This place was a big disappointment. My gf and I went here on Saturday. The first thing that threw me off was the lack of parking. It's so bad they have a complimentary valet and park across the street. The room we were seating it was nice but the crowd was all old enough to have served in Korea and they were all yelling so the room got louder as it filled up. I could here every table's conversation.

As for the food. The garlic bread is awful. Tasted and was burnt and had the wrong texture. The butter was also rock hard, and any good restaurant would have it at room temperature so that it's spreadable. For the main course I had the Saturday Special with was London Broil. When it arrived I was disappointed for $19 and change I would of expected more than 6oz of meat, it's not an expensive cut. There was some bland gravy sauce on top of it that needed salt. Also their potato options are a baked potato or a homefries think called lyndonnayise(sp?). I got the homefries thing and it was pretty much blah, but I doubt the baked potato would of been better. Considering the week before I was at Outback and I had a better steak there for 1/2 the price this place is a place I'm never going to try again. My gf all but apologized for picking it (and I know she'll read this).

If there is one redeeming aspect of this restaurant its that the service is excellent. But if the food sucks than that's just bland gravy on top of prime steak.

Obviously the previous reviewer is not very observant nor does he go out very often. First off, no one should ever compare any fine dining experience to an Outback steakhouse if they want anyone to take them seriously....I mean really?!! Anyway, the London Broil at Grinnell's is not "$19 and change" it is $17.95. Furthermore, Grinnell's uses Sirloin for their London Broil not flank steak.....but the reviewer goes to Outback for fine dining so I doubt he would know the difference anyway. The potato he horribly misspelled are called Lyonnaise potatos. There is little parking because this restaurant is located on Monroe Avenue; one of the busiest streets in Rochester. Was he expecting a parking garage at a small restaurant? Besides, they offer complimentary valet parking so whats the problem? I wonder if he has ever been to Rooney's? Their parking is horrible but its still a great restaurant. Also if you want to avoid a crowded restaurant I would not suggest going out on a Saturday night- because good restaurants tend to be busy on this night of the week. Despite all these "problems" that were mentioned there is still always an owner in the restaurant for you to talk to. I'm sorry, but I've been a Grinnell's customer for years now and I served in Vietnam- not Korea. The food is great and the owners are even better. I just wanted to set the record straight and not let an obviously skewed review go unanswered.

Sorry, but Grinnell's is the pits and is desperate need of a menu and restaurant makeover. I don't mind the parking, but the food is a big disappointment. Part of the problem is exemplified by the potato issue. Grinnell's serves home fries, and calls them "Lyonnaise," thinking that will make them taste better. Likewise, you may try to call Grinnell's "fine dining," but that just don't make it so! But it appears Grinnell's has a following among the fixed income/daily game show set for whom not-so-fine dining is just fine enough if The Price is Right!

I would agree that Grinnell's is def. in need of a restaurant makeover. They did do some remodeling, which is nice, but a little more wouldn't hurt. That being said, I think this restaurant is what it is. The menu hasn't changed in forever- which is something some people like- but everything on it is done right. I have been there a few times and never had a bad meal. Sure, you won't find exoticly sourced trout on the menu with a fennel pollen burre blanc- but you wouldn't go there for that and thats not something they promise. Its simple, non-pretentious, but well executed food in a welcoming environment. Just cause its not the avant garde doesn't make it less fine dining (that's something those stick in butt Pittsford-ite restaurants would have you believe). The service is good, the drinks are strong, and the food delivers what it promises. If you want a solid, but straightforward meal Grinnell's is for you. If you want something more complex then maybe not.

My wife and I are in constant search for a low-key, consistent quality, good food (but not avant garde, trendy) restaurant. Black & Blue is overpriced and (for us) meant for a younger crowd on the make and business account dining. Richardson's Canal House fits the bill but you have to go to Bushnells Basin. Grinnells has a great location, great atmosphere, great waitstaff -- probably the best in town. We find the valet parking very helpful and fast. But the food quality is admittedly mediocre at best. If they would serve quality cuts of beef and upgrade the sides, it would make going there so much better. Tasteless potatoes and steamed veggies are such a disappointment. On our last visit my wife ordered sirloin tips and they were awful -- grizzle and fat. I ordered something with noodles which were way overcooked. She doesn't want to go back. I think restaurants that serve the geriatric crowd get lazy since their diners often can't tell the difference, but they won't survive on the over 65 crowd for ever. We will probably try it once more, but another strike and they're out.

Been here twice and here are the take away facts. Looked but could not find "sirloin tips" on the menu. "Tips" are not actual cuts of beef they are trimmings- order an real steak....duh. Tenderloin tips are on menu but tenderloin (being the leanest cut of beef) has very little fat; these can dry out if cooked past medium. Lyonnaise potatoes are actually called lyonnaise potatoes cause that's the name it's not a gimmick, just the "actual" name of them. The steamed veggies leave a lot to be desired. Over cooked pasta is kinda subjective- I don't really like the al dente stuff- but I guess its not a real Italian joint so whatever (although cooking pasta is not rocket science). I, personally, like the complimentary valet service; very courteous. Acoustics kinda stink- the dining room is loud when filled up. Service is good -I will agree- but I also agree some of the sauces are a lack luster. Quality of the steaks and chops is not an issue though esp. the prime rib (very good). Also, stop ragging on old people please....its kinda...i dunno.....old? Esp. when you don't know the difference between tenderloin and sirloin or what lyonnaise potatoes are!
My parents loved this place, so I just wanted to put some facts out there. Some reviewers might be confused....

I really enjoyed the food here & the service was great. My husband & I were the youngest people in the place probably by about 20 years. But I guess the older crowd has better taste than the younger crowd. I really enjoyed my dinner, I would recommend this place to anyone. A++

This place is a Rochester classic. They make strong drinks and cook the steaks exactly how you order them. If you order rare, it comes out bloody. I go out for steaks a lot and this is the one place that isn't afraid to serve a proper rare steak. Also, the mushroom caps appetizer are out of this world. I've been to Max several times and for the money, go to Grinnells. Two Vine is better, but it does cost significantly more.