Federal Grill

I went to the Federal Grill while in town on business this past Friday. What a horrible experience. I received mixed reviews from others who live in the area, but decided to give it a shot for myself. I was to meet other co=workers for dinner, but arrived early for a drink and appetizer as I had read their website about the 12 beers on draft and incredible wine selection. I should have been alerted there was a problem when nobody else was in the restaurant! on a Friday night! The staff couldn't have been more miserable or cared any less that I was the ONLY customer, tjhey just stood around and chattered away. After my glass had been empty and the bartender was pacing around and actually talking on a mobile phone - In front of me! paying no attention, I went to the reception desk to say I was there and alert me when the rest of my party arrived as we would be sitting upstairs - they didnt have my reservatiuon! This was just such a horrible experience I called the others and we ended up dining elsewhere (Bay Leaf restaurant down the street - EXCELLENT) I was so appaled when I left, I called the restaurant to speak to the manager, but I got a womans voice mail recording on a mobile phone... I do not know what kind of operation is being run here, but it is certainly not worthy of the costly pricetag. I now know why the place was empty on a weekend night . Pros: nice atmosphere, festive decorations Cons: pricey, service, overall attitude, no other customers - very cold feeling more

My wife and I had dinner at the Federal Grill on Friday night before attending a performance at Allentown Symphony Hall (right around the corner, parked once, easily walked to both). When we sat I alerted the waitress that we needed to leave by a certain time to make the show and she was very accommodating, without making us feel rushed. The restaurant was suprisingly empty for a Friday night, but it may have been because they were renovating the first floor. I made our reservation earlier in the day and they seemed to be "expecting us", complete with a reserved sign on our table, which I thought was a nice touch. The upstairs of the restaurant where we dined was very nice and completely non-smoking, which is always appreciated. While my wife and I both agreed that the fake white Christmas tree with white lights was a bit tacky, the restaurant had a nice ambience (exposed brick walls, nice bar). As an appetizer I ordered The Wedgie (lettuce wedge with homemade blue cheese dressing, tomatoes, onions and bacon crumbles). I'm a big fan of this brand of salad and this was one of the best I've ever had. For dinner my wife ordered twin petite filets which were served over mashed potatoes with a side of asparagus. To put into context how much she enjoyed her meal I can tell you she reluctantly shared only one small bite and stated she "could not imagine how it could be any more delicious." For dinner I ordered their Kobe Beef Burger, which was served on cibatta bread with applewood bacon and more of their delicious homemade blue cheese. Needless to say, it was amazing. All in all, we were very pleased. The Federal Grill is definitely not cheap, but you won't be disappointed either. To defray the cost I recommend you visit Restaurant dot com and purchase a $25 gift certificate for $10. Enjoy! - CEW Pros: Food, Service Cons: A Bit Pricey more

First time experience at restaurant - we had 8:00 pm reservations, table not ready so we sat at bar. We sat for about 20 minutes before we were asked what we wanted to drink (mind you - we were the ONLY ones at the bar). Table finally ready at 8:35 - taken to table and sat again for another 10 minutes until waitress arrived and asked what we wanted. We ordered and didn't receive appetizer until 9:15 and entree at 9:45 - both entree orders were prepared wrong. Since we were starving we didn't want to send them back but were amazed how poor the service was given that there were only four tables being served at the time in dining room with us upstairs. We will not return. Pros: Ambience Cons: Service more

I have been an avid customer at the Federal Grill and have not had a bad experience yet. The servers are friendly and knowledgeable, the food is excellent and the wine selection is even better. It is a bit pricey, but the tapas menu and the extensive appetizer menu are excellent for a cheaper, yet good-sized meal. The restaurant is usually very busy on Fridays and Saturdays, which creates a nice atmosphere, but you have to be prepared for a longer meal. They are not in the business of pushing people out the door the minute you finish your meal. During the week, I recommend eating at Federal Grill for even more personalized service and great food. Of course, it is less crowded which can make the evening a bit more romantic. Pros: Excellent menu choice, Great Food, Great wine list Cons: somewhat pricey, can get crowded more

My wife and I tried Federal Grill for the first time last Saturday evening. What an aweful experience. First, it took ten minutes to find the bartender to make a drink. Next, we ordered two appetizers to start. One hour later, still no appetizers. I pleaded to speak with a manager, but she would not come down from the upstairs dining area. Finally, we left. Don't even attempt this place. Pros: decent bar Cons: poor service, poor management, extremely slow more