Address: | 4431 Easton Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18020, USA |
Phone: | +1 610-691-8400 |
Site: | bluegrillhouse.com |
Rating: | 4.3 |
Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 10AM–9PM |
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Loralene White
Had lunch reservations for Mothers Day for a party of 5. We were impressed with the decor and ambiance. The service was very professional - we expected to be rushed on such a busy day, but the atmosphere for our 2 pm seating was very relaxed and attentive. The menu was impressive, but some items fell a little flat. The lobster bisque had large meaty chunks of lobster. The special arugala salad, though, was "just a salad" and didnt wow my brother (who admittedly isnt much of a foodie). My father loved the cheese plate, but it was probably due more to quantity than quality - the cheeses were genererously portioned, but pretty simple and nothing notable. Entrees were similarly hit or miss: the crab cakes were amazing - two huge portions of jumbo lump crab with no discernable fillers - but the drizzle of remoulade was meager. The pork saltimboca was a great mix of flavors. The two steaks were both cooked as ordered, but neither was terribly flavorful, and the filet and shrimp tempura was naked and dry - surprising for a place that bills itself as a steak place. A version of chicken cordon bleu came with a sundried tomato sauce that was more of a clash than a compliment. The sides are done a la carte and "family style" - they are generous portions, but unless everyone wants the same side dish you will pay a lot extra (for what arguably should be included in entree prices - which are all on the high side) and waste a lot of food. We didnt drink wine or cocktails (just soft drinks and coffees), and we split 2 desserts for the table (both of which were delicious - the apple tart and chocolate godiva), and the bill was over $300 for 5. It *almost* deserved those prices, but not quite. I think this would be a great place to celebrate a special occasion when the ambiance and service could make up for the fact that the food is good but not great. A little more wow from the kitchen could make this the "full package" and well worth the menu prices.
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Rudy Rios
I went to the Blue for the first time with my wife to celebrate our 25th anniversary. While the restaurant is absolutely beautifully inside and out, it seemed out of place for the neighborhood. However, it did not match the 5 star ratings for everything else. The service and the staff was very hospitable. The waitress gave us all the specials / recommendations, and was very pleasant. My wife loves lobster, so she ordered that for herself. She was not disappointed other than saying, “it was average – good tasting lobster”. I ordered the 16 ounce Black Angus steak, with crab meat / mozzarella cheese on top of it. I wanted it medium rare, and what I received was the center on the steak perfect (and it tasted good) but the rest of the steak burnt on the outer portions. Not just the very edge’s, I mean, about 25% of my steak was “burnt to a crisp”. By the time the manager came around to check on our dinner, I eat the good parts and carved away the burnt sections of the steak for him to see. He did offer to replace the steak, but I said no, just want you to let the chef know that the steak would have been great if it was evenly cooked. Also, I did not really like sharing the immediate dining area with guests dressed in sneakers and jeans. Especially, when my wife and I were dressed up to go to nice fancy restaurant. It’s too bad that the Blue does not care about their customer’s dress attire. We felt like we siting in a fancy casual dinner. The Blue should have some type of dress code. So, because the lobster and steak was average, I really rave about the Blue other than it’s a nice looking restaurant I had higher expectations on the food and was surprisingly disappointed. My wife and I are willing to give the Blue another chance for either a brunch or lunch. But not a dinner.
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Anne Coleman
I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and everything was perfection from the hostess to the servers to the meal itself. We started with the Saganaki as my boyfriend had never had it before. It was cooked perfectly though the portion size was smaller than I expected. The only reason there is that Id had it at a Greek restaurant and they tend to super-size everything. We both had the 10 ounce filet and both were cooked precisely to our liking. Our sides were the Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus with Hollandaise. Both were perfectly seasoned and the portions were large. We were told they were meant to be shared, but between two we had a lot leftover. You could easily share sides between 4 people with normal appetites. The decor is beautiful and our experience was quiet because I made reservations for 6 PM rather than the standard 7 PM when it would get busy. I was right, it did start to get busier as 7 PM approached. The staff seemed a little restless so early, not to a distracting degree, but I did notice them milling about until customers began filling up the restaurant. The bar was full to overflowing and seemed the popular spot to be, however we retreated to our quiet table rather than join in. A very nice experience and something I will do again as Id like to try the other entrees and possibly dessert if theres room!
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Kate Andreucci
We went for my birthday last night, and service was horrible. We made reservations and they called to confirm, when we got there our reservations were lost. They finally sat us, and as we were trying to look at the menu one of the girls came by to give us bread. She stood between me and my mother and was shoving the dishes under us and across the table. My mother and grandparents order steak and I order salmon. We waited an hour for our dinner. I understand it was busy and that they had alot of parties that night, but a simple apology from our waitress stating that it would be however long due to the kitchen being backed up ex. When our meal did come out my salmon was way over done to a point it was actually crisp and crunchy. My mothers steak was rare. Our waitress never came back to the table to see how it was, we had to flag someone down. My mother sent hers back THREE times before it was done the way she ordered it. I felt horrible in suggesting going here for my birthday, after this experience I dont think we will be back. To spend 30 dollars for over cooked salmon and 30 dollars for steak to be sent back three times isnt worth it.
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Anthony Holland
Last night we had the distinct pleasure of dining at the Blue Grillhouse in order to celebrate our sons 17th birthday. Blue was his request. Raymond, our server, was professional, courteous and extremely knowledgeable about the wine list. He was attentive without being intrusive and accommodated all special requests. The menu had changed since we had last visited but Raymond was able to get the scallop appetizer for my wife anyway. The steaks were cooked to perfection and the cheddar ale soup was excellent! Raymond made us feel like we were the only diners in the restaurant! The NY Cheesecake was served with a mint and basil cream which complimented the cheesecake beautifully and was not overpowering. Although the chef had already left by the time we finished our meal, we wish to thank him and his sous chefs for making our sons birthday so special. Kudos to Raymond, Chef and staff!!! Should you happen to visit, definitely ask for Raymond for an experience you will not forget!!!