Saltie Girl

The food at Grill 23 is undeniably good, but the experience didn’t live up to the expectations for a restaurant of this caliber and price point. Out of the six steaks we ordered, two had issues—one arrived cold, and the other was very underdone when we specifically requested medium. For a steakhouse of this reputation, it was disappointing to see such inconsistencies. The service was another letdown. Our server brought drinks we didn’t order, and the overall attentiveness and professionalism were just not there. It felt like a standard dining experience rather than the elevated one you would expect from a high-end establishment. For the price, I was hoping for a more seamless and exceptional experience.

Grill 23 & Bar is undoubtedly a Boston institution, and I was excited to finally experience its legendary reputation. While there were some bright spots during our visit, the evening was a bit of a mixed bag overall. The filet was the undeniable highlight of the night. Perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with flavor, it truly showcased the high-quality beef Grill 23 is known for. Surprisingly, the carrots—something I wouldn’t typically rave about—were shockingly delicious. Sweet, caramelized, and cooked to perfection, they were a standout side dish. Unfortunately, the mac and cheese was a letdown. While the flavor was promising, it was served ice cold, which dampened the experience. For a restaurant of this caliber, I expected better attention to detail, especially on such a comfort-food staple. The service is where things fell short. While the servers were polite, it was clear our table wasn’t given the same attention as others around us. Plates weren’t cleared promptly, and we had to wait longer than expected for drink refills. Meanwhile, we noticed other tables receiving lively conversations and more attentive service. It left us feeling a bit overlooked, which was disappointing for a premium dining experience. The ambiance remains classic and elegant, with a bustling energy that makes the space feel alive. However, the noise level was higher than anticipated, which made conversation slightly difficult at times.

A classic old-school steakhouse that feels both grand and cozy, with delicious food and welcoming service! The Wagyu carpaccio was unbelievably tender, melting in your mouth, and the 100-day aged prime ribeye was well seasoned and cooked to a perfect medium rare. The meal ended on a high note with the famous coconut cake – creamy, rich, and refreshingly complemented by the pineapple sherbet. A truly wonderful experience.