Parlour 1886 — Restaurant in Marion

I was really excited to try this place, especially seeing all of the high reviews. My partner and I drove an hour to get here. The location was very cool, lovely inside. But the food was just not it.. We came for the strip steak, which they were out of (on a Friday night? and it was not busy inside). So I opted for the more expensive ribeye, and it was overcooked and very over-salted. I rarely complain about food but this was just very disappointing. The (I assume) manager spoke to every table there except for ours, and that kind of gave us an unwelcoming sort of vibe. Our server was nice, but never asked how our food was, and I felt awkward and uncomfortable to bring it up due to the atmosphere. I’m sure they would’ve fixed it, but really who wants to deal with that. I very much regret spending 60 dollars for a quality piece of meat that was not prepared well. I do not think the high prices overall were justified for the level of service and preparedness. I don’t think I would go back. Sorry to sound so negative! I think it is a cool place and I like the story behind it all, maybe it was just an off night....

Restaurant was clean and nicely decorated. We ate here for dinner and brunch so this covers both. Dinner service was quick and friendly. It was our 1 year anniversary so they gave us some champagne on the house. Squash toast appetizer was delicious! The ribeye was cooked as ordered, juicy and had great flavor but it was a little chewy. The strip steak was a little drier and not as flavorful but was very tender. The accompanying potatoes and broccoli were very good as well. Cheesecake was very nice and my wife enjoyed the creme brûlée. Breakfast service was friendly but a little slower and not as proactive. The eggs Benedict was a little bland. The waffle was a little more dense than we would want in a waffle. The parlour breakfast was almost perfect, the toast just needed to be a little more toasty. Meals were expensive but worth the money. Would eat here again and recommend to others. My pictures aren’t as nice as they would usually be, we were super excited to eat the food and may have taken some...

We had a fantastic Friday dinner and Saturday brunch at Parlour 1886. All of Chef Luis’s entrees, sides, and starters were delicious. The Ribeye, Spring Vegetable Broth, Chicken & Waffles, and Biscuits & Gravy were standouts. Chef Alicia makes a beautiful craft cocktail and some of the best Carrot Cake we’ve ever tasted.

Alicia and Luis are gracious and delightful hosts, and their entire staff was welcoming and attentive from start to finish. Our only constructive criticisms relate to the mechanics of dinner and brunch service. Not everyone’s dishes in each course were served at the same time, and our dinner entrees arrived at the table while we were still enjoying our soups and salads. But these are minor refinements that would only make a 5-star experience even better.

If your travels take you to Marion, don’t miss Parlour 1886—or the equally impressive lodging accommodations at the Historic Elgin Hotel.

We...