We chose to try Black Rail Kitchen because it’s conveniently located near my husband’s work, and we were celebrating a friend’s birthday. Unfortunately, our overall experience was very underwhelming.
The service felt average, and several of the dishes fell short. The halibut, which was recommended by our server, lacked flavor and tasted unseasoned. All three of us tried it, and we agreed it seemed to be missing even basic seasoning. I mentioned this during the meal, but there was no effort made to address or improve the situation. The steak was also disappointing, as it was dry and lacked flavor. I wasn’t expecting anything to be taken off the bill, but I did hope for a more attentive or responsive approach from our server.
There were a few positives. The salmon with carrots and sauce was well-prepared and flavorful, and the quinoa arugula salad was enjoyable. We also appreciated the beautifully decorated interior, and most importantly, we enjoyed each other’s company, which ended up being the highlight of the evening.
However, the rest of the meal did not meet expectations, the bill was $224 total for three people with apps, entrees, and a mango sorbet dessert. While there were a couple of bright spots, the overall food lacked flavor and service did not feel worth the price, and it’s not a restaurant I would choose to return to.
We came to Black Rail Kitchen + Bar for a rehearsal dinner and had a nice evening.
They had a buffet set up, and I was pleasantly surprised to see not just one, but two different cauliflower dishes. Everything was flavorful and well done. They also had vegetable sides available, which some of our vegan friends ordered and enjoyed.
I also loved that they had three mocktails on the menu. We tried all of them, and each one was unique and really refreshing.
The space itself is beautiful, with a large outdoor area that really adds to the overall vibe. It was still pretty busy even when we were leaving around 10 PM, which says a lot about how popular it is.
Overall, such a fun spot for events or a night out. Great atmosphere, good food, and thoughtful drink options.
5
The food is superb and the staff & service is first class. The menu is inviting and the prices are reasonable to low. The Black Rail is ran by a team of professionals looking to provide the best experience possible in every respect. The restaurant is well-appointed and the seating is both comfortable and spacious, not tight and clustered. It's nice to see any business that is ran so well, with so much attention to every detail. They have Prime Rib on Friday and Saturday, one dish amongst a menu offering that is very appealing with plenty of other great options. Their (I will call them scalloped) potatoes are just fantastic. One request of the Black Rail - add the Friday and Saturday only Prime Rib to the pick-up order options on your website. Thanks for everything, love you guys!
4
Great experience! We came here on a Sunday night. We had reservations but honestly, you don't need them. We got seated right away. Ambiance is very nice. They had music outdoors and we asked to be seated away from it. There is tons of seating indoors and outdoors. On Sunday night, they have a 3 course dinner for 2 option for $79+taxes. My friend and I did the math, which was mathing so we chose this option. We got the crispy brussel sprouts, the Moroccan braised lamb meatballs and the tomato basil pasta and the semifreddo for dessert. The food was all very good and we enjoyed our choices. We would recommend all of our choices again and would eat the same exact menu again. The semifreddo was actually surprisingly great.
My friend and I are thinking of making this our usual haunt to catch up.
4
Love the ambiance and our server was great.. lamb meatballs & my purple rain drink was delicious. We weren't big fans of brussels or mushroom pasta. In fairness I'm not a big pasta person, so I probably shouldn't even have ordered it. (But Wanted something different). Would return here next time we're in town.
