story by Maureen Burns

Red Door Grill is proof that you cannot go wrong with old school American food. When I walked in through the red door (imagine that), I was immediately hit with the smell of deliciously unhealthy food.

A crowd populated the bar, and tables were filled with people of all ages. The restaurant was decorated in a classy, appealing and comfortable way. Multiple TVs were mounted on every wall, making it obvious that this could be a future sporting event hangout.

Around 5 p.m. on a Monday the second week it was open, I was seated pretty quickly, but not long after, people accumulated at the door waiting for tables.

The menu provided lots of tasty looking options with specific details. I appreciate knowing exactly what a certain course entails. Not to mention the menu itself was appealing to look at. So, props to you, Red Door Grill.

It reminded me of a tastier, classier and more expensive Applebee’s. The service was fantastic, my glass was never empty and the food came out relatively fast considering the restaurant was so crowded. Not only was the staff efficient, but they were very friendly and would engage into nice conversation about the food and whatever else came up. This could all be temporary considering they just opened, but I hope not, because it played a major role in the experience.

I started my meal off with an appetizer of the smoky green chile cheese dip, served with pico de gallo on top of the cheese and chips to the side. It had a tiny bit of spice, but mostly just cheesy. It was good, but clearly not their specialty.

My guilty pleasure has always been a cheeseburger and fries, and Red Door Grill did not disappoint. The menu explained that the hamburger meat is from McGonigle’s, “a custom blend of beef brisket, short rib and chuck tenderloin” and is served with lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles, mayo and the cheese of your choice.

However, if you are looking for gluten-free options, Red Door Grill is not the place for you. They didn’t have any gluten-free items marked on the menu, and the server wasn’t sure of any items that were gluten-free.

I visited Red Door Grill on a Monday night, which is $5 classic burger and $8 specialty burger night. On a regular night, the classic burger costs $9. In general, Red Door Grill’s prices are a little on the more expensive side. On nights when they have specials, it would be affordable for students, but otherwise expect to pay more than usual.

Red Door Grill had a great atmosphere in their restaurant, set in the house rules on their menu:

“If you aren’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

Tell your server what to do to put a smile on that face.

(Or make it bigger than it already is.)

Within these four walls, there will be no talk of frozen meat, heat lamps or hummus that’s not homemade.

(In fact, pretend that sentence never happened.)

Feel free to chew with your mouth open or talk with your mouth full… or both. We won’t judge.

(But we can’t speak for your fellow diners.)

Ask us why woodfired is better.

We’re always ready to share the gospel of the smokey trinity.

(Or let you taste it for yourself.)

Try the meatloaf. (Seriously.)”

Red Door Grill has opened its doors to my heart and stomach and will see me again soon.