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220 Restaurant
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
220 E Merrill StBirmingham, MI 48009
Neighborhood: Downtown Birmingham
(248) 645-2150
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
45 reviews for 220 Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"The lobster ravioli is one of my favorites." In 8 reviews -
"Service is always good and food is outstanding." In 3 reviews -
"deep fried risotto and cheese=party in my mouth." In 7 reviews
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45 reviews in English
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Review from Rebecca B.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
12/27/2011
I've gone to 220 for years and it is really predictable like the others have said. But I like it. The food is tasty and the service is pleasant and upscale. I haven't been downstairs ever - I just like the bar and the restaurant. One word of caution - the bar is full of cougars and whatever a boy-cougar is called....and wedding rings do not deter. If you go there knowing this tidbit of advice, you'll be fine.
The parking garage is right there too, so if the weather is crummy you can readily get to your car without getting soaked.
Overall I would recommend. -
Review from Allison D.
Northville, MI
5/21/2012
I love 220 Merrill and have tried about 50% of the menu offerings which are always even better than described! There are a lot of Yelp reviews of this establishment but I felt compelled to write one because I didn't see anyone mention theTWICE BAKED POTATO! It is fantastic!! A meal in itself for only $6!! Please, if you want to order a side, try this one.
I also must say that I would have given this restaurant 5 stars, however, they stopped serving Bernaise sauce which was amazing and paired so well with their delicious filet and NY strip. I have asked them repeatedly to please bring this back and they don't. Now when I want a great steak I go to Ruth's Chris or Coach Insignia where they always bring me plenty of Bernaise :) -
Review from Erin G.
10/29/2011
Food-wise, it's extremely mediocre. The prices, however, were not. If I had to re-price the food we ate, I'd say it should have been about half what we paid.
Bread--meh. I'd have liked it to be warm. Or have butter.
Risotto balls--glorified mozzarella sticks at triple the price. Way too cheesy.
Cesar salad--entirely overdressed, with about a pound of cheese on it. Ick.
Lobster ravioli--sickly sweet without that much real lobster, I couldn't finish because it made me feel ill near the end. The "toasting" of the ravioli is just weird and makes the pasta tough and crispy rather than pillowy which is how you generally want ravioli. The lobster chunks that were in it were spread throughout a mealy cheesy mess, the textures were way off.
Penne with italian sausage--spicy and tasty, large portion, but again just "fine," not worth the money we paid. Grab a package of Italian sausage and some jarred arrabbiata and there ya go.
Decor is trying to be historical (and the actual building is beautiful) but is kind of sad and needs to be refreshed. It was not terribly clean in there either, there were crumbs on the floor, several tables were dirty when we came in, there was a napkin under our table, the table wasn't set fully (we were missing an app plate), and the app plate that was there was dirty and we had to get another. Server didn't mention the specials at all. Water glasses were too small/had too much ice and were literally refilled 7 times in the course of about an hour.
As we walked to our movie afterward we both said almost simultaneously, "I feel like I'm going to throw up." Not a sign of a repeat visit in our future. -
Review from Annette J.
Dearborn Heights, MI
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
BIG UPS TO THE TOASTED LOBSTER RAVIOLI, YO!
Seriously. That's enough to keep me coming to 220 over and over again. They do it up good and I love that it comes in appetizer and entree size. If I'm attempting to watch what I eat (which happens from time to time, ha) I know that I can go in there have a smaller portion of that ravioli and a salad and be perfectly happy and satisfied. Toasted and stuffed with lobster, a bit of cheese and spinach then laid over some lobster sherry cream sauce it's a very tasty take on the lobster ravioli.
The salads here are also pretty good which makes a lovely component to a meal, like my aforementioned smaller portion strategy. Although sometimes that plan can be thwarted--most recently I got the baby iceberg salad which is basically a wedge salad but instead of a wedge you get....AN ENTIRE HEAD OF ICEBERG LETTUCE. It came to my table and I genuinely had an "OMGWTF" moment. Now, it's not a huge head of lettuce (hence the name "baby iceberg") but it's certainly pretty sizable. Topped with loads of gorgonzola dressing, bacon, and red onions it's pretty darn delicious but also pretty darn huge and somewhat defeated the whole "eat healthy" plan I had going on but eh, how often do you head an entire head of lettuce, am I right?
Great wine lists, a lovely atmosphere (although I do agree it can be a bit of an older crowd but that doesn't bother me when I have tasty food in mah belly), and friendly servers. Also kid friendly which does help when I'm out with for eats with my family with the 3 year old in tow.
It can be a bit pricey and somethings I do think are a little over priced but the quality of food is good and I've never been unhappy with anything I've had here yet so I don't mind the bit of extra $$ I can sometimes drop here when I'm in the area.Listed in: Seafood? Eat food!, Italiano!, Fancy Feasts, Snappy Salads, Birmingham is a Blast
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Review from Kathryn L.
Birmingham, MI
9/19/2011
This place is a bit confusing. It's a restaurant and a bar. Downstairs there is music that is way too loud (tough to hear conversation over it), sometimes there is dancing but usually it's more of a loungy vibe. Upstairs is the restaurant portion as well as a bar area. The downstairs reminds me of a less cool version of South. The upstairs reminds me of a less cool version of Dick O'Dows.
Overall the vibe is a bit older. It's not really a scene for your 20-something. And probably not even your 30-something. Nothing wrong with that; just an observation.
Food and drink were good. They let us bring in a cake for our friend's birthday and did not charge a cake-cutting fee. They never charge cover. And there's a parking structure right behind here, which is two hours free through the city of Birmingham. -
Review from Jhenna M.
Troy, MI
4/4/2012
Food was not great and tasted weird. Service was bad. Waited for our food forever. Never returning here again.
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Review from Maria C.
11/2/2011
good, fairly predictable.
I had a really nice salad with salmon. I suspect the salmon was Atlantic or farmed and was good, but I am spoiled, having lived in Seattle, with salmon just introduced to the flame . Service was good. They are open late, which is nice since I fly in from the West Coast and it is nice to get out of my hotel and grab a bite vs. the room service. -
Review from ERICA C.
9/1/2011
First off, you will have to get the risotto balls, they are just great!
Ok so 220... I would go there everyday if I could. I always sit in the back, I just like it better, less noisy and the front part where the bar is, is always packed with singles it seems. Not that it bothers me I just prefer the back , seems a little more classy and romantic if you are with couples or on a date. Teh servers must go through some sort of training here because I have had probably all the servers at one time or another and they all are great, they dont rush you, they really try to make you feel like royalty without the high price.
Menu/Price: Awesome, something for everyone on this menu- and the price is great too, you could easily pay $30 bucks for 2 people on to dinners and soda (sorry,, a good tip and alcoholic drinks wont get you this price though).
Dancing: Haven't been down there in a minute but they do have a really nice dancing /clubbish area located downstairs from the restaurant, its called Edison's. It is nice, a mixed crowd with a great mix of music. Not really clubby but don't really know how to explain it besides that, it has a bar and like I said music for dancing.
****I go all the time but the one time recently that I remember was George Clooney being there, it was really cool, he was one table from me! So remember if it is good enough for George Clooney you should check it out! Lol**** -
Review from Sweet P.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
1/22/2012
I really like this place. The food is a good and reliable. Nothing really that you might write home about, but tasty (Lobster Ravioli, their Caesar salad, and risottos are good). I think what I like most are the ambiance/decor and proximity to the parking structure. I absolutely love the decor and the staff is always very nice. I would like more places to look like they do, from the bar, to the dining area, to the outdoor dining area. I just realized I'm not saying anything that different than the other reviewers so, I'll just close with, "yeah, what they said."
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Review from Nancy R.
Grosse Pointe, MI
1/20/2012
I think the food is very good there. I am a big fan of their toasted lobster ravioli, so rich and savory. The minestrone soup is quite delicious and a creamy style- very unique. The bread is hearty and delicous. The drinks are good too. Yes, this place is cougar heaven. The people watching is spectacular!
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Review from Alex E.
Fraser, MI
1/15/2012 1 photo
Went here for lunch with a co-worker. Excellent service and had the eggplant Parmesan. The staff seems to have an upscale attitude, which was kind of nice, and the fact that not everyone in there looked like they were there for a business lunch helped to relax the atmosphere. I would definitely come back here if I'm ever able to take a long lunch again :)
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Review from Kaye P.
4/4/2011
I've only been here twice, and it's been awhile at that. But when it popped up on my screen I thought to leave a review (along with every other place I've been to!)
The bowl filled with different types of bread they give you when you sit down is awesome - esp with olive oil. I remember I loved my soup and salad BOTH times which is how they even got the three star review despite the fact that their vegetarian entrée fell far short of expectations. If i'm going to be spending $16 on a plate of vegetables and pasta it better be amazing! But it wasn't...which is why I haven't returned.
Hopefully they've fixed that situation?! -
Review from Dan N.
3/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I took my girlfriend here for Valentine's Day, after being confused and thinking that this was Cafe Via. After visiting Downtown Birmingham on several occassions, we had always been intrigued by Cafe Via, but, I digress, and that review will have to wait.
220 served up a pretty decent meal. I ordered the creamy minestrone to start and my girlfriend ordered the caeser salad. I devoured both. My soup was really good, and her salad was incredible. Nice little start to the evening. I can't honestly remember the entree my girlfriend ordered, but I ordered the Lobster Ravioli. I remember her pasta being super bland. The Lobster Ravioli was very good at first, but the richness tends to ware on you, and, eventually, I just wanted more of that Caesar Salad!
Overall, my experience here (kind of like my review) was just kind of blah. I'd eat here again, but I'm in no rush at all to get back.
Nice little V-Day touch--they gave us nicely wrapped cookies for the road! -
Review from Sara P.
Royal Oak, MI
3/22/2011
I only ate here once, for dinner on a Saturday night. While the food was top-notch (and expensive), the reason for the 3-star rating is the incredible noise in the restaurant. I was having a reunion dinner with my college roommates and we could barely hear each other. The dining room has a tin roof or something that creates just a horrible din.
On the other hand, the people-watching is GREAT (and you will have ample opportunity for it what with not being able to hear your companions). The night I was there it seemed like the local plastic surgeon was hosting a party for all his clients. I've never seen such a plethora of boob and nose jobs in one place, with the owner of the surgeries always on the arm of a much older man. B'ham at its best! -
Review from Seoung L.
I only been here for lunch... So far all the lunches I have had are very good. It's an upscale restaurant but the lunch prices are reasonable. Around $10 to $20 depending on what you order. The service is top notch and it has a seafood / italian style dining. It's tough to categorize exactly which one. It has a mix of seafood items and Italian items. Here's what I ordered and liked (pics posted)
-- Complimentary Bread: Mix of different types of bread. It's good but needs butter and you only get it by request. Last time the the butter was hard. Used Olive oil instead.
-- Toasted Lobster Ravioli: Very good flavor. $16 but good portion. No side salad or soup.
-- Crab cakes: Love the corn mixed sauce that made an average crab cake better.
-- Crusted Whitefish: It's good. Not amazing but decent.
-- Cream of Corn soup: Get it! it's really good!
It's a good place to dine. Expect to pay little more then average! -
Review from Lindsey B.
Las Vegas, NV
8/28/2010
It was such a beautiful day today that we decided to go to 220 and sit outside on the patio.
We had an absolutely wonderful lunch!
Started with a class of Riesling ($8) and a Sauvignon Blanc ($8) both were fantastic.
The bread they bring to the table is so yummy. I could have eaten 3 baskets of the bread!
They have wonderful specials- so make sure you listen to your server.
The following was ordered:
- Special: Chicken Salad Sandwich w/ cold slaw
- Whitefish: comes with pasta.
- Penne Pasta with Italian Sausage & Chicken: huge portion.
The service was great and they have a really nice patio.
I cannot wait to go back for dinner the next time I'm back in Michigan. I lived in the metro area for 22 years and this was the first time I had eaten here. I'm mad at myself for waiting so long! -
Review from Cyndi J.
Franklin, MI
1/30/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I have been here twice but only for drinks. Cougar-city. It's an awesome spectacle to see. Both times I was there, it was SO obvious the amounts of coogs struttin' it and the old men that watch them.
I'd like to eat there and get the Toasted Ravioli! -
Review from Robyn T.
4/19/2010 ROTD 2/22/2011
Ok, so reading the other reviews about the mass quantity of cougars at this place makes me completely laugh. I haven't been to 220 enough to notice, but the next time I'm there, I'm totally scoping for it.
I have been to 220 about 4 times and I've always ordered the same thing: Spicy Italian Sausage Penne. This particular dish is one of my all time favorites, and I have been known to wake up in the middle of the night with the cold sweats caused by withdrawals from it.
The tomato-cream sauce is the key to this dish and the chefs blend the perfect ratio of sauce/pasta/meat. The italian sausage is spicy, but not too spicy that it takes away from the other flavors.
The atmosphere of this restaurant seems kind of bland, as nothing stands out. But it's very clean and tasteful inside. I've also always had pretty good service. Nothing completely fantastic, but the wait staff is always friendly and prompt.
Anyone looking for a fairly priced dinner in B'Ham with good food and apparently a wide selection of cougars to choose from, 220 is a good choice.Listed in: Places worth repeating
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Review from Dea A.
12/2/2008
The restaurant in one word: overrated
In many words:
I hate walking into a restaurant that doesn't smell like food -- in this case, it smelled like cigar smoke. Ick. Cougars galore, and that's fine, but I want to eat.
It's a dark restaurant, with simple decor, and not a lot of intimacy at the tables. The martinis are good. We had calamari that was recommended by the server, they cooked it well and I could even believe that it was fresh/made in house. But it had a weird hollandaise sauce that really needed more acid. Because I needed a bench mark, I ordered the lobster ravioli -- and they were "toasted." Meaning, they weren't noodles, but more like a mini hot pocket. The sherry sauce was really rich, even a little off-putting. My mother ended up with scallops that was really well cooked, and a pasta that was covered in oil.
The food in one word: heavy.
What I've noticed is that Michiganders really enjoy heavy food -- if it is slathered in cream and butter, battered and fried -- they love it. That's what "rich" food means to them. But no, I want FRESH FOOD! PLEASE! Leave the cream for someone else!
The desserts were OK, tasted a bit old.
Our server was fantastic though, and they even gave me a little keepsake for my birthday -- a little Polaroid picture of me and my mother in a 220 card.Listed in: late night eats around the D
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Review from Aubri T.
Royal Oak, MI
7/27/2011
My girlfriends and I went here for a birthday celebration and couldn't have had a nicer time. The service was perfect - our waitress provided amazing wine suggestions (another plus - the wine we had was delicious), was friendly and prompt without being overbearing, although the bussers were a little too anxious to clear our table when we were in a grazing mood. My best friend and I shared the filet and salmon, both were amazing but the filet was definitely the favorite - perfectly cooked and topped with mushrooms and onions. The garlic mash the filet was paired with was also tasty. Only slight complaint was the asparagus that came with both meals was overcooked - mushy vegetables are a bummer. Other than the overanxious bussers and the lacking veggies, this was a perfect dining experience.
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Review from Charlie H.
Southfield, MI
8/28/2011
Really fun bar with live entertainment at Edisons downstairs.
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Review from Rodney H.
West Bloomfield, MI
3/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
Thru March 15th you can still smoke cigars in the Bar area of 220. Wow Civilization!!!!! Nice to see some Non PC places still exist, but sad to see that this Birmingham institution is heading the way of the Dinosaurs!!!!!
Now for all you non smokers i certainly feel your pain when it comes to a dining room, smoking should not be allowed in area where people eat, but a bar? Is nothing sacred anymore. A nice Martini or glass of Cabernet & a fine smuggled Cohiba!! Aaargh that's living.
Reminiscing of the good old days aside 220 Remains a happy cougar hunting ground, proving that Mutton Dressed as lamb is recession proof & that applies to all the Sexes.
220 Merill is a good old Fashioned bar with good waitress service & an eclectic group of customers.They do serve excellent local Michigan Beer. -
Review from Sarah M. B.
Detroit, MI
2/29/2008
To tag on to my girl, marisa's review...I am also pissed I wasn't the first to review since I used to work there...but she starts her review the same way I will...
220 is always a solid dinner spot in birmingham. always busy, always good food and always full of cougars and viagra-poppers alike. Amen. By the end of my nighs there, I can't tell you how many men told me how cute I was and I am like, "uh, I am your waitress and young enough to be your daughter..."
Anyway, GREAT food. Top notch...all the chefs are amazing adn I can attest to the clenliness as well. I went there on Valentines Day and it was all excellent....I will run down the must haves, eventhou everything is good.
Apps: Roasted Garlic Risotto balls...deep fried risotto and cheese=party in my mouth. Artichoke tosca is also fantastic...spedini is also awesome, BUT if you are in a new relationship I would avoid it-very garlicky but very good!
Salads: BEST ceasar anywhere...I have had a lot of cesars in my day and nothing can come close to topping this, folks. A newer salad they didn't have when I worked there is their iceberg lettuce wedge with homemade gorgonzola(all the dressings are homemade) bacon, and tomato. SOUP-creamy minestrone...never knew the calorie count, don't wanna know all I do know is you have to have it before you die.
-side note, can't go wrong with any entree salads either!!!
Main dishses: One of the best steaks you will ever have...complete with handmade twice baked potatoes and you are good to go!!! Any of the dishses with salmon you can't go wrong with either. If thers is ever a Lobster special of some sort order it-there will always be 3 specials per night.
Our Valentines meal: the hubby had 3 larger than normal lamb chops that were cooked perfectly...and one of my favorite dishses there ever is what I had-the spicy sausage penne....I am not that big of a fan of sausage but the sauce is incredible...you haven't lived until you have had this pasta..pry cuz it's a cream sauce as well...
Desserts: Can't go wrong...all homemade...tiramisu, chocolate mocha semi-freddo, and cheesecake are all the bomb...I was so full from Valentines Day meal I didn't have time to try the new Devils food cake concoction, but next time I go to a movie uptown I am going to 220 and trying it! You will never get a bad meal here ever. -
Review from Dane K.
2/28/2008
220 Merrill is one of my favorite restaurants in the Detroit area...
The menu is mostly Italian food... Done pretty well. I don't think I've ever not liked anything I've gotten here... and the menu never seems to change, so I've had pretty much everything. (Actually, my biggest gripe about the place is their menu never changes). The wine selection by the glass could be better, but it's decent.
The lobster ravioli is one of my favorites... The pork chop is pretty good too. The artichoke toscas to start out are always good. For dessert they have a selection of nothing too extraordinary... I like this big puffy thing they have but can't recall the name.
It's a tad snooty on the surface, but I don't mind rubbing elbows with those who think they're elite. I feel like every time I walk into this place I get looked over by the hostess debating if I'm worthy of eating there... Which is funny because often times in the evening the front bar is so rowdy and loud it's like a desperate singles bar.
Outside of that, the atmosphere is nice... It's more upscale feeling in the back, and the rowdiness is kept mainly to the bar in front (which also has some tables). (If you sit in front, it can get pretty smokey at times...).
The building was once the headquarters to the Edison power company... chandeliers throughout play tribute to that, with 3 standard incandescent bulbs then one blue bulb in each... The blue bulb might seem strange, but apparently in the early days of electricity the electric company used to give out free light bulbs to get people to use more electricity... those light bulbs were blue. The address itself (220) has it's own means in the electrical world...
They're not super late night as far as I know, but the kitchen is open later than some other places in the area... I often go at 10pmish and the place is still booming.
Edison's is the club downstairs (there's another review thread for that place). I won't be reviewing that place, I went once and it was so smokey I left in about 2 minutes.
They apparently used to be owned by the same owner as Beverly Hills Grill but they no longer are affiliated.
Parking is easy: there's a city garage directly adjacent that gives free parking for 2 hours, and after that it's really cheap still. -
Review from Chris M.
6/29/2008
My friend told me about 220 & Edison's so we checked it out on a Wed. night. I was immediately fond of it's character and decor - you could tell that it's has been a landmark / historical establishment that's been around for a long time.
The first half of the restaurant includes a large open bar area w/ cocktail tables - a good social setting. Behind the bar on the other side of the wall is the dining area. We called ahead and made reservations (I recommend) and noticed most all of the tables were taken (a good sign). As for the atmosphere - it was not as quiet as I had hoped. Your conversations can travel so if you're looking for peace and quiet I would recommend looking elsewhere.
The dishes were simple yet robust in taste, and the food quality was very high. The menu does not have an "array of dishes" like I've seen at other Italian restaurants. We started w/ the twice baked potato (heads up - it's huge) which was excellent; the garlic mashed potatoes were pretty good (I've had better). Our main courses were the Penne Pasta w/ Grilled Chicken and the Lobster Ravioli w/ cream sauce (excellent dish - awesome sauce). I personally felt they went light on the sauces, but just ask and you shall receive. The penne pasta was olive oil based but I felt it was somewhat dry so I asked for red sauce on the side, and the chicken was high quality breast. I'm going for the sausage next time - looked really good.
No issues w/ the service, it was excellent. It's not the best Italian I've ever had (Washington D.C. was) but it's several notches above Olive Garden (for your baseline). Total bill for 2 appetizers, 2 main dishes, 1 glass of good red wine and1 ice tea totaled around $90 (including the 20% tip). I highly recommend 220 & Edison's, it's a great social setting for a team dinner with good quality food and service. I'm definitely going back, especially if it's on "The Man". -
Review from John P.
Royal Oak, MI
2/15/2009
I also think this place is overrated. I wasn't impressed with the food at all, I thought it was very bland. My fiance thought the same, and she ordered something different. I will say, though, that the bruschetta was very good. So I'd recommend that if you go there.
I also tried one of their martinis, which wasn't bad at all, but I wasn't impressed either. I think our experience also wasn't that great because our waitress got upset that we moved from a 2-top table to a 4-top. And it showed in her service. But the 2-top table was far too cramped and we didn't exactly want to hear the conversations of the people on both sides of us.
All in all, I more than likely won't be going back to 220, at least not for the food. -
Review from Shelly M.
5/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
The food was great, had the arugula salad w/walnuts and Gorgonzola with honey mustard dressing, it was delicious. I am not a fan of honey mustard usually, but this dressing was perfect. Had the perch and risotto for dinner and it was really really good (this from someone who doesn't usually order fish in restaurants). And I have to tell ya that they also make a mean cosmopolitan. The bread was awesome, our waitress was great. Hostess could use a little lesson in humanity, I will never understand snooty. But, overall a five star experience.
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Review from Suzanne V.
Birmingham, MI
5/16/2011
Outstanding food and atmosphere at a reasonable price, and a steal by Birmingham standards, plus great vegan options. What more could I ask for?
I stopped in one Saturday afternoon for a drink after a movie. The bar and appetizers were great (seriously, the best bruschetta I've ever had), so I decided to stay for dinner. As a vegan, I appreciated that they had a vegan entree (pasta with roasted tomatoes) on the menu. It was good by omni restaurant standards - 4 out of 5 stars. My husband had a fish dish that he liked, though he thought the potatoes it came with were too rich.
I went back a second time and they had started offering a rotating vegetarian risotto, in addition to the already veg pasta dish. The risotto that night was a mushroom and tomato dish that happened to be vegan (the waiter said they're not all vegan, but this one was). It was absolutely delicious. A lot more people would be vegan if they realized plant-based cuisine could taste that good.
I love the classic atmosphere. It's one of those restaurants that fits as well on a 2011 Birmingham street as on an episode of Mad Men. Likewise, I felt just as comfortable in a cocktail dress as in jeans and a (nicer) hoodie. I will definitely be back! -
Review from kelly w.
Brooklyn, NY
7/19/2008
I agree with Sarah and Marisa-- the place is packed with cougars.. and cigars.
On a Friday or Saturday night, a reservation is a must. Careful though, if the hostess is in a bad mood (I've had this happen) she will claim they "don't take" reservations. Luckily, I don't take crap from people and immediately informed her we were told they didn't take res' when she told me there was a 45 minute wait. We were seated within 10 minutes.
For an app, I love the artichoke tosca. It can be a tad rich, but with the right glass of wine, it is a perfect start to an eve.
For entrees my fave is the half-roasted chicken. It may be a little alarming when you actually receive it, and shoot, it is actually a half-roasted chicken. Get over yourself and dive in.
As far as service goes, I have had some phenomenal waitresses and some sub-par.. I think it strongly depends on how crowded it may be and whether or not they are snubbing you because you are a.) not a cougar or b.) not a viagra-popper. Helloooo 20 somethings are the ones with the most disposable incomes! -
Review from Angela S.
San Francisco, CA
3/31/2008
So I'm going to admit that when my boyfriend and I were in Detroit we were a little disappointed with the food in the area and the downtown area of Detroit. We wanted to go to a nice dinner and really having a hard time of finding a place.
In comes Yelp...
I hopped on Yelp and saw the reviews for 220 so we decided to try it.
We arrive in Birmingham and are pleasantly surprised. The little downtown area is so cute and quaint. Lots of fun restaurants and a cute little theater.
We walked into the restaurant right on time for our reservation and were seated immediately. We were impressed by the extensive wine list. We ordered some of the specials. He started out with the creamy ministrone (mmm mmm mmm--but not really ministrone). He had the special risoto with cheddar cheese, bacon, and salmon. I had the pork chop special. Both were amazing. I think mine was just a little bit better than his. It came with mashed potatoes, string beans, and a poached apricot. So the pork had sort of a sweet taste with it. Mmm thinking of it now is making me hungry.
The waitstaff was very friendly and even gave us recommendations for OTHER dessert locations. The only complaint I would have is that it was REALLY loud, so it might not be the best place for a romantic date with your honey. -
Review from Tiffany D.
Detroit, MI
10/18/2008
Smoky, loud, and crowded. But still worth it!
It's rustic italian food, a menu covers the gamut of anything you could possibly want, with a wine menu to match. I've only been during off hours (after 9pm, during the week) and there are still plenty of people there but without the wait. Love the round tables for big groups, and the booths for intimate dinners.
And yes, there are cougars. But you are in Birmingham, what did you expect? Plus if you're with a bunch of single guys, they might send your table a drink. Bonus! -
Review from Otis M.
Redondo Beach, CA
5/1/2011
220 is a nice place to hang out and enjoy drinks and people watch. The bar gets a good crowd for happy hour...people that work up town or folks stopping in on their way home. I've eaten both lunch and dinner here and my meals were good. The menu has a wide variety of entrees, salads and sandwiches. The place has a nice comfortable atmosphere, service is good and you can park right next door in the garage.
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Review from Roland W.
5/15/2010
Birmingham has such a cool downtown. 220 is pretty good.
The service was excellent. Honestly I only had dessert and a taste of my co-worker's appetizers. My Tiramisu was pretty good, the Iced Tea was perfect. My co-worker ordered a huge portion of Garlic Bread which was also great.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was the coffee. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, it was late afternoon. Way after lunch and way before dinner, not the best time to order coffee. Ultimately, it should have been fresh and wasn't.
Enjoy -
Review from Irina R.
Westhampton Beach, NY
4/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
We had a couple of drinks here one afternoon and the staff was quite friendly and accommodating. This seems to be the spot that the locals go after work. I don't know how their food is, but they do a good bar business.
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Review from Nina C.
2/24/2011 8 Check-ins Here
I love this place!! My boyfriend and I go in about 3-4 times a week for cocktails!!! Doc and Brian the bartenders ROCK! Doc makes the best hummers around, and he loves making them!!! Brian is the best giving me new drinks all time!!! Food is amazing, service is amazing, an all around great place!!
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Review from marisa s.
Chicago, IL
2/21/2008
220 is always a solid dinner spot in birmingham. always busy, always good food and always full of cougars and viagra-poppers alike. it's birmingham...and although a lot of places have changed, storefronts redone, restaurants in one day and out the next - just like the varsity shop across the street - 220 isn't going anywhere...and mainly because it's such a great restaurant and a birmingham original. original meaning...before the birmingham theatre was even a movie theatre, before gap was taken over by Cosi, before Roots left the 'ham to go to Somerset and then came back to the 'ham....
220 has a great "old-time" birmingham feel, the bar is pretty long and you'll always find some divorcees sippin on dirty martinis laughing loudly, getting plastered. just by the bar there are some booths and tables for the "see and be seen 'hammers." on the other side of the bar is the darker, more formal dining area, a little quieter.
the service is always good and the food never disappoints. some favorites of mine:
lamb shank (usually a special)
perch piccata
speidini (appetizer)
caesar salad (best in b'ham)
the rissoto that comes with piccata!
drop in for the scene if you want, but the main attraction is really the food (ok and the b'ham cougars...)Listed in: back in the 'ham (birmingham,…
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Review from Nina B.
San Francisco, CA
5/30/2009
My husband and I went here during restaurant week in order to try their food without paying a fortune. I ordered the beef tenderloin and some type of bitter greens salad. The portions were small, but I was impressed by the quality of the food and the service. Our waiter seemed very knowledgeable about the food as well as the wine list. I'd recommend this place for special occasions. The interior is absolutely gorgeous. Come here for a romantic dinner, but don't expect to be wowed by the food, which is mainly meat and seafood that are prepared in traditional ways.
Listed in: Birmingham's Best
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Review from Patrick Y.
Madison Heights, MI
2/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went here for lunch and i couldnt have been happier! Service was attentive. Flat Bread appetizers hit the spot. And the grilled Reuben on grilled marble rye was outrageous! I would recommend this to anyone for lunch. I'm heading to 220 for dinner tonight!
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Review from Lizzy B.
Birmingham, MI
1/16/2009
If you're looking for a great meal, friendly service and an upscale-casual, boisterous atmosphere - 220 is for you.
I'm not much of a bar person, so this review is going to focus on the restaurant.
So what are the complaints? Yes, when you walk in the front door, the bar area is smoky. Yes, if you don't have a reservation you may have to wait. Yes, the bar and restaurant may be too loud for an intimate dinner.
But 220 does a whole lot more *right*. if you're getting together with friends or meeting up with the whole family (and you don't mind spending a bit on a meal and wine), 220 is perfect. If you're not drinking, you can certainly get dinner and an appetizer for less than $30 if you choose carefully, but I think $40-$50 each is more reasonable. It's classy but not uptight, so people will wear everything from dark jeans or chinos to suits or dresses. The restaurant is adjacent to the Pierce St parking structure, so it's easy to park and meet up with people. The hosts are friendly; they take reservations and remember you when you come back. I have never had a problem with the waitstaff - they are all very nice and eager to help. Moreover, I like the cheerful (okay, it can be loud) atmosphere. I have a few friends who project like they're using megaphones; while it normally makes me cringe, here, I don't have to worry or hiss "inside voice!" And of course, the food is great.
Yum, yum, yum. The specials board is in the back, and impossible to read, so pay attention to your server. There's a daily risotto special and it's always out of this world. It's hard to make a good risotto and the 220 chefs do it right. Check out the wine list - there's a lot to like. Start with the fried risotto balls or one of the two calamari starters. When tomatoes are in season, the Caprese salad is excellent - with pesto and pine nuts. I normally order the risotto special, no matter what it is, but the half roasted chicken is excellent, too. I'm not sure about the desserts since we're always too full to cram more in there.
And remember - try the risotto! -
Review from Gita B.
Chicago, IL
11/18/2008
Yes it is loud and smoky - but like Tiff said, it is well worth it! Built in the old Edison building, so it is a historic site and almost everything in there is original - check out the fixtures, art work etc. Service is always good and food is outstanding. There Soul with capers is delicious and so is there braised lamb shank of Tuesdays.
