First time here, and I will definitely be back for more!! I sat at the bar and had an amazing experience. The selection of oysters was superb. I went with the house oysters, and they were shucked perfectly. The crab cake was not the best, but it was good. The star of the show was definitely the Argentinian shrimp...soooo flavorfil!!!

We came with no reservation on a Sunday and sat at the bar. What a fun experience! Russian, the raw bar chef was so knowledgeable and made some beautiful dishes! We had an appetizer that was exploding with flavor! The bartender was on point, and the entrees were so delicious! It was a great evening out, and I highly recommend! Next time we will get a reservation and sit in the tree room! It's lovely!

Julie Roca

We came with no reservation on a Sunday and sat at the bar. What a fun experience! Russian, the raw bar chef was so knowledgeable and made some beautiful dishes! We had an appetizer that was exploding with flavor! The bartender was on point, and the entrees were so delicious! It was a great evening out, and I highly recommend! Next time we will get a reservation and sit in the tree room! It's lovely!

Grabbed a drink at the bar that literally had a hair in it. I noticed immediately and the bar tender didn't apologize or anything but replaced it. It was a cucumber drink that was very good. We had, steamed oysters that were good and we asked for roasted baguette which was a perfect accoutrement. We also had the arancini which was also delightful. For meals we shared the berry salad, he had the bison steak special, and I had the Chilean seabass. His steak was extra fatty too much really. We understand and like ribeye and we order them all the time at other restaurants. The sea bass was lacking in something, maybe just salt. Also, the pistachio cheesecake was okay. The ambiance was great and we enjoyed our waiter, a young man with glasses. We will likely try it one more time for the escargot but not sure. We like places like this and know there can be off nights. I will update if we go back.

What an exquisite fine dining this was. I loved the atmosphere and the service was phenomenal. Highly recommend the New Zealand rack of lamb. The appetizer was decent, I was expecting a bit of more savory on the three appetizers I’ve ordered. Ordered the peach cobbler and the blue berry raspberry cheesecake, my partner enjoyed it.

Dinner was wonderful here! Everything we tried as delicious 😋. From the escargot to the oysters 🦪 to the lamb to the salmon 🍣. The truffle fries were perfect - keep in mind that it’s not on the menu but they do serve it! Our server was very nice.

First time here for our anniversary. They have valet parking but you can self park on the next street over. Very nice inside. We had a reservation and were seated right away. The host did give us an option to dine inside or outside which I liked. We chose inside. Our server was very good although she didn't give us the same experience as the other servers gave their diners. For example, an explanation of the menu setup, are we celebrating anything special and if they had any specials on the menu. Drinks were good, the appetizers mussels and house oysters were delicious. The entrees were even better. The salmon and scallops with risotto. Plus dessert. The chocolate cake and cheesecake was decadent. Overall, we definitely enjoyed ourselves and will come again. Next time to enjoy the outdoor seating.

We had dinner on Saturday at City Grille and Raw Bar before our Jacksonville Symphony concert. This restaurant is very close to the Center for Performing Arts and they offer complimentary valet parking. Our server, Kalie, came over to take our beverage orders and tell us about the specials. They have a wonderful wine list (by the glass, half and full bottles) and full bar. We shared the Burrata Salad to start which had an assortment of tomatoes, burrata cheese and basil microgreens. The tomatoes were cold instead of room temperature which was a little surprising. I ordered the Cape Cod Diver Scallops but was disappointed in the preparation. The potatoes are mixed in with the sautéed rainbow Swiss Chard which I am not a big fan of. I enjoy romesco sauce but there was so much on the plate, in my opinion, it overwhelmed the delicate scallops and the beurre Blanc sauce. My husband ordered Duck which was a special - the cost was $65.00 which is much higher than anything else they have on the menu. I think the servers should disclose this when they talk about the specials. They have an extensive menu so you won’t have any trouble finding something and we will definitely go back.

Nancy Clancy

We had dinner on Saturday at City Grille and Raw Bar before our Jacksonville Symphony concert. This restaurant is very close to the Center for Performing Arts and they offer complimentary valet parking. Our server, Kalie, came over to take our beverage orders and tell us about the specials. They have a wonderful wine list (by the glass, half and full bottles) and full bar. We shared the Burrata Salad to start which had an assortment of tomatoes, burrata cheese and basil microgreens. The tomatoes were cold instead of room temperature which was a little surprising. I ordered the Cape Cod Diver Scallops but was disappointed in the preparation. The potatoes are mixed in with the sautéed rainbow Swiss Chard which I am not a big fan of. I enjoy romesco sauce but there was so much on the plate, in my opinion, it overwhelmed the delicate scallops and the beurre Blanc sauce. My husband ordered Duck which was a special - the cost was $65.00 which is much higher than anything else they have on the menu. I think the servers should disclose this when they talk about the specials. They have an extensive menu so you won’t have any trouble finding something and we will definitely go back.

JD

What an exquisite fine dining this was. I loved the atmosphere and the service was phenomenal. Highly recommend the New Zealand rack of lamb. The appetizer was decent, I was expecting a bit of more savory on the three appetizers I’ve ordered. Ordered the peach cobbler and the blue berry raspberry cheesecake, my partner enjoyed it.

Ms. Mercy

Dinner was wonderful here! Everything we tried as delicious 😋. From the escargot to the oysters 🦪 to the lamb to the salmon 🍣. The truffle fries were perfect - keep in mind that it’s not on the menu but they do serve it! Our server was very nice.

I live walking distance to the restaurant and wanted to continue my pamper day. That included not cooking. I walked over and sat at the bar. The staff was very nice and attentive. Makenzie was my server. (Extremely sorry if I spelled your name incorrectly.) She was so great. She made sure I had everything I needed. I ordered: *pineapple sidecar *old fashioned *half dozen raw oysters * single crab cake * petite 5oz steak (medium rare) *blue cheese butter *bone marrow butter *whipped potatoes *limoncello cake (to go) - although I snuck a taste at the restaurant The steak was cooked perfectly, however it was lacking flavor. The bone marrow butter needed salt but it was very smooth. The blue cheese “butter” was simply the Danish cheese you can buy from Publix for $5.69 . I paid $4 for a cube. I love my steak with blue cheese. In my opinion the saltiness of the blue cheese compliment it well. But in this case I was definitely robbed. No butter. Just cheese LOL. I make it as a creamy sauce at home. Butter, heavy whipping cream, blue cheese. Or compound the blue cheese. The crab cake was cold and lacked so much flavor. The crab it’s self can only do so much and the Dijon mustard sauce was just that. The whipped potatoes lacked everything. Long horn steak house has better potatoes. This taste like it was boiled in just water, then whipped with butter salt and a little whipping cream and I’m being generous with the whipping cream it could be milk. The oyster were very fresh. The team that prepared the oysters was very nice and interactive, especially since I sat at the bar stool in front of their Station. The Limoncello cake was PERFECT! Although for some that may have not had it before, it’s not a lot of cake but its so creamy and rich. I would give the service and the team 5 stars. I would give the food 2.5 (oysters not included) And the drinks a 4. I will return after the hype of the new restaurant dies down. I also love they have an area to have drinks while you wait for a table or your reservation.

+1

We were very excited to try City Grille as we had heard amazing things about it. But the experience did not quite live up to the hype I’m afraid. The room we were in was very loud. To the point that we had trouble hearing each other. We started with a Seafood tower. This one of our favorite things to order and we were looking forward to it. The seafood was nothing special for the price. Small shrimp and lobster. Both a little tough. The oysters were delicious. The lobster salad was in desperate need of some crackers or toast or some sort of accompaniment. Overall did not feel we receive the value we paid for. The service was mediocre. We ordered our drinks. Then the tower. We then sat with our menus in front of us for like twenty minutes. When the waitress stopped by to ask us about the tower, we had to slow her down when she rushed off again to ask if we could finally order our entrees. When she stopped by again, I asked about a dish that went by. She said Oh! That’s one of our specials. We were not told about any specials. Our waitress was friendly, but we felt like we kept having to remind her of what she needed to do next. The entrees were very good. I had the Braised Short ribs and they were so tender and well balanced with the carrots, puree, and mushrooms. My husband had a Strip with potatoes. The steak was well cooked, but the potatoes were bland and plain. We did have the strawberry rhubarb dessert and it was very good. Overall, we spent $320 and while it was good, for that price point, I really expected exceptional.

The service was excellent, but I took my roommate there for his birthday and he said that I make a better ribeye. I definitely agree. The espresso martinis were good, but two of them weren’t worth $235! I will never go back!

A Well-Intentioned Evening That Missed the Mark We had a reservation for 7:30 PM for a party of five and arrived a few minutes early, hopeful for a great evening. Upon arrival, we were told our table wasn’t quite ready and were invited to wait in the lounge or grab a drink at the bar. While waiting, we noticed the manager making rounds, offering apologies to other guests—clearly, the evening wasn’t going as planned for the team. Around 7:45 PM, the manager came over to personally apologize for the delay as our table was still not ready, which we appreciated. It was evident he was trying to manage a tough situation with grace. We were finally seated at 8:08 PM on the patio, but the table wasn’t fully prepared—staff had just pushed two tables together and laid a tablecloth, but there were no place settings or glasses yet. The large patio was quiet, with only one other couple seated nearby. The fun energy for which we were hoping. While the team worked to finish setting the table, I stepped away to speak with the manager. I found him and the host engaged in a personal conversation about a football game with the host. I waited a few minutes before they acknowledged me. I shared my concerns about the long wait and the unexpected patio seating, which felt a bit like being tucked away. The manager walked back with me to the table, and my guests decided to stay. Throughout the meal, there were several service missteps. We had to request utensils after being seated. We had to ask for bread, which was requested at 8:20 PM, but didn’t arrive until 8:38 PM. Our server didn’t ask about allergies, which was concerning since one of our guests has a serious shrimp allergy. Our entrées didn’t arrive until 9:13 PM—over an hour after we were seated. Upon being asked for a wine recommendation, the server asked what my guest liked, to which he replied, “Sauvignon Blanc.” The server should have offered the Sancerre, which is the same grape as Sauv Blanc, but she fumbled around with other suggestions including Picpoul and another special of the evening that did not align with his request. The manager did check in a few times, which we appreciated, but some basics were overlooked that he could have addressed, like empty water glasses and missing table settings. He had kindly offered a complimentary round of drinks to make up for the delay, but they still appeared on the bill. Additionally, one guest was offered extra truffle on their pasta, which came with a surprise $15 upcharge. To his credit, the manager introduced himself and shook my hand, which was a thoughtful gesture. We appreciated the round of drinks. It was clear the staff was trying, and we understand that hospitality is a tough business with many moving parts. Still, a 40-minute wait for the table, missed service basics like not having the table set upon seating, utensils not placed before food arrives and clunky wine knowledge meant the overall experience lacked the polish and attention to detail we expected from a restaurant of this caliber.

I took my wife here for Valentine’s Day. I made reservations more than a month in advance. Two weeks before dinner, I received a call requesting my full credit card information, including the CVV. That felt unusual, but I complied. We arrived at 5:00 PM and were seated inside at a table that offered little privacy or intimacy. Guests constantly passed by while we were trying to enjoy what was meant to be a special evening. Our waiter, Kevin, was attentive at first. That changed the moment a table of his regular guests was seated next to us. He became fully engaged with them, to the point where we were forgotten. He told the other table he would return with bread and water. We were never offered bread. He moved straight to the menu with us. My wife had to ask if our table of two was “too small” to receive bread. His response was, “No. Would you like some?” It was brought out only after we asked. Meanwhile, Kevin spent a significant amount of time socializing with the regular table, showing them fishing photos and discussing his “hot female roommate.” It felt unprofessional and inappropriate given the setting. Our food took about an hour to arrive. We received our entrées at 6:10 PM. Both half racks of lamb were lukewarm. Not warm. Lukewarm. Even the plates were cold. I pulled Kevin aside and told him the food temperature was unacceptable. He said he would “let someone know in the back,” but he never returned with an update. My wife had not eaten all day in anticipation of this dinner and did not want to risk sending the food back, either waiting another hour or worrying about retaliation in the kitchen. That should never even cross a guest’s mind. The gentleman in the burgundy coat, who typically checks on tables, never once stopped by to ask about our experience. He only approached after the check was paid, tapped the table, and told us to “enjoy the rest of our night.” Adding insult to injury, the menu clearly states that a 20% gratuity is added for tables of six or more. We were a table of two. Yet 20% was automatically included. To the chef, the flavors were good. The baked oysters were small but well-seasoned. The crab cakes were solid. But good flavor does not excuse poor execution or inattentive service. On a night that should have felt intentional and special, we felt secondary. We will not be returning.

So disappointed. The ambiance was so blah. We had reservations and asked several staff if we could sit in a room that was nicer than where they put us EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD NO ONE SITTING IN THE OTHER ROOMS, but they said they would not because they had specific servers handling certain rooms. Kevin our server was lovely but not impressed with any other staff member.

Website says opens at 11 am. Stood outside till 11:30 am. Called the number, message confirmed they opened at 11. Finally found an employee who said they decided to open only for dinner because it was a day after new years day. Drove 40 minutes for nothing. Do better.

From the beginning, the male bartender’s demeanor was noticeably irritated and dismissive. Basic questions about cocktails and appetizers were met with minimal information and clear annoyance. We ordered an appetizer that was delicious. When the bartender came to collect the empty plate and I set it on the bar mat in an attempt to be helpful and move it closer to him, the bartender forcefully reprimanded me and told me never to put anything on the bar mat. We then saw him speak rudely to other staff behind the bar. We were so uncomfortable with the palpable hostility that we asked for our check. It was a terrible waste of an evening and incredibly disappointing.