Gobi Mongolian Grill

I've been itching to try the only Mongolian BBQ place I've heard of in CT, and I finally talked my husband into going with me a couple weeks ago.  The service was pretty good and the restaurant was bigger than I expected.  The salad bar was decent and I liked that they offered a dessert bar as well.  I've been to several Mongolian BBQ places in different states, and I personally prefer ones where you have the option to have your food brought back to your table rather than having to stand there and wait for it.  However, I can see why those who have never been to one before might want to stand and enjoy the show.  

The only real negative that sticks out for me is that the meat had been frozen.  If it were fresh, the food would be great.  

The drink prices are spectacular, though.  $2/bottle for Long Trail?  I'd come here just for that!

My five favorite things about Gobi Mongolian Grill:

1. Options: Vegetarian, Vegan, Pescatarian, Meat Lover, Omnivore, Flavor Lover, Control Freak- they've got you covered.

2. It's a deliciously fun adventure.

3. Excellent for groups.

4. Happy hour and miscellaneous drink specials, and amazing prices in general.

5. Ice cream bar- scoop your own, not soft serve!

So, if you've never been to a Mongolian style grill, here's how it works. The main attraction is the giant make-your-own bowl buffet. The price includes an unlimited salad and fruit bar, as well as dessert bar. To make your own bowl, you select from an unreasonably extensive buffet of raw veggies(asparagus and shiitakes? yup!), noodles(at least six noodle choices), red meat, chicken, seafood, and sauces and spices. I will tell you now, put the sauce IN THE TINY CUP, and not over your food, because when you get there you are going to be excited and forget to read the sign that says that. There are tons of sauce selections, and just as many dry and fresh herbs and spices. You  then bring the plate of raw ingredients up to the massive round grill where a master griller will cook up your plate of goodies. If you are vegetarian, they have a special section for you, with dividers, just let them know when you hand them your plate. The default cook time leaves veggies just a bit crunchy on the inside, which I enjoyed thoroughly, but if you like them tender, simply ask for some extra grill time. Once it's done, they hand you your plate of amazingness and you sprint back to your seat to revel in your culinary prowess (sprinting optional).

You can also ask your server for white rice, which is free, or brown rice or pitas which are like an extra dollar I think.

The one thing I will change on my next visit is to make a teeny tiny plate of food at first so I can go back a couple times and make different flavor combos with the sauces so I can try more than one in a single visit.

And don't pass up the make your own ice cream bar, no matter how full you are. Just don't. Even if you make yourself a single delightful bite. You can't pass it up.

As far as leftovers, they have a price by weight that is very reasonable. Or leave it and run.

This place is a must try the next time you are in the mood for something fun and delicious!

I waited on doing this review because I wanted to give it another go in a different situation. I was not disappointed. First visit was with 6 of my friends for "girls night out" and the server was admittedly a bit overwhelmed. The grill chef also dropped my plate just as he finished in on my first go around causing me to have to wait in line again. I didn't mind much, I went back with my salad and enjoyed a good portion of a Gobi Punch Bowl (though big, $15 seemed a little exorbitant - very strong, however!) The second visit was just for two, and the server who seated us was extremely well-spoken and pleasant, explaining the whole situation to my date who had never been there before. Very charming. Also, no dropping things this time at the grill. :)

It's pretty much an "All You Can Eat, Choose Your Own Hibachi Adventure". Regular salad bar followed by a dessert bar on the left. Middle is all of your veggies and your noodle choices. Right hand side is your meats and seafood (grab a raw egg and they'll scramble it in there for you, too!) as well as all your sauce choices (there are lots!) and some other seasonings and such at the end of the line.

Start with some salad, if you'd like. Or go straight to the noodly goodness. There are some suggestions on the back wall, or pick your pleasure. After you pile up your plate, you're directed to stand at the round counter surrounding the big flat grill at the number you're given, and the chefs go to work on your concoction. Comes off the grill piping hot and smells delicious. When you're done there, don't forget to go get yourself some fruit, pudding, or ice cream with all the toppings.

Lunch: $8.95 for adults, $6.95 for kids 7-11, $4.95 for kids 3-6, kids under 2 are free. Dinner: $15.95/$11.95/$7.95/free. Dinner prices all day Sunday and major holidays. As of this review, $13 dinner special is running for the summer (limited time). All meals come with white rice (but you need to ask for it if you want it, it seems) or you can add $1 for fried rice, brown rice or tortilla wraps (you could totally do some ghetto fajitas here.)

If you're going for dinner, go a little bit earlier than you'd think to, because the line can get rather ridiculous. Also be aware that they close Monday - Thursday from 3PM - 4:30PM, I assume to switch over to dinner? Not exactly sure why only those days, maybe they have more help on the weekends to compensate for larger crowds?

Last tip if you've made it this far!: Double up on the sauces if you want a good kick of flavor!