Citizens Grill — Restaurant in Texas

We’ve been loyal customers of Citizen’s Grill for quite some time, frequently bringing along a large group of friends and family—usually around eight people. Up until now, we’ve genuinely enjoyed our experiences. The food has always been solid, and the atmosphere inviting enough to keep us coming back. However, after our visit tonight, April 19th, I can confidently say this will be our last time dining there.

While the food was good as usual, the service this evening was average at best—nothing exceptional, certainly not memorable. But the real shock came when the check arrived. We were absolutely stunned to see a 20% automatic gratuity added simply because we had a party of eight. This tacked a jaw-dropping $42 onto our bill without any prior discussion, notice, or consent. This isn't just a minor upcharge—this is a blatant money grab.

Never in all our past visits have we been charged this kind of fee. If this is a new policy, it’s an incredibly poor one—and even worse, it was not clearly communicated to us at any point during the meal. There was no warning from the hostess, no mention by our server, and we had to dig through the fine print to even see it stated anywhere on the menu. It feels deceptive, and frankly, greedy.

I’m deeply disappointed. We’ve supported this place for a long time, but I won’t continue to give business to a restaurant that believes gouging its guests with surprise fees is acceptable behavior. A mandatory 20% charge, regardless of the quality of service or the size of the check, is ridiculous. It penalizes people for bringing others to your establishment, which is ironic considering most restaurants welcome larger groups because they spend more.

Until this policy is rethought or, at the very least, communicated honestly and transparently, we won’t be returning—and we won’t be recommending Citizen’s Grill to friends or...

The atmosphere, waitstaff, and management are the above and beyond. I almost felt like I was at a Landry's with what seemed like 50 waiters at my table (wasn't a bad thing, and maybe a slight exaggeration in waiters). The food choices are what you would expect in a modern American Kitchen/Bar in 2019. Taste is above average but below the best, but don't get me wrong, the food is great as many items haven't disappointed.

They use a three meat blended patty on their burgers that you will see other restaurants adapting to as well. I'm not sure if this is due to similar vendor relations such as Sysco, or if everyone has their own take they create in the kitchen...but it's delicious.

The only thing so far I wasn't impressed with was the Calamari. I would say even with fresh oil (assuming they don't come pre-frozen in the batter) I don't think the batter on said course is a full winner for what they can do. In addition, the flavor and quality of the squid wasn't what it could be in my opinion, although it wasn't terrible. Being this is a common appetizer many have perfected in different unique ways for the modern consumer to compare with; and how there is a 33% chance it will be tried as the first item (three appetizers right now to date) to anyone who is looking for an appetizer, I would suggest looking further into it's possibilities. Just a friendly suggestion.

My only recommendation in potentially adding something would be a house margarita on rocks/frozen. Different reasons for this. One, it's becoming a calling card for all establishments alike in the millennial generation, and this place could rock it well if presented right. Two, you have surrounded yourself in a retirement area, one specifically with money...and older people love margaritas too. $$$

I personally will be back more and hope they continue...

Update:

Visits subsequent to my initial review below have been OUTSTANDING.

Very varied, and well-executed, menu. Interesting and original dishes. Attentive and dedicated waitstaff.

Good variety of drinks, and desserts.

And they handle large groups, and children, exceptionally well.

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My first visit, and we were there during the soft opening. Only the bar area and bar menu were available. It is really too soon to give a firm rating, thus mid-level for now. I do expect it to improve, and I will post an updated review after my next visit. I will definitely come again.

I really like the setting and atmosphere. Very spacious, beautiful woods and leather.

The management and wait staff were very attentive. They were also very considerate of our rambunctious kids.

Even though the bar menu was limited, it does offer several of their staples. Two of us ordered the Original burger, another a salad with chicken, the kids had chicken nuggets.

The chicken/salad must have been good, or my daughter would surely have commented. The chicken nuggets were so big they look like weapons, and they appeared to be cooked perfectly. Next time I may try them.

But...one burger was ordered with the jalapeno cream cheese topping on the side, but it came out on the burger. The other burger was ordered without onion, but it came out with onion on it. Neither grievous, but still misfires. And there was some question about whether they had been cooked to the right temperature, but we both were satisfied enough to not send them back.

It seems to me these were all simply communication issues, but that communication between wait staff and cook is critical. Again, I expect it to improve.

By the time we left, shortly after noon, the bar and bar area were...