I often have business meetings (lunch and breakfast) over many years but this time it was very disappointing I didn't see the usual Maitre D who knows me well, and I asked the hostess to seat us in a corner table in the restaurant since we needed a quiet spot Unfortunately she said they didn't have anything and she sat us on the outside part right next to a large birthday party ! No common sense whatsoever. Needless to say it was difficult for everyone to hear and very distracting as this table was rather boisterous And the food and service was not as good as it usually is. Maybe there are new employees but I will now book business meetings elsewhere
Erik Spreitzer
Food was actually pretty darn good. My only issue was how long it took after ordering to get our food. Also, we came here for brunch and they had no appetizer dishes to offer while we waited over an hour for our food.Not bad, just took a long time.....
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Latke Eggs Benedict
DeMarcus Garrett
I highly recommend. Pricey, but well worth it. The food is nothing short of divine and the cocktails are quality and well-crafted. We had the day's non-menu house specials; Beef Wellington and Lobster Wellington and both were prepared to perfection. The ambience is nice however it's on the ground floor of a hotel. This would not be a problem but my party was seated next to three French doors that lead to the main lobby of the hotel. Each were blocked by a large plant with the doors ajar around the plants . The plants did not deter people from entering and exiting the door I was seated next to which was a little unnerving as they walked by the table and behind me. All-in-all, the discomfort was minimal and did not ruin the experience.Vegetarian options: A few salad offerings that can be ordered with or without an animal protein. A few vegetable and bread offerings.Wheelchair accessibility: It's on the ground floor of a hotel and there weren't any obstructions that should restrict accessibility.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
DRGarrett
I highly recommend. Pricey, but well worth it. The food is nothing short of divine and the cocktails are quality and well-crafted. We had the day's non-menu house specials; Beef Wellington and Lobster Wellington and both were prepared to perfection. The ambience is nice however it's on the ground floor of a hotel. This would not be a problem but my party was seated next to three French doors that lead to the main lobby of the hotel. Each were blocked by a large plant with the doors ajar around the plants . The plants did not deter people from entering and exiting the door I was seated next to which was a little unnerving as they walked by the table and behind me. All-in-all, the discomfort was minimal and did not ruin the experience.
This is my second time at the Rugby Grille and they never fail to impress. The first time I had their classic fried chicken and it was so delectable, but this time I went and they didn't have it. I was disheartened, but Jessica reassured me their chicken piccata is a favorite. I decided on the chicken Caesar salad and it was very delicious and my mother decided on the chicken piccata and let me tell you...Jessica was absolutely right, I tried it and it impressed me so much. Rugby Grille does not fail of providing an experience.
NickD
Waitress was professional, top notch, and was able to speak of the specific region in Spain which our wine can from. Wife and I tried the brussel sprouts , pasta bolognese, and short ribs all which were excellent.
The Strand Magazine
Hotels as one kid of our friend said years ago, "They are never good all the time." And the Townsend since Covid has really slipped up. The ambiance is cozy and quiet, and made in a way to discourage the rowdy crowd! The food is New York ritzy prices for food that is wedged between a chain restaurant food and airport food. The servers are mostly decent, but the hosts are poor, and present a very image to a Birmingham institution.Luckily, if you find yourself in this den of stuffed shirts with food that will leave you feeling anything but stuffed, you can sample the competition across the street, a very fine Italian restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 1
SuaresAnselmo TV
I was staying in the hotel and had dinner here one night. I ordered the Chilean Bass and crème brûlée for dessert. Everything was fantastic, service as well. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth the extra money. BTW, breakfast is also great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Foodfan
We had the most delicious meal! It was very relaxing and the courses were perfectly timed. Our waiter was outstanding and was very gracious to accommodate/adjust the menu for a vegan member of our family. We look forward to returning and enjoying another great meal!
Amazing service, Delicious food and beautiful setting! Great place for a celebration! Side note, it's ALL OLD PEOPLE! Literally nobody under 85 was spotted dining here....ever! I don't care, we still love it hahaha!!!
Came here w my girlfriends for holiday brunch today, 20 years after starting our first holiday brunch at the Townsend hotel in 2000. Since then we've met for Christmas brunch at many different upscale restaurants around the city. Very quiet at 11:45 AM on a Thursday (3-4 tables occupied?) but the hostess insisted that we sit at the last table outside in the hallway almost in the lobby. It was cold from the constant open/ close of the main doors and just weird to be eating in front of every guest that comes in the hotel so we asked for another table. After several back and forths, she finally sat us inside the dining room. The service was good, the amount of food was decent (especially at the high price) and flavor was good. Nothing was amazing or notable. A flower or candle on the table, and some music would've been nice. Next year we will try someplace else again.
Z
Excellent place, I had a breakfast meeting here last week and visited for the first time. It was so good I’ve already returned for breakfast again. Honestly the best Lox I’ve ever had, the salmon was super fresh and prepared perfectly with a great texture and thickness. This is located in The Townsend Hotel and they have a great lobby with a fireplace to wait for members of your party.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hash
BASK
It is a delightful place to meet friends and share a delightful lunch or dinner. The food is good and the ambiance is great. The servers know how to treat a group and are there when you need them and don't hover when you don't. The food is upscale and presentation is perfect.
Tami B
I feel like we were eating in the lobby…because we were in the lobby. This place is not inexpensive but the food is pretty good. I’ve only had brunch here but I do think we will find another place for next year.
Wen there for high
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I often have business meetings (lunch and breakfast) over many years but this time it was very disappointing I didn't see the usual Maitre D who knows me well, and I asked the hostess to seat us in a corner table in the restaurant since we needed a quiet spot Unfortunately she said they didn't have anything and she sat us on the outside part right next to a large birthday party ! No common sense whatsoever. Needless to say it was difficult for everyone to hear and very distracting as this table was rather boisterous And the food and service was not as good as it usually is. Maybe there are new employees but I will now book business meetings elsewhere
Food was actually pretty darn good. My only issue was how long it took after ordering to get our food. Also, we came here for brunch and they had no appetizer dishes to offer while we waited over an hour for our food.Not bad, just took a long time.....
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Latke Eggs Benedict
I highly recommend. Pricey, but well worth it. The food is nothing short of divine and the cocktails are quality and well-crafted. We had the day's non-menu house specials; Beef Wellington and Lobster Wellington and both were prepared to perfection. The ambience is nice however it's on the ground floor of a hotel. This would not be a problem but my party was seated next to three French doors that lead to the main lobby of the hotel. Each were blocked by a large plant with the doors ajar around the plants . The plants did not deter people from entering and exiting the door I was seated next to which was a little unnerving as they walked by the table and behind me. All-in-all, the discomfort was minimal and did not ruin the experience.Vegetarian options: A few salad offerings that can be ordered with or without an animal protein. A few vegetable and bread offerings.Wheelchair accessibility: It's on the ground floor of a hotel and there weren't any obstructions that should restrict accessibility.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I highly recommend. Pricey, but well worth it. The food is nothing short of divine and the cocktails are quality and well-crafted. We had the day's non-menu house specials; Beef Wellington and Lobster Wellington and both were prepared to perfection. The ambience is nice however it's on the ground floor of a hotel. This would not be a problem but my party was seated next to three French doors that lead to the main lobby of the hotel. Each were blocked by a large plant with the doors ajar around the plants . The plants did not deter people from entering and exiting the door I was seated next to which was a little unnerving as they walked by the table and behind me. All-in-all, the discomfort was minimal and did not ruin the experience.
This is my second time at the Rugby Grille and they never fail to impress. The first time I had their classic fried chicken and it was so delectable, but this time I went and they didn't have it. I was disheartened, but Jessica reassured me their chicken piccata is a favorite. I decided on the chicken Caesar salad and it was very delicious and my mother decided on the chicken piccata and let me tell you...Jessica was absolutely right, I tried it and it impressed me so much. Rugby Grille does not fail of providing an experience.
Waitress was professional, top notch, and was able to speak of the specific region in Spain which our wine can from. Wife and I tried the brussel sprouts , pasta bolognese, and short ribs all which were excellent.
Hotels as one kid of our friend said years ago, "They are never good all the time." And the Townsend since Covid has really slipped up. The ambiance is cozy and quiet, and made in a way to discourage the rowdy crowd! The food is New York ritzy prices for food that is wedged between a chain restaurant food and airport food. The servers are mostly decent, but the hosts are poor, and present a very image to a Birmingham institution.Luckily, if you find yourself in this den of stuffed shirts with food that will leave you feeling anything but stuffed, you can sample the competition across the street, a very fine Italian restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 1
I was staying in the hotel and had dinner here one night. I ordered the Chilean Bass and crème brûlée for dessert. Everything was fantastic, service as well. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth the extra money. BTW, breakfast is also great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had the most delicious meal! It was very relaxing and the courses were perfectly timed. Our waiter was outstanding and was very gracious to accommodate/adjust the menu for a vegan member of our family. We look forward to returning and enjoying another great meal!
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing service, Delicious food and beautiful setting! Great place for a celebration! Side note, it's ALL OLD PEOPLE! Literally nobody under 85 was spotted dining here....ever! I don't care, we still love it hahaha!!!
Came here w my girlfriends for holiday brunch today, 20 years after starting our first holiday brunch at the Townsend hotel in 2000. Since then we've met for Christmas brunch at many different upscale restaurants around the city. Very quiet at 11:45 AM on a Thursday (3-4 tables occupied?) but the hostess insisted that we sit at the last table outside in the hallway almost in the lobby. It was cold from the constant open/ close of the main doors and just weird to be eating in front of every guest that comes in the hotel so we asked for another table. After several back and forths, she finally sat us inside the dining room. The service was good, the amount of food was decent (especially at the high price) and flavor was good. Nothing was amazing or notable. A flower or candle on the table, and some music would've been nice. Next year we will try someplace else again.
Excellent place, I had a breakfast meeting here last week and visited for the first time. It was so good I’ve already returned for breakfast again. Honestly the best Lox I’ve ever had, the salmon was super fresh and prepared perfectly with a great texture and thickness. This is located in The Townsend Hotel and they have a great lobby with a fireplace to wait for members of your party.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hash
It is a delightful place to meet friends and share a delightful lunch or dinner. The food is good and the ambiance is great. The servers know how to treat a group and are there when you need them and don't hover when you don't. The food is upscale and presentation is perfect.
I feel like we were eating in the lobby…because we were in the lobby. This place is not inexpensive but the food is pretty good. I’ve only had brunch here but I do think we will find another place for next year.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3