Seemor
Grill 23 & BarB+Worth Trying
161 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116
· Steak house, American restaurant, Event venue
· 4.6/5 Google (2353 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Iconic Boston steakhouse delivering premium cuts, polished hospitality, and a lively scene, with excellent highs but real inconsistency in doneness, pacing, and noise.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Grill 23 & Bar delivers solid neighborhood steakhouse performance with strong food quality in dry-aged steaks and signature sides, paired with attentive, knowledgeable service and appealing Back Bay location. However, recurring doneness and temperature inconsistencies prevent grade A territory, and recent food safety alerts create meaningful concern. The restaurant competes well among Boston's established steakhouses but falls short of premier-tier reliability.
Restaurant Summary
The room reads classic Boston steakhouse: dark woods, white linens, and a lively, celebratory buzz. Service often feels polished and warm—one diner praised how a manager stepped in thoughtfully—though others hit delays or rushed pacing at peak times. However, there are moderate authenticity concerns suggesting some reviews may be imperfect reflections of the full range of experiences. The cooking skews elevated traditional: richly brothy French onion soup, lobster bisque with real pieces, and a lineup of dry-aged steaks that thrill many, though a subset report doneness and temperature inconsistency. Expect premium pricing justified by ingredients and aging rather than culinary theatrics; the wagyu carpaccio and famous coconut cake routinely steal the show when execution lands. Families can do well here if kids like straightforward comfort dishes—steak frites, mac and cheese, fries, and simple sides abound. The setting is adult-leaning and loud downstairs, so aim for earlier reservations or upstairs seating. No dedicated kids menu is evident, but the menu has several familiar, kid-friendly picks.
At a Glance
- Premium dry-aged steaks with hallmark classic sides and robust raw bar
- Engaged service with high manager visibility and strong wine guidance
- Noise levels can be very high, especially downstairs and peak times
- Inconsistent steak doneness and plate temperature reported
- Multiple rodent sightings reported late evening in 2025–2026
What Sets It Apart
- extensive_wine_program
- premium_dry_aged_beef
- signature_coconut_cake
- robust_raw_bar
What People Love
- Big, flavorful ribeyes and porterhouse
- Comforting soups that start strong
- Sommelier recommendations and martinis
- Signature coconut cake to finish
Points of Concern
- Noise can overwhelm conversation; request upstairs or early slots
- Pacing is uneven: delays on seating/courses and occasional rushing at close
- Steak doneness inconsistencies and lukewarm plates appear in multiple reports
- Review patterns show a broad range of experiences; late-night rodent reports noted
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$115-$175 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Steak frites offers a relatively approachable entree at $48
- Pair dry-aged steaks with Au Poivre ($7) or Béarnaise ($7)
- Finish with Famous Coconut Cake ($18) for a dependable finale
Perfect For
- Client dinners where a classic steakhouse impresses
- Celebrations with friends who enjoy a lively room
- Wine-focused meals with sommelier input
- Travelers staying in Back Bay hotels
Location Insights
Area: Upscale Back Bay corridor near offices, hotels, and luxury retail; attracts business diners and celebratory groups.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic and good lighting; typical downtown vigilance applies.
Nearby: Near Copley/Prudential complex, luxury shopping on Newbury, and several high-end hotels and bars.
Back BayBack Bay offers a sophisticated dining environment with a wide range of restaurants from casual eateries to high-end establishments. The area is lively yet refined, attracting both locals and visitors seeking quality food experiences in a stylish urban setting.
Copley Square AreaThis micro-neighborhood centers around Copley Square, featuring iconic landmarks and a concentration of upscale dining and shopping options. It is a hub for cultural events and a popular spot for both daytime and evening socializing.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:00
Tuesday17:00–22:00
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday17:00–22:00
Saturday17:00–22:30
Sunday17:00–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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