Melrose Grill

I had heard some good things about Melrose Grill but only went for the first time this past Saturday. The place was packed and there was a 40 minute wait. There was also no place to sit even in the bar. So they let us go to a different bar across the street to wait and they called us when our table was ready. Very accomodating! In just shy of 40 minutes our table was ready and we were immediately greated by a pleasant friendly server. Even though the place was packed, she was very calm and took her time with us. I'm used to eating at some of the Bellevue steak restaurants so I was a bit skeptical of how this might turn out. A review of the menu showed many promising items but only one steak was prime grade. However, the prices were about $10.00 lower than the Bellevue steakhouses AND included starter salad and vegetable. When the steak arrived it was very nicely seasoned, a quality piece of meat, and cooked just as I had asked. Throughout the meal, the server continued to be just the right balance of attentiveness and unobtrusiveness. Even though we were pretty full we decided to split a creme brulee for desert. Good move! It was one of the best I had every had! So, in summary the interior and exterior ambiance is nowhere as fancy as the Bellevue places but the food is terrific, the prices much lower, and the service just right. I'll definitely be back! more

Well I went into the " Melrose Grill " for a nice steak dinner and ended paying $80 dollars for a lump of fat........it was the nastiest piece of meat I have ever seen. This coming from a butchers son-in-law. This nasty steak not only costed me $80 but they refused to replace it since I had already cut into it. I was digging myself a hole trying to find a single portion of actual meat on this thing. I will never go back to this place again......the worst customer service ever. I was actually told " well you shouldnt have cut into then ". Ive worked in the resturant business and that is no way to talk to any customer. They do not deserve and five stars for anything...... Pros: Location Cons: Worst Steak, Horrible Customer Service, Expensive more

I've been a customer for the last five years spending birthday celebrations w/ my family. They are very consistent w/ their steak and always cooked to perfection. I've been to Jak's in West Seattle, Issaquah, and on 45th Ave area in Seattle. Melrose Grill is so much better, and their steaks have more flavor. Service is attentive and the price is just right.. They don't have appetizers and you will not leave this place hungry . Forget about Metropolitan Grill, Daniel's Broiler, Ruth's Chris. Melrose Grill will not disappoint you. more

I've been hearing all the great reviews and wanting to check out Melrose Grill. I finally got the opportunity last night. We arrived Tuesday, 6pm, and got a parking spot just outside the door. We were surprised to be the first guests for the evening, but tables started filling up quickly. The service was top-notch with a very friendly waitress and very attentive supporting staff. I'm not going to say that Delmonico was the best ever, as I love Ruth's Chris & the Metropolitan Grill, but for the price the steak was very good. But I was more impressed with the vegetables & potatoes, as they were all cooked perfectly and presented very nicely. I had the cheese cake for dessert and I have to say I feel it is better than the Cheesecake Factory. Very Good! We'll definitely be back as this is going to turn into a new favorite! Pros: Parking, Service, Food, Meal selection Cons: Interior decor could be dressed up a bit more, but it matches the price/value more

hands down - best steak in seattle and all at a reasonable price! if you're looking to try something other than the cheesecake factory (boring chain places bore us) then you have found it! Pros: great steaks Cons: no reservations more

Visiting from Mass and all I can say is 10! I have been to the big boys east and west Ruth, Mort, Capital Grill, etc. and this one ranks right up there. In addition great wine selection. Highly recommended don't hesitate. Pros: Everything Cons: Small... I can see it getting very busy. Call ahead! more

I go to Melrose Grill all the time with my co-workers or just friends. It's great for groups or for a nice small dinner with a friend or two. The service is always wonderful and the steak is delicious! Pros: Easy/free parking more

I can't figure out the review whining about the prices. If you go to the Melrose website and do a side by side comparison with the outback steak house the prices are about the same. And if you have ever been to Il Gaucho which this loser contemplates is better priced, then you know, that this person has no idea what he was talking about and was obviously having a bad day when he wrote his review. Melrose grill in a gem of a restaurant. It is family owned and operated; the family actually offers cooking lessons for those wanting to learn how to make a great steak. The service is great, our waitress was very upbeat and friendly, but also very professional. And the food was out of this world. I had the tenderloin and prawn 'surf and turf' but I got to sample my friend?s dinners which were also amazing. I went with another reviewer?s recommendation of the parmesan potatoes and thought that they were also very good. In the event that you can't get in due to a long wait, this same family owns Armondos across the street, an excellent Italian restaurant which is also very much worth trying. Pros: Excellent Food, Excellent Value, Historic Location, Fun upbeat Ambience Cons: None more

My husband and I just returned from the Melrose Grill, and it was fantastic! Our server was friendly and attentive, but not overbearing. He made us feel immediately welcome even though it was our first time there. My husband had a filet mignon that was perfectly seasoned and very tender, although the baked potato was just a touch underdone. The local beer was good enough that I even drank a bit, and I am not a beer drinker. I had the cosmopolitan recommended by the waiter and it was delicious. I ordered the Bavarian sausage platter consisting of locally made sausage, sourkraut, garlic mashed potatoes, veggies and stone ground mustard. The sausage was melt in your mouth perfect, and was even better when using the provided condiments. We had a chocolate torte for dessert that was exceptionally decadent. Pros: great historic setting, wonderful server, delicious hearty food Cons: my husband thought it was slightly pricey for Renton more

Step back in time at the Melrose Grill in Renton for dinner. The Melrose is located one block south of the main street in Renton in a nicely renovated old building that would remind anyone of an old tavern or roadhouse with it's long bar, wooden booths, beadboard walls, and dim lights. Melrose shouldn't always be remembered for it's steaks, although they are great and cooked to perfection, but for all their selections. I've had Ahi Tuna and *ack of Lamb in addition to their steaks and they were also great. They don't take reservations so be prepared to spend a little time in the bar with a great martini and really cute bartender. The prices aren't rolled back to the 30's but they are fair. If you live in the south end or "ahead of the curve' there really isn't much reason to go to the Met or "El Goucho". Pros: Food, the bar Cons: nothing more

A restaurant that delivers quality steak at competitive prices is great, but Melrose has a few rough edges to smooth out. The staff is friendly and attentive. The menu is small, so come to expect only about six versions of steak. When evaluating mid-priced steak houses, I cant help but to compare to Outback. The final product, the steak, is just as good. The prices, are close (Melroses selection is a bit more pricey). Be sure to look out for the seasonal specials. The surf and turf was the best plate Ive had here, and one of the best Ive had a steak house. The supplemental sides however have just been OK. The bread hasnt been warm & fresh. The salads were soso. The sides didn't have any "kick." The steak is a sure winner but the price isnt quite low enough, and/or there isnt much for quality sides/appetizers to seal the deal. The building is over 100 years old, and has been partially restored. Of course this place doesnt have the fun vibe like Outback. Also, this isnt exactly a classy joint; The Keg has a classier feel. I recommend trying out Melrose for steak, but I wont continue to go often unless the sides & appetizers are brought up a notch in quality and selection (or the price brought cheaper than the competition). Pros: Mid-Priced, Good Steak Cons: Street Parking, Very Limited Selection, Unimpressive Sides/Appetizers more

Better than Outback--not as good as Daniel's. Pricing is somewhere between the two. If you are celebrating a special occasion, spend the extra money for the atmosphere and experience. As a neighborhood steakhouse, I recommend Melrose Grill. Our first visit found the restaurant charming with the look of a steakhouse--comfortable booths, nice old wooden bar, art-glass hanging lamps, mosaic (needing restoration) tile floor entrance, and friendly, attentive staff. Our waitress was very pleasant and even took the time to find an answer to a question we had about the establishment--most impressive! The menu is limited, however, it suits needs when looking for a good steak. Wine list could stand improving as there were few choices for cabs. My husband had the top sirloin (over-cooked, however, the waitress offered to have another one quickly prepared--when he declined, she insisted on buying him dessert). His meal included a baked potato which only came with sour cream. He asked for some chives and he received a trio of chives, bacon bits, & cheese. He was happy. I ordered the 15 oz filet so I could enjoy any I couldn't finish the next day. It was perfectly prepared. Both steaks were tasty and tender, however, for melt-in-your-mouth tender, go to Daniel's & pay the price. The meals included a green salad which was fresh and crisp. The crusty dinner rolls were okay. I like my rolls super fresh and only ate half of one. My husband, however, ate 2. I liked the baked crispy parmesan potatoes and the vegetable medley was also good. The chocolate torte was superb! Two steak dinners & a half bottle of wine for $84. All-in-all, we would definitely return as you get a complete meal (not a-la-carte), great steaks, attentive & friendly service. We love chef-owned establishments! Pros: Service Cons: Go on weekend for best parking more

Wow! You'd never know Renton had something this good to offer! Mouth watering steaks, great service, etc, etc. Very busy though, so you must get there by 5 p.m. if you don't want to wait a minimum of one hour for your table. You get alot for your money. Only drawback is, their steaks are a bit oversalted. I often go home drinking tons of water into the night......The atmosphere is romantic, but kids will love this place too. Nostalgic pictures adorn their walls. Parking is at a premium in this neighborhood. One of the owners is Armondo, who also owns Armondo's diagonally located from this great steak house. If you've been to Jack's in Issaquah, this restaurant is comparable, if not better. And by the way, I've been to the famous Smith and Wollensky restaurant in Manhatten, and the Melrose is better and better priced. Pros: Quality and Taste of food Cons: Parking more

Steak with all the trimmings, included, not a la carte, and service that is most excellent. A small place in Renton with all the atmosphere you'd want in a pre-war building, the Melrose is a tiny restaurant with a limited menu, but the items they have are perfect. Prime steak, no kidding, and make sure you choose the parmesan potatoes, and the Cesar salad if you are an anchovy lover, there's plenty of tang to the dressing. The wine list is minimal but what they have is excellent. What a great choice! And a price tag that is tiny, under $70 for two people to really enjoy. Pros: ambience, parking, service Cons: small, may have to wait for a seat, limited selection more

I've been there twice, once with a group of friends. Both times the food was outstanding, the service was great, and the prices are what you can expect for a marvelous meal. However, since not all of our party arrived at once, we were told we would have to wait until everybody was there before being seated. As this is not a large restaurant, it could be expected, but we arrived early and there was almost no one else in the place. Barring that, I would recommend this to anyone wanting a great steak without having to go to Seattle or Bellevue. Pros: Historic, Great food! Cons: Parking, Small more

Very good all around. No more going downtown for a good steak. more

We come here very often, the food is always excellent, the wait staff is GREAT!!!! They are very friendly and fun. The Melrose is just a great resturant. The Renton revival has begun......... Pros: Good value Cons: No reservations more

After reading about the great reviews of this place, I decided to check it out. I went there on a Sunday night with a friend. The place seemed pretty quiet from the outside, but it was fairly busy inside the restaurant. We were seated very quickly, but it took a while for our server to take our order. Definately, not the great service I expected. My friend was also displeased when he found out they were out of Sirloin Steaks. When the food came, it wasn't hot, and they cooked my NY steak medium-well instead of medium. It was a good size and tender, but the seasoning was not to my liking. And finally, the baked potato was not fluffy. Overall, the service was disappointing. The food was average and overpriced. I've been to great steakhouses, and this is not one. This place is over-rated. Pros: parking, location Cons: small place, expensive more

Great place to visit with a warm cozy arts & crafts atmosphere in downtown Renton. They have the best steaks around, savory & tender. Great for small groups or pairs enjoying a special occastion. The bar is also well stocked, try the Derailer. Pros: Intimate Atmosphere, Tender Meat, Excellent Value Cons: No Reservations more

Can't say enough good things about the Melrose Grill. The steaks are definitely on par with the best in the metropolitan Seattle area and at a far more reasonable price. Service has always been very quick and attentive. It's best to get in before 6 pm or expect the usual waiting time which is heavier on Friday & Saturday nights. Very nice beer selection on tap. Personally, location is outstanding because it's away from the usual thoroughfare going down 3rd St or Main Ave S. and it's close to home. Simply put .... Brilliant! Pros: value, easy to find parking, quality of food Cons: none more