Grinnell's - Rochester

My steak was perfectly cooked, unfortunately the other people in the group's steak were overcooked due to the steaks being sliced unevenly. Good ceasar salad.

I had a wonderful meal, but the atmosphere could use an update as it had a very musty smell. The service was excellent—definitely five stars. The place could benefit from a fresh coat of paint and new carpeting. Overall, everything else was excellent.

Incredible service, delicious food and perfectly poured drinks. I love going here to celebrate life’s big and small moments!

My first visit to this excellent restaurant was with my grandparents in 1965. The history of this restaurant now runs three generations deep and the commitment to gourmets and world-class service makes Grinnell one of the best restaurants in Rochester.

As you enter, a gentleman welcomes you and escorts you to your table. The servers are all well-dressed and exude class. You feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. They give you as much time as you need, serving water and drinks before bringing out the appetizers, which include bread with either plain or garlic flavor. After that, they take your dinner order while continually checking on your table and refilling drinks between courses. When dinner arrives, the service remains attentive but never overbearing, allowing you time to savor your meal. For dessert, I highly recommend the New York cheesecake—delicious! The mixed drinks are crafted to be enjoyed slowly; they are so tasty that you’ll want to gulp them down. I had three of their Moscow Mules, made with ginger, pepper-infused liquor, ginger beer, and lime. By the time we got home after spending a couple of hours there, I certainly felt it! They sneak up on you but are so delightful! My husband ordered stuffed mushrooms; he said they were good but a bit spicy. I opted for a pepper stuffed with garlic and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It was light in flavor, and I would have preferred more garlic, plus it could have been served hotter—but I ate it all regardless! For my main course, I tried their special, a filet mignon topped with two sizable, tender shrimp and served over turnips. The steak was ordered medium rare, but I found it to lack flavor and be slightly dry. It could have benefited from a sauce. Dipping it in my husband’s horseradish improved the taste. When I cut closer to the center, it wasn’t quite as tender as I expected, and the low, romantic lighting made it difficult to see if it was pink inside. I noted it was a little undercooked when I reheated it the next day, but it tasted better then! I had never tried parsnips before; I didn’t notice the carrot flavor they claimed it had—just a rather bland vegetable taste. The rice was undercooked for my liking but had a nice color and flavor; I enjoyed it even the next day. My husband had the prime rib end cut, and he made all sorts of delighted noises while eating it, so I guess that was a hit! When you’re ready to leave, they have your car warmed up and ready to go—truly the best service anywhere! I recommend experiencing this for yourself; it’s located right on Route 31! Make sure to use GPS and make a reservation, or you may drive right past it! Enjoy!