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... More

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
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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... More

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
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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... More

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
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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... More

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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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... More

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)
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I am not a culinary expert nor do I have an educated or discerning palatte. I do however, know ridiculously good food when I eat it. I have never, ever, in all my life tasted anything as flavorful... More

I am not a culinary expert nor do I have an educated or discerning palatte. I do however, know ridiculously good food when I eat it. I have never, ever, in all my life tasted anything as flavorful and unique as the dishes I had at MG. This is truly a lifetime perspective changing experience that no one should be without. This place is not overpriced, so anyone who says it is just doesn't understand that this isn't just some assembly line style mall parking lot restaurant. The staff is very pleasant and they were quite patient with my simpleton questions and unknowledgable demeanor. I found the atmosphere charming, unfettered, and very approachable. I have heard people complain that it is too average looking. So what, if you want to have to wear a suit and tie to eat go somewhere like that. I'll never understand why people try to take a lifetime's worth of messed up comparisons and expectations into a situation and then complain and judge the entire time they are witnessing a miracle. Bottom line, you have to try this place if you are in the area. It simply is the best dinner I've ever had without exception. P.S. Stella Artois on tap = sweet baby jesus awesome Pros: This is the dumbest question ever. Uh ... everything. Cons: Kahn? No Kahn's here captain this is Seti Alpha 6.
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This is considered one of the best restaurants in the Triangle (actually I have seen reviews were it is considered one of the best in the nation!) The food is fantastic of course, and the... More

This is considered one of the best restaurants in the Triangle (actually I have seen reviews were it is considered one of the best in the nation!) The food is fantastic of course, and the atmosphere is quite nice as well. A very Bistro -like feel to it. The cost is not as bad as i thin people believe that it is. That is probably a good thing considering that it is usually pretty full (at least it was when I went). The corkage fee is ridiculous! $25! Not something most people care about probably, but we like to bring our own wine to a restaurant because of personal preference, and economy. Still, I would highly recommend Magnolias...I would say that you HAVE to go there at least once!
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First, I would like to say that the person who wrote about water refills must be one of the dumbest people on the planet. Those are restrictions put in place by the CITY because of DROUGHT, sorry... More

First, I would like to say that the person who wrote about water refills must be one of the dumbest people on the planet. Those are restrictions put in place by the CITY because of DROUGHT, sorry you have to bother yourself to ask for water when you want it. Further, they could be fined if they pour water without request, so take it up with the city, are you living under a rock? That is the most self centered attitude, and it is this kind of thoughtless demand for endless natural resources that creates problems in the first place. To give an even handed analysis: Yes, the Barkers and the staff can be pretentious at times. But what's more pretentious than these award winning Chefs and their staff of snobby lackeys? The culture of Dukie stuff shirts that coalesce around this restaurant like flies on, uh, fruit! These pampered bags of whine love to throw their weight around the city they disdain, especially at important social/business gatherings which often involve a bite to eat at Magnolia Grill. Obviously, there are many good hearted Dukies out there, but reading some of these reviews made me laugh at the hypocrisy snobs calling snobs snobby. I have been in many times, the food is excellent, and is not over priced. The service is good, sometimes great, sometimes not. The Chef is stubborn, so if you don't like the menu, don't go because he wont change it most of the time. The china and glassware is old and beat up, if that bothers you, don't go. If you are a strict vegetarian, this is not your place. Meat lovers will enjoy, the best dishes are hefty in southern flavor and most all of the red meat is fantastic. Dessert is the Best! Save room! Pros: Food, Desserts Cons: Snobbery
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This might be one of the best dining experiences of your life. An amazing mixture of big flavors both in entrees and desert. A menu that integrates flavors and attitudes of the South with the... More

This might be one of the best dining experiences of your life. An amazing mixture of big flavors both in entrees and desert. A menu that integrates flavors and attitudes of the South with the diversity of cultures that is modern Durham delivered in an urbane atmosphere that could be in any of the more traditional dining meccas. The staff is widely knowledgeable of both the menu and the wine list (diverse and reasonably priced) as most of them have been here for a while. I've heard some disparaging things from locals who are more comfortable in a less foody environment, but if you like daring culinary experiences, you'll love this place. Pros: menu, staff, wine list Cons: make reservations well in advance
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I have tried to go to this place multiple times and they have either turned me away or were closed! They wouldn't even let us sit at the bar. I don't know how a place can turn away profit at 8:30

I have tried to go to this place multiple times and they have either turned me away or were closed! They wouldn't even let us sit at the bar. I don't know how a place can turn away profit at 8:30
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