Everything you would think by reading the reviews, well managed, a strong belief in thinking outside the box on their entrees. Many items you would not find anywhere, extensive and curated wine selection. Something for everyone.
Eileen
As always, Gafford never disappoints! James was very attentive and patient with us as initially we were talking so much catching up with our friends...Dinner was fabulous, as per usual! James stopped by very often to keep tabs on us❤️ Two of us got the wedge with blackened salmon-which you MUST TRY!!! It is NOT fishy or salmon-y (if that's a word!!!) My husband got the Chilean sea bass and absolutely devoured it! The roasted chicken dish was so flavorful and I could not finish it because we all started with the Parmesan cauliflower! You must try it! The roasted red pepper cream is incredible! Thank you, Rick, for stopping by the table...always great when the owner makes it his business to be sure everyone is enjoying their dinner!!!
Greg
Sat on the outside and enjoyed a wonderful Salmon filet cooked and flavored perfectly. Nice Glass of Sauvignon Blanc and shared a too large but so yummy red velvet cake! Totally enjoyable and delicious meal. Highly recommend!
Gloria
The service was excellent.i had the special steak of the night. The flavors were great My husband enjoyed the swordfish very much. My only concern was the steak itself was not very tender and could have been trimmed a little better. Overall I enjoyed my meal I will return but will probably skip on the steak.
jaci G
Nice little spot, but the night we ate there, everything was overcooked. It is really hard to overcook a double cut porkchop, but somehow, they still managed it. They do have some front of house issues as well, but the problem is mostly that the space doesn't really feel like it's designed for its current use. Table placement is awkward, and there is a lot of coming and going that typically wouldn't happen table side like ice buckets being hauled through and having to jockey around servers and diners. They also have a really strict rule on not seating even 1 minute before 5, leaving people to stand there and pile up at the miniscule front door area until the clock precisely hits the dot, unless you want to go sit at the bar and buy a drink. Those are kind of incidental things - and all in all, the food is generally pretty good, that night it just left a lot to be desired.
Dietary restrictions: They have a lot of gluten-free choices.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
James Rivera
Food is good, but a bit pricey. They also need to expand their menu especially the appetizers.
Parking: Dude to all the restaurants in the area, really difficult to find parking.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Kristina Kurzman
I’m deeply disappointed by our recent experience at The Gafford, a place we’ve always enjoyed and recommended to others. My parents have been loyal patrons for years, specifically requesting to sit in the Palm Room each time, as it’s more suitable for our group to converse compared to sitting near the kitchen.
On this occasion, despite making a reservation and explicitly requesting the Palm Room, we were informed upon arrival that we could not be seated there. When I asked the hostess for an explanation, she simply said they couldn’t accommodate us. There was an open table for four in the Palm Room, but the manager later explained that it was reserved for a large party and another table was needed to combine with it.
While we understand that businesses must prioritize large parties, what we find unacceptable is the lack of communication. Had we been notified in advance that our request could not be fulfilled, we would have made alternative plans. The lack of consideration for our reservation and the disruption to our limited family time was extremely disappointing.
We hope that after years of loyal patronage, The Gafford will reflect on this experience and improve its communication with customers.
Service: 1
Keith Griffin
I stopped off at a Local Restaurant in downtown Stuart. The Gafford, a family-owned restaurant in Stuart, Florida, opened on October 21, 2023. The restaurant took 17 months to renovate, which was 13 months longer and $2 million more than originally planned. The Gafford is in the Martin Downs Village Center and occupies three spaces, including the Palm City Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant has 151 seats and an outdoor dining patio with 80 seats.
I started with a glass of freshly brewed Sweet Iced Tea. Look at how beautifully dark and rich the flavor of that tea was awesome. It hit the spot for me. My server Abigail was prompt and super friendly. She was on top of her A game tonight covering a lot of tables and didn't miss a beat. I ordered the Gafford. Look it up on the main menu. This is a 20 full ounce bone in Ribeye. It came with a homemade from scratch Mac & Cheese and Green Beans. NOW, they change up the Mac & Cheese from time to time and tonight I got a spicy one. (Now to be fair here I'm not one for very spicy food. So, to be fair on my scale from 1-10 this was a 7-8. But for a person who normally eats spicy stuff I'm going to guess around a 2-3ish.) So, as you can see, I couldn't finish it. TOO HOT for me. But the flavor was very good. The meat was cooked to Medium, and it was right on the money. Thanks to Chef Taylor and his talented crew. The unsung heroes of this fine establishment as well. I also know that everyone's preferences are different when it comes to Steak tenderness. I like my Ribeye firm not mushy overly tenderized. This was nice and firm, not chewy in my book. To me it was perfect. As you can see in the photos that I took the meat was a nice light pink in the middle perfect Medium for me. I hope you all enjoy the photos and the short video to kind of give you a feel for The Gafford. I give this place 10 out of 5 stars! Plan to come down here and visit this family-owned business.
Wheelchair accessibility: City Street parking is free but fills up quickly at peek times.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Gafford
Karen
We have never had a bad experience at The Gafford, always taken on time, food is always delicious, our server James was attentive! We love their daily menu but sometimes stray off for the special. They absolutely have the best lobster bisque I've ever tasted and I compare it to everywhere I go. There isn't anyplace that comes close. I just wish they had it more often or as a regular item on the menu. The pork chop was delicious as always!! The Gafford is at the top of the list for my favorite place to dine!
Keith Griffin
I stopped off at a Local Restaurant in downtown Stuart Called The Gafford and this is there story.
Elizabeth and I were very excited to open our restaurant in Downtown Stuart. After years of visiting our parents, our hearts led us back here each time we considered a different location. Our son Taylor (our Executive Chef) and I, both have a culinary education and all three of us are extremely passionate about quality food, drinks and hospitality. We thoroughly enjoy taking great care of our guests.
“the Gafford” is named after my grandparents who taught us how to enjoy life, have fun and laugh (especially at ourselves). My grandfather was in the Air Force and hospitality business all of his life and taught me so much about business, cooking and hospitality. He never met a stranger and always had a great story to tell. I can remember when I was young visiting my grandparents on their farm. My grandfather used to teach me how to grill. My favorite dish to cook together was a giant Ribeye steak.
On our menu, that is our signature item and we call it “the Gafford.” It’s an 18 oz. bone-in Angus Cowboy cut Ribeye, just like when I was young. My mother and grandmother gave me my tenacity and work ethic; they were great role models and taught me the importance of having high standards and being fair with everyone.
In my 30 + years in the restaurant business I’ve learned that the most important part of business is people. My goal is to take great care of my staff and you as my guest.
Elizabeth, Taylor and I hope that you’ll come see us and give us the chance to show you our Southern Hospitality.
I started with a glass of freshly brewed Sweet Iced Tea. Look at how beautifully dark and rich the flavor of that tea was awesome. It hit the spot for me. My server Abigail was prompt and super friendly. She was on top of her A game tonight covering a lot of tables and didn't miss a beat. I ordered the Gafford. Look it up on the main menu. This is a 20 full ounce bone in Ribeye. It came with a homemade from scratch Mac & Cheese and Green Beans. NOW, they change up the Mac & Cheese from time to time and tonight I got a spicy one. (Now to be fair here I'm not one for very spicy food. So, to be fair on my scale from 1-10 this was a 7-8. But for a person who normally eats spicy stuff I'm going to guess around a 2-3ish.) So, as you can see, I couldn't finish it. TOO HOT for me. But the flavor was very good.
The meat was cooked to Medium, and it was right on the money. Thanks to Chef Taylor and his talented crew. The unsung heroes of this fine establishment as well. I also know that everyone's preferences are different when it comes to Steak tenderness. I like my Ribeye firm not mushy overly tenderized. This was nice and firm, not chewy in my book. To me it was perfect. As you can see in the photos that I took the meat was a nice light pink in the middle perfect Medium for me. I hope you all enjoy the photos and the short video to kind of give you a feel for The Gafford. I give this place 10 out of 5 stars! Plan to come down here and visit this family-owned business.
We always enjoy our meals at The Gafford. Perfectly prepared, delicious and good portions. Everything is always fresh. Friendly atmosphere. We have been going there for 3 years and we've never been disappointed. One of our favorite restaurants in the area.
Great food. My steak was overcooked. They offered to replace it, but everyone else at the table had their food and I didn't want to wait. They took my steak off of the bill. Great ambience, fantastic drink selection. I think my overcooked steak was a rarity. Everyone I was with loved their food.
Mirta Head
We were 8 peoples celebrating a birthday ! I understood that the person’s dinner was completely as they advertise when you join via email. Long story short, we been told by the manager that this will not apply for use. Orar drinks was more than $200, the total was $800. What about making customers happy, specially on their birthday!!! We love the food, but non of us want to eat there again.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
Kadyn Doyle
Amazing service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Gafford, Hanger Steak
Lisa Selthofer Dog Agility Judge & Trainer (of Spot On A
I used to rate this restaurant a 5, but have downgraded to a 3. Since they have opened up their second location, the prices here have gone up and the food quality has gone down. We won't be returning to what was once an amazing place (but no more).
Dietary restrictions: They are great about working with me to secure great gluten free options.
Everything you would think by reading the reviews, well managed, a strong belief in thinking outside the box on their entrees. Many items you would not find anywhere, extensive and curated wine selection. Something for everyone.
As always, Gafford never disappoints! James was very attentive and patient with us as initially we were talking so much catching up with our friends...Dinner was fabulous, as per usual! James stopped by very often to keep tabs on us❤️ Two of us got the wedge with blackened salmon-which you MUST TRY!!! It is NOT fishy or salmon-y (if that's a word!!!) My husband got the Chilean sea bass and absolutely devoured it! The roasted chicken dish was so flavorful and I could not finish it because we all started with the Parmesan cauliflower! You must try it! The roasted red pepper cream is incredible! Thank you, Rick, for stopping by the table...always great when the owner makes it his business to be sure everyone is enjoying their dinner!!!
Sat on the outside and enjoyed a wonderful Salmon filet cooked and flavored perfectly. Nice Glass of Sauvignon Blanc and shared a too large but so yummy red velvet cake! Totally enjoyable and delicious meal. Highly recommend!
The service was excellent.i had the special steak of the night. The flavors were great My husband enjoyed the swordfish very much. My only concern was the steak itself was not very tender and could have been trimmed a little better. Overall I enjoyed my meal I will return but will probably skip on the steak.
Nice little spot, but the night we ate there, everything was overcooked. It is really hard to overcook a double cut porkchop, but somehow, they still managed it. They do have some front of house issues as well, but the problem is mostly that the space doesn't really feel like it's designed for its current use. Table placement is awkward, and there is a lot of coming and going that typically wouldn't happen table side like ice buckets being hauled through and having to jockey around servers and diners. They also have a really strict rule on not seating even 1 minute before 5, leaving people to stand there and pile up at the miniscule front door area until the clock precisely hits the dot, unless you want to go sit at the bar and buy a drink. Those are kind of incidental things - and all in all, the food is generally pretty good, that night it just left a lot to be desired.
Dietary restrictions: They have a lot of gluten-free choices.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Food is good, but a bit pricey. They also need to expand their menu especially the appetizers.
Parking: Dude to all the restaurants in the area, really difficult to find parking.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
I’m deeply disappointed by our recent experience at The Gafford, a place we’ve always enjoyed and recommended to others. My parents have been loyal patrons for years, specifically requesting to sit in the Palm Room each time, as it’s more suitable for our group to converse compared to sitting near the kitchen.
On this occasion, despite making a reservation and explicitly requesting the Palm Room, we were informed upon arrival that we could not be seated there. When I asked the hostess for an explanation, she simply said they couldn’t accommodate us. There was an open table for four in the Palm Room, but the manager later explained that it was reserved for a large party and another table was needed to combine with it.
While we understand that businesses must prioritize large parties, what we find unacceptable is the lack of communication. Had we been notified in advance that our request could not be fulfilled, we would have made alternative plans. The lack of consideration for our reservation and the disruption to our limited family time was extremely disappointing.
We hope that after years of loyal patronage, The Gafford will reflect on this experience and improve its communication with customers.
Service: 1
I stopped off at a Local Restaurant in downtown Stuart. The Gafford, a family-owned restaurant in Stuart, Florida, opened on October 21, 2023. The restaurant took 17 months to renovate, which was 13 months longer and $2 million more than originally planned. The Gafford is in the Martin Downs Village Center and occupies three spaces, including the Palm City Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant has 151 seats and an outdoor dining patio with 80 seats.
I started with a glass of freshly brewed Sweet Iced Tea. Look at how beautifully dark and rich the flavor of that tea was awesome. It hit the spot for me. My server Abigail was prompt and super friendly. She was on top of her A game tonight covering a lot of tables and didn't miss a beat. I ordered the Gafford. Look it up on the main menu. This is a 20 full ounce bone in Ribeye. It came with a homemade from scratch Mac & Cheese and Green Beans. NOW, they change up the Mac & Cheese from time to time and tonight I got a spicy one. (Now to be fair here I'm not one for very spicy food. So, to be fair on my scale from 1-10 this was a 7-8. But for a person who normally eats spicy stuff I'm going to guess around a 2-3ish.) So, as you can see, I couldn't finish it. TOO HOT for me. But the flavor was very good.
The meat was cooked to Medium, and it was right on the money. Thanks to Chef Taylor and his talented crew. The unsung heroes of this fine establishment as well. I also know that everyone's preferences are different when it comes to Steak tenderness. I like my Ribeye firm not mushy overly tenderized. This was nice and firm, not chewy in my book. To me it was perfect. As you can see in the photos that I took the meat was a nice light pink in the middle perfect Medium for me. I hope you all enjoy the photos and the short video to kind of give you a feel for The Gafford. I give this place 10 out of 5 stars! Plan to come down here and visit this family-owned business.
Wheelchair accessibility: City Street parking is free but fills up quickly at peek times.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Gafford
We have never had a bad experience at The Gafford, always taken on time, food is always delicious, our server James was attentive! We love their daily menu but sometimes stray off for the special. They absolutely have the best lobster bisque I've ever tasted and I compare it to everywhere I go. There isn't anyplace that comes close. I just wish they had it more often or as a regular item on the menu. The pork chop was delicious as always!! The Gafford is at the top of the list for my favorite place to dine!
I stopped off at a Local Restaurant in downtown Stuart Called The Gafford and this is there story. Elizabeth and I were very excited to open our restaurant in Downtown Stuart. After years of visiting our parents, our hearts led us back here each time we considered a different location. Our son Taylor (our Executive Chef) and I, both have a culinary education and all three of us are extremely passionate about quality food, drinks and hospitality. We thoroughly enjoy taking great care of our guests. “the Gafford” is named after my grandparents who taught us how to enjoy life, have fun and laugh (especially at ourselves). My grandfather was in the Air Force and hospitality business all of his life and taught me so much about business, cooking and hospitality. He never met a stranger and always had a great story to tell. I can remember when I was young visiting my grandparents on their farm. My grandfather used to teach me how to grill. My favorite dish to cook together was a giant Ribeye steak. On our menu, that is our signature item and we call it “the Gafford.” It’s an 18 oz. bone-in Angus Cowboy cut Ribeye, just like when I was young. My mother and grandmother gave me my tenacity and work ethic; they were great role models and taught me the importance of having high standards and being fair with everyone. In my 30 + years in the restaurant business I’ve learned that the most important part of business is people. My goal is to take great care of my staff and you as my guest. Elizabeth, Taylor and I hope that you’ll come see us and give us the chance to show you our Southern Hospitality. I started with a glass of freshly brewed Sweet Iced Tea. Look at how beautifully dark and rich the flavor of that tea was awesome. It hit the spot for me. My server Abigail was prompt and super friendly. She was on top of her A game tonight covering a lot of tables and didn't miss a beat. I ordered the Gafford. Look it up on the main menu. This is a 20 full ounce bone in Ribeye. It came with a homemade from scratch Mac & Cheese and Green Beans. NOW, they change up the Mac & Cheese from time to time and tonight I got a spicy one. (Now to be fair here I'm not one for very spicy food. So, to be fair on my scale from 1-10 this was a 7-8. But for a person who normally eats spicy stuff I'm going to guess around a 2-3ish.) So, as you can see, I couldn't finish it. TOO HOT for me. But the flavor was very good. The meat was cooked to Medium, and it was right on the money. Thanks to Chef Taylor and his talented crew. The unsung heroes of this fine establishment as well. I also know that everyone's preferences are different when it comes to Steak tenderness. I like my Ribeye firm not mushy overly tenderized. This was nice and firm, not chewy in my book. To me it was perfect. As you can see in the photos that I took the meat was a nice light pink in the middle perfect Medium for me. I hope you all enjoy the photos and the short video to kind of give you a feel for The Gafford. I give this place 10 out of 5 stars! Plan to come down here and visit this family-owned business.
Restaurantji Recommends
We always enjoy our meals at The Gafford. Perfectly prepared, delicious and good portions. Everything is always fresh. Friendly atmosphere. We have been going there for 3 years and we've never been disappointed. One of our favorite restaurants in the area.
Great food. My steak was overcooked. They offered to replace it, but everyone else at the table had their food and I didn't want to wait. They took my steak off of the bill. Great ambience, fantastic drink selection. I think my overcooked steak was a rarity. Everyone I was with loved their food.
We were 8 peoples celebrating a birthday ! I understood that the person’s dinner was completely as they advertise when you join via email. Long story short, we been told by the manager that this will not apply for use. Orar drinks was more than $200, the total was $800. What about making customers happy, specially on their birthday!!! We love the food, but non of us want to eat there again.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
Amazing service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Gafford, Hanger Steak
I used to rate this restaurant a 5, but have downgraded to a 3. Since they have opened up their second location, the prices here have gone up and the food quality has gone down. We won't be returning to what was once an amazing place (but no more).
Dietary restrictions: They are great about working with me to secure great gluten free options.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3