The Grill on Main — Restaurant in La Quinta

If I were the owner, I would fire the manager. Tonight was unacceptable.

I’m as easygoing as they come. I don’t complain. I never send food back. I tip 20% no matter what. I’ve been on a carnivore diet for three years. I eat steak or a burger every day — always at restaurants. So I know what I’m ordering, and I’m not picky.

Tonight I ordered the New York strip, medium. It came out cooked well done—well past well done. But this isn’t about the steak. I’ve eaten overcooked steaks before. I don’t love it, but I’m not dramatic. I was ready to eat it and move on.

The waiter asked how everything was. I told him it was fine, but just a heads-up that the steak was super overcooked. I emphasized that I was okay with it and didn’t need a replacement. He insisted on bringing me a new one. I resisted. He insisted. I let him take it.

About ten minutes later, I’m still sitting there with an empty cocktail glass when the manager shows up. He’s holding a flashlight. Yes, a flashlight — on a sunny outdoor patio with clear skies and no umbrella overhead.

He says, “Sometimes in this light it’s hard to see.” “See what?” I asked. “The pink center,” he says.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I told him, “There is no pink. This steak is gray and hard. I didn’t want to send it back. Your waiter pushed it, and now you’re here arguing with a flashlight.”

The manager refused to replace the steak. I told him clearly, “I never asked for a replacement. I was ready to eat the thing. But your staff made a promise, and now you’re undermining that. If you’re seriously telling me this is medium, then we live in different realities.”

By the way, I had my 8- and 5-year-old daughters with me.

When the check came, nothing was comped. Not a drink, not a dessert, not even the steak. I told the waiter this wasn’t his fault, and it wouldn’t affect his tip. But I also told him to please tell the manager that I eat steak 28 days a month, and I’ve never experienced anything this absurd.

I won’t be back.

Flashlight in the sunlight. That’s the level of hospitality we’re dealing with. Maybe go read Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. The manager could learn a...

Service was horrible tonight 😓. All they need is some coaching! But I love this place and that’s why I won’t give you a really low rating. I’m rooting for you guys, and always recommend you to visitors coming from out of state/town looking for good restaurants. But today I was so excited to come back again and first encountered a horribly unwelcoming, bored, unenthusiastic and uncaring hostess. While our server was innocently nice, and I don’t think he purposely meant to do a bad job, he was soooooo slow and inattentive. It took 30 mins each time for him to fulfill any request, including just getting the check. He took ages to come back and get new drink and food orders etc. I understand maybe this was a staffing issue or a kitchen issue (or both) but mind you, it was NOT busy and we were surrounded by empty tables. But he was sluggish and doesn’t seem to have any server experience at all. How is that the case when so many experienced people are looking for jobs and yet untrained and inexperienced staff are representing your restaurant? Maybe the economy is causing you to pay lower wages and thus hire inexperienced workers and I feel that but I just hope management can be aware and attentive to how poor the customer experience is when your staff is severely lacking. We were just about to take our business to Stuft and maybe we should have. 😓 But aside from the service I do love the food and drinks and...

Update: Came here today the Fish and Chips were cooked twice because I returned them to the kitchen twice; they were extremely dark and raw inside! It was a terrible experience as I was so looking forward to the quality I had last time.

I then ordered a mushroom quesadilla and it was horrible and I returned that to the kitchen. The mushrooms were undercooked and it was so greasy. It was not acceptable.

If you order fish here, please ensure it’s cooked well!!

Very disappointing; the quality here is very inconsistent and I won’t be going back here because this experience was the worst.

Previous Review: This restaurant is spectacular! The most delicious food and service. They cook everything perfectly and make things just as you want it. The food arrived at my table piping hot and so very fresh. I ordered the Fish and Chips and it’s the best Fish and Chips I have ever had in my life. The fries were gorgeous and the cole slaw was divine. I was so happy eating here. Daniella gave us extra care and excellent service. They make terrific Arnold Palmer’s and she ensured we had enough refills. She was very caring and kind to us. The restaurant was lovely inside with beautiful tables and views. If you want a terrific meal, go here! You will not be disappointed. In fact, I cannot wait to go back for more delicious food. There are ample parking spaces and handicapped spots...