Magnolia Grill

We just came home from our first visit to this place....how disappointing! They have a rule of no substitutions, which I have no problem with, but when I requested the lamb dish and asked the waitress to hold the couscous, she came back and said the chef refuses to serve that dish without couscous. So I ordered a trout dish and asked for it with no risotto, as I do not care for that either. I was told that the chef will only serve the dishes as stated on the menu. I settled for a trigger fish dinner that came soaked in some liquid with heavy pepper. Huge prices, with small selections! Parking is terrible. We had to park at least 1/4 mile away, as the parking lot is very small. The waitress had an attitude and was not accommodating in anyway and super slow. We spent 3 hours in the place, and only 45 minutes of that was eating. $135 before tip was our final bill for 3 plates, one desert ($9 each), 1 glass of wine and 3 beers. A little pricey for a place that is poorly decorated (the art work is a joke), the chef is a snob and the waitress needs to learn how to earn tips. more

We mostly loved the food. But, one dish was very salty so we sent it back. We went on to dessert. After we got the bill, the dish we sent back was still on the check. So we mentioned that we were surprised to see the item on the bill and that they must have forgotten to take it off. They told us the ""policy"" of the restuarant was to charge for any rejected item if the chef tasted it and still liked it. So we told them our policy was not to pay for something we disliked so much we could not eat it. AND we asked how we would know their policy - was it on the website or the menu? Of course not. So they called the owner who also wanted to charge us but finally agreed since we were not going to pay for it to take it off the bill. How stupid a man he seems to be. Since he took the item off we did not like anyhow, why not be gracious and create our loyalty instead of being an arrogant foodie whose concern was the cooks sense of taste rather than the happiness of the customer. So now instead of taking all the people we would have brought since most dishes were very creative and delish, we think the place is a joke owned by a man with no sense of customer happiness and will never go back. So Mr. Owner, does you policy work well for the customer or is your policy designed to frustrate the customer and make you happy? more

My girlfriend had heard a lot of buzz about this place, so we decided to give it a try. To begin with, the staff was unfriendly to the point of hostility, especially when learning that we'd just turned up without a reservation. We decided to wait for our table at the bar -- where a surly bartender served us a couple of wretched vodka martini's with overripe olives. After an hour, we were seated. Our waitress then served us a ceviche appetizer which was delicious, and then steak and pork chops as our main course. The food was fine, especially for the price. However the wine selection was extremely thin, and service again took far too long. The atmosphere itself was not much to write about either. Parking was scarce, so we had to park in a pretty seedy looking, poorly lit area of Durham. It's always hard for me to eat when I'm worried about whether or not I'll have a ride home after the meal. Overall, it wasn't worth the drive from Raleigh. This place has a sign over the entrance billing it as one of the ""50 Great American restaurants"". Uhhhh.....no. more

Maybe it was worse because I'd heard the hype ahead of time, but I would definitely not classify this as one of the top restaurants in the area. First, the pros: 1) the bread was delicious 2) the service was fairly good 3) my husband had the thick pork chop and liked it a lot 4) the prices were not outrageous (mid $20's for entrees). Now the cons: 1) it was freezing in the restaurant when we arrived and I had to keep my coat on for the first 20 minutes 2) they had a grand total of TWO red dinner wines available by the glass and neither of them were cab, zin, shiraz, merlot or pinot. They were obscure. I described to the waitress what kind of wines I liked and she said, ""I will bring you such&such."" She brought it - a TINY glass - and then she never once asked if I liked it. I didn't like it at all. I don't see how a ""nice"" restaurant can get away with such limitations on red wine. 3) my meal was VERY uninspiring. I had flounder which was mushy and nearly tasteless. Seemed like the kind of fish that has been frozen too long. The sides were nothing special. 4) I picked the restaurant because of the menu posted on their website. Turns out that particular menu had not been available for a whole month, but they'd neglected to update their site. All in all it was not a terrible meal, just a terrible disappointment, considering my expectations for a special night out. A few months ago we ate at Elaine's in Chapel Hill and that was MUCH MUCH better. more

We arrived early for our reservation and they were kind enough to seat us. Although the table was near the door, we were still happy. -We were a 1/2 hour early, what can you expect? But it took 10 minutes before a server greeted our table. I saw our server at the host stand and the hostess said, ""they've been here a while now"" and then the server realized our existence and scrambled over. She greeted us with no apology. We started with a Salmon appetizer that was out of control good. -Just a fantastic combination of textures and flavors. I had the hanger steak and it was big and bold with hearty flavors. With the steak I had a glass of the Montelpuciano Di Abruzzo and it's tannins worked perfectly with my meal. My wife had the trout and it too was amazing. For dessert we had a cheesecake that had a meringue top to it that was one of the most unique textures I have ever had when dining. It was so delicious that I could have eaten 3 more. Long story short, the food was WELL-WELL worth the visit and I highly suggest experiencing it. The service was so-so and seemed to take itself far too seriously. The ambiance is a little tired. But... all-in-all a great experience. We went in with big culinary expectations and they were exceeded. more

Excellent food but really uncomfortable service. The waitstaff we had was not friendly, rather cold. We had to split entree & appetizer since my partner was not hungry. After the order, we saw the waitress was talking behind with waitstaffs about sharing. It ruins whole dining experience. I'll be back for food but not for the service. Pros: good food Cons: bad service more

So many people brag about this restaurant so I finally went for a try. Forgive my ignorance: reservation on the day is too late. Later I was told I should reserve 3 weeks in advance. Okay, my bad, but I was looking forward to the food even more! We waited 45 minutes for our appetizer. Lots of dishes ran out by the time we ordered but magically became available when we left. Appetizers and entrees were decent; I've had much better ones with much lower cost. The only plus I'd give for Magnolia Grill is its desserts: the chocolate tart was absolutely superb. Waiting staff were friendly and professional, but An's is better. VERY slow service and honestly the food was not worth the wait. Pros: Dessert Cons: Price and service more

We went to the Magnolia grill for our wedding anniversary, I have been there in the past and found the food to be delicious, and therefore we picked the place. We ordered the fresh tomato salad which was wonderful, but it all went downhill from there. The crusted grouper I ordered was overcooked, the crust a bit burnt and the fish dry, I complained to the waitress that it tasted bad, she talked to the manager and came back with, and I quote: “we can get you something else, but you will have to pay for both dishes. . .” \r We also ordered the “French toast brulle” apparently they must have been short staffed in the kitchen that day, as this was a bit singed as well. The peach ice cream that went with it was delicious though.\r I would recommend Nana’s in Durham instead, if you are celebrating a special occasion and do not want to ruin it with “overcooked arrogance”.\r Pros: delicious salad and ice-cream Cons: overcooked main course more

In town for business? Save yourself the hassle if you're visiting Raleigh and spend your money where it is appreciated. This is just a big fish in a tiny pond. Servers are rude and unaccommodating. \r When our 9 month pregnant guest asked for a menu modification, for obvious health purposes, the server simply answered, ""no."" I understand that menu changes from customers are annoying, however, so are unmannerly restaurants and servers (it comes from above). \r We will not go back because of the service. Food was incredible. \r If you can tolerate the pretentious service then bon appetit, however, I think your money is better spent elsewhere. Pros: Incredible food and menu Cons: snobby service more

My bf made the reservation to surprise me and conversed w/ the chef prior to our arrival to confirm their knowledge of my intolerance/disease to be sure that this was not a problem. So, first, and most important to me, that worked out wonderfully--NOT sick at all (THANK YOU!). Now let me give you a quick background, I have lived and worked all over the country and travelled the world. I have eaten in some wonderful restaurants around the world. I have also worked in some wonderful restaurant ('four star') kitchens, as well. I LOVE food. MG, hands down, was one of the best meals I've ever had. In my life. Seriously. The chef will not substitute anything in his meals, but as I said earlier, we let him know that I was coming, and he was very helpful. It is unfortunate to see negative reviews and I can only base my review on my experience. I highly recommend. Pros: service excellent, food is ridiculously great, excellent value (would say UNDER priced) more

I am not a culinary expert nor do I have an educated or discerning palatte. I do however, know ridiculously good food when I eat it. I have never, ever, in all my life tasted anything as flavorful and unique as the dishes I had at MG. This is truly a lifetime perspective changing experience that no one should be without. This place is not overpriced, so anyone who says it is just doesn't understand that this isn't just some assembly line style mall parking lot restaurant. The staff is very pleasant and they were quite patient with my simpleton questions and unknowledgable demeanor. I found the atmosphere charming, unfettered, and very approachable. I have heard people complain that it is too average looking. So what, if you want to have to wear a suit and tie to eat go somewhere like that. I'll never understand why people try to take a lifetime's worth of messed up comparisons and expectations into a situation and then complain and judge the entire time they are witnessing a miracle. \r \r Bottom line, you have to try this place if you are in the area. It simply is the best dinner I've ever had without exception.\r \r P.S. Stella Artois on tap = sweet baby jesus awesome Pros: This is the dumbest question ever. Uh ... everything. Cons: Kahn? No Kahn's here captain this is Seti Alpha 6. more

First, I would like to say that the person who wrote about water refills must be one of the dumbest people on the planet. Those are restrictions put in place by the CITY because of DROUGHT, sorry you have to bother yourself to ask for water when you want it. Further, they could be fined if they pour water without request, so take it up with the city, are you living under a rock? That is the most self centered attitude, and it is this kind of thoughtless demand for endless natural resources that creates problems in the first place. \r \r To give an even handed analysis: Yes, the Barkers and the staff can be pretentious at times. But what's more pretentious than these award winning Chefs and their staff of snobby lackeys? The culture of Dukie stuff shirts that coalesce around this restaurant like flies on, uh, fruit! These pampered bags of whine love to throw their weight around the city they disdain, especially at important social/business gatherings which often involve a bite to eat at Magnolia Grill. Obviously, there are many good hearted Dukies out there, but reading some of these reviews made me laugh at the hypocrisy snobs calling snobs snobby. \r \r I have been in many times, the food is excellent, and is not over priced. The service is good, sometimes great, sometimes not. The Chef is stubborn, so if you don't like the menu, don't go because he wont change it most of the time. The china and glassware is old and beat up, if that bothers you, don't go. If you are a strict vegetarian, this is not your place. Meat lovers will enjoy, the best dishes are hefty in southern flavor and most all of the red meat is fantastic. Dessert is the Best! Save room! Pros: Food, Desserts Cons: Snobbery more

This might be one of the best dining experiences of your life. An amazing mixture of big flavors both in entrees and desert. A menu that integrates flavors and attitudes of the South with the diversity of cultures that is modern Durham delivered in an urbane atmosphere that could be in any of the more traditional dining meccas. The staff is widely knowledgeable of both the menu and the wine list (diverse and reasonably priced) as most of them have been here for a while. I've heard some disparaging things from locals who are more comfortable in a less foody environment, but if you like daring culinary experiences, you'll love this place. Pros: menu, staff, wine list Cons: make reservations well in advance more

I have tried to go to this place multiple times and they have either turned me away or were closed! They wouldn't even let us sit at the bar. I don't know how a place can turn away profit at 8:30 more

My friends and I went there to get dessert and drinks on a week night. The first thing the waiter said to us was ""if you want water, you have to ask for it because we won't fill it up for you unless you ask for it."" His manner was quite rude and its ridiculous to deny people a glass of water and have to make them flag down the waiter when you want water. Anyways, my friend was hungry and decided to get a salad, but she is a vegetarian and wanted them to keep the bacon off the salad. He said that the chef refused to do so. When we asked what other vegetarian options there were, there was like 2 other unappealing options. The place overall was incredibly pretentious, the staff was rude, and the whole experience left a very bad feeling. Which is too bad because the dessert I had was quite delicious, but I would never go back there to be treated so badly. Pros: tasty dessert Cons: rude, pretentious, overpriced more

When my husband and I were choosing a restaurant to celebrate our anniversary, we picked Magnolia Grill based on a good meal we'd had with my parents despite the usual difficulty getting a reservation and long wait. We ordered a very expensive bottle of wine ($130), though to our surprise, the waiter came back to inform us that the chef refused to sell us the bottle unless we both ordered meat. Regardless of the fact that we had already enjoyed this exact bottle with the chef's very own tuna ceviche, I had already settled on trout for my dinner, and we decided to scrap the wine altogether. Too bad for them we suppose because our entire meal was less than the bottle would have been. If you're looking to be disrespected by a pretentious, self-absorbed and condescending chef who makes adequate food at best, then this is the place for you. Save your time and money--there any plenty of other equally delicious restaurants in the triangle. more

: We choose this Restaurant based upon published recommendations. We were disappointed with everything except the Desserts which were deserving of the high rating. When we tried to express our concerns about the two worst disappointments (overcooked tough veal and a ""corked"" bottle of wine) the chef/owner refused to speak with us directly but sent repeated rude messages to us through the staff; refused to sell us another bottle of wine, stating that we try bourbon and insisted that veal was suppose to be tough overcooked. We were later informed that he fancies himself as the Seinfeld ""Soup Chef"" of Durham. He likes to mix different flavors and has rec'd awards for his avant guard style, however unlike other gourmet chefs he believes the ""customer is always wrong"". My fellow diners asked me not to take his eccentrics personal; the manager apologized and the waiter was very attentive. We however cannot recommend this place and have urged the highly respected rating publication to reconsider the rating. The Gourmet dining experience requires more than a talented chef. more

You can call us foodies and enjoy eateries everywhere we travel. We were excited that we finally had a chance to go to the MG. While the physical plant was pleasing and the hostess extremely attentive we found some very weak areas for a place opened so long.\r Thought we d start with a cocktail since the plane ride was so long. The server was unaware if Beefeaters was aivaiable at the bar. When she brought the dinks she inturn spilled half on the table and didn t offer to refill or correct the situation/\r . I had the fried oysters for an app. They were overcooked to my disappointment. Nothing like the ones at DC Coast in Washington DC or even at Cliff s In greenville NC. I then has the Stripped Bass( which had no side of veg) which was good however the portion was less then you d get at a weightwatcher convention at Gratersford prison. One of my fellow dinners had the duck which had an extremely strong soy flavoring which over powered the true flavor of the meat. My wife has the flounder which was a winner. It came with a citrus infused grite side. \r The wine list was comprehsive. We had a pinot which goes with everything. We all agreed the place wasn t worth the money\r On the whole and in general we re glad we tried it. Would we go back again ""NO."" more

I am re-posting this as a couple of friends of ours went and had the EXACT same experience a week ago. I think the owner must be the one posting such ""Excellent"" reviews....kinda sad. My wife and I are in our lower 30's, but look like we are in our 20's. I am assuming this is the reason why we were completely ignored by the service staff. We dressed nice and are quite polite, but over 50 minutes went past between appetizer and entree and we never saw our server. We asked for someone to go find him and were told ""he will return shortly"". No ""I'm sorry"" or anything. When one goes out to a nice dinner one expects to spend around two hours over good food. While the food really was exceptional we spent over 4...30 minutes waiting on the check even after we complained about being ignored. If you look ""mature"" and like you will leave a good tip I highly suggest the Grill, if not...go to the Bloomsbury Bistro in Raleigh or Elain's in Chapel Hill for excellent food and to be treated like a human being. We will not be going back, no one cared at all that we had such a poor experience. Pros: Excellent Food Cons: Horrible Service more

This restaurant has excellent food. It is a shame that in a liberal community such as Durham, they feel that it is appropriate to continue to serve foie gras. Chicago has banned foie gras and efforts are being made to ban it elsewhere. I used to love foie gras until I watched a video of them shoving a hose down a goose's throat, shooting a stream of feed into its stomach, and causing the esophagus to rupture. The owner's of Magnolia are well aware of this issue - the waitress joked about it last time I was there and even mentioned the Chicago ban to me. more