Parkway Grill

11/02/2007 Posted by fluidity

There isn't a single place in the area within a 10+ mile radius that I like more. I like this place more than Arroyo Chophouse. I haven't been to Raymond or the Ritz-Carlton yet, but I haven't been anywhere else that maybe be better for the price in the area. I've been to Parkway Grill 4 times over the last 8 years, and have always had a pleasant experience. I went there last night to take my girlfriend out for her 25th birthday, and my experience was so pleasant that I felt compelled to write a review. Great service. I always loved the ambience - dimly lit, high ceiling, oak bar, live piano. The time it was very loud though - the only complaint I have. It's more bustling now. Arrived 20 minutes early and was seated within 5 minutes, in a secluded corner table, as requested on OpenTable. Excellent waiter, Ron, knew everything on the menu. I just got a cheap bottle of Cabernet so can't say much there. FOOD - Crab cakes to start - blah, little salty, tasty, but nothing special. Veal Cheeks - holy moly! This is a home run dish. Recently added to the menu. The waiter strongly suggested I try it. You won't see it on their website. Think braised short ribs x 10. Succulent, tender, flavorful. Came with chanterelle mushrooms, beat puree, blanched peppercorns (that looked like salmon roe, but were peppercorns - awesome!), a white puree I couldn't identify, and a brown onion something or other. Anyhow, everything came together BEAUTIFULLY. This alone was worth the price of admission. A+ for the veal cheeks. Main entree - Salmon - blah. Beef Braised Short Rib - now this wasn't the most tender short rib I've ever had, but it was definitely the largest, still incredibly tender, and absolutely delicious. Still fall off the bone. The array of vegetables and potatoes complemented the meat nicely. B+/A- for that dish. Dessert - Creme Brulee Napoleon - Exquisite. Filo dough so flavorful. A-. Free scoops ice cream in a cone boat for B-day. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Pros: Food, Service, Ambience

Cons: Loud on a Thursday night, so not always recommended for a romantic date

07/28/2007 Posted by loridesimone

i just love this place..... Excellent customer service and great food. Very friendly place

03/23/2007 Posted by chudjr

The menu is not that extensive, but get the lamb. So juicy. Probably the best I have ever had and I try the lamb at any restaurant that serves it. The volcano chocolate cake is better at Watergrill. If you get there early enough, you can park right in front on the street and skip the valet parking.

01/02/2007 Posted by tnt8734

My boyfriend and I went to The Parkway Grill for newyear eve. The restaurant had nice ambience, and the service was excellent, however, the food was definitely not worth the money. We ordered three of their specials and two were bad. The fois gras appetizer was a tiny little thin sliver, about 1 square inch, with a couple of berries that costs us 19 dollars. The Ono with curry and fennel salad was dried and tasteless for 38 bucks. The only thing that tasted OK was the king crab legs for 40 dollars. We felt as if we were robbed when the bill arrived especially when the food was so bad. There are too many nice restaurant in Pasadena to settle for The Parkway Grill. It's just not worth the money.

Pros: Nice ambience and good service

Cons: Overcharged bad food.

09/26/2006 Posted by bunnissimo

I recently went for dinner with several business associates on a Monday night, after not having visited the restaurant for several years. It was elegant and nicely done in a traditional way, and the waitstaff and hostess were professional and polite--a combination that is hard to find in LA! The food was not exactly inventive, but was done extremely well. I had the fish of the day which was cooked to perfection, and my neighbor's lamb was flavorful as well. It is hard to find a restaurant that does not overcook its seafood. No surprises on the dessert menu, either, but the molten chocolate cake was delicious, as was the chocolate and banana bread pudding. It's not the most stylish place to eat, but if you're looking for a solid, well-cooked meal with great service, you won't be disappointed.

Pros: service, food

Cons: ambience is a bit boring

08/14/2006 Posted by mocsmom

I went to the Parkway Grill for the first time recently. The restaurant is stylish with a beautiful little garden out front and wonderfully modern chandeliers and lamps inside. The service was excellent as was the food. We enjoyed almost everything we ordered. For appetizers, we ordered the crab cake souffle, tuna tartare and a another dish (don't remember the name) that was made up of a large cracker, caramelized onions, fresh oregano and goat cheese. The tuna and the cracker were just FABULOUS! For the entree, I ordered sockeye salmon. I thought this was just OK as it was slightly overcooked. Although the sauce was delicious, I didn't think there was enough of it. We did finish with a delicious dessert, chocolate lava cake with molten chocolate and vanilla bean ice cream. All in all, a really fun and pleasant experience.

07/03/2006 Posted by artizen

I am not one to write reviews but this was outstanding! I was brought there buy some Pasadena locals and told it was a landmark. The food was really good, I especially enjoyed the bruchetta and crab cakes. The highlight of our meal were definitley the desserts. I had the chocolate lava and it's the best I've had since I was in New York at Jean George's. The nostalgia should be called the fun plate! It was a chocolate cupcake with sprinkles, a brownie sundae, and a chocolate chip cookie Icecream sandwich(yum!). I can't wait to return for the chocolate bananafudge tart!

Pros: Flowers and decor

08/27/2005 Posted by kjranabargar

I am fortunate enough to live 5 minutes away from Parkway and Arroyo Chop House, and dine at both frequently. The food is very good and the service is generally very good (obviously slows down when the place is packed, which is often). One thing that I found inappropriate for such a high caliber restaurant was the hostess. At such a fine dining establishment I would expect the hostess (and all of the staff for that matter) to be dressed appropriately.

06/22/2005 Posted by coconutgrove

they have great food at a reasonably good price. great for special occassions although it is a bit loud and crowded, the waiters take great care of you.

01/11/2005 Posted by ricdlegal

I remember the catfish dish I ordered. They served the whole thing! It seemed huge, but the delectable sauce made me enjoy the course all the more and finish the whole thing. Their bold and contemporary approaches to everyday items made the dining experience a wonderful adventure!

Pros: Fresh, Ambiance, Valet parking