Winfield Grill

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  Was vacationing and lunched here because my name is Winfield. Had Megan as my server, she was awesome. Fun space, great sandwiches, cold beers...will come back again.

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  Posted on 07.23.13 Winfield C.

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  I haven't been to the Winfield Grill in sometime.  We stopped in on Sunday evening after 8:30 for a bite.  There aren't too many restaurants that continue to serve late and that's why we've always liked the Winfield after theater, etc.
  
  I also have to say that with the new owners, they've done a really nice job of redoing the dining space.  It's much more inviting now with the bare brick walls and while I liked the old fireplace, getting rid of it was a smart move.  Nice lighting and overall, a great effect.  I also greatly appreciate the fact that they've worked with the nearby restaurants to establish a lot of parking in nearby lots for anyone who visited the Winfield in the past knows that parking was always an issue.
  
  But as to the food, it was okay but not outstanding.  They really need to condense that menu.  Anytime you open an menu and you see multiple pages of offering you know you're in trouble.  Cutting the menu in half would not mean one thing to anyone who visited.  Trust me.
  
  We started with the calamari .  I like it with peppers and oil but in this case, it was overcooked and tough.  No kudos there.  I almost always do something simple here like the reuben and quite frankly, they do a great job in that respect.  The meat is always lean and piled high.  They need to learn how to arrange the sandwich on the plate however.  Place it atop fries or on a bed of escarole, or place it on its side and it won't be soggy on the bottom.  Anytime you heat the sandwich on a griddle and then place it on a plate with the bread flat on a plate, by the time it makes it to the table, the bottom piece of bread is soggy.  It doesn't take anything on the part of a prep-cook to understand this and compensate.  I don't like soggy sandwiches.  Sorry, but for that reason, the review went from a 4 to a 3.  I shouldn't have to tell the kitchen how to send out its food.
  
  On the upside, order your wedge fries cajun style.  Always a nice spice.  I didn't have any this time, but their bread pudding is generally very good.
  
  We'll be back, we always come back.  Looking forward to seeing some improvements next time.

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  Posted on 06.04.13 J. Brian M.

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  I love their menu. There is something for everyone and the specials always look good. I've been for both lunch and dinner. Dinner can seem crowded when you first walk in but it's not. There is a bar area and a separate dining room. Service has always been fast and friendly. Decor is very lovely and I was impressed by the bathroom, haha. It's a great go to place for a nice night out.

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  Posted on 04.05.13 Kellie E.

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  Its been a few months since Ive been to the Winfield.Still awful. It should be noted I sent a copy of my last review to the email listed on their website - there has been no response. The manager's of Winfield must not give a crap
  .

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  Posted on 04.04.13 Brian M.

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  This restaurant is right down the street from me, so I have been there a number of times. Let me tell you, a couple times it was so-so, but lately it has been GREAT! It has a very friendly environment. Late night and on weekends it is packed with the bar scene, but they do have a dining room for people seeking more than drinks.
  
  I love it her. I go at here once a week. Great specials!

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  Posted on 04.02.13 Becky B.

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  I went with my wife for Sunday brunch.  While my food was good,  my wife's was terrible.   She ordered pancakes.   The pancakes had charred bits of who-knows-what mixed in.   I had a bite and tasted the nastiness.   It tasted like the grill wasn't cleaned.  After being a trooper for a few bites, she sent the pancakes back and got french toast.   That sucked too.   Meanwhile,  my house special frittata was tasty.  This was our first time here, so i would suggest sticking to the house special menu.  We probably won't go back for food, it looks like a good place to sit at the bar and catch a game though.  For brunch we'll stick to our stand-bys:  Piranha on Park Avenue and James Browns on Culver.

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  Posted on 01.24.13 Lucas A.

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  The Winfield Grill has been a Rochester staple for almost 80 years. Located in the Browncroft neighborhood and originally named Winton Café and Restaurant the Winfield Grill has seen it all.
  One would think that since I live in the very neighborhood that has been home to the Winfield for so long that I would be a an avid "Wingoer", unfortunately I have yet to have more than an average experience.  
  The large building is promising upon arrival but the interior is poorly designed making the dining room cramped. The bar area, which has amazing potential is also poorly laid out. The over sized bar takes up valuable space which could better serve as standing room for patrons. On top of it all, there are dart boards inconveniently placed in the back corners making it difficult (and dangerous!) to get to the bathrooms.
  Still, people love love love The Winfield and it's always busy; so busy that they have parking attendants!  I've racked my brain wondering the appeal. Getting a drink at the massive bar is almost impossible on a weekend night, the food is mediocre at best and the crowd is a really eclectic mix consisting of families, bikers, hipsters and preps and on certain occasions (Saturday nights) I swear I've seen the cast of the Jersey Shore.
  Being the brunch connoisseur that I am (or consider myself to be) I thought it impossible for the Winfield to mess breakfast up, at the time of my first (and only) brunch they offered endless mimosas (one rowdy group must have ruined it for the rest of us because I hear they are no longer bottomless). Fair enough, even still the food was just ok especially when compared to places like Mario's, The Gate House (now moved to Espada), Murphy's law (great brunch and my next YELP) or Max at the MAG (Memorial Art Gallery).
  Next time you're invited to The Winfield, kindly suggest the Wintonaire (across the street) or Mayfields (next door).

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  Posted on 12.06.12 Jamie L.

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  Hellooo champagne breakfast! Mimosas and breakfast on a Sunday are fabulous here. Well-priced menu, not too expensive, but it does get a little crazy busy. Good traditional brunch menu options - tasty omelets and good homefries. I have had a few dinner menu options and can only say good things. Recently, I tried the Pita Mac - burger with lettuce, tomato, pickles and 1000 island dressing on pita bread. It's a nice alternative to a huge bun. You get all the burger flavor and the 1000 island dressing is a nice change from typical ketchup and mustard. It comes with steak fries and they're awesome!
  
  My favorite spot is sitting in the bar booths by the windows to do a little people watching. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever eaten in the dining room. In the bar, there are so many tvs - literally lining all four walls of the restaurant. Another spot for the sports fans, not up my alley. Although, I do enjoy sitting at the bar with some friends and a good beer - their tap choices aren't out of this world, but a few good ones to choose from. It's a win for the mainstay beer drinkers and the football lovers in Rochester.

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  Posted on 12.05.12 Breanna B.

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  You know, I keep going back for more to this place and I don't know why.  I have never had a horrible meal, but it's a place where I leave mad every time I have breakfast because of the cost. The staff is friendly, the food is good, pretty average breakfast, and they do have a great mimosa special, but I don't have anything to rave about in for the Winfield.
  
  The place is always packed of people, ages 5 to 80! This sunday I sat close to the window and I watched all the people come in; you can't really pinpoint the typical person that would eat at the winfield, everyone goes there, but I don't think its anything special.  
  
  I have only been there for breakfast, so I am not really sure how the rest of their food is.  When I go to breakfast I prefer a place where I can walk in, know I am getting great food, eat and then walk out knowing that I didn't break the bank for eggs, home fries and toast.  
  
  I know a lot of people that rave about the Winfield, but it's just not a place that is at the top of my list.

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  Posted on 12.03.12 Lucin C.

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  Food is ok but the atmosphere is horrible. They have no sound proofing so it is LOUD!  If you feel like shouting all evening this is the place to go

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  Posted on 07.24.12 Judy H.

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  Food was found to be of good quality, and the prices were very reasonable.
  
  Only issue is the lighting.  I've been in very few restaurants that have had almost so dim lighting that I had a problem reading the menu.  Flickering, low wattage...I dunno.
  
  I must be getting old, I think.

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  Posted on 07.23.12 Darrin B.

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  Nice atmosphere, a nice bar to pull up a stool and spend some time... and  just maybe with a nice buzz on the food might be OK.  
  
  We went for lunch. Parked in back, walked past the filthy grease pit exhaust system oozing over the side of the building. Yummy.
  
  food:
  HANDS DOWN the WORST calamari any of us ever had!! How they can serve this stuff is beyond me. The need to add salt to calamari gives you a clue (!)...topped with asiago cheese .......
  Soup du jour served slopping all over the sides soaking the doily used for presentation was $2 and good deal.
  Crab Portabella at 7.50 were a interesting even with the imitation crab, but got a good report...so did the $7 Artichoke French. $8 Turkey burger was dried out and the onion rings were overcooked rubber bands proving anything here fried is usually good = WRONG.
  Service was fair at best...they must have a regular loyal clientele to keep them going. That guy from the food channel should come here to teach them to cook.  
  
  FORC*&$^TSAKE TAKE THAT CALAMARI OFF YOUR MENU
  
  This is a BAR: have a beer, but stay away from the food !

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  Posted on 06.29.12 B S.

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  I can't speak for the dining room (although I suspect that this place would be more disappointing if you were going to sit in the dining room and order off the formal menu), but I go there roughly once a month and it's perfect for what I need: a place with lots of aTVs to watch sports, a few good beers on draft, and a cut-above-average bar food. The French dip sandwich is great and anything fried is rarely disappointing. On my rotation.

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  Posted on 04.12.12 Hope C.

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  During a recent windy and snowy day, I found myself craving a sandwich and fries.  My friends were beyond excited - I effectively never crave anything "American"(besides BBQ, pizza and fried chicken. My favourite burger is a bulgogi burger. I am too Asian for my own good.)  Winfield Grill was close by and had gotten good reviews from a few friends so it was The Chosen One.
  
  I really liked the atmosphere/decor. It reminded me of a cabin in the mountains - cozy and warm. (and the falling snow outside helped). I appreciated the separation of the bar area with all the TVs from the quieter dining area.
  
  We were seated immediately as it was pretty dead when we got there (but it filled up rapidly in the next 45m or so). We ordered the french onion soup, cajun chicken sandwich, roast beef sandwich and taco salad.
  
  The french onion soup came out at an expected pace. It was rich, beefy, salty and covered with plenty of cheese. It was actually a little too salty for me (and I was just sampling a little) but the overall flavour was good.
  
  Maybe 30-40 minutes after the soup, we got our entrees. It felt really long given that there were only a couple of other tables present when we placed our orders.
  
  My Cajun Chicken sandwich hit the spot - the bun was toasted well, the chicken was well spiced and there was an abundance of jalapenos on it. However, I wish I didn't get the Cajun fries. The spice was far too strong and they had applied way too much of it on the fries They tasted like a slightly crunchy and spicy garden (one of the most "herby" Cajun blends I have tasted).
  
  The roast beef sandwich came out without horseradish but when we finally got a hold of our server, it was quickly rectified. The taco salad apparently had non standard taco salad ingredients in it - my friend said it had a homemade dressing and tortilla chips on the side (in case the fried taco shell was not enough?). Overall, both my friends enjoyed their meals.
  
  The service was spotty. Our server was hard to locate and the dining room wasn't really that big. Maybe she was also working in the bar area.
  
  I will definitely go back when my friends really want some American food. If the service is better and the food comes out at a more reasonable pace, I will up the review to 4 stars.

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  Posted on 01.20.12 Naz B.

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  Everything you need to know in two words: Bottomless Champagne.
  
  Sunday brunch at this joint is a state-of-the-art business, and not just because I regularly abuse my champagne privileges. Do I need to tell you how delicious hollandaise sauce is? They have it here. The Winfield's corned beef hash is beyond good: it's really good.
  
  My hair-splitting criticisms are as follows: you can't just get eggs and toast, it always "comes with" meat and home fries, which is preposterous, and the restroom is way too trendy.
  
  The staff is out-of-this-world great, the customers are animals.

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  Posted on 08.08.11 Steve C.

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  Had lunch there today with two other friends. I had chicken pot pie; it was the BEST! The waitress was excellent; the place is all class.

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  Posted on 02.24.11 Tony D.

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  I've been to the Winfield many, many times, and I wish that I could give it a better review, but the last 3 times (that I've been able to get in-2 other times the place was so packed it was impossible to!), the food has left me extremely unimpressed. Now, I know that they used to have a great fish fry, but since I now work on friday nights, I haven't been there for a fish fry in about 2 years, and the last time I DID have a friday night off, there was a 2 hour wait for a table!
  
  What we HAVE done was have one Saturday dinner and 2 separate Sunday brunches there. Once, we stayed for the cheap free champagne that they only serve after noon (whoopee-big deal-$7/bottle bubbly...), and both times the brunch was, to be blunt, CRAP. The omelets were overcooked, the coffee was mediocre, the orange juice was WARM, and all you get for your toast was one measly container of concord grape jelly, same as at Gitsis! Heck, the breakfasts at Gitsis are better than this!
  
  The one time we went for dinner, I didn't care much for the 2 specials that they had on the menu, so I tried a ground-steak patty. Boy, was THAT a mistake! The meat was overcooked (med-rare doesn't mean almost well done!), and the gravy was institutional garbage, like the crap they serve in grade school cafeterias. Even the fries were cheap and dry!
  
  It's become glaringly obvious that the Winfield now has enough business that they no longer give a damn about actually serving decent food. With all those plasma screens on the walls in the bar area, it looks like they are catering to those who live vicariously through sports, and wouldn't know good food (or good beer) if it hit them on the head. The same thing happened to Jeremiahs a couple of years ago, and now I wouldn't even consider eating there.
  
  It's too bad, really, because the service has always been decent (once you got in, at least), but I doubt that I'll ever return. Well, at least there are other decent places for dinner nearby. Now, if I could only find a decent place for Brunch.

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  Posted on 02.14.11 Alex C.

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  This place is awesome. The staff is cool, atmosphere is comfortable and the drinks are just right. It it is certainly a place to check out if you're visiting Rochester, NY anytime soon.

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  Posted on 09.04.10 John P.

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  In the past year or so the Winfield has improved! They seemed to have gone through some ups and downs over the years! Now the food is great. There is a wide selection. Note: not a heck of a lot for us vegetarians but enough to get by!  Service is great. It's a busy place even in the middle of the week so don't be surprised of you have to wait.  Great neighborhood bar/restaurant!

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  Posted on 12.06.08 Mary C.

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  Open once again, food is as good as it was.  But, the remodel... Woo Boy, great big rectangle bar, plenty of plasma TV's to go around, good lively crowd on a Friday night.  The Winfield is back!

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  Posted on 08.30.08 Ray C.

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  My personal favorite is the fish fry, which I think is the best that I have encountered in Rochester.  I also enjoy the Saturday prime rib night, and the calamari appetizer.
  
  I had not been in months, but went last night to find the place nicely remodeled.  The old place did have its charm, but I think the remodeling kept that charm while turning the bar into an amazing space.  The dining area has remained largely the same, but that isn't a bad thing.  It is still a place that is casual, relaxing, and fun.
  
  I feel like I should also add that the wait staff is always pleasant and nice, and the service is quick and timely.  The busboy needs to chill out on wanting to take the plates away--I'm not done with my salad!

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  Posted on 08.11.07 Jason S.

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