I decided to suspend my disbelief that a restaurant with this bad of a name might actually be worth a try and tried DOG for lunch today. First off, the build-out is pretty impressive. They spent a lot of time and money on building it out, and it shows. Unfortunately, this is where my pleasantries are going to end. My first experience of the food and beverage program occurred when I took a big gulp of water that had been poured for me. I was instantly transported to the Texas Coast. You know the feeling you have when it's a hot summer day, and you walk into the water to cool off, and the water feels great, but then you accidentally step off the sand bar into water that's a good foot or two deeper than you thought it was right as a wave crests; and since you didn't know that you were about to be submerged up to your eyes in the swirling waters, you hadn't bothered to close your mouth, and suddenly you realize that you've just swallowed 4 ounces of the Gulf of Mexico's finest? It was just like that! The water that I was served was salt water. When I informed our server a minute or two later, he told me that he'd take the bottle to his manager, leaving the half-empty glass behind. He promptly brought us another bottle and let us know that he'd given it to his manager to taste. Several minutes later the manager came over and apologized. When I inquired as to why in the holy hell I was given salt water, she let me know that they'd had some problems with their water softener. Oops! While we're on the subject of the bizarre, I should note that we were seated right next to a couple of my co-workers. One of them had ordered the French Dip. When it hit his table, we looked over to see how the food looked, and I found it interesting that they have found a way to roast beef that doesn't involve actually cooking the outside. What do I mean? Well look...when you actually roast a big hunk of beef, even if you only get it to rare on the inside, there should probably be something on the outside that is brown, right? Well, this sandwich was just a wall of pink and red. There was no shadow of brown. It actually looked like he'd been served a sandwich with a two-inch thick slab of raw hamburger. He apparently thought the same thing and said "So...would you consider this rare?" The server promptly replied "It's medium-rare, sir." He was nice enough to offer to "take it back and cook it more." When it came back, it looked like a normal roast beef sandwich, where the beef has been cooked to medium-rare. I assumed that perhaps they were cooking it sous-vide and not bothering to sear the outside. We eavesdropped on the manager informing them (I think?) that the beef is done in a Combi or an Alto Shaam or something. I dunno what exactly they're doing, but they're not doing it right. If they keep doing it that way, there's going to be an awful lot of re-fires. On to the menu. It's fine. Nothing more, and nothing less. My wife asked if she could take a look at the dinner menu but was perplexed when she was told that there was no dinner menu. "No no...I don't want to order off it. I just want to look at it." The server explained that it was the same menu for lunch and dinner. I understood her confusion, because the all-day menu looks like it would be a lunch menu. It's a bunch of fairly ordinary apps, salads, sandwiches, and a few non-sandwich items, including a grilled chicken breast. Quick question: why does anyone still menu a grilled chicken breast? Are there still people out there who see a grilled chicken breast on a menu and think "My favorite! Can't wait to order that bad boy!" But don't worry, it has a honey-lime glaze. If you're still awake, I'll let you know about the rest of the beverage program: As far as wine goes, if you're really into high-end grocery store stuff and/or blue chip wineries from the 80's and 90's, then you're going to love this list. If you're the type who likes to try something other than run of the mill, then you're pretty much S.O.L. The beer list is short, but fine--enough locals and a couple of non-local micros help there. The cocktail list isn't populated with the kind of stuff that skinny dudes with carefully-waxed moustaches would want to make, but on the other hand, it's mostly full of summer cocktails that go down easy, which is a pleasant surprise in our current age of overwrought mixology. I'm sure a lot of people are really going to like Down on Grayson. It's just about the least offensive restaurant that I can possibly imagine. If they can figure out how to work that Culligan contraption out back, I could see myself being talked into going back to slam a few after-work drinks and soak up the booze with sliders or nachos, and I guess it's not such a bad thing to have a joint like that in the neighborhood. read more

Everyone raves about this place and I had a good experience but wasn't overly impressed. Love the ambiance and restaurant itself, service was good, but they don't have a great vegetarian selection without having to change items on the menu so I had Brussel Sprouts for my meal which were good but same as what I can make at home... nothing special read more

I really enjoyed this place. Ambiance was awesome, bar was nice, and I had the best filet mignon ever! I enjoyed everything I tasted there! I will definitely go back soon! read more

We had planned a couples day with friends and wanted to explore new restaurants and bars. After receiving our $9+ drinks, we went outside to find a seat. There were five open picnic tables with shade open and available. We all sat down to enjoy our drinks when the hostess approached us. Since we weren't ordering food, she promptly kicked us off and told us we could only sit on the chairs on the other side or at the bar. I could understand if there weren't very many tables available or if there was a line. It was 2:30 in the afternoon with plenty of seating available. It was disappointing that we couldn't enjoy our drinks more comfortably. Two stars for the rude service and inability to make us feel welcome. read more

Beautiful place. The steak and skinny fries were delicious. Even the chocolate cake dessert and mimosa were good. Our server was very professional. Be prepared for a long wait on a busy weekend night. read more

The food here was pretty good but the service can be spotty. I had ketchup dropped on me (and I was wearing white jeans!) and only got a "sorry". Seriously, couldn't they at least comp my meal?!? read more

The staff/ waiter was really nice and super attentive. Loved the Brussels sprouts!! So good! I got the fish tacos and they were kind of soggy and falling apart and the fish was kind of dry. I've had better. The other fish dish was really good! read more

Had a Business Luncheon at this cool little place near the Pearl Brewery area. You have your choice of seating indoors or outside. Service was quick and attentive. Explained some of the menu item favorites. Went with the Char King Burger with chips. Let me just say that it was scrumptious!! One colleague ordered the Turkey Sandwich and the other got the Cobb Salad. They both looked very appetizing as well. Will definitely go back for round 2!! read more

The food was great and service delightful. My husband had the fish tacos and I had the Grouper Veracruz and both plates were excellent. Nice ambience, nice drinks. I fully recommend this place read more

We stopped in here to have a couple drinks before dinner. Service was quick, not the friendliest, but the drinks are quite pricey. We didn't see anything on the menu that caught our attention so we decided to go down the street for $3 drinks instead of $10 drinks. read more

Down on Grayson is a nearly-hidden gem near the San Antonio Zoo. The zen-like secluded outdoor sitting area and clean modern interior are supplemented by calming music. Service is unobtrusive and responsive. But what really stands out here is the food. The spicy roasted brussels sprouts and parmesan-garlic fries were addictive appetizers, and the extensive selection of healthy salads made it hard to choose just one. Homemade soup of the day was Chicken Tortilla, which had a good bit more chicken than many other restaurant versions and just the right amount of spiciness. Lastly, the wine list was excellent. Even for those ordering by the glass, there are a number of good selections in every category. In fact this was the first time I have seen a Caymus Sauv Blanc by the glass. For anyone who happens to be in the area of the zoo for lunch or dinner, this is a great place! read more

The staff was extremely friendly and made the whole experience amazing. The food was delicious, extremely quick and the atmosphere was super warm and relaxing. read more

Five stars just because our server was so good - think her name was Katherine. Coming from Austin, I've accepted the service in SA is just subpar and inferior to what we have in Austin...But not here. Food is good, but expensive. We had a nice time. Our server even got me some club soda when I slopped ketchup all over my shirt read more

First impression I thought wow this is a cute spot I like the atmosphere. The wait was going to be about 45 minutes so we decided to eat at the bar. I ordered my fave a michelada. Oh my it was the worse michelada I've ever had, I even had my best friend taste it to make sure my taste buds weren't off. So then comes the food, again not too impressed. I was disappointed I really thought food and drinks would be as impressive as the decor. Too bad so sad. read more

Boo. Not on open table, party of 6, would not seat us til literally 6 people were there. Had 5 there one in traffic...no dice. Boo. The real problem was that the manager had zero tact. Save your effort, go somewhere else. read more

I hate to say anything bad about a restaurant, but my experience last night at Down on Grayson was the worst I have had in years. Nacho plate with chicken; I kid you not, 10 chips swimming in barely melted cheese with a few kibble and half-kibble sized pieces of chicken. I asked for more chips so we could put the cheese on them and was charged $1.50. My son's steak salad was not served medium as desired but the steak was beyond well done. I had a caesar salad that came with a parmesan "crisp" which was so old or wet that I could roll it up like a cigar. Rubbery. Maybe the chef had a bad night. We sure did. read more

This was my first time here and it was amazing! Ryan was our server. He was very attentive to my (husband and I) table as well as the other guests. We were seated outside. We loved the atmosphere. We loved the food. This restaurant is great for couples, families, or anyone looking for great food and great service. read more

Nice place, quick and friendly service, easy parking. I ordered a Diet Coke and the Antichucos. Corn chips with the Antichucos tasted super salty and stale. $3.00 for a small coke and no refill. I want to like the place, however the experience is underwhelming. read more

We decided to try this place out tonight and it did not disappoint! The crispy chicken sandwich is absolutely fabulous. Our waitress was sweet, kind, and fast. I would like to give a shout out to the hostess' for holding her ground to the privileged women and her children at the host stand. We couldn't help but listen due to how rude she was being to the host. Go girl! read more

Food is super good. Got the Cobb salad and it as big with huge, fresh toppings. I recommend mixing the house dressing with some ranch. Yum. Wife got the burger and it was great top to bottom: great bun, great cheese, super good meat. Drinks were on point. We tried about 5 or 6 and none were bad. Definitely love the spicy margarita the most. Super good. Service was amazing. The waitstaff was super attentive and available without hovering. The ambience is amazing. If you haven't checked this place out yet, I highly recommend you do so soon as I'm sure it will be super busy in the near future. Five stars for all around excellence. read more

Did not like the food, or the drinks. employees way too young to care for real customer service. Was charged for small thing of salsa.

The atmosphere is great. The menu needs to be completely redone. The salads are small and over priced. When I say small I mean small don't order it if you are hungry. This restaurant has the makings to do well but they have to stop and change or die. The unfortunate part is that they are a new restaurant that is failing. We need good restaurants and I hope they make changes. They need to reinvent their menu or they will be done in 12 months. read more

Down On Grayson - New American Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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This is definitely a place to be seen. Lots of good looking people mingling or groups of people getting ready for a night out on the town. For the price, the drinks and beer selection are average --you're paying for the atmosphere. The food is also average, a step up from BJs but not quite a Yard House. The nachos we're good, the shishito peppers tasty. My burger Patty was a little salty. I think everything is relative to pricing and so at this price point, I choose to be a little more attentive to the quality. The large outdoor seating area is really nice. The service all-around was average or slightly above average. read more

My family of 7 we vacationing in San Antonio and wanted to dine in for lunch. We chose Down on Grayson. The service was excellent and the food was amazing. I loved the menu. We're from New Orleans and work in the food industry, so if I give 5 stars they def deserve it!!! read more

One of my favorite places at the pearl. Love sitting outside on a nice evening? This is the place to do so and just enjoy company. The strawberry cake is a must to try! read more

Down on Grayson has great food and ambiance! It's a great place to have dinner or a beer at the bar or patio. Service was great, would definitely be back. read more

Clean, cute, and lovely service. You pay for the area but food is nothing super special. French dip is my fave. Sandwiches, panini, fish tacos are average. Tasty without a doubt but I can equally have most of the menu items anywhere at better cost. Nicest place in the area with TVs for games! read more

First off, I love how OPEN Down on Grayson is! There are windows everywhere, which made the place so bright, open, and pretty. I can imagine it looks even better in the evening. The overall aesthetics of Down on Grayson was beautiful and clean. That aside, I had the roasted chicken with a side of brussel sprouts, and I have to say, that chicken was incredible-deff one of the best I have ever had! My table also ordered the strawberry cake, which blew us away. It's 6 layers of orgasmic deliciousness with a hint of coconut. Don't believe me? Try it when you visit...you won't regret it! read more

Loved the atmosphere, went ahead and ordered their house cocktails and they were pretty good. Food is a little over priced but not too shabby. think our experience was better than some because we sat on the quieter side of the restaurant and had AC. Will come back but not often. read more

Love this place! Went a little early on a Sunday and was seated right away for two people. Cocktails were good and the food was fabulous! The plates are huge so you can definitely share. The Cobb salad was very good! read more

The first time I came here was two years ago, and I thought there food was absolutely amazing! Since I was in town again, I decided to stop back in for the sliders, Parmesan fries, and coconut cake. It was still amazing, but sadly the service wasn't. I was there by myself so I sat at the bar on the end. I had a blonde waitress serve me and she was less than enthusiastic in her approach. She was just not welcoming at all. After she gave me my food, she did check up on me around the 5 minute mark, but she never came back to my side of the bar when I was done eating. It took 30 minutes for her to come back over after I was done eating. It seems like she should have checked on me a little more to at least see if I wanted another margarita. Sadly this was not the case. If I'm ever in the area again I would definitely still come back, I just hope the service is a little better. read more

The service was friendly. The restaurant was nice. The prices did not match the quality of food. The variety in options wasn't strong and not one dish seemed to be worthy to come back again for. Like many that have reviewed, the nachos weren't your traditional queso but melted cheese which can be really good if the toppings kicked it up a notch but besides melted regular cheddar cheese there was only some ground beef and pickled jalapeños. We also ordered the meatballs and decided to stop while we were ahead. More bread could have been given for the shareable two person meatballs that were over seasoned and salty. If you are looking for a fun atmosphere and cool points for hanging at the pearl that is family friendly and a chill spot to have a drink and watch a game then Down on Grayson fits the bill. If you are looking for good food this is mediocre restaurant is not the place. read more

Really good food. Try the chicken sandwich and parmesan fries.

Excellent, eclectic place! Great atmosphere, attentive servers, great food, and very reasonably priced. I came here with a group of eight and they accommodated us no problem. I ordered the fish tacos and it was just the right amount, very flavorful and the slaw on top was a good touch. I also got a Lemon drop Martini, very delicious. read more

I think I've found a new lunch/date spot. My friend took me here for my birthday lunch. She recommended the crispy chicken sandwich so that's what I ordered with a side of fries. I have to say, their crispy chicken sandwich is by far the best chicken sandwich I have ever eaten. It's crusted in panko breadcrumbs and fried to a nice golden brown color. It's topped with a balsamic slaw, a slice of cheese, and tomato and pickles and served on this soft and buttery roll. Each bite was so full of flavor. The fries were also good as far as fries go. They're the skinny type of fries which I personally like so they were nice and crispy. The service was great. We were greeted right away and seated promptly. Our waitress was very nice. She checked us frequently to make sure we were doing alright. I can't wait to go back next time to try more of their food and their drink menu. Overall, great food, love the atmosphere as it's more on the mature/casual side. There's a bar, but it doesn't seem like the place where people would go to get wasted so I liked that. Also. There is plenty of parking reserved for this restaurant and the one next to it so you don't have to walk far. I would definitely recommend this place! read more

Down On Grayson - Simple 1 sheet menu makes choosing something easy. - New American Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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3rd strike here. First two the service was terrible. This time 2 of us had lunch which totaled $45! No appetizers, desserts, or drinks. Everything is extra. Sub parm fries + sub Swiss cheese for cheddar cane up to a $17 burger! Wait staff didn't make us aware of the extras. Wont be back, over-hyped. read more

Excellent place - food is delightful and the cocktails were perfect. Just watching the team at the restaurant manage a busy Saturday night crowd is incredible. Sitting at the bar is a great way to skip the line - the bartenders were great to talk to and the food and drink service were fast. We had the meatballs and garlic toast with our drinks and it was just what we were looking for. The Spicy Margarita was incredible, and the Whiskey Blueberry Sour was delightful. Definitely a place we will return to when we visit San Antonio again. read more

Best restaurant I've tried in San Antonio! It was already packed when we got there at 4:30pm, so we sat outside, which was great! I had a mojito that was phenomenal. We had the brussels for an app, and I got the sandwich of the day, both were amazing. Will definitely come back next time I'm in town! read more

I am giving this place 4 stars because I do not feel the price I paid was worth it. That said, if you don't mind paying a little more than usual, then you will be fully delighted. The atmosphere is really new farmhouse modern I would say. The food was really good. I liked the selection of unique foods on the menu as well. I will go back for sure. read more

So, so bummed about the Grayson last Saturday (9/16), I've been wanting to go her since moving to SA last month. We finally get a night out, and I know where I want to go. When we arrived the hostess was great, 25 min for a 2-top, no problem. We head to the bar, there is a spot for two, we slip in, get a drink and the bartender was awesome and friendly. When it was time for our table, maybe 15 min, we opt for full service at the bar. We was only looking for apps and a few drinks so we ordered the Kentucky Lemonade and the I get a Garrison Bros neat. After our first round, we obviously pick up a second, and order the Crispy Brussels, the sliders and Moderno Nachos. The slider were good, not great, but good, there was so much cheese on them, I literally and jokingly took it off and pretended that it could be worn as a mask. The Crispy Brussels, they were burnt to a crisp, and the nachos was a simple layer of chips, maybe 12-15, and more cheese slices on top, throw on a few jalapeno slivers and some carrots a viola. Back to the Brussels, they were terrible, and that was what we was most looking forward too, the bartender took them back, returned with another plate, which we did not ask for, and the second round was just as bad, ate one and done. The nachos, I just couldn't believe that it was just processed cheese slices, I remember making just as bad nachos at 3am while in college. Maybe that's a Texas thing, maybe my hopes were too high for a few good apps and cocktails. I dropped a little over $100 for the short time we was there, obviously my Garrisons were the lions share of the bill, I would have given a 1* except that the hostess and bartender were awesome. I really was expecting more, and seriously doubt I'll ever go back again. Cheese slices? Come on, you can do better, I am happy that I didn't bring another couple with us. read more