Grace1720

The nicest thing I can say about Grace 17.20 is that it's a gorgeous atmosphere. It was too cold to go out by the fire, but we would have loved to. Now, with that said.....Let's talk about service. We were all very happy with the first impression our waiter made: he was friendly, professional and had a personality. He also was happy and willing to answer any questions we had. But....it was 30 minutes before our drink order hit our table. Throughout the evening, we constantly stared at our empty drinks wondering where he was and why on earth he wouldn't be eager to refill them? (These were pricey alcoholic drinks, not a few soda and water!) The restaurant was busy but by no means whatsoever, was it unmanageable. In fact, one of our conversations at the table was how we all once were servers in our younger days and we could never imagine how on earth he could have been ""in the weeds"" with not that much action. We were frustrated with him, and expressed that. He then appeared to pick it up a little bit, but at one point, the bartender (who had finished making our drinks) walked out and looked for him, we assume, to deliver them. It was several minutes before the waiter was found and delivered them. (This is not a huge restaurant, folks.) One thing that did annoy us was that the bartender could have delivered them, and there was a manager that creepily lurked about and he could have done something as well. There didn't seem to be a team effort in service at all. I was shocked the manager was not more proactive- he just looked around a lot. So, the service was definitely slow, and it really should not have been, especially since we wanted the drinks a'flowin' and they did not. Now, on to the food. We took several recommendations by the waiter, which we typically do. The spinach salad was delightful, and my friend said her shrimp bisque was also very good. Another friend ordered some sort of spring roll and it was fantastic. We also all tried the crab cake, and although it didn't seem highly recommended, it was great, and the remoulade sauce was wonderful and a bit spicy. For entrees, two of my friends ordered the penne with sausage and fennel. I had a bite and it tasted wonderful, although I missed any fennel (which I love.) My husband ordered the beef wellington, and I had several bites of this. While it was so flavorful, it was almost...I hate to say it...overwhelmingly flavorful. Here's what I mean - there was just too much going on. There was balsamic and truffle oil and duxelle (mushroom) and so much flavor that it all kind of got lost. I would prefer the kitchen focus on one or two flavors instead of overwhelming your mouth. But - again, it was definitely not lacking flavor. I went on the recommendation of the waiter, who said his favorite dish was the shrimp and grits. I could barely eat it! The shrimp were painfully overcooked. My husband had one and also could not eat it, it was like an old piece of gum. The grits were pretty much all I ate, and they kind of fell flat too....great texture but lacking more flavor, I thought. Maybe if I had decent shrimp to contrast with the grits, I would have felt differently, but all I could eat was the grits. Not impressive at all. All in all, I would only go back for appetizers at the bar. I would not bother sitting down and especially ordering entrees. more

I didn't know this place existed until I was invited by someone. It was a little hard to find at first. But when I went it I found a breath-taking decor. It has 2 private meeting rooms and they don't charge to use them. The patio was a relaxing place to enjoy a HUGE salmon burger. Great atmosphere and service. Looking forward to my next visit. Pros: Best Patio, Awesome Salmon Burger, Ample Portions more

I met a business partner for lunch at Grace 17.20 a week or so ago and was very impressed. The chef came out and greeted us (never had that happen before!) and told us a little about how she produced her recipes. Neat twist on some classic meals and such. Pros: Good food, romantic venue Cons: There's not a location near home more

I was incredibly wowed by grace 1720. I wasn't sure about bringing a child to an upscale restaurant but she even commented ""They treat me so nicely here,"" which made our experience all the better. Our waiter, Sai, was incredible, always on hand but never obtrusive. We began with the (surprise) complimentary ""soup shooters"" and a bread basket which included a pumpkin streusel bread that was tender and delicious. We had the scallops with risotto and crab cakes, both of which were presented fresh, hot, and perfect in flavor and consistency. The kid's meal was real chicken breast strips in a delicious and light batter. Our desserts were the ice cream with rolled wafers, choc, strawberries and cream and the salted caramel cheesecake. Both were outstanding. I hate that the cheesecake was so unique and delicious because I know I can't make it at home and I am sure to crave that amazing marriage of flavor at inopportune times. But I found out they have an easy carry out system so I can order it on the fly! As someone who can be easily disappointed with a restaurant's service or food, I could not find a single fault with Grace. My only wish was for warmer weather outside so we could have dined by the beautifully lit fire on the garden patio. But what can I expect in mid-Feb? I think that's how we'll welcome spring in a few weeks, by going back to dine in their stunning outdoor setting. Five stars all the way. Pros: Waitstaff, Environment, Creativity, Presentation, Food more

Nice Atmosphere, yes. Good, service, yes (not great, but good), but the food quality was disappointing and expensive for what we got -- $96 including tip for 2 -- no drinks. We had the crab cake appetizers (2) which were the best part of the meal, very good. Next, we had two mixed green salads that were nothing special, just mixed lettuce - really disappointing. Finally, we split a Rib Eye steak that had no flavor and made me wish, for the $32 price,we would have gone to Bones or McKendrick's. Would I go back... no, considering the price and the quality. 2.5 stars Pros: Crab Cakes Cons: Price verse Food Quality more

From the moment we arrived the service was exceptional. I highly recommend sitting on the beautiful patio. Our waiter was very attentive & our water/wine glasses were never empty. I ordered the crabcakes dinner with grits and it was amazing. The crabcakes were all lump crab and the grits were creamy and delicious! My boyfriend ordered the enormous 1 lb. burger & fries and really enjoyed it also. I have to say I was really confused when I read some of the negative reviews on this site. Give this restaurant a chance! You will not be sorry! We will be back soon! Pros: Ambience, service, food more

This the third time I have been to Grace.....all three times have been SO SO. From what I know this is a chef owned restaurant....never could tell from the menu! The food in SOME show and no go...the china they use is very cheap and the wine list is below average and expensive. I will never go back!!! Pros: Nice Room and not to big Cons: Food...Price...Quality issues more

I tried to pay using a gift card but was told that it was no longer valid and there was nothing they could do. I asked to speak to a manager. The woman was defensive and rude from the start, she said she would have to eat the cost of the meal if she accepted the card. She said that she did not compromise in the way she does business so she was not going to compromise when it came to our situation. Leaving a restaurant with a bad taste in your mouth regarding service negates any level of cuisine quality. The food is fine but you can find it someplace where they are concerned about the quality of the customer's entire visit! Atlanta is full of good restaurants, go someplace else! Cons: Bad customer service more

Upon entering Grace, I was very impressed. It is beautiful and warm. What happened next though made me decided to never go back. A woman stormed up to our table and demanded that my table-mate remove his hat. Taking the hat off was not a problem, but the way the woman spoke to us was. She spoke very loudly and as if this was the third request to remove the hat (it was the first). She argued with us (even though we weren't arguing back) and then went on to identify herself as the owner. After this, it was diffcult to enjoy the meal. The food was nice, though one meal came out completely wrong. I agree with previous reviews that the portions are small and expensive. Pros: atmosphere, food quality Cons: expensive, small portions more

The food was very good. The portions are miserly. Ambiance is very nice early but it gets loud later on. The service was very, very good. The waiter never interupted the diners. He waited until someone at the table told the person that their attention was required. The wine and water glasses were never empty...and I drink a lot of water. We were never rushed through our meal. The only negative on the food is a few dishes were a little cold. Pros: Great food, Great service Cons: Loud, Not enough food, Parking is tough more

Grace is amazing! From the moment that you enter through antique doors into the muted, wine-country inspired space, you sense that the experience you're about to have is beyond the ordinary--extraordinary in fact. The flavors are fresh, innovative and intriguing. The service is mature, and knowledgeable without being pushy. The wine list is the best in the area by far with a great by-the-glass selection. AND, every time I have ever been, the hostess recalls my first and last names--very impressive! Pros: Good parking, Great Crowd , Delicious! more

This place is so bad. The portions are small and way over priced. The wine selection is weak and also way over priced. The atmosphere is nice, but they need to remember they are a mall restaurant in the burbs. Pros: Not much Cons: , food quality, over priced more