The Grill at Leon Springs — Restaurant in San Antonio

This is not the first time we have been here to this restaurant; other times the service has been average with better than average food. Great atmosphere and location. Unfortunately, one very poor experience yesterday will prevent us from recommending this place to others, as well as returning to this establishment (now and in the future).

EXPERIENCE: wine and food ordered without any help or recommendations from the wait staff, water and wine glasses were infrequently refilled, received a rare steak that no one asked to recook (as we thought it was too much trouble), split our checks (that was nice) amongst the couples at our table and paid for our checks. The night was ruined when one member of our party returned to the table after being assaulted in the restroom by the waiter, Roger (ID 2210), who proceeded to ask for more tip (or specifically, he didn't tip enough on the bill and that he should leave more than 20% on food and wine). Everyone in our party had a problem with this occurrence and brought the issue up with the Manager. However, the manager argued with each one of us and sided with the waiter -- indicating that the waiters do not make much money, have to share with other employees and many of them feel entitled to 20% or more to be tipped on wine and food for "good" service.

CONCERN: this should never occur, there should never be an assault by the wait staff to ask for more tip (which I consider completely rude and unprofessional!), "poor" service and poor treatment at any restaurant does not warrant any tip (especially at this restaurant and this instance!); tips should be earned, not considered an entitlement. Tips should be at the discretion of the customer; in hind sight of this situation, I wish I could have taken the tip back. "Good" service should be part of your experience at a restaurant; it actually makes people want to return if yew had a good experience with good food and great company...If we actually had "good" service or had a large party, these would be different points entirely. To argue with the manager that he insisted this was "good" service and to also recommend we all tip more on the food and wine purchase was also not only frustrating but extremely disappointing ....

We were not impressed by the actions of the manager and staff, and feel it difficult to ever return or recommend this...

This place has become our "go to" place. The building was the location of the original Macaroni Grill. My young son and I stopped in for lunch one day; we were headed to Rudy's next door. The chef came by our table and talked to us for quite a while. He explained the concept of the restaurant, cooking techniques, and sat and told us funny stories about growing up in Paris. Later, he sent us a chocolate fondant for desert. My son tried it, but he's a very picky eater, I thought it was amazing. When the chef asked how he liked it, he said it was OK... He called a server over and told them to bring him chocolate terrine. That, he devoured. He said whenever we come in to ask for him. He didn't know us from Adam. The chef also didn't know George Strait had been sitting two booths down, until we told him. We've been a fan of the place ever since. They have a standard menu, great for my kids because I know there's something consistent for them, and a special menu that seems to change daily based on what's in season. I can have lamb or lobster, my wife can have her Dover Sole and my kids love the beef tenderloin medallions with garlic mashed potatoes or a pizza. Prices for the standard menu are cheap and portions are huge. The special menu items are more expensive (Dover Sole $50) but the flavors and presentation are like a 4 star restaurant. We usually go with friends on Tuesday because all of the wines are half price. From the pictures hanging in the lobby, you can tell the Spurs had their championship dinners there. We've seen Coach Pop there several times picking up take-out. I guess he's why they hold fund raisers for the food bank and military vets there, too. They also have a large patio outside with live music and the folks seem to be having a great time. We try the new restaurants in the area and end up right back at The Grill. My son just had his sixteenth birthday dinner there (his request) with his girlfriend, and five of his friends. It cost me $185, including the tip. He said they treated them like royalty. The chef personally delivered his chocolate terrine. Nice touch...

My party host reserved the fireplace room online a month and a half before our event. Event host also called twice to make sure reservations were correct. On May 19th, the day of our event, we get there to set up and we're not placed in the area we booked online. We're place in a room with other parties which is not what we requested. When asked why weren't we in the room we booked online, the manager had a very nasty attitude. Of course I became defensive as he's saying, "you should not book online, you should speak to a live person." In which we did, TWICE. Asked if we could have the area we booked and was told no because he, the manager, had already gave the room to a different party and it wasn't big enough for our party of 20. When I asked him why would he not honor what we booked online he said, "forget about the internet, that doesn't matter." Why would a restaurant give you the option to reserve online if they aren't going to honor the reservations?! I'm super upset now because there's a group of 20 women on their way to this restaurant for a bridal shower. There was a private room that was empty so I asked if we could have that room instead. He screamed, "no because I don't have a waiter." Now I have fire coming out of my ears. He wouldn't honor our reservation nor was he open to fix the problem. It wasn't until a male cousin of ours came in and asked if there was something that could be done. A waiter magically appeared for the private room and her was done raising his voice at women. I don't know if the old grouchy man is a sexist or what but the restaurant should get someone to handle reservations. The whole experience was horrible there. Also, the food is very much overrated. We will never eat there again.

And even though our reservation was for 1130 to 3pm, we weren't seated in the room until 1230. But they rushed us...