The Grill at Point Pinos — Restaurant in Pacific Grove

Editing my review after a SECOND defensive response from the owner: I WAS being "nice" . . . I was being HONEST with you, (the ultimate respect in my mind) without throwing your employees "under the bus". A one-star review is what my experience deserved. "Nice" does not equal dishonest.

Update 9/3/23 - John with all due respect, if you were trying to be nice you would not have given us a a one star review to begin with. Best -Tamie

I was trying to be nice. (But if you insist)

I had already shared my negative feedback (in person) with (I think) the manager, and the waiter, and I didn't see the point of throwing the waiter or manager further under the bus (as a former waiter and manager myself.)

Nice location, etc.

Food was mediocre for the price. (Tomato Soup = ok, grilled cheese sandwich ($17?) and Chicken sandwich ($18?) a 3 out of 10---rating equals number of bites of the chicken sandwich.) To his credit, manager tried to make things better by taking the chicken sandwich off the bill and offering two $5 off coupons. A positive response and appreciated, but still doubt we'll return based on the cost/quality, but especially . . . the service.

Waited approximately an hour+ (1:10?) to be served mediocre (EASY prep!) food. Was about to request the check for the two Arnold Palmers and leave when the rattled waiter practically dumped 3-4 condiment bottles right in front of me. (uhh . . . where's my plate going to go?) and then waited another 20 minutes . . . no food . . . was about to request the check AGAIN, when a different waiter noticed us and asked if we'd been taken care of . . . when we explained, 2nd waiter apologized and ran off to the kitchen . . . another 10 minutes, then mediocre food. (original waiter never checked on us for 45+ minutes?)

Original waiter returned to move to take a chair from our table without asking (before realizing we had set our belongings on it.)

In the end, lame excuses ("we were busy", "the kitchen was backed up" . . . (20% of the tables were empty at peak lunch hour. No wait) Which suggests to me (as a former restaurant manager) that the place doesn't train their staff well, is understaffed, or both. (which is on management.)

I hope that is specific enough for the ownership.

I would suggest the owner contact local restaurants Mezzaluna and Peppers Mexicali Cafe for advice on how to manage a restaurant more...

I can't think of a better way to start the day than to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at The Grill at Point Pinos. We didn't go just once; we had to go twice! During our recent getaway to the area, my wife and I decided to try The Grill at Point Pinos. Yes, we were staying right around the corner, but we had always wanted to try The Grill. It did NOT disappoint. For our first morning, I enjoyed the Bacon Cheddar Biscuits and Slightly Spicy Sausage Gravy. My wife enjoyed the Papas Poblanos. We also ordered coffees and a carafe of traditional mimosas. First, let me say that the portions are large. A great value for the price. Just beware that if you're not super hungry, ask your server for suggestions for a lighter meal. Speaking of servers, we had the absolute BEST. Ana is such a wonderful person. Attentive but not intrusive. And we had the joy of her service both mornings! A wonderful smile and super pleasant demeanor, she is just great! We were even greeted by the GM (my apologies for not remembering her name) on our second visit and she remembered us! During our first trip, we opted to eat outside as it was a beautiful morning (the fog had burned off). Just keep in mind that the birds like to sit in the overhead trees. :-). But we opted to eat inside on our second visit due to the foggy morning. My wife and I both wanted something "lighter" for breakfast, so I chose the Thick Cut Ham and Eggs (came with 2 slices of sourdough and country potatoes) and my wife ordered the Spiced Apples and Toasted Pecans Waffle. Again, large portions! Definitely a great value. Both meals were great. We enjoyed the views and interactions with everyone at The Grill. Looking forward to visiting again in the near future! Highly...

A Brunch Worth Waking Up For – The Grill at Point Pinos, Pacific Grove Brunch for six at The Grill at Point Pinos turned out to be the perfect mix of coastal charm, flavorful dishes, and a drink menu that’s anything but ordinary. Nestled beside the greens and ocean breeze, this spot delivered far more than we expected.

The drink lineup was unforgettable. The Bloody Mary was massive—topped with a full piece of crispy fried chicken that earned its own round of photos. The Caribbean Coffee added a boozy twist to brunch, while the Point Pinos Sangria and Seabreeze were light, refreshing, and well-balanced. Meanwhile, the cappuccino and mocha were rich, smooth, and served piping hot.

Each dish that hit the table was a win. The Huevos Rancheros were layered with bold flavors and a perfectly runny egg. The Keto Plate was hearty and full of variety—great for anyone looking to skip the carbs without sacrificing flavor. The waffles with fresh fruit were beautifully plated and just the right amount of sweet.

Favorites? Definitely the Chicken and Waffles—the chicken was juicy, perfectly seasoned, and had a golden crunch that was unforgettable. The Croissant Breakfast Sandwich was rich and flaky, with layers that melted together in the best way.

Service was friendly and well-paced, and the relaxed setting—with views of the links and coastline—made everything taste even better.

If you’re looking for a laid-back brunch with personality and serious flavor, The Grill at Point Pinos hits the mark. We’ll absolutely be back for round two. Five...