Prairie Grass Cafe — Restaurant in Northfield Township

I've always heard great things about Prairie Grass so I when my companion suggested it, I thought it was a great idea!

She and I split the beet salad and brussels sprouts. Both had great presentation and were pretty good.

My companion had the artic char special (with green beans) which was pretty good when I tasted it. She found it too oily and was grossed out by that. I felt the dish was pretty well made. Maybe she had a bit of a point, but I don't think I would've noticed if she hadn't pointed it out.

I got a their famous award winning burger cooked medium and it came out looking very undercooked when I cut some off to give a taste to my companion. I cut open the middle to look with the waiter and the meat was completely raw and mushy inside. I sent it back, but then the plate the waiter handed me looked so mangled and unappetizing. I know I did the mangling, but if I were to show the manager the final presentation of the dish and ask if he/she were proud of their dish, he/she would probably be embarrassed. I also cut into remaining pieces and still found raw, soft meat in the center. The waiter apologized for not redoing the dish as he thought it would be faster to just cook the meat more. So I asked for the menu for something else, but nothing looked good especially after that disappointing experience. The appetizers were very good, but did not wow us enough for me to want to order something else, so I lost much of my appetite.

My companion, grossed out by the oiliness of her artic char, gave me the last third of her dish. I liked it. I was embarrassed to suggest we go to another restaurant and we didn't really have the time, but I got home very hungry and just regretted not going to a different restaurant.

The restaurant obviously comped the burger, which was the right thing to do. My companion and I agree we won't be going back to Prairie Grass. She believes it is not as good as it used to be (also based on her last experience there). She has been there many times and had raved to me about this place.

We also felt surprised to see the $66 bill for just two appetizers and one entrée, but it added up right. $14 for each appetizer and her $30 dish. ($14+14+30+tax). I think spending that plus an additional 20% tip for the waiter (he earned it), made us feel even sillier to go out to another restaurant so I could eat.

Although we had a lousy experience, I will say the wait staff was very polite and the food presentation is very above average in comparison to other restaurants...

I have never posted a public review of a restaurant but this one deserves to be the first one. Long time resident in Northbrook. I’ve been to this restaurant once or twice in the past few years and it was ok.

My elderly parents and I dined here last week and the service was awful, but mostly due to the waitress. I did not appreciate having received a medium-well done steak (contrary to my instruction), the server (not the same as the waitress; too many people coming to our table) creating confusion over what my steak was upon delivery so I had to resummon the waitress, the busboy also not speaking English and not being able to bring the waitress, the waitress not giving a damn. I absolutely did not appreciate the waitress trying too hard to re-impress us, only to fail by, among other things, interrupting my elderly stepfather numerous times when he was saying his prayers, interjecting herself into our family conversations where she does not belong—all the while our waters took forever to be refilled. It was incredibly rude, and I felt so embarrassed on everyone’s behalf. The owner, who usually makes the round, did not come around this time either. I did not send back the steak and even tipped the waitress minimum at 20% (she will not get any more than that), but I am just shocked at that level of service I’ve received at a restaurant that purports to be somewhat of fine dining. I, my family, friends, etc., will not...

I will say, this is the only time I've ever posted a review, and I am doing so because of the incredible service, great food, and lovely atmosphere at Prairie Grass. My wife and I were in town to visit family, and were staying at a nearby hotel. We were looking for a nice dark restaurant to have a couple drinks and some snacks after a long day, and just stumbled into Prairie Grass. The first night we just got drinks and dessert. The dessert was fresh-baked cookies and ice cream, and was great. Nothing remarkable, but it was the kind service of the bartender and host that had us return two nights later when we stayed for a full dinner. On that night, we were treated to the best service I think I've ever received. The bartender and host were still there, remembered my wife an I by name and made unobtrusive conversation with us. My wife was debating whether or not to order the brussels sprouts when I commented that there's no way they'd be as good as our favorite spot back home. The bartender must have heard my comment, because when our meal finally came, they brought us complimentary sprouts (not quite as good as the ones back home, but a very close second). I ordered the burger which did live up to its name.

For me, the service meant everything. The food and atmosphere were great, but the service was beyond great, and we'll be returning next time we are in town for a visit because of...