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Grill 23 & Bar

161 Berkeley St
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 542-2255
Fax: (617) 542-5114
Grill 23 & Bar
Price:
$$$$
Cross Street:
Stuart Street
Best of Citysearch:
Steak 2007, Group Dining 2006, Steak 2006
Hours:
Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm, Sun 5:30pm-10pm

Editorial Review for Grill 23 & Bar – by Eric Grossman

The Scene
Regardless of the Dow Jones' fortunes, the city's power brokers continue to fill Grill 23's cavernous dining room. They come to feast on award-winning steaks, and to enjoy selections from an acclaimed, luxurious wine list. With high ceilings and lots of mahogany and polished brass, patrons are guaranteed a classic steakhouse atmosphere. But courteous waiters have to shout to be heard over the oppressive noise levels.

The Food
The menu of appetizers and entrees may change weekly, but the chophouse's selection of dry-aged steaks--served a la carte--is what keeps the crowds coming back for more. Foodies are appeased by imaginative dishes like seared foie gras with shaved green onions and duck consomme or meat loaf made with prime sirloin, chorizo and caramelized onions. Sumptuous sides (try an imposing, twice-baked potato or pureed butternut squash) are a must, as are classic desserts like hearty Bavarian carrot cheesecake.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Where to Sit

Patrons looking to carry on a conversation should consider requesting a table in the small, quiet seating area upstairs.

Know Before You Go

Strict vegetarians will have a tough time finding viable menu options, but non-red meat eaters can choose from several acclaimed seafood dishes (try a hefty swordfish steak).

User Reviews for Grill 23 & Bar

Citysearch (27), MenuPages (4 ), Fodor's (6 ), InsiderPages (1 ), All (38)

4 Star Rating: Recommended

10/18/2008 Posted by TheReviewa

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.

3 Star Rating: Average

09/29/2008 Posted by jsteff22

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

Users Who Viewed Grill 23 & Bar Also Viewed

The Capital Grille
359 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02115

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
217 Stuart St
Boston, MA 02116

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Editor's Review

Upscale country-club atmosphere plus world-class beef equals the city's premier steakhouse experience.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Where to Sit

Patrons looking to carry on a conversation should consider requesting a table in the small, quiet seating area upstairs.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information for Grill 23 & Bar

Smoking

  • No

Parking

  • Street
  • Valet

Hours

  • Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10:30pm
  • Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
  • Sun 5:30pm-10pm

Dress Code

  • Jacket and tie preferred

Payment Types

  • American Express
  • Travelers Check
  • Diners Club
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • Gift Certificate

Cuisines

  • American (New)
  • Seafood
  • Steakhouse

Meal Price

  • $$$$

Amenities

  • Group Dining
  • Online Reservations
  • Business Dining
  • Special Occasion Dining
  • Local Favorites
  • Notable Wine List
  • People Watching
  • Private Rooms
  • Valet Parking
  • Date Spot
  • Dine at the Bar
  • Bar Scene

Recognition for Grill 23 & Bar

2007 Editorial Winner - Steak
2006 Editorial Winner - Group Dining
2006 Editorial Winner - Steak

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