(919) 286-3609
1002 Ninth St
Durham,
NC
27705
36.0142
-78.9216
Neighborhood: Old West Durham
Price:
$$$
Magnolia Grill
Last updated 4.01.09
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.
Honestly disappointed
by funnyornot at Citysearch
So many people brag about this restaurant so I finally went for a try. Forgive my ignorance: reservation on the day is too late. Later I was told I should reserve 3 weeks in advance. Okay, my bad, but I was looking forward to the food even more!
We waited 45 minutes for our appetizer. Lots of dishes ran out by the time we ordered but magically became available when we left. Appetizers and entrees were decent; I've had much better ones with much lower cost. The only plus I'd give for Magnolia Grill is its desserts: the chocolate tart was absolutely superb.
Waiting staff were friendly and professional, but An's is better. VERY slow service and honestly the food was not worth the wait.
- Pros: Dessert
- Cons: Price and service
Disappointing
by Pharmalady at Citysearch
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
Big fish in a little snobby pond
by LMar at Citysearch
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
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:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Check, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Date Spot, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Celeb Hangout
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Yes






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