Reserve now:
Esquire GrillReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley Restaurant Reviews >
Sacramento Restaurant Reviews >
Sacramento Restaurant Reviews >
American Restaurant Reviews
Esquire Grill Reviews List
This restaurant is no longer available. Continue your search at OpenTable.
Esquire Grill
With it’s elegant décor, seasonal menu and well-trained staff, Esquire Grill is the ultimate in downtown Sacramento dining. Enjoy clever takes on American cuisine; sip a cocktail in the bar or on the open-air patio; take in the big-city ambiance created by renowned architect Michael Guthrie.
104 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 104 reviews
5 stars
(44)
4 stars
(41)
3 stars
(17)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(41)
- fit for foodies(35)
- good for groups(28)
- neighborhood gem(25)
- great for outdoor dining(22)
- great for lunch(19)
Esquire Grill Reviews List
Review 1 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is our fourth visit to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is our fourth visit to the Esquire, and we find that the service and service rank among the best we've had. Our server was helpful with the menu selections and suggested a wine that was an excellent paring to the food we selected. The restaurant was busy with conventioneers and prom dates, yet none of the wait staff seemed unduly stressed or harried. Our waiter engaged us personably, and the food arrived without a lengthy delay. If you're downtown before a show, or just want a nice evening out, the Esquire Grill is a wonderful choice."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Esquire Grill is a one
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Esquire Grill is a one of a kind. The service is great, the food is done very well and they have a good wine list and a great bar to relax at."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
service was good. cocktail
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"service was good. cocktail was amazing. however the food just wasn't that great."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Date Night out
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We needed a place for dinner that was close to the Memorial Auditorium and the Bonamassa show. The parking worked out great, right next door, and a two block walk to the show. Told the server what was up and he made everything work like clockwork!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was delicious. I had
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was delicious. I had salmon and it was cooked perfectly to my instructions and was generous in size. The vegetables were tender and had excellent flavor. My friends had the pork chop and hamburger. Both reported meals were very good. The food looked so beautiful on the plate, something some cooks in other restaurants sometimes forget to consider. Service was great from the waitress, but food was slow from the kitchen. It took about 45 minutes to get our meal after the salads. I always enjoy this restaurant and know that the food will be excellent every time."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We enjoyed another excellent
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We enjoyed another excellent meal and overall experience at the Esquire Grill."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Pricey, I ordered SOle which
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Pricey, I ordered SOle which was very good, but the potatoes and spinach were pretty tasteless. The appetizer artichoke was not hot nor exceptional. The apple dessert was good."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2007
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Energetic is one description
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Energetic is one description of the noise. To us it was just plain loud to the point that it was difficult to talk and hear what our dinner partners had to say. Otherwise the food was good as was the service. The place was packed, which probably increased the noise level."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great restaurant, great location.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great restaurant, great location. Food and service are consistently excellent. Very reliable."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We were dissappointed in the
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were dissappointed in the crab louie. A small portion of fresh crab (which was good) served on an iceberg wedge. Not at all what I expected."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2007
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our food was great! Always
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our food was great! Always delicious. My guest will be returning with her husband. Our server only checked in with us once and never offered dessert which I would have ordered. I also had to try and get anyone's attention to get a refill of my iced tea. It didn't seem as though she had too many tables, but who knows? I think she could have checked in with us on at least one of the many times she passed by our table."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
On the whole, a pleasant experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"On the whole, a pleasant experience, perhaps because of a helpful & personable waiter. My spinach salad was tasty, but not what one would call refined. It was just an assemblage of coarse spinach leaves with bacon, egg & dressing, but not artistically arranged. The sole was good, but not great. It had a crust & was a bit greasy. It was served with spinach & small roasted potatoes. Portions were generous. My husband enjoyed a cheeseburger & fries. Not a "cutting edge" place, but comfortable with reasonable prices."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a great lunch there!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a great lunch there! Many options to choose from on the menu. I am hosting a large group at Esquire next week for a late lunch and we can't wait!"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food and service were great.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food and service were great. More choice for wine by the glass would be appreciated. Outside dining great."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My friend and I went prior
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My friend and I went prior to a musical production across the street. She has a broken foot so the valet parking was perfect. The valets and wait staff were so accommodating. The food was amazing and i was tempted to have a second plate of salmon, puréed yams and Brussels sprouts (too much of a great thing??). Highly recommend. Their food is consistently excellent."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
They must have been serving
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"They must have been serving too much corned beef and cabbage near St. Pat's day. Some of beef was dry and tough. Cabbage required a knife.
I've had good experiences here before, so I'm assuming this was a fluke."
I've had good experiences here before, so I'm assuming this was a fluke."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I was bummed... took way to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was bummed... took way to long to get our order & then even longer to get the food. Thankfully it was good when it arrived. Maybe you should have a note on the menu that a medium well request for a filet will take 45 minutes."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Kevin was our waiter and he
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Kevin was our waiter and he did a great job. I have been to the Esquire Grill before and everything is always wonderful. Needless to say my expectations were high. The reason for not rating Esquire Grill higher was because of the food, not all of it but some of it. Specifically, I ordered the Petrale Sole with mashed potatoes. The Sole was excellent, however, the mashed potatoes were cold. My date ordered the crab salad and we think that they forgot to put any crab in or if there was some it was very skimpy. Given the price we expected more."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 19 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Prom Night = GREAT place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was our Junior Prom and probably the first time all of us ever went to a restaurant like this so we were not too sure what to do or what some of the menu items were. The people who were waiters and waitresses though were really helpful and treated us great. Only thing I would say is next time we need to plan ahead and know what some of the other items are on the menu so we could try them out. The food was great."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service and generous
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great service and generous portions. Valet parking makes everything accessible."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 21 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Except for the noise the dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Except for the noise the dinner was excellent, everything was done perfectly and we really enjoyed it."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 22 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I had the Oven-Roasted Amish
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had the Oven-Roasted Amish Chicken with Butternut Squash polenta and Brussel sprouts pan roasted with bits of bacon. Very delicious and cooked perfectly! I was pleased to see many healthy choices on the menu! Bravo!"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 23 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I had read quite a few reviews
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had read quite a few reviews stating Esquire Grill had terrible service. I have to say...I disagree. Our server was very attentive and helpful. She was quick with taking our order, and our food arrived promptly. We greatly enjoyed the cheddar bisquits, and our dinner was cooked perfectly. I would definitly go back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 24 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Was very impressed from the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Was very impressed from the hostess to the meal. excellent"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 25 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We chose the Esquire Grill
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We chose the Esquire Grill because we've heard so much about it. I was disappointed. We were about the 4th table to be seated. Appetizer and salads came out timely, but we waited about 45 mins for our entrees. Overall, I was not impressed with the food. My salad was bland, my soup was much thinner than I expect chowder to be, and I had a very difficult time trying to eat my chicken as I had to cut it into pieces at the table. My husband found his filet to be bland. The banana cream pie for dessert was very good,but the apple galette was average. With so many restaurants in Sacramento to choose from, we most likely will opt for others and not come here again. Its greatest plus was its proximity to the theater."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 26 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent food and service was wonderful getting us to the 8 pm performance timely without asking!! Would denfinetly come back!!"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 27 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Esquire Grill is a popular
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Esquire Grill is a popular lunch spot for politicos. Consistently good service and food so it is a no-brainer for visiting business clients."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2011
Special Features: great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 28 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Had to ask for a glass of
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had to ask for a glass of water three times and the waitress didn't come back to check on us or offer refills."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 29 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and service. I
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food and service. I had the pork chop and it was wonderful. The server was young but very professional, courteous and appropriate."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 30 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was OK. Ordered the -
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was OK. Ordered the
- arugula salsd with pecans, apples and pancetta. Nothing you couldn't whip up at home in 5 minutes. Portion was like a dinner side salad -a bit small.
- mac and cheese. Mine is better because I use multiple cheese varieties, not the simple cheddar (or other) used here. Portion was perfect.
-lemonade was perfect
- arugula salsd with pecans, apples and pancetta. Nothing you couldn't whip up at home in 5 minutes. Portion was like a dinner side salad -a bit small.
- mac and cheese. Mine is better because I use multiple cheese varieties, not the simple cheddar (or other) used here. Portion was perfect.
-lemonade was perfect
Ambience: everyone is doing some sort of deal, it's noisy for lunch but strangely not detrimental to your conversation.
Location: perfect."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2013
Special Features: hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 31 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I had the French Dip sandwich.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had the French Dip sandwich. It was very good."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 32 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice place to have dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Nice place with very good food (small proportion though)and reasonably priced."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 33 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This was a special dinner
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was a special dinner for my wife and I for Valentine's day. I had heard mixed reviews about this place and after going there, the mixed reviews were correct. It seems that everything we tried was neither very bad nor very good. In essence, it was truly just average."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 34 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
my wife and i went to esquire
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"my wife and i went to esquire fro valentines dinner 2013. it was our first time there and it was fantastic. we had the filet mignon with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts. delicious! and our server Sara S. was very professional. we will surely be back"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 35 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We met early for dinner before
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We met early for dinner before an event and it was such a pleasure to have a waitress who respected and matched the pace we set as diners. She did not hover or push us to do anything but enjoy the food, wine and company. Made for a memorable evening."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 36 for Esquire Grill
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My husband and I ate here
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My husband and I ate here on Valentine's day. The thing that I really appreciated was that they did not have a prix fee dinner. Instead. They had specials instead. Everything was excellent. The service was awesome considering that the restaurant was packed."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Esquire Grill
Based on the average of (68) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic