The Grill Next Door

SunDevilBeer

Massachusetts

3.03/5  rDev -23.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5 | food: 2 | $$$

**** Re-review 9/25/10 ****

I noticed in a recent visit that the prices are out of control. $7.50 for a short pour of Avery Stout? $6.50 for Bershire Coffee Porter? $9.50 for Ommegang Zuur? $6 for Wachusett Blueberry? Huh? Am I at the Publick House in Brookline??? Also noticed the bartender mis-informing customers about beers and up-selling to even more over-priced Belgians. Oh yeah, and the food still stinks.

Afraid I won't be back - if you're in the area head to the Tap in downtown Haverhill or continue up 495 to the Amesbury Ale House.

***

Original review 5/19/10

GND - I want to like you. I appreciate your concept of an unassuming beer bar and pub in the far suburbs. You are almost there, but an upgrade in the menu and/or chef needs to happen.

I've been 4 times now and have an appreciation for as coaching legend Bill Parcells says "You are what you are". In this case, an OK place run by decent people who want to do well but fall short in a few areas.

It's a comfortable place - horseshoe bar off to the side of a large dining room. Obviously new construction within the past few years.

Selection of beer is right up my alley - concentration of New England microbrews, but I've noticed they are reaching for overpriced "ticker" beers and Belgians (read: high margin) recently. Local beers are reasonably priced; Ticker beers and Belgians are priced like Boston bars (booo!)

Service is attentive, anxious and friendly. Good in my book.

Where this place falls down is the food....MEH. Having been to many Merrimack Valley haunts, this place fits in. Non-adventerous fare not made well. I've had fare varying from burgers to seafood to their "famous" french fry plates (Blech) and the food is sub-par. At some point soon the owners need to re-evaluate their menu and the execution...neither is working. The potential is there for simple food done well at a reasonable price!

All in all, I will come back. I want to see a beer bar in the far Boston suburbs succeed.

05-19-2010 01:16:18 | More by SunDevilBeer

gameface23

Massachusetts

3.6/5  rDev -9.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 2 | $$

I have visited The Grill Next Door twice in the last month and I definitely plan on going back again on a regular basis. The tap list has broad ranging selections that seem to offer something for everyone's tastes. I have ordered a Brooklyn Double Black Chocolate Stout, Delirium Tremens, and a Troeg's Mad Elf. The beers were served in appropriate glassware and at appropriate temperatures. The prices are very reasonable.

The food has been decent so far. The pulled pork sandwich was flavorful, but it was SMOTHERED in barbecue sauce. I do plan on ordering it again, but the next time I will ask for light sauce. The chicken parm is pretty good. My wife ordered a chicken caesar wrap that was nothing special, but the second time we went, she ordered the grilled chicken panini which was much better.

Edit: 04/13/2011 - The beer selection is still above average for the area, but the food the last time my wife and I went was below average.

03-17-2010 19:48:48 | More by gameface23

liquorpig

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +6.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4 | $$

Came here on a couple of times, once after work and once for lunch. Restaurant has a very open atsmosphere. Sat at the "U" shaped bar. Very impressive tap list featuring 36 micros and a dozen or so macro bottle offerings. Selections ranged from regional to west coast, belgian, german and UK. I was told that they rotate the list regularly. A cask ale engine is set up and should be operational in about a month. Four, 5 oz. beer sample paddles are also available.
Food menu consisted of appetizers, soups, salads, specialty fries, sandwiches, burgers and entrees. Selections varied across the board.
On my first visit, I tried a Belgian sample paddle consisting of Tripel Karameliet, Piraat IPA Triple, Kwak and Dupont Saison. Ordered a chicken quesadilla which was good.
On my second visit, I had a Stone Ruination, Arcadia Big Dick's Old Ale and Eel River Climax. Ordered a grilled chicken panini that was very good.
I definitely recommend this restaurant/beer bar and I plan on going back.

02-14-2010 18:47:53 | More by liquorpig