CHAR Steak and LoungeChar- Good stuff!This was our second visit to Char- the first was on New Years Eve of 2012.
The food this time was excellent. Half of our party of 6 ordered steaks and the others ordered the fish special (Halibut). Both offerings were excellent. I am always a little reticent of steaks because often the reality fails to meet the expectations, but Char delivered. Our server did a very nice job- a pleasant and knowledgeable guy. The only lower rating that I give Char is for the "ambiance." I know that this restaurant is the product of a recent (2012) renovation to the former Strathallen Hotel, but it just kind of falls flat in respect to ambiance. However, personally, that's not a big deal to me, as I'd rather have great food and service which I've found here!5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMVery nice but overly priceyMy husband and i enjoyed a nice dinner at Char before going to a show at The Auditorium theater. It was very nice inside, though the acoustics allowe us to hear every word of the conversation of the women behind me. The food was very good, but overpriced we thought.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMBig City AtmosphereUpon walking into Char, it felt like we entered a chic NYC hot spot. Decor is warm - not stuffy or sterile. It felt intimate, despite the fact that nearly all the tables were full. Food was amazing. Most of our group had steak - outstanding. This does not feel like a restaurant in a hotel - AT ALL.
A bit pricey - but well worth it.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWill return, particularlyWill return, particularly when meaning to impress my guest.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a different waiterWe had a different waiter and his attentiveness was sub par. However we have dined at Char numerous times and had much better service . This one person needs to step it up.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food and service!My wife and I celebrated our 18th Wedding Anniversary at Char and had a great experience. The food was amazing and the service was fantastic.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMCan't wait to go back!!!We had five people in our party and everyone was very happy with their meal. The bone in ribeye was both high quality and quantity. The salads were chilled and crisp and tasty.Dessert was fabulous,as well!! Our server,Mark Potter was superb and just couldn't do enough for us and made our evening extra special.Dining at it's best!!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMMy first time - outstanding.My first time - outstanding. It was really a perfect experience. The service is impeccable. The atmosphere is new and fresh. The food is absolutely delicious - also new and fresh!!!! The desserts are to die for. I would highly recommend going.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMMy group had dinner and EasterMy group had dinner and Easter brunch at Char and enjoyed both very much. The food and service were outstanding.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were there for Easter Brunch.We were there for Easter Brunch. A very enjoyable brunch with a decent selection of meats, fish, vegetables and omelette station. Beverages including Bloody Mary, Mimosa and coffee. Desserts plentiful and delicious.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMMay be the best steaks in RochesterWhat a nice surprise compared to prior restaurants in the Strathallen Hotel. From comp valet to warm greeting but the food is the thing. Could be the best steaks in Rochester! And the sauces! Make sure you try 2-3 to dip in. Most tables had 4 or more but we were just two and had a great time. If you want professional attentive service the wait staff was excellent.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat new restaurant downtown.Great new restaurant downtown. Food was great, service was terrific. Was slightly loud but I blame that on some of the groups that were nearby.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWhile having lunch at CharWhile having lunch at Char we asked to look at the dinner menu and while the choices looked amazing, our group thought that the pricing of the entrees were high for Rochester standards. The lunch was great!3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMHad an outstanding meal (dinner)Had an outstanding meal (dinner) and wonderful time on Saturday, March 16. The entire staff clearly shared our enthusiasm for the food and our waiters made excellent recommendations. We shared the beef special, a wagyu (sp?) strip, perfectly cooked medium rare and well seasoned. The entire staff from the valet parking attendant to the waiters, manager and even the chef (who came out to say thank you after we mentioned how much we enjoyed our meal) made us feel very welcome and were all clearly focused on ensuring that we had an excellent meal and experience.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was our first time at CharIt was our first time at Char to celebrate my daughter's birthday. We had a very nice time with great service and delicious food. One of my guest's steak was not cooked the way he ordered it and it was immediately replaced with a steak that was prepared the way he ordered it. On the whole, it was a delightful evening but slightly on the loud side.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went to Char for dinnerWe went to Char for dinner for the first time with a party of 6. We requested a bar booth on the advice of friends. We had a wonderful evening with great food, service and atmosphere! A rare find in our area. I would highly revimmend Char and can't wait to go back!3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMI had a Luncheon with my FamilyI had a Luncheon with my Family @ Chars Steak And Lounge. The Hostess was on her Game she meeted and greeted my guest with a smile and what Chars stands for Class. Geat Job Ker Bear. The management was phenomenal speaking for my mother who does not come out much they were Sharp Dressed Men. Now to the talk of the Day the Food Put it like this if I was to call everyone who sat and tasted and ordered their food they have nothing Bad to say but I'm still full from yesterday. So dining at Chars with my family was what I expected. P.S. I did not forget the Server Rick M. (I'm a leave the rest alone) Introduced his self with a smile served his food in a timely fashion. Dealt with my needy family lol.3/9/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were seated near the windowWe were seated near the window - nice view of beautiful outdoor fire feature! Nick was our waiter and he was outstanding! We have dined all over the country at many notable vnues and he was one of the best servers we have had. Made the evening for us and our daughter's 23rd birthday celebration - there were 7 of us.
Much nicer than our first visit there!3/8/2013 12:00:00 AM