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626 on Rood
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Nightlife Bars Wine Bars American (New), Wine Bars [Edit]
626 Rood AveGrand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 257-7663
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 4 pm - 10 pm
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
50 reviews for 626 on Rood
Review Highlights
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"The Ahi egg rolls are the tastiest Ahi anything I have ever..." In 3 reviews -
"The goat cheese patties were very good and the onions were..." In 2 reviews -
"The truffle oil fries as a starter is a must." In 3 reviews
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50 reviews in English
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Review from Troy R.
Flagstaff, AZ
2/8/2012
I miss 626! You could crush it with a Flagstaff location, heck, you could crush it anywhere! HI Brenda, Hi Theo
626 is a world class restaurant / wine bar that could stand in NYC or anywhere in the world. Lucky to have such a treasure in Grand Junction CO
Go here! -
Review from A P.
Denver, CO
5/7/2012
As a first-time visitor to Grand Junction for work, I ate dinner at 626 On Rood this evening and am considering going back for lunch tomorrow. Everything about it was lovely--servers were attentive but not a bit overbearing, they offer half glasses of many wines (convenient for those who have to work at night) including a section of local Colorado wines, the menu is vegetarian-friendly, they give you bread, and though the menu is not large it was difficult to pick a meal because everything sounded so good. The food items are certainly unique, and I can't say I've seen options like on their menu at many other places, especially unexpected in a smaller town.
The bread plate in and of itself is worth going for. I receive two pieces each of olive, three cheese, and (I think) multigrain bread, with rosemary butter on the side. I ate four pieces and had them take it away for sake of not filling up before anything I ordered off the menu arrived. The breads were perfect alone but made even better by the herb butter.
Also ordered a cup of the chilled white bean soup, the soup of the day. It rang gazpacho but felt even lighter with tomatoes, avocado, and lettuce running through, as well as a heavy citrus/vinegar taste. Delicious, fresh, and very unique. Apparently they are known for their soups, and I understand why.
I ordered my entree from the"sharing" menu, and it was one of the best dishes I have ever consumed. A piece of housemade mozzarella coated and fried in Asian pumpkin, served on a bed of lemon-dressed greens and a red curry sauce. I'm sure my description does it no justice, but the richness of the cheese and curry sauce were cut by the greeens, and having eaten the entire plate, it didn't feel too heavy. What a treat. So unusual, so satiating. I wish I lived close to Grand Junction so I could eat it again and again, in fact the drive from Denver isn't THAT far.
Highly recommend this place, and I hope to visit again soon. -
Review from Alicia L.
Grand Junction, CO
5/4/2012
The atmosphere is pleasant. It's a good place to have a conversation on a weekday afternoon.
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Review from Stef B.
Huntington Beach, CA
4/19/2012
Perfection every time we go here!! White truffle fries are the best. We have tried pretty much the entire, ever changing menu and we are never disappointed. GJ needed a fine dining place that is consistently fantastic and always has great service. Theo and Brenda have done a fine job. Keep up the good work guys! Can't wait to see you soon. Any chance youll be making your Avacado soup again? :)
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Review from Stephanie R.
Sherman Oaks, CA
2/10/2012
I used to live in Grand Junction, but live in L.A. now and even after tasting the finest that L.A. has to offer, I can still assure you that 626 is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. The atmosphere is very chic but not in a pretentious kind of way; their wine selection is the best in the valley and their ingredients are the freshest you can get; either from their organic garden or flown overnight from Hawaii. My fave is the butter poached lobster...it is sooo amazing..i love it there!
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Review from Kellan C.
Lodgepole, NE
1/27/2012 Seated via OpenTable
Boiled down saw all of the good reviews and 3 of us went and were dissapointed food was mediocre and slow and expensive individual that would of been fine but together not a good combo. 7 dollars 12 oz beer that were so/so wasn't great either. The same 3 people the next night went to the local ale house and had way better food beer and forhalfof the bill.
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Review from Sarah C.
Seattle, WA
Here's something not yet represented in the reviews, I think. I live in Seattle currently, and in Seattle, I get most of my work done in coffee shops and bars. I come to Grand Junction at least once a year for a very long few days because I was born here and most of my family is still here, and I find myself kicking around the house about to tear my hair out because no adult child fits very nicely in their parents' spare room and the illusion that I have nothing to do but kick around the house is just that.
So I come to 626, where it's quiet and classy, with good service, seriously good espresso and wine, a full bar, and great food, whether I need a tapas-like snick snack between meals or a full meal. It would be successful in the "foodie" (who doesn't hate that term, but I use it because you know what I mean), coffee, cocktail, rain, and wine soaked city of Seattle.
This is absolutely the place I would recommend if someone is in the city on business, is passing through, or visiting the fam, and needs to hole up to get some work done (preferably in a milieu that suits you - with the fine things you normally consider a given, and without toddlers, Tea Party folk and other small town distractions) or to just escape for a few hours and relax.
I'm so happy that 626 is in this town (I'm here now - is the relief coming across through my words?). It really is my oasis in the high desert, good for both my productivity and my sanity.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/11/2010
Yup.
I'm from the Geej.
I live in Seattle now, and this is the only place I eat when I'm 'home'. I… Read more »
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Review from Michael H.
Cherry Hills Village, CO
Updated - 1/21/2012
I have been back several more times and still find it the best restaurant in GJ. Wine list is especially innovative and they are updating it regularly with new choices. I had a smoked duck salad most recently that was quite good. It can be noisy in here once the drinks start flowing.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/9/2009 First to Review
I have visited Grand Junction several times a year for the last 15 years and I have found a… Read more »
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Review from Andrew W.
Grand Junction, CO
I've eaten at quite a few "nicer" restaurants in Grand Junction and 626 on Rood tops them all for me.
I highly encourage you to make a weekend reservation if you're thinking of eating here. My fiance, future mother-in-law and I ate here during Mesa State graduation, so that definately had something to do with why we ended up sitting down at 7:45pm.
I moved to Grand Junction from Denver one month ago and do miss the diversity in restaurant choices I use to have. Our first night eating here was a special night for us as we finished setting up our new house in our new city.
I ordered the Buffalo Tenderloin Medallions, red wine - juniper-rosemary marinated, pan-seared, shiitake red wine sauce with garlic roasted fingerlings potatoes. My fiance ordered the Chicken Breast stuffed with brie, organic spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, rolled in pumpkin flakes, black sesame seeds and panko, sauteed, lemon beurre blanc sauce and black rice. My M.I.L. ordered the Sweet Potato Agnolotti Pasta, basil - walnut pesto cream suace, oyster mushrooms, porcini "dust".
Everything was wonderful. The only item we thought was not compariable to everything else was the black rice, it really did not have any flavor. But, we had never had black rice like this before, so maybe it was exceptional and we didn't even know it.
Our waitress was very very good. She kept our waters full, our wines flowing and the three types of homemade breads coming.
I've also since come in during their happy hour to check out the scene as I work next door. I really enjoyed their Olive Flight consisting of Lucques, Spicy Mix and Cerignola olives and their wonderful homemade bread with a few glasses of wine. As it was pretty quite on a Tuesday, I ended up talking to the wait staff quite a bit.
I will be back, that's for sure. I can see 626 on Rood becoming our new celebratory restaurant for when family comes to visit or to celebrate.Listed in: What I Like in and near the…
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Review from Sarah Ann B.
Grand Junction, CO
6/21/2011
I am a super fan of this place. As Grand Junction doesn't offer the best selection of artisan restaurants, I become pretty jubilant when I dine at places like this. For me, the happy hour specials they have are PERFECT. It is a great after work, just want to relax, maybe I'll have one more glass of wine... kind of place. Not only that, but 626 is also a fabulous date night waiting to happen. With Intimate tables, wonderful outside seating, and pleasant lighting, it's easy to let the discourse be inspired. I can really get a taste of what the chef's character is all about through the food. It is easy to digest the demanding hints of love, passion, and romance laced through each bite.
626 is a must try if your interested in life off the beaten to death path. -
Review from Elena T.
Hartford, VT
5/11/2011
Now that we have become avid traveller's across the sates (not really by choice) we know that good food is few and faaaaaar between. So, we were pleasantly surprised to find 626 on our way through Grand Junction.
Our server was fantastic, which in my book is number one tied with food quality. We arrived late on a Tuesday night, were almost the only ones there, but we never felt rushed. Our meals, which included perfectly cooked meat, were good for the price and portion size. The wine list was great, even featuring a red from Arizona of all places...who knew? I'm still thinking about the Malbec I had...delicious!
All in all, definitely recommended. -
Review from Wes S.
Grand Junction, CO
2/21/2011
Pretty mediocre food, if your palate requires complex flavors then this is not the place to go. Often the food has to much oil on it which ruins any chance of the food having good flavor. The chiefs rely to much on over salting the food instead of using proper herbs to compliment the flavors of the main ingredient. After going a couple of times I don't think we will ever go back.
If you want good food then go to The Winery which is across the street in the ally. The chiefs at The Winery understand what good consistent food is. The flavors are well thought out and give you a nice experience for each bite you take. As always I recommend the mushrooms for an appetizer and you can never go wrong with any of the entrees. The waiters are also very good in helping you pair up your meal with a bottle of wine. -
Review from James T.
3/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
The pursuit of perfection is seldom seen, which accounts for it's value. While not perfect, 626 made a worthy attempt, earning a fair 4 star rating. Thanks are due to the owners for bringing to the Grand Valley what previously was lacking; that being an upscale diner with a modern glimmer and clean appeal. Be warned; the appearance inside tends to instill a certain level of expectation, so a bad service experience, as mentioned by Kevin, could leave you with a bad taste in your mouth. This was not my experience, but a socially inept server can ruin, what would otherwise be a great night out.
For lunch, I selected the citrus cured salmon reuben, which it's uniqueness alone was enough to score two of the 4 stars.
The 626 fries are great, and the overall presentation was more than satisfactory.
Our waitress was quite pleasant and most professional. While I wouldn't equate this place with true fine dining in the East-Coast sense, it does deserve some recognition as bearing some symbolence of culture and class. -
Review from Brian T.
11/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
Very good food in general. Great food considering it's in grand junction =)
The truffle oil fries are quite possibly the best truffle fries I've had anywhere. The perfect crunchiness on the outside and soft insides. Great flavor and just the right amount of salt.
The goat cheese cakes are also pretty phenomenal.
I had the smaller rib eye steak and it came out perfectly cooked along with sweet potato fries. The large rib eye steak is at the bottom of the menu and you'll know because it's 40oz and $75.
Come here for a nice dinner with friends or a date! -
Review from Cassy R.
9/1/2010
Hello Grand Junction Yelpers! (or perhaps you're a visitor to GJct.) In any case, 626 is a MUST EAT AT place that should be on your itinerary and most definitely at the top of that "Where to eat on a special occasion." That's not to say the restaurant is only for fancy attire or occasions. It's great atmosphere for even a casual dinner.
A little background if you will. I'm from Delta, just down the road, but now live in SF, CA. San Francisco is known for it's food, especially by your waist line. I dread my visits home because the food is just awful but 626 has changed my life! I'm looking forward to visiting during Christmas and any other time of the year.
We asked for a wine recommendation and it was fantastic and on target. The food was crazy delicious. The portions were appropriately sized, no extra-large typical American portions. Thank goodness! The peach and mint reduction dessert was heavenly, and I'm a strict dessert critic. The service was a bit slow but when you're having that great of a time you don't really care...except you want more of that delicious food they're hiding from you in the kitchen! (I also know they were super busy when we were there so I didn't mind).
You can guarantee I will eat at 626 every time I visit Grand Junction. It's phenomenal and would give any San Francisco restaurant a run for it's money and reputation. -
Review from Ernie E.
Denver, CO
10/3/2010
This is certainly one of the upper echelon restaurants of GJ, and rightfully so. It has all the trappings of a fine dining restaurant, coupled with consciously sourced ingredients, and across the board professionalism.
Pros:
The servers are obviously drilled on food & wine minutiae by a ruthless taskmaster. On two separate occasions - once during lunch, and once for dinner - the servers knew the menu inside and out, the subtleties of the wines as well as the sources of the ingredients and correct pronunciations of the more arcane items. This is very refreshing, and impressed me right off. The level of server professionalism at 626 on Rood is staggering, and leaves every other GJ fine-dining restaurant I have supped at in the dust. There are no whiny or inattentive servers here.
Of the several menu items I have tried, all but one were phenomenal. The breadth and quality of the cheese, produce and baked goods is mind-blowing. I can personally vouch for the duck salad and stuffed chicken breast. And the wine. Wine is obviously their forte, and if one is not careful they will leave "in their cups", as it were.
Cons:
Is the foie gras on the menu raised ethically and humanely? Is gavage /force feeding poultry innately cruel and irresponsible?
I can't hold others accountable for my personal taste preferences, but the Citrus Cured Wild King Salmon Reuben was subpar. The consensus of the four people at my table who tried a piece of the sandwich was: The remoulade and carmelized shallots were either too meager or utterly devoid of taste, I'm not sure which. The sauerkraut was not sour in the least bit as if the vinegar had been rinsed from it. The "lox" was not salty enough. This sandwich was either improperly made or perhaps intentionally designed for more of a milquetoast palate who dislikes the signature taste of a true Reuben. I was excited to try this heretical sandwich, but I could not bring myself to like it. Perhaps I am too much of a die-hard Reuben purist.
The general menu layout is lackluster for such a remarkable establishment. Is there really such a shortage of typographers /graphic designers in GJ? I can understand wanting to have complete control of an ever-changing menu, but a Word document with no formatting on white 8.5x14 paper with a copying machine? Come on, now.
Also, please consider turning down the patio music a notch. It became distracting and overwhelming a few times.
Overall, 626 on Rood is a diamond in the dust. It's not cheap, not casual, not too kid-friendly and not really concerned about the dietary trends /ethics du jour. Whatever they are doing behind the scenes, it is working. Bravo. -
Review from Jennifer P.
Colton, CA
8/26/2011
626 on Rood is HANDS DOWN the best restaurant I have ever been to. The staff is fun and friendly, with an immense knowledge of the food and wine. The wine selection is tops, and the bartender Erin is amazing. She gets to know you and what you like. When I would walk in she would already know what kind of wine I like, and she would suggest new wines that I might like. She was NEVER wrong. The happy hour specials and sharing menu are amazing. My favorites from the sharing menu are the 626 Strudel of seasonal vegetables and goat cheese, basil oil and sun-dried tomato sauce. The veggies are fresh (they buy from local growers and farmers markets) and the pastry is cooked to perfection. My other favorite from the sharing menu is Cheese fries with white truffle oil and French sea salt. I know, I know, you are thinking, fries? But you have never had fries like these. Fresh cut potatoes fried to perfection, they are not greasy at all, and have the wonderful earthy-ness of truffle oil, cheese (asiago I believe) and sea salt. They are heavenly.
You also can not go wrong with anything from the Amusement Hour Menu. Fresh baked breads with compound butter, olives, and Beef Bourguignon sliders... all fantastic. The bartender Erin or manager Brenda will pair wine with anything for you. The flights are reasonably priced and come with cards describing the wines, where, they are from, how they are made and what they would pair well with. I will tell you one thing; the staff at 626 on Rood does their research!
Cocktails and desserts here are like nothing you have ever had. I never would have thought to order a blueberry hibiscus martini, but Erin promised it would be incredible and it was. She has also concocted a chocolate martini finished with a chocolate truffle in the bottom that could be a dessert in itself! Summertime? Try any dessert that comes out of the kitchen with fresh Palisade Peaches! I had a peach napoleon, finished with a whipped cream and mint sauce. HEAVEN!
Prices are totally reasonable, especially for the portions you get. If you aren't sure what to get ask Erin, she knows her stuff. The chef Theo is a genius, and the manager Brenda has an amazing palate for pairing wines. You cannot go wrong with 626 on Rood. Stop in some day after work, and sit at the bar for an appetizer and glass of wine. You will NOT be disappointed. -
Review from Sean F.
Keene, KY
2/13/2011
We were passing through, and had a very nice late lunch here. Huge wine selection, unique menu choices and nice atmosphere.
I would go back if I was in GJ again.
There is definitely a green vibe too, which we liked. My wife loved the organic olive oil based hand soap in the bathroom which we were never able to find. -
Review from Jason M.
Grand Junction, CO
2/4/2012
I've only been one time but had a great experience. Sat on the pouch for lunch. Had a BLT of all things but one of the very best I've ever had. My server was so funny as I didn't realize it was a "wine bar" and ordered a beer. She looked at me real funny and proceeded to think long and hard about the beer choices as "I can't remember the last time I had to recall" the beers we have on tap. I'll go back.
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Review from Frank T.
Denver, CO
6/5/2010
Towns like Grand Junction deserve to have some really great restaurants. Luckily, GJ has 626 on Rood. My buddy from college days (and beyond) and I had a great experience. The food was tasty, the drinks were a nice accompaniment, and the service was personal, personable, and altogether topnotch.
We both opted for the brie and spinach stuffed chicken and it is was great.
The only downside was not seeing more people in the restaurant. It was less than 2/3rds full and no one on the patio. So, Junctionites, get off your butts and head downtown. Good restaurants in this town are hard to come by so support this one. -
Review from Tom L.
Denver, CO
8/11/2010
100% deserving of a Yelp 5 stars! It was my first night in town and used Yelp to find the best spot. Yelpers got it right.
Most of the reviews praised the friendliness of the staff so I decided to sit at the bar and see for myself. It was a perfect experience. The bartender hit me up with several tastes of local and imported wines before I settled on a Carmenere. Her recommendations were right on and she made me feel like an instant regular. I met both of the owners as they milled around making conversation, delivering the food from the kitchen themselves, and recommending wines to match your meal.
Go here for these three reasons.
Food! The Ahi egg rolls are the tastiest Ahi anything I have ever had. They come with a few sauces to dip, which you don't need, but they're fun anyway. The wasabi cream is especially good. I also got a half order of the mac and cheese which nailed it. Lobster, mascarpone...just go try it.
Wine! Really good selections. They also feature a local wine maker who both sources local grapes and brings them in from the best places he can fine. I had a Barbera, Syrah, Cab Franc mix which was big and delicious.
People! Not just the staff but the other customers around the bar were just as friendly, offering their own suggestions and cracking jokes.
I loved it and will be back every time I'm in town. Maybe tonight! -
Review from T Michael B.
Denver, CO
6/19/2009
Went to the Western Slope for the weekend and had a great experience here. The service was fantastic, the food was so delicious, and the drinks are creatively fantastic.
This seriously must be the hippest place in Mesa County! If you're anywhere around make sure to stop by - you won't be disappointed!
Can't wait to head west on I-70 again so we can go back and enjoy it again! -
Review from Joan Z.
Durango, CO
9/6/2011
I have eaten here several times and always had a great meal and a great experience. A couple weeks ago, though, I had what was probably the best meal I've ever eaten. Every morsel I put in my mouth was a show stopper. It was the kind of meal that made me wiggle with delight in my chair and pass around the table tastes of each item. Don't you love it when you share your food and the other person makes a face like, "Omgosh, I can't believe how good this is!" Start to finish, a total delight! Excellent, friendly, knowledgeable waitstaff and very attractive decor. I will always go to 626 on Rood when I'm Grand Junction.
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Review from Mike R.
Sherman Oaks, CA
4/17/2011
Simply the best fine dining in the Grand Valley .. The chef is truly amazing, and we are lucky to have him here. Great for special occasions, romantic dinners, and even business lunches!! A little spendy, but worth every penny IMHO.
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Review from Sarah K.
Denver, CO
3/16/2009
This is a restaurant I'd expect to find in a hip, urban area, not Grand Junction. The food is fantastic, the menu creative, the staff helpful, and the decor edgy. Go for a late lunch with a friend or two and prepare to splurge on martinis or wine, or head here for dessert after a night out.
Are you looking for a special place to take a special date? This is it. Save your pennies and make an impression. -
Review from Michelle M.
Westlake Village, CA
4/7/2009
Shame on all of you who live in Grand Junction that have never tried this gem of a restaurant!
The food is creative and tasty. The chef periodically pops out of the kitchen to survey the floor. The service is fine dining-ish but casual (we had a blondie as a waitress, didn't catch her name, but you rock!). The decor is hip and modern.
Perfect place for a date, a night out with friends, or a casual business meeting. Hurry up and go! -
Review from Andrew D.
Littleton, CO
6/27/2010
A must eat! This is by far the best restaurant in Grand Junction. The head chef (and the staff) really make you feel at home. They have big smiles and make a real effort to remember you for future visits. The food is also very good. I've eaten here 10+ times and I'll keep coming back.
The cheese plate, although very simple, is quite good. The Ahi tuna "egg rolls" are excellent. Fresh fish daily! The salads are new and exciting. I'm not usually a salad person but I always get one here. The pre-dinner breads are actually good & the herb butter is always soft! (I hate cold lumpy butter) Finally the wines are great. Plenty of flights to choose from or single glasses if you prefer.
Eat here and you will be happy and full! -
Review from Kevin S.
Grand Junction, CO
Updated - 10/6/2010
Why one star? I originally gave two stars, but ever since I posted my two star review back in October I have received extremely nasty and insulting messages and "compliments" from mysterious zero review Yelpers. I used to delete them but look at Rachael H's and Shea T's "compliments" to see what I'm talking about. Pathetic and desperate if you ask me. Anyway, here's my original review:
I know I'm going against the tide of all these amazingly similar sounding 5 star reviews, but for me, overpriced mediocre food and pretentious, in your face service do not make for fine dining.
We were interrupted at least ten times by our laughably pretentious and smarmy waitress. "Are you ready to order? No rush!" (3X) "Would you like to order some wine? No rush!" (4X) "The Balsamic vinegar is from Modena, Italy!" Wow. Really? Thanks for sharing that little pearl. "Can I take that?" (the check) (2X) You guessed it, "No Rush!" When I'm ready to order I am perfectly capable of letting someone know, especially in an almost empty restaurant. She was so bad it was funny at first but by the end of the evening it had become annoying. I have to say the rest of the staff knew what they were doing and did a great job. Maybe it was her first day, who knows?
As for the food, we went with the sharing menu and ordered four items, the tuna wrap (our waitress pretty much insisted that we order it), the nut encrusted goat cheese on caramelized onions, the frau grau and the quesadillas. The tuna wrap was OK, but we ended up not eating the third one, even though our waitress had suggested ordering four instead of the normal three so that we wouldn't have to "fight over the third one." Yeah, right. The goat cheese patties were very good and the onions were perfectly caramelized, but I wonder why they don't use Colorado goat cheese. The foie gras was delicious but the portion size was absurdly small, especially for something on a "sharing menu." For $17 you get 1/4 inch thick slice the diameter of a silver dollar. I've had foie gras many times at much nicer restaurants; at Mel's Bar and Grill in Cherry Creek (now closed) the quality was as good or better and the serving size at least five times larger. The quesadillas were downright boring and dry and went untouched after the first sampling. The pico de gallo tasted like it had been made ahead of time. For some reason our overly attentive waitress didn't notice that they had gone pretty much untouched.
This place needs to lighten up (literally, it's dark as a tomb!) and change with the times, and what's with the birthday deserts presented with lit smoking sparklers? They brought one of these to a nearby table, which did a great job of stinking up the dining room. At least the sprinklers didn't come on. That would have been the perfect end to the evening.Listed in: Grand Valley Disappointments
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/23/2010
626 has great decor and ambiance, and a wonderful wine selection. A little island of civility in… Read more »
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Review from Doug Y.
9/18/2010
I read the reviews, made the reservation on opentable, got out my one pair of dress slacks that still fit (sigh), and waited with BBQ'd breath... (I was in town to judge a BBQ contest) for the moment to arrive! Pretty dumb to get my hopes up like that huh.
I made the reservation for 6:00pm on Saturday thinking that an early reservation was a guarantee of getting in. A reservation wasn't even necessary. One car on the street in front and one table of guests on the patio. We walk into an empty restaurant and are seated at a two top table... did I mention the restaurant is empty? Fight or flight, fight or flight... ummm yes I'll have a glass of wine. (fight I guess) Something red, bold, but not too in case I order fish or fowl, maybe along the lines of a Malbec.. you like reds too? a Malbec blend? sounds good. Menu, menus, ouch, a little pricey, not insane, but ouch. She's back with the wine and makes some sound meal suggestions which I follow.. I had several appetizers as my entree and they were pretty tasty. The ahi-egg rolls could have used a slightly thinner wrap and the cut of sashimi within would have been better without the thin sheet of connective tissue but the trio of sauces and the clean taste of the fish saved it. The 'Say Yes" bacon wrapped shrimp were nicely cooked and served on a bed of crab dressing. Although the flavors were nice, the texture of the celery in the crab dressing brought a tuna salad to mind, still a good dish though. I also had a half order of the mac and cheese with lobster and a white truffle sauce which I thoroughly enjoyed. Knowing very little about wine pairing I went with the wines suggested by my server and they were spot on. We had a full 626 Spinach salad to start and that was tasty and plentiful. The wife had the black sesame encrusted ahi that was also nicely prepared. All and all the best food I've had in Grand Junction out of 4 or 5 visits here. Kind of odd that the restaurant was so sparsely attended. Does G-junct not know what they have here? That's a shame. I'm sure glad I didn't run when I had the chance. -
Review from J. S.
Vista, CA
1/4/2011
To start on a positive note, I will say they do have an amazing assortment of wines and if you come during the happy hour, they also have some great specials.
As Elyse and Kevin stated previously, I have similar qualms with this place. In Grand Junction, 626 is fine dining. But I'm not a huge fan of paying for pretentious atmosphere and food simply due to the facade of a high quality dining experience. Yes, the dishes are presented beautifully but I felt they lacked taste...and I'm sorry, I don't care if it looks pretty because I will demolish it in a few minutes anyway. However, if it lacks taste, it won't matter if it's pretty because I'll end up going hungry and that's counter-productive to going to a restaurant in the first place. Maybe it's because I didn't shell out the $75 for the kobe beef, but to spend that much, I'm wanting a "sure bet" not a crap shoot.
I'm not sure if my meal was mediocre because I ordered something that wasn't very expensive ($20 carrot pasta) or if I happen to have higher expectations being from So Cal and experiencing amazing restaurants from some well-to-do cities (Newport, La Jolla, San Diego in general, Laguna Beach, etc.) where the wealthy clientele demand--and receive--quality. I also requested some chicken for my pasta so that I could have some protein with my meal. I was shocked when I found out they charged me $6 for a small piece. I was thinking the max I'd be charged was maybe $5, but apparently I "low-balled" that one. I didn't stick around to try any dessert because the interior, while nice, wasn't really for me. It seemed stiff...a square room...there wasn't much in the way of privacy or intimacy. I was pretty let down with this place because of all the hype and promise of quality, which I felt it ultimately lacked. I was also upset because my meal ended up giving me the runs...all in all, I was not super-impressed. I may give it a second chance but not until I try some other restaurants first. Everyone else's comments about the fries lead me to believe there may be something here I missed, but I can't say that I'd come back just to try some fries...that's not a big enough incentive for me. -
Review from Christi R.
Grand Junction, CO
2/15/2011
Fabulous food, great wine selection, nice atmosphere, and the best service in town. Theo is an amazing chef and the combination of flavors he produces is incredible! Along with the other reviewers, I am a big fan of the cheese fries. The salads are fresh and large. The entrees are always perfectly presented and tasty!
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Review from Julie F.
Seattle, WA
8/9/2010
This was a great place to have dinner and conversation. The staff was friendly and efficient and the food was wonderful. The fresh bread was delicious and the menu was varied and sophisticated, but not stuffy. For a smaller town like Grand Junction to have such a great restaurant is a real plus.
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Review from Brandon M.
Keller, TX
12/27/2010
Had a very good steak here, a little over priced for this area.
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Review from Uri P.
Arlington, VA
8/20/2011
The smoked duck salad was killer, and the stuffed chicken breast with brie was tasty, although it made it back to our hotel room somewhat the worse for wear. The tube of forbidden rice accompanying the chicken was pretty bland, if geometrical pleasing.
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Review from JENNA B.
San Diego, CA
5/19/2010
Good restaurant- server was very accommodating, the rack of lamp was superb, appetizers were a bit disappointing, and the atmosphere was nice. I was told that this was one of the best "nicer" restaurants in town and it definitely was. Many of the restaurants in the area are much more casual with the typical menu offerings. 626 Rood was a good restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised.
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Review from Greg K.
Albuquerque, NM
10/20/2010
By far the best part of my weekend visit to grand junction I recommend coming before 6 for the happy hour food specials and then move to diner room for diner
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Review from Andrew N.
Brush Prairie, WA
3/30/2010
At here for lunch after flying in from Pac NW. Great Salmon Reuben sandwich. The best is the Pulled Pork and sweet potato fries.
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Review from Cobra K.
Colorado Springs, CO
12/12/2009
Great food...had the smoked duck club sandwich...insanely good for 12 bucks.
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Review from Jay V.
Santa Monica, CA
7/13/2009
After doing some extensive research on the Grand Junction website, my girlfriend and I chose 626 as the place to have our lunch on our trip from San Diego to Minnesota. We were excited about the beet salad and it didn't disappoint. She had that, and I had the black bean burger which was fantastic. The restaurant is very nice and we were a bit underdressed perhaps, but the service was great regardless. We also sampled a local peach dessert that was very tasty. If I ever drive through Grand Junction again, I will be sure to go out of my way to stop in! Thanks 626!
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Review from Kate G.
Grand Junction, CO
8/23/2009 6 Check-ins Here
Went here last night for my birthday, just the hubby an I. Not really a place for kids, as the tables are intimate with lots of glassware (ie broken glass in your future). We had a great server, Meredith, who was prompt, warm, chatty when we spoke to her, but knew to give us enough space to enjoy our own conversation. We did the whole sharing thing: started with the tomato, mozzarella salad (awesome), blue cheese, walnut ravioli (awesome), tuna tartar (surprising bland, but good.could have used wasabi in some form) and the scallops with squid ink pasta (I loved, hubby didn't). Had their Margatini (really really good!) and dessert hubby had strawberry sorbet (great as usual) and I had espresso creme brûlée but they served it with a sparkler in it for my birthday... There was thankfully no singing, but all eyes were on me none the less.... My dessert was really good, not too sweet, not bitter. Our server brought the menu back over for us to take home because she realized that maybe we didn't see the top where it read : Happy Birthday, Kate. Cute especially since hubby made the reservation late that afternoon.
We arrived at 7 and we were definetly (and surprising) the youngest guests by about a generation... Guess the recession is hitting us middle aged, middle class harder.
Overall, we're never disappointed when we come here. It is our "go to" for special occasions and, while not easy on the budget, is worth the price.
