A couple of days ago, I was given a "compliment" on this review (since deleted), that said if I was concerned about the prices here, I should "make more money." Â That Temper Grille was not competing with drive-thru's, but with Ruth's Chris. Â I have no problem paying $$$$$ for a good dinner (at Michelin starred restaurants, our bill has regularly been over $500 for two people), but Temper Grille didn't provide that. Â And that "compliment" came from someone with no reviews, no friends, etc. Â I can only assume it is someone tied to Temper Grille. Â The owner? Â Nice way to treat customers.
Review Source:We came here recently with some family members to sample the dinner menu. I came with predominately meat/potato eaters so we ended up having to eat elsewhere afterwards because they were still hungry.
I love the idea of tapas. It makes sense, You should sample a lot of different little things so that the dining experience can be fresh and your palate doesn't get tired of the usual meat and two veg dilemma. It's very similar to dim sum and other Asian style restaurants. However...
Most of the food offered was pretty standard fare. And I'll just say it, 12 dollars for 6-8 bites of food is just not at all affordable on most people's budgets unless 1) you can subsist on little or 2) you have a good job that pays for that type of luxury.
While I appreciate their aesthetic, it just wasn't...exciting. And I understand this dynamic. As an avid food enthusiast, I've paid ridiculous sums of money for exotic bites of food at sushi joints. I admit, it's a bit ridiculous but you're paying also for an experience, a new way at looking at something. Here...grilled steak? Pan seared pork? Cold sliced steak? It's dressing up what is ordinary fare. For my 12 bucks, I'd rather go to the grocery store, grab a pork tenderloin/ cut of filet mignon and sear it myself. Maybe I could get a potato out of that 12 dollars and call it a meal. But hey, that's the frugal side of me.
Bottom line, if you sell it as "tapas" then I want to be excited about it.
I just wasn't quite impressed with what we ordered. We got steak bites, pork bites, an order of Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, a sliced steak chimichurri dish, and then my tomato mozzarella stack. The sea bass with mango wasn't even that exciting of a sell.
Now...I will say, the tomato mozzarella stack was delicious. But then again, tomato, mozzarella, and balsamic has been a proven match for years. Not anything new to me. I supposed I expect too much from this and it may just be that this area doesn't have a whole lot of exposure to different dining styles and cuisines.
But honestly, I wasn't that impressed. We went to Main Street Pub afterwards and had pulled pork nachos. WAY more exciting. And cheaper too.
I've been a semi-weekly regular at Temper for at least six months. On the positive side, the waitstaff has always been very friendly and accommodating.
There was a group there tonight smoking cigars on the patio dining area. When someone at my table mentioned it to our server, she said that they were aware of the problem and would take care of it. Â The smokers moved approximately 2 feet away from the dining area, and no further action was taken - disappointing.
We were interested in the cheese plate, but the menu described it as coming with "cured meats", which didn't interest my party. We asked if they would substitute all cheeses, and our server asked the chef, but returned to tell us that it couldn't be changed, but that the plate only included a "garnish" of meat. When it arrived, it was  three different meats and three cheeses - clearly half meat and not a garnish. Our server smiled uncomfortably when we were disappointed. I understand if a substitution isn't allowed, but I wish we'd had the opportunity to order something different.
Like Kristen M, I'm hoping tonight was a fluke, but it was a major disappointment. I tried to talk to the manager in a constructive way as we left, since the menu has changed fairly recently, but he told me I was wrong (the smokers moved 3 feet away and not two, there wasn't as much meat as I thought on that plate, etc.). I didn't want to argue with him, and he didn't want my feedback.
I hope that the cigar crowd is a group of regulars who will bring lots of business to Temper, because I'm no longer recommending it to the South Bend visitors that I encounter at work. From now on, I'll send them to Corndance, Cafe Navarre, Wheatberry, Fiddler's Hearth, and other non-chain restaurants that consistently deliver.
While on vacation in Three Rivers we ventured to Temper where we enjoyed some of the best food we'd ever eaten. The waitstaff is so pleasent & knowledgeable about their many wines they have to offer. And the white sangria? Let's just say..... we tried to shake down Sean, the owner, for his recipe. The food came to our table in perfect staggered stages allowing us to share and enjoy so many delicious and unique flavors. I need to come back to try everything on that menu. Â I recommend you make the drive to try Temper Grille! And seriously. Save room for truffles.
Review Source:I wanted to try this place since they first opened, but never made my way here until I purchased an online deal which definitely gave me more motivation to check this place out. It was busy and I didn't call ahead (should have known better) but we were able to be seated at the bar right away and still had a wonderful experience. We love dining in places like this but can't always afford it, but we were blown away here and will definitely be back. Some of the things we ordered - the ahi tuna, which was amazing but admittedly quite tiny for the price. The steak bites were more satisfying, but the lobster bites - those were die for! A healthy portion of lobster served over mashed red potatoes, all covered with a garlic cream sauce. It was probably our favorite dish and is definitely something we will order next time, despite the fact that it was also the most expensive dish we ordered. Completely worth it. Also ordered a side of veggies, which apparently changes from day to day - we got a large bowl of asparagus cooked and seasoned perfectly, which is much appreciated by someone who loves vegetables.
A nice romantic night out deserves dessert of course, and we ordered the highly recommended truffles and the dessert featured that night, which was blueberry cheesecake bites. The cheesecake was wonderful, but as a chocoholic, I have to say the truffles were the best. Incredibly rich and decadent. The bartender also poured us each about half a glass of red wine on the house, saying we really needed to have it with the truffles, and she was right! The combination was an incredible end to an amazing meal!
I also tried two different "Temper Tini's" - sake based martinis - the blood orange and the pomegranate one. They were okay, but then that's not what I was here for. Next time I'll skip them and just go with wine, they had a great selection.
Great food, great ambiance, great service! On the pricy side but worth it. All together made for a fun date night out - I'll just make sure to make a reservation next time!
Just when I thought worse couldn't get worse it sure did. From the overly loud, bad music coupled with weird, raw pork chunks - I'm outta here!!!! In and out in less then half hour. Chef caught my mental vomit when I saw the raw pork and sent it back. Sure to be spit in LOL so I'm not touching it! He looked on with disgust - what happened to customer service?? Â
Houlihan's South Bend looking' good right about now ! Oxymoron yes, I know......desperate times = desperate measures! 2 stars because (1) ambience for South Bend is a plus & (2) I'm still hanging onto a past better experience. Here's hoping my last visit was a fluke.
This place was truly a great new find for my hubby and I. Â Had our first experience using a Groupon certificate and it was awsome. Â Great selection "small plate" type, and I hear the menu changes often. Â Both meat and meatless dishes to share, wine selection both by the glass and by the bottle is vast and affordable. Â Dimly lit romantic atmosphere albiet small inside so def make reservations. Â We'll be going back soon to dine alfresco on their patio!
Review Source:This is a general review over every time I've been to Temper. Â It's never been disappointing. I think i've tried just about everything on the menu, and while I have my favorites (Steak Bites YES PLEASE) their is not a single item I wouldn't order again. Â Occasionally Sean will have a sushi night, and it's by far the best in town. Â His wine selection is 2nd to none. Â I go to many wine dinner's in town, and Temper's wine nights are the event of the month. Â No one puts on a better event than them. Â As I write this review I have started to think about the service. Â Going to one place many times you are bound to run into a lackluster night service wise, except at Temper. Â You are always treated like you own the place. Â I think it's a requirement that every server try everything on the menu, because never once have I heard, I haven't tried that but others say it's great. Â The staff is just as if not more top notch then the food.
Review Source:Creative Cuisine and a Glowing 5-Star Review:
We have been meaning to try the Temper Grille for the last year and a half. Â Well, finally we tried it on a whim. Â In short, it was a wonderful experience with marvelous food and an extensive and impressive wine list. Â If you've been convinced, stop reading here and go check it out for yourself. Â If you want more details, read on: Â
It was a Friday evening and they were completely booked out; Â however, they did have room for us at the bar. Â Normally, this would be a turn-off, but we actually enjoyed sitting there and getting personal attention and the 'inside scoop' from both Brandi, the bartender, and Chef Sean as he came out of the kitchen to check on things.
First the restaurant: It is an intimate place, which is boldly, yet tastefully, decorated. Â The acoustics are excellent and make for easy conversation with your dining partners. Â There is seating for about 42 people at tables, another 6+ at the bar, and best of all, room for about another 24+ people out on the terrace. Â (Unfortunately, this chilly Northern Indiana spring day precluded us from sitting outside.) Â
Next, on to the wine: Â They have a superb wine list and a bartender who really knows her selections and pairings. Â Here you will find wines that you may not find at other restaurants. Â The prices are good and many wines are available by the glass and by the bottle. Â Bottles seem to be a good deal and one day a week, I think it's Wednesday, they run a special on wines.
Now, on to the food: Â Temper Grille is a tapas-style restaurant. Â Basically, similar to most tapas places... order several menu items and share them with your dining partners. Â The only difference is, the portions are a bit larger than standard tapas, so if you aren't the sharing type, you can still have a wonderful meal. Â I would suggest try 3-5+ items per 3 people... and leave some room for desert. Â If you have questions, the staff's suggestions are helpful in making selections. Â Everything we tried was delicious, expertly prepared, wonderfully plated and presented, and best of all, so very satisfying. Â This is a fun place to have a meal at an unhurried pace while enjoying the company of your dining partners. Â This place would be great for a romantic dinner, dinner with friends, or even a business dinner.
Finally, a note on the staff: Â From the moment we entered, we were warmly greeted and made to feel welcome. Â Everyone that works there seems to enjoy what they are doing, know the food, and can carry on a conversation. Â Chef Sean is a talented and creative culinary artist. Â His offerings will both astound and amaze you. Â This restaurant is of Chicago caliber. Once you are dining here, you will forget that you are eating in Granger, Indiana. Â All my accolades and those of other reviewers are more than well-deserved. Â We can't wait to go back and try the restaurant again... Â Try it for yourself, you'll love it!
Helpful hint: Make reservations.
I am a big fan of deals and trying new places. Last year, I took advantage of an online deal for this place and really glad I did. Â I made a reservation and when my friend and I went in I had wondered why I had bothered since only one other couple were there. Â In less than 15 minutes the place was packed. Â The portions of the food were enough for two people so be warned. Â We ordered the steak with red potatoes and onions and mac and cheese if I remember correctly - Â it was amazing! Â
My only issue was that the server was kinda weird when I mentioned the online deal and gee I thought the intent of this was to get new people to try the place - you woudl think - hey be nice but oh well. Â
My only complaints would be that the choice of alcohol selection was so so and the desserts could have more selections. Â
I would strongly recommend this place but do call ahead since it is a small room and they are NOT open on Sunday and Monday.
Our meal had considerable potential, but ultimately, it was quite unsatisfying. In general, the favors in the dishes were overdone and unbalanced. The portabella stack was served too hot. The moisture in the mushrooms retained the heat of the grill. That negated most of the flavor in the dish. We let it cool only to find its flavor fairly bland. The menu promised goat cheese in their stuffing and goat cheese it was. However, its goat flavor was so mild that it was difficult to distinguish the cheese from any other generic white melting cheese. The vegetables under the cheese simply did not fit the flavor profile of the dish or provide a pleasant texture.
I specifically asked that our steak bits by grilled medium. They came nearly well done. I had heard this was a problem at the restaurant. The steak was tough and some pieces even dry (even a well done steak should never be dry). It was also over seasoned. There was a spice mix on it which would have been pleasant by itself, but the pieces were also drizzled with a sauce. That just created too much flavor. Again, no balance! The sauce did help mask the dryness of the meat which was a benefit.
Everything they serve seems to be garnished with a mesclun mix. Not a bad thing, but gets boring. The leaves also wilt easily for hot dishes. We did enjoy the spinach dip with pita. I hope the pita was not microwaved, but I could not ultimately tell. They were slightly tough, but not terribly.
We also had the baked brie. This was also fairly good. The compote was strange, however. The berries were pithy. Neither my homemade frozen berries nor canned jams have such a texture so I am not sure what was wrong with theirs. What was very strange, however, was serving the brie with pita! I cannot fathom what we were supposed to do with even more pita (which accompanied every dish save the mushrooms) especially with a traditional french dish.
The seating was not comfortable. We were at one of your two person tables against the wall across from the bar. It is really a small space. It was difficult to manage all the plates on such a small table, especially since you did not gauge the timing of our dishes well. At one point we had three different dishes on our small table. Not necessary for a tapas place.
Our table wobbled when we first arrived. I shimmed it up with a few gum wrappers. A stable table is a must. The dining room tables should be checked regularly. We also sat across from a couple who were obviously friends of either the chef or another cook. He came and visited them a number of times during the evening. He seemed in a rather bad mood as their conversation was usually fairly hushed. It was distracting to have him back and forth. It was also odd that he never asked up how our meal was. He was cooking it after all. It was probably for the best, however. It would have taken too long to discuss my feelings at the point.
This restaurant has potential. It is advertised as an American style tapas bar. That is exactly what it is! Americans tend to overdo things (note big pickup trucks). The food tasted very midwest in its seasonings and style. There needs to be more refinement to fit both the dish that the menu envisioned and the price they ask. I hope these comments can be taken positively to improve the dining experience.
Time and time again, Temper Grille never disappoints us. Â
Whether we dine in or meet them at the local chili cook off (who my son kept going back for more) they are great. Â Sean has this down and his staff is top notch. Â
Love the chilean sea bass, lamb lollipops, mussels, mmmmm my mouth is watering now! Â
You will spend a bit here, but its a meal that you will want more of. Â MMMMM.
I frequent Temper Grille regularly and it never fails to impress. Â The restaurant is small, but comfortable and the service is always right on. Â The portion sizes are larger than typical tapas restaurants and reasonably priced.
Some of our favorite menu items include the steak bites, mac and cheese, edamame and stuffed chicken. Â The soups and wraps are great for lunch. Â
Chef Sean is always coming up with new creations - last night we had the sliders and the bite size blueberry cheesecakes for dessert and both were wonderful.
If you haven't been, you need to go!
Fantastic tapas spot! Â The menu is a bit on the short side, but everything we have ordered is excellent. After living in Chicago, I missed a good tapas restaurant. Â This definitely fits the need! Â
Staff is friendly, accommodating, and easy going. Â The chocolate truffles are remarkable.
Cozy, trendy atmosphere, that is very welcoming and casual.
Oh Temper Grille...FINALLY a great place to dine in the Granger area. I have dined here a handful of times and have yet to be disappointed. Some of my favorites I have tried are the mussels, steak bites, carpaccio, lamb lollipops and the list goes on. They always have great specials and a nice wine selection. The staff is friendly and attentive. Chef Sean knows what he is doing because this place is always packed. I would suggest calling ahead especially if there are more than 2 in your party.
Review Source:This place was a Groupon success!
Went here with a couple friends and we got the spinach dip, stuffed chicken, and the portobello stack and they were all delicious.
This place has great service, a small but intimate atmosphere and a vast array of different menu items to please anyone's palate!
Also, there was a cute little old man playing piano all night! (He is there on Friday/Saturday)
I am happy to be able to give Temper Grille 5 stars now as all of their service issues have been ironed out and their dining experience is second to none! Â Chef Sean does a fabulous job of coming up with new, exciting menu items like his recent additions of lobster mac and cheese, lamb pops and strawberry shortcake with strawberries marinated in balsamic vinegarette.
So, if you haven't yet tried this wonderful place - get there soon but be sure to call and make a reservations, tables fill up fast! Â I was there on a random Tuesday night and while it was 1/2 price bottles of wine night, every table was full. Â Great to see in this economy! Â The days will be getting warm soon so take advantage of their tables on the patio. Â Cheers to Chef Sean and congrats on your 1 years anniversary this month!
This is a really quaint restaurant with cute decor for such a small place. Â I recommend making reservations. Â The waiter referred to the dining as "tapas-style" but I would just say it's a la mode b/c the portions aren't small like a real tapas restaurant serves. Â That being said, maybe it's just to encourage a sharing experience.
We had a party of 6 and the booth they put us in was heavenly with comfy cushions and lots of space. Â The service was excellent - waiter was very professional. Â There was also a man playing a keyboard piano in the background - not too loud - which was very nice.
We tried a little of everything on my menu - soups app (excellent), edemame (awesome w/ their lime salt!), seared tuna (so yum)...I could go on but it was all good.
Dined here tonight, inspired by the LivingSocial coupon. Though we would have found our way here eventually, I'm grateful to Living Social for expediting the adventure.
The food is served tapas style, which means you should plan to share with others in your party. Strategically decide with your group what you're going to order because you won't want to miss anything! We started with baked brie with berry compote. From there, we tried the tequila lime chicken, steak bites, New York strip, macaroni and cheese, and Ahi tuna. We also ordered a side of vegetables (grilled green beans and onions on the night we were there). By the time we cleaned off the last plate, we were happily stuffed and sad we hadn't saved room for the amazing desserts we saw servers carrying out of the kitchen.
A highlight of Temper Grille is their extensive wine selection. Check out the two page wine menu and order by the glass to create your own pairing menu, or split a bottle with your party for a reasonable cost. At this time, they don't serve beer or liquor, but the wine menu provides more than enough options.
I strongly recommend making reservations. The seating area is small and we saw several people leave because there were no tables available.
Don't miss this gem in Granger -- it's worth traveling off the beaten and tired paths of Grape Road and Main Street.
Had dinner and drinks tonight with the girls. Â 2 of us had been here before and the others had not. Â We all had a wonderful experience. Â Our waitress was very helpful in helping us make great choices. Â We started with Steak bites and Edamame. Â Then all shared the Scallops (Yum!), Ahi Tuna and finished with the Fabulous Chocolate Truffles and a few bottles of Katherine Goldschmidt Cabernet! Â
We also got to have a great visit with Chef Sean and sign a few corks for the wall. Â It was a great overall experience. Â Temper Grille is definitely our new Favorite! Can't wait to come back for more!
If you're looking for a great place to unwind with delicious food and great wine, Temper Grille is the place to be! Â The food is excellent, served in small plates that are perfect for sharing -- and the wine selection is great -- the knowledgeable staff adds to the overall experience.
For me, nothing is better on a warm afternoon than to sit on the patio with a cheese plate and a glass of pinot grigio -- followed by some of Chef Sean's AWESOME chocolate truffles
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