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Flamestone Grill
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good for:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
5 reviews for Flamestone Grill
We were heading home after doing a bit of shopping the night before last & we got stuck in traffic just as we were passing an entrance to the mall ... construction or an accident, whatever it was we were just sitting there. We'd been planning dinner at home & we were pretty hungry. After a few minutes of sitting we decided to turn in to the mall. We'd read an article very recently about how Ruby Tuesday had really gone upscale, improved their food, etc and we thought we might as well give it a try.
The one and only positive aspect of that experience is that I gained what was perhaps some much needed perspective. When I eat out I tend to go to a certain kind of restaurant and I think my expectations have slowly crept higher and higher. Even while we were trying to eat I realized I had to come back and change this review because I'd been very unfair to FlameStone. Not deliberately -- I meant what I said when I wrote the original review just a few days ago -- but still very unfair.
For FlameStone's pricepoint it is an absolutely fantastic restaurant. It really isn't any more expensive than restaurants like Ruby Tuesday or Applebee's, but what you get is so far beyond those other restaurants that it's really hard to believe. Both the level of service and the quality of the food you receive at FlameStone just completely blow away what I previously thought were somewhat comparable restaurants.
Previously I wasn't impressed with FlameStone's ribs, but after what I tried to eat the night before last, well ... I can admit it when I'm wrong. Our waitress at FlameStone wasn't just blowing smoke when she said their ribs were to die for.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/15/2009
Although I realize it isn't a chain, it definitely has that look and feel. I can't help but wonder… Read more »
Ok. Pricey. Server had a touch of used car salesman in him, a little too pushy and then forgetful. Layout is good. Steaks were good. So the place is ....good.
Not a chain. Great menu emphasing fresh ingredients, not frozen protein disguised under cheese. The tableside guacamole is fun to watch as it is being made. The servers are attentive and know their stuff. Broad wine list with some winner like tCakebread. The fresh baguette is addictive. All entrees are well priced.
We were visiting friends in Oldsmar who had heard nice things about this place, so we decided to try it. The atmosphere is very warm - lots of dark wood and stone - and the service was attentive and friendly. We weren't as impressed with the food.
We decided to share two appetizers. The cheddar-spinach dip was bland and the tortilla chips served with it tasted stale. The guacamole was prepared at the table, so we knew it was fresh, but it lacked zip, and the portion was too small for the $11.00 price tag.
My husband ordered his flat iron grill medium-rare. The first one they served was well-done and the second one was practically raw. They finally got it right the third time. He enjoyed the sweet potato fries more than the steak.
The glaze on my spit-roasted pork tasted like it had too much bourbon it, and it overpowered the flavor of the meat, but the sweet potato mash was delicious.
One of our friends ordered chicken breast stuffed with spinach, goat cheese, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes and raved about it. Our other friend was very disappointed with his salmon, which he said was on the dry side.
The server suggested we share a couple of orders of tumbleweeds, which are crispy onion straws served with a spicy dipping sauce. They weren't greasy and we all agreed they were excellent.
We shared two desserts, fried banana caramel cheesecake, which wasn't as tasty as it sounded, served with vanilla ice cream, and apple-walnut pie, served with cinnamon ice cream, which was okay but nothing special.
Our friends mentioned our disappointment to the people who recommended the place, and they said they had been here twice for lunch and enjoyed the burgers and wraps very much. We might try it for lunch the next time we're in the area, but based on our experience we would never make a special trip here.
Best mid-range priced restaurant in the area. We've been here a dozen times and each meal was fantastic. We haven't had anything that wasn't very good. They specialize in fire roasted chicken, ribs, and steaks served with grilled vegetables. But we've also had great cedar planked salmon, excellent flat bread pizzas, and delicious panini sandwiches. They also do a tableside-made guacamole. Service has always been wonderful, and the atmosphere is upscale. Couldn't recommend this place more for an all-around great dining experience.
