CHAR Craft Steaks at Grand View Lodge

Worst steak at a restaurant I've ever had. I got the New York Strip medium. There was literally 1/4" of burn, to the point where it was difficult to even cut the steak. This was followed by a practically blue rare middle. My wife got a well done filet. You would think this would be easy, but they managed to only cook hers medium. They then offered to throw it back on the grill, at which point it was basically unedible because it had the same level of burn. They never even apologized. There was also a drastic level of difference in the quality of service we received from our waiter compared to other tables he was serving. We were very courteous but much younger than most others there, so maybe that played into it. Sides were awful. A week later we went to Applebee's and ordered similar items to what we got here and every single one was better at Applebee's, and the price was 1/6 the cost. It was awful and not even worth Applebee's prices.

EDIT: Tried to send an email in response to owner's reply and the email address provided was not in service.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

Ordered the Seafood Platter. Normally I enjoy a wide variety of foods and restaurants. Was suggested to try this establishment and left in tears. The food was awful. Service was great if you come to have your water glass filled other than that terrible, server checked in once and left before we could mention how bad the food is. Will not recommend, waste of money not only left hungry but in tears as it was my anniversary.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 3

Overall a wonderful experience. Easy online reservation for a birthday dinner celebration. Our server, Quinn was outstanding. He was pleased to report that today was first day for a new menu in the CHAR Craft Steaks restaurant at Grandview Lodge. We were not disappointed. We started with Tawny Old Fashioned cocktails and an Old Friend Martini. We passed on appetizers, soup or salad. Tasty bread with peach honey butter was brought. Our main course meals included Sesame-Seared Big Eye Tuna - Line-caught Bigeye Tuna, Black and White Sesame Seeds, Ponzu Sauce, Wasabi Aioli, Sriracha Aioli, Wakame Seaweed Salad, Chive Oil ( tasty, good portion size but not Sushi grade); Duo Lobster Tail - Wild Rice Pilaf, Drawn Butter, Grilled Asparagus (good portion size for a reasonable price); and Steak Oscar (8 oz Grilled Filet Mignon, Crab Oscar, Yukon Gold Butter Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus). I ordered the Steak Oscar medium-rare, but it came cooked medium to well done. Very tender and acceptable, although not what I expected. I described my disappointment, and Quinn had the cook prepare another Steak Oscar which was a very tasty, medium-rare filet mignon done to perfection! I had leftover to take home. And the birthday dessert was wonderful, too! We will be back for another special celebration.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Jessica and Irena are amazing!! 5+ STARS. Thank you Network Centers for the absolutely outstanding evening! ♥️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Made reservations for a pod. Had a great time with the help of the bartender and our server Gary.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best steaks ? and service in the Brainerd Lakes area!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great steaks. Awesome french onion soup.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wow is all I have to say. This restaurant is amazing, the food pretty much pure perfection from the cook on the steaks, seasoning, presentation, char has moved into my top 5 restaurants I've visited. The lobster and avocado toast was a great start, highly recommend. The boursin Mac and cheese is to die for. Steaks and prime rib were cooked perfectly, my ribeye was butter knife tender. They were even nice enough to give my dad and his wife a dessert platter for their wedding which we had earlier in the day at the chapel at the lodge. What a great weekend to spend celebrating!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had a 6:30 reservation but the couple in front of us did not! So, we waited while the hostess checked to see if they could be squeezed in! No problem with that!! However, we then sat for 20 minutes never being even acknowledged!! Both servers looked over at our table at least 3 times each but never bothered to check on us or tell us they’d be with us soon…NOTHING!! We will not be back!!

Atmosphere: 2

Service: 1

Service could have been

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 3

Stopped in for a dinner hoping to sit outside in the beautiful weather and it’s unfortunate that there’s no outdoor seating for this menu. You can sit outside for bar food. I’m sure it’s cozy in the winter if you like bad 80’s decor, plastic grapes draping over a wine rack. It looked very 80’s Olive Garden.We ordered two overpriced salads hoping for the best. The wedge Caesar was just a little Roman, dressing and three flavorless croutons. The other wedge was the same, no bacon and extremely minimal. We also ordered Brussel sprouts that were just ok. We ordered the “wild” mushrooms that were just your everyday button mushrooms that had zero flavor, almost tasted canned. We stopped at the salads and didn’t bother to order anything else on the insanely overpriced menu.Overall I think grand view lodge is overpriced all around for an outdated facility.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 4

Parking: Parking is OK, but no signage to point the way to the restaurant. We finally walked in to a likely looking door and asked for directions.

The service is great and the food is amazing.

Incredible dining experience. 5 frickin stars (they are better than regular stars). Service was attentive and accommodating. Food came out hot and in a timely manner. We had the bone in ribeye, filet/lobster and prime rib. All cooked to perfection. Desserts came on a share platter that were moist and delicious. All of us have been talking about this meal for weeks. We personally thanked the chef afterwards. Kudos Char! You are killing it.

We loved our experience at char. Most notably, our server was so friendly, and so knowledgeable... We just loved her. I believe her name was Irina, but we know her as the fantastic old-fashioned maker! We always have a wonderful experience at char as the rustic atmosphere With a nice menu selection and some high end wines make for a perfect evening.