Magnolia Grill

(919) 286-3609

1002 Ninth St
Durham, NC 27705 36.0142 -78.9216

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Neighborhood: Old West Durham

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Magnolia Grill

Magnolia Grill

What People Are Saying About Magnolia Grill

The Editor

Contributor

Citysearch

In Short – Chef/owners Ben and Karen Barker masterfully create New Southern meals--a genre they helped define. Ben Barker's dishes resonate with simple, Southern-at-heart melodies. Entrees are riveting: tender, balsamic-glazed pork loin complements Italian cabbage and white beans, and roasted red snapper sings alongside bacon-dressed spinach. Karen Barker's desserts are an intriguing finale: a State Fair tribute--complete with mini caramel apples--rivals a moist cocoa-cola cake, with salty peanut ice cream, for the blue ribbon.

1 Star Rating: Poor

07/31/09

Disappointing

by Pharmalady

We went to the Magnolia grill for our wedding anniversary, I have been there in the past and found the food to be delicious, and therefore we picked the place. We ordered the fresh tomato salad which was wonderful, but it all went downhill from there. The crusted grouper I ordered was overcooked, the crust a bit burnt and the fish dry, I complained to the waitress that it tasted bad, she talked to the manager and came back with, and I quote: “we can get you something else, but you will have to pay for both dishes. . .”

We also ordered the “French toast brulle” apparently they must have been short staffed in the kitchen that day, as this was a bit singed as well. The peach ice cream that went with it was delicious though.

I would recommend Nana’s in Durham instead, if you are celebrating a special occasion and do not want to ruin it with “overcooked arrogance”.

  • Pros: delicious salad and ice-cream
  • Cons: overcooked main course
4 Star Rating: Recommended

06/03/09

Big fish in a little snobby pond

by LMar

In town for business? Save yourself the hassle if you're visiting Raleigh and spend your money where it is appreciated. This is just a big fish in a tiny pond. Servers are rude and unaccommodating.

When our 9 month pregnant guest asked for a menu modification, for obvious health purposes, the server simply answered, "no." I understand that menu changes from customers are annoying, however, so are unmannerly restaurants and servers (it comes from above).

We will not go back because of the service. Food was incredible.

If you can tolerate the pretentious service then bon appetit, however, I think your money is better spent elsewhere.

  • Pros: Incredible food and menu
  • Cons: snobby service
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/08/08

Excellent--even for Celiacs

by milkstoo

My bf made the reservation to surprise me and conversed w/ the chef prior to our arrival to confirm their knowledge of my intolerance/disease to be sure that this was not a problem. So, first, and most important to me, that worked out wonderfully--NOT sick at all (THANK YOU!). Now let me give you a quick background, I have lived and worked all over the country and travelled the world. I have eaten in some wonderful restaurants around the world. I have also worked in some wonderful restaurant ('four star') kitchens, as well. I LOVE food. MG, hands down, was one of the best meals I've ever had. In my life. Seriously. The chef will not substitute anything in his meals, but as I said earlier, we let him know that I was coming, and he was very helpful. It is unfortunate to see negative reviews and I can only base my review on my experience. I highly recommend.

  • Pros: service excellent, food is ridiculously great, excellent value (would say UNDER priced)

The Details on Magnolia Grill

What To Drink:

Wines by the glass ($6-$9) range from a peppery Seghesio Zinfandel to a floral Alban Viognier. Servers are well-versed, and can steer diners toward complementary--and if requested, inexpensive--bottles from the selective list.

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

Visa, American Express, MasterCard

Smoking Permitted:

Yes

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