Magnolia Grill
(919) 286-3609
1002 Ninth St
Durham,
NC
27705
36.0142
-78.9216
Neighborhood: Old West Durham
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.
User Reviews
LMar
June 03, 2009
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.
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Anonymous
January 06, 2009
The food has always been good, worth the price - the desserts are great! Make sure you save room for some - even if you have to share. (Although it's better to order multiple things and sample them all!) My only complaint is that the dining room is very loud! You actually have to raise your voice to be heard. Not the place for a quiet, romantic meal, but still a great option for a louder group.
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milkstoo
September 08, 2008
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.
read full reviewThe 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
