Blue Olive Grill — Restaurant in McKinney

What I liked: Variety of Mediterranean food, decent portions, single restroom was clean enough, family owned restaurant.

Disliked: I went at 7:15 pm on Sunday. After we ordered and took a seat, we constantly heard the microwave over and over. Not a good sign. Approximately twenty minutes later, the food arrived. Kid's plate of gyro and rice was a big portion and my daughter seemed to enjoy it. My husband ordered Kabab Combo. Chicken was cooked very moist, but lacked flavor. The ground beef kabab was hard and dry, and did not appear to be fresh off the grill- which you could tell by its dull brown color as opposed to a glistening sheen from freshly grilled meat. I ordered a special with beef kabab, kibbeh, dolma, and falafel with yogurt and hummus dips. Falafel was crisp and full of texture, but a bit dry. Fortunately the yogurt dip was aromatic and flavorful. Again, kabab was dry and hard. Kibbeh- very much like meatloaf, was cool in the center from not being (cringe) microwaved long enough. A couple of bites of that and I was ready to move on to something I really enjoy at other Med. restaurants- dolmas. Not what I hoped as they were tart and soft, but again, semi warm. Okay, hummus then. I'm used to a robust flavor, but this was bland as well, and I could not tell the taste apart from that of the pita I dipped in it. At this point I had tried everything on my plate with nothing I could eat with gusto. I asked to speak to the manager or owner, and a sweet stout man appeared. I told him as discreetly and kindly as I could that I was not satisfied with the quality and taste as it didn't taste fresh, and that I heard the microwave running constantly. He said he'd take my order off the check, and he went on to explain that 99.5 percent of restaurants use microwaves to heat up food. Totally ridiculous statistic for anyone who has ever worked in a decent restaurant. He said everything was microwaved except the falafel- not surprising since it was the only thing I would miss as he grabbed the plate. I wish I had yanked one of those off before he walked away. Oh well... considering just how much of the food was microwaved, I'm surprised it didn't come out much sooner. I would give it one star, but the owner was nice and my daughter liked her food. Unfortunately, I will not be returning until I know they cook the food fresh- not by the owner's mistaken view that fresh is the same as prepared on-sight at an earlier time, but fresh as in hot off the grill, sizzling, steaming, and burst-in-your-mouth...

Blue Olive Grill is an exceptional dining experience that offers a unique fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. From the moment you step foot into the restaurant, you are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that is both stylish and comfortable.

The menu at Blue Olive Grill is diverse and offers something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of fresh seafood, succulent lamb, or vegetarian options, you will not be disappointed. One must-try dish is their signature "Mixed Grill" which combines perfectly grilled kebabs of chicken, lamb, and beef – it is a carnivore's dream come true. The flavors are bold and aromatic, highlighting the essence of the region's culinary heritage.

The service at Blue Olive Grill is attentive and friendly, ensuring that all guests feel welcomed and well taken care of. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and is more than happy to recommend dishes or answer any questions you may have. They truly go above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience.

The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated, with vibrant blue accents and cozy seating areas. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available, which is perfect for those looking to enjoy their meal al fresco. The ambiance is relaxed and inviting, creating the ideal setting for a leisurely lunch or intimate dinner.

One of the highlights of Blue Olive Grill is their extensive vegetarian menu. They offer a wide variety of flavorful options, from falafel wraps to stuffed grape leaves, that will satisfy even the most discerning vegetarian palate. It is refreshing to find a restaurant that caters to diverse dietary preferences without compromising on taste or quality.

Overall, Blue Olive Grill is a hidden gem that should not be missed. From the delicious food to the exceptional service, every aspect of this restaurant exceeds expectations. Whether you are a fan of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine, or simply looking to try something new, Blue Olive Grill is sure to leave a...

My Honest Take on Blue Olive Grill: A Hidden Gem

🌟 Ambiance and Setting: Picture this – Blue Olive Grill, nestled across from Raytheon, feels like a cozy family spot. The kind of place where you can kick back, forget about the world, and just enjoy good food.

🍽️ Our Order: We went for the classics – the Gyro Plate and the Spicy Chicken Plate.

Let me break it down:

Gyro Plate: Brace yourself for flavor fireworks! Tender slices of seasoned meat snuggled in warm pita bread, surrounded by fresh veggies and that tangy tzatziki sauce. It's like a Mediterranean hug for your taste buds.

Spicy Chicken Plate: If you're the "bring on the heat" type, this one's for you. Juicy chicken, spiced just right, hanging out with aromatic rice and a zesty sidekick. 🔥

🍽️ Portions and Wallet-Friendly Vibes: Blue Olive Grill doesn't play games with portions. Whether you're a bottomless pit or a nibbler, you won't leave hungry. And guess what? Your wallet won't cry either. It's like they've cracked the budget-friendly code.

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 The Fam Behind It All: The owners – friendly folks who make sure you feel at home. They'll even dial up the heat if you're feeling adventurous. Just give 'em a nod, and voilà!

🌍 Flavors from Around the Block: Blue Olive Grill isn't just Mediterranean; it's a flavor passport. Middle Eastern vibes, Greek goodness – they've got it all. Whether you're a regular or a newbie, there's something to tickle your taste buds.

📍 Raytheon Radar: Next time you're near Raytheon, peek across the street. Blue Olive Grill is like that secret treasure map – quality, flavor, and family-friendly vibes all rolled into one.

So there you have it, fellow food explorer. Blue Olive Grill – where the heart (and the stomach) finds its happy...