Excellent meal, lobster mac and cheese w gazpacho soup, classic place with classic food. Serve a mean drink too! I'd recommend this family owned business to anyone who doesn't want to be disappointed.
(5)
Erika G.
We dine here often and so we were super-disappointed in this evening's service (or lack-thereof). Our waiter had the personality of a prison-guard and was, pretty much, M.I.A throughout our painful dinner service. First off, it took a half hour to receive our burgers & fries. Yes, it was a busy Saturday but c'mon Peabody's, don't you have this down by now. Also, it drives me absolutely *nuts* when the wait-staff can't be bothered to acknowledge the long wait; give you an idea of when the food will be coming out & apologize. Well, on *two* different occasions we had to ask a busser & a hostess to retrieve our waiter from God knows where. The very few times he came over to us, he didn't say a word. Just stared at us as if to say, "well?? what??". I complained that my burger didn't come with what I'd ordered. He (bored & annoyed by my suggestion.....) said he'd bring the rest of the contents out....to which I replied, "that's ok. I'll take it from here". My husband took his third bite of burger to learn it was *not* undercooked but actually NOT COOKED. It was bright pink on the inside & almost to the perimeter. Unreal. We waited & waited & waited for our waiter to check on us but predictably, it was not meant to be. We eventually asked a busser to retrieve him. When he returned to our table, we showed him the UNcooked burger. You could tell, he was totally annoyed. He let out a sigh; grabbed my husband's plate & said, "al right" as he began to dart back to the kitchen. We stopped him in his tracks to explain that we weren't sure what his intentions were but we were definitely not going to wait another HALF HOUR for COOKED burger. No way. He mumbled, "ok got it". "Got it"??? REALLY??? That's your reply?? We saw him explaining to the upstairs manager (I assume, she is. This is based on the fact that she's there nearly every time we are & she seemed to be "in charge"). She told him to comp both of our meals which was appropriate & appreciated. Unfortunately, she nor any other manager bothered to apologize to our table. No, we're not smug, spoiled jerks but an Uncooked burger is a serious health violation. Had my husband taken a couple more bites, he would have gotten very ill. Maybe she couldn't be bothered to come over because she took the assumption, the burger was just slightly undercooked(?) We don't know but you'd think, she'd want to check it out for herself. Shame, shame, shame on both the irresponsible cooks and the apathetic waiter & manager. We've been long-time Peabody's customers but we'll never return. My family & family friends dine there, regularly, as well. We'll definitely share our tale-of-woe with them as well. (ok, I'm new to YELP so, I haven't mastered uploading a pic but click on this link - below to view Uncooked burger pic!!) scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.…
(1)
Jon G.
I've you are an old person or enjoy eating with old people in a place designed for old people then do I have a show for you. Peabody's is great, but let me be clear, it isn't a place for a young person to get a steak, a bear or go on a date. This doesn't mean it isn't a great restaurant though. Peabody's is well known throughout the area for having some great steaks and the best burgers around. I'm embarrassed to say, I've eaten a burger here even though there are more quality menu items. Still ,the burger was delicious as was everything else I ordered. The warm bread is great, the salad is great, the crab cakes, the lobster mac and cheese - all great. I look forward to my next visit so I can try something new. If you visit Peabody's, your best bet is the lobster macaroni and cheese. Prepare to have your life changed forever (or at least until you eat at a good restaurant again).
(4)
Jeff P.
We split a prime rib dinner and a twin lobster tail dinner. Best prime rib I have had in a long time. The lobster tail was very good. I highly recommend this combo for two, if the two items are on the menu!
(5)
JOHN A.
We love this place it is our favorite restaurant in Birmingham. I recently ordered their perch dinner and it was awful. Small little fish fried to a crisp like potato chips and very dry. You really need a new suppler for your perch.
(3)
Dennis L.
My wife and I have been coming here forever-we are so fortunate to have such a great quality restaurant in the area-everything is the best -never a problem -great food ,service and atmosphere-thank you for being here..
(5)
Nikki B.
I love going to Peabodys. I sometimes have so-so service, but the food never disappoints. Smaller portions, sure, for some items like the filet mignon, but it says right on the menu its a 5 or 6 oz portion. What do you expect? an 8 oz when it clearly says what you are getting? The salmon and fish are always hearty servings, and the presentation is generally pretty decent. Who ever makes their soups knows exactly what they're doing in the kitchen. DEEEELISH! My favorite is the Manhattan clam chowder, which you can only get on Friday nights. Bummer... The calamari appetizer and firecracker shrimp are heavenly. And my absolute all time favorite dessert is their chocolate mousse. Delectable. I always order a dirty martini, and it's perfect every time. I'm a fan of Peabody's even though I'm way younger than the typical clientele. i always walk out happy.
(5)
Zachary A.
The ambience might be on the old school side, but I must say I really did like this restaurant. You can't beat the half off wine bottle special on Tuesdays and the spinach and artichoke dip was spot on. I ordered the flat iron steak and it was delicious, no complaints. Everything was presented well and presentation is everything... Next to taste of course.The service was fast and friendly. There's a reason why this restaurant has been around Birmingham for so long. I would return.
(5)
Nathasja T.
I like Peabodys. Sure, I am about fourty years younger than the average clientele, but who really cares. I come to eat, not socialize or be seen. My husband and I have been going here for what seems like forever. I prefer sitting downstairs, it makes for better people watching plus you can 'feed off' the bustling diningrooms energy much better. We both really enjoy their salads. The cobb, Traverse City and caesar salad are all very good. The ingredients are fresh and crunchy, and held at perfect chilled temperature. He often opts for the ribs, burger or steak where I gravitate towards the salmon or the whitefish. I am known to order an appetizer and salad instead of full entree as well at times (I am referring to the crab cakes). The food is good overall, however service seems to be a hit or miss. I enjoy the overall ambiance. It has a slight dark gentlemans club kinda feel to it. There is dark wood everywhere which is broken up by the crisp, white tablecloths. Like I mentioned earlier, it does appear to be an older people hangout, but it is one where the food has the right consistency and is properly seasoned.
(4)
Geoffrey V.
My Family and I have been eating at Peabody's since i was a kid and it's time to share my review. from the burgers to steaks to specials like the lake perch and prime rib I have never had a bad experience. There is something to be said for that. My go to is always the Swiss onion soup. creamy onion soup with crunchy croutons and lots of gooey melted Swiss, its got a great nuttiness and fresh onion taste. the Lobster mac and cheese is another great choice and my wife swears by their Caesar salads. They have a full bar of top shelf liquors too. rarely do i leave without having enjoyed a Detroit favorite adult milkshake called a Hummer. I've been upstairs for private parties and the service and food are great for large groups as well. If you are looking for Nouvelle cuisine and a revolving menu this is not really that kind of place. Its anchored on stand by favorites and consistent food and service. Ive seen some complaints on other reviews and it's honestly surprising to me as I've never experienced less than outstanding service and a friendly hostess. I know they have some live music some nights too, I've heard some great jazz while having a drink in the bar, I'm not sure how regular it is.
(4)
Erica O.
AWFUL!!! I've given this restaurant plenty of chances. I wanted to like it, really I did. It's in walking distance to where I work. But, I've been here about 3 times, and each time was just a bigger disappointment than the last. The atmosphere is dark and outdated. The customers in the restaurant are typically 70 and over. This probably explains why their food is so bland, lifeless and mushy. Not only is the food terrible, but the service has always been consistently unfriendly to downright rude. From the hostess right up to the management. Sorry Mr. Peabody, but three strikes and you are out of my restaurant choices for good! If you are looking for better places to eat in Birmingham, there are MANY! Try Toast, Townhouse, Social Kitchen & Bar, Hyde Park. Any one of those will offer you a better dining experience.
(1)
Richard F.
We went to Peabody's for a business/lunch meeting today. We sat upstairs because we thought it might be quieter. The food was fine and the service was good too. I thought the prices were a bit higher than the local competition, but not outrageous. We were served a variety of sandwiches and salads and one of us ordered fish and chips. My California Cobb Salad was nicely presented, plentiful and contained all good ingredients. The person that had the fish and chips commented that it was "just OK." The brown bread loaves that you slice at the table were a bit plebeian, but not terrible. All in all, I would go back.
(3)
Hannah Z.
Always have had good food and never had bad service. My family has been frequenting Peabody's for as long as I can remember and we never leave disappointed.
(5)
Derek M.
We went to Peabody's occasionally because it was reliable, you knew what you were going to get, consistency. Unfortunately tonight we got a bad meal. The night started good, the onion soup was delicious as were the salads. I order the Lobster Mac and Cheese and my wife the Eggplant special. First of all the chef needs to learn how to drain pasta, both were swimming in water. The Eggplant was cut to think and not cooked, and the Lobster Mac & cheese was horrible. It had a funky taste like something was burnt, it was not like I had in the past. It was basically macaroni with shredded cheese and chunks of Lobster. I remember in the past it came in a casserole dish, baked with a nice crust. I could not finish it. Too bad, this was a place we could rely on, now I am not sure.
(1)
Derek M.
A couple of notable things. First, this place is old. I don't just mean the wood decor, or the single place setting of flatware you get that looks like it's from 1975. I mean the clientele is generally over 60. When we came to eat at 7 pm, most of the patrons were leaving (presumably from the early bird special?), and we looked younger than just about everyone by 20 years. The food wasn't bad. I will say the portions seem pretty small. A chicken dish is maybe a third of a typical breast; the flat iron steak was smaller than a typical filet serving. At the price point, it struck me as a little thin. One really positive note: the calamari was really fresh and well-seasoned. It wasn't rubbery like most calamari. We may come back. It has a nice quieter ambiance when you're there later in the evening to chat with others.
(3)
Rebecca B.
We go here from time to time, mainly because it is on Woodward and we have a classic car. I'll paint the Peabody's picture: the other patrons probably all rode to dinner together in the American House bus. The food is what you expect above mentioned patrons may enjoy. The heat is kicked up to 85 at all times. There you have Peabody's. Pro: frequent coupon mailings. Con: Normal boring menu. Unpredictable service. Little overpriced.
(2)
Devan Brie G.
Good food and service. Portions kind of small depending on what you order. Lobster mac and cheese is good. Salmon is good but portion is small. Prime rib is good and portion is large. Filet mignon is delicious but tiny.
(4)
Neil D.
I gotta say the location is pretty awesome downtown Birmingham. The crab cakes were amazing probably the best I ever had, fish & chips were comparable to same entree I had in London, lobster macaroni was excellent... The only thing that bothered me was it was really hot in there did they forget to pay the AC bill??? The service was so so, need to be more attentive Laurie or whatever your name is... So I gave it 3 stars for the food, the experience could have gone better
(3)
Nina B.
Went here tonight for dinner with my husband. We both had had heavy lunches, so we were enticed to come here after perusing their salad menu online. My husband ordered their gorgonzola steak salad, which he thoroughly enjoyed. I had one of the chef's special salads, which was replete with roasted turkey, golden raisins, hazelnuts, pears, cherry tomatoes, red onions, blue cheese, and a few other ingredients which I am probably forgetting. The salad was sweet and tasty, but not necessarily on my rank of "top salads" I have had in recent memory. For example, it did not have very much dressing on it (and I am not usually one to like a lot of dressing), but I actually needed to ask for a cup of extra dressing so I could blend the flavors a little more. The roasted turkey left me feeling a bit disappointed, as it was a little dry and not very flavorful. Service was prompt and friendly. They were so nice that they didn't make a big deal when my husband's iced tea accidentally went flying off of the table and spilled all over the floor! The waitress brought him a replacement drink right away and brushed off the event without letting it faze her. The atmosphere of this place was rustic--I really like their upstairs non-smoking section, which has comfy booths that overlook the first level of the restaurant and felt very neighborhood-y. There was hardly anyone there for dinner tonight under the age of 65....so it's not exactly the trendiest restaurant in town, but rather a local joint that people keep coming to for its familiarity. It's a place where you can let your hair down and not worry about keeping up with the Joneses--a place where you can order traditional American fare and relax after a hard day at work.
(3)
Scott S.
Ok. The food was fine. The clam chowder actually good. Prime rib was good nothing special but tasty. But the service at the end is why I am in no rush to ever go back. Our server, a nice young kid, spilled sour cream on the floor opand our shoes when he cleaned up. It sat for a few minutes, then he came by and wiped his hand on a bar napkin on the table. Then put back in the table for us to look at. Really? Then the staff walked by he mess on the floor, looked down, no one cleaned it up. At least 4 people including an owner walked by. We had to step over it to leave. Gross. I told he lady in charge. She said ok and went the other direction. Enough of a bad taste that after going there for years I do not want to go back. I mean if you spill sour cream on your customers you should clean it up
(2)
Christina B.
Was attempting to plan a reception for after a funeral from 300+ miles away. Peabody's looked great in terms of menu and proximity to the cemetery. Having never been to the area, I decided upon Peabody's. Called and spoke to Susan and she was great; really friendly and accomodating. I verified details with family and called back and got Nancy. This was the game-changer. I was asked to hold and wait for Nancy to come to the phone but was not put on hold. In the background I could hear someone reference Nancy and she replied at which point I listened to a few minutes of chatter; despite being "on hold". Nancy picked up and when I explained what I was planning, did not offer condolences and at the minimum, was not very friendly. I was trying to navigate the menu with her and she was very quick and short, as if this was the last thing she wanted to be doing. When asking about the "pasta buffet" I was told that they never really have anyone order it unless they are trying to "carb up". Lovely. She kept pushing sandwiches on me despite me repeatedly saying that we did not want sandwiches served. She pushed to know EXACTLY how many people were coming (impossible since there are not RSVP cards for funeral receptions) and everything was extra expense. Our biggest fear is that we would come to Peabody's after a hard day and have the gruff Nancy to deal with. We left it on the note that I would verify details with family and they took my number. I never called back....and neither did they. Sorry Peabody's, I took my $300 lunch tab someplace that made us feel comfortable during our grief.
(1)
Kiley K.
I ate at Peabody's on Tuesday for the first time in probably 2 years and was very happy with the service, atmosphere and my lunch! I I got a sandwich that was out of this world! I am still thinking about it now. Unfortunately i walked out and forgot the rest of my sandwich in the box sitting on the table. The sandwich i ordered is called the Apple Turkey Ciabatta. If you like turkey sandwiches, Havarti cheese and amazing fresh bread, you must try this sandwich. I was with a bunch of other ladies and everyone enjoyed their meal.
(4)
C B.
i went to Peabodys w/ my husband, parents, and cousin for the first time recently for a nice evening out to catch up with some drinks and good food. After reading the reviews and looking at the menu I was absolutely expecting good traditional food and good cocktails-nothing too fancy or pricey. Even after going in with what I think were reasonable expectations I was pretty disappointed. The beef wellington appetizer was pretty poor-the puff pastry was a gooey doughy mess. The clam chowder was ok, in no way the best of any strip i've ever been to. I ordered the shrimp and avocado salad and that by far was the worst thing i have ever had at a restaurant. It was so sweet it tasted like a creamsicle on lettuce. Eh. Luckily everyone else's dinners were good. Again, nothing we talked about, but acceptable. Anything that was ordered that would be considered "bar food" was very good. the onion rings, fries, and club were excellent. so if you're going for a sandwich and anything fried, you're probably good to go. The biggest reason I would never go back was the service. Our waitress was all business and no help. She just seemed to hate her job and it spilled over onto our experience-it was uncomfortable. I would recommend if you're going out skip this one and try another of the many great options in the area.
(2)
Suzanne S.
Pleasantly surprised by this 'old favorite'. Server was good without being our best friend. My Cobb Salad was prepared with attention to detail. Not just a heap of chunks of lettuce. The fixings were nicely cut and very adequate. My friend had the perch - plentiful serving - nice chips and coleslaw. While maybe not avant guarde - good food at a good price - yes us older folks like to eat out too!!!!
(4)
Ernie H.
This was my first time at Peabody's, and it won't be the last. I am not a big fan of Prime Rib because of all the grizzle, but our prime rib was the best that I ever had, only a small amount of fat on the outside edge and no grizzle in the rest of it. The wait staff was excellent and the atmosphere was wonderful. The prices were very reasonable for the quality of food you are getting.
(5)
Wood W.
Nice to be back in town and return to the always reliable Peabody's. Food was great and appealed to all. My 10 year old daughter finished the whole Whitefish entree because it was so good which never happens. Several fils wrapped up the great meal with the Ice Cream Puff with Sanders Hot Fudge and I knew we were back in Birmingham! I thoroughly enjoyed the Peabody's Peppermint Stick Ice Cream instead.
(4)
Ron C.
After not being able to get into 2-3 DRW Places on Saturday , we jetted out to Peabodys. I was only here once before, in 2007 , when Detroit Country Day took me here for Christmas. Made a reservation with Erin for 5:15, she had amazing phone skills. Arrived at 5:07, the male host finally looked up from his sheet & phone call & welcomed us., two for Ron, go right upstairs & they will seat you, so we walked upstairs and the hostess inquired would you like to be seated? and do you have a reservation? [ odd questions , since I was there & made it past the kiosk?] We sat at a nice 4 seat table, at the top of the stairs & were warmly welcomed by a very sweet& personable gal named Nicole. She took our beverage order and I inquired as to whether or not they had Sangria? She promised to check on that one.The upstairs bartender said she did not know how to make it and neither did the downstairs bartender . My wife ordered CRANBERRY SAGE CHICKEN Grilled Marinated Chicken Breast, Butternut Squash Ravioli, French Green Beans, Dried Cranberry Sage Cream Sauce, Cranberry-Orange Relish 14.50 A+ with a Grand Traverse Salad upgrade for 2.95 A+ I was truly torn between the Ribs,Flat Iron Steak or the 2 prime Ribs, Nicole was not a meat eater & could not offer a suggestion, other than the flat iron steak was 'pretty' So I ordered the 14 ounce Prime Rib medium rare it was cooked perfectly and was a generous slice A+ I substituted the baked potato for red skins, which although they were good, I only got 2 red skins about the size of a golf ball Taste A Portion D with a Grand Traverse Salad upgrade for 2.95 A+ Nicole was / is a wonderful server A+ And the Peabody was a nice change of pace my only 'beef' was the host / hostess and the 5-6 servers who had ZERO Tables , who leaned over/ on the railing for the better part of an hour, making comments C-
(4)
Matt R.
Great food, a lot of reasonable prices. If you go on a Friday, be sure to order the Manhattan Clam Chowder! Peabody's has also hosted a few live jazz bands, which is some nice live entertainment.
(4)
Taft P.
The food was adequate, but nothing special. Wife said the burger was OK. I thought the chicken salad wrap was OK. Some say the decor is rustic, but I think it's dated. I would eat here again... but not if there is a wait.
(2)
Emily L.
I went here before a high school dance once (haha). I don't remember what I had, but I remember disliking it greatly. Our 12-top was shoved into a long line of tables in a dark, tight corner, and I felt like I couldn't breathe. Fast forward to the present, when my friend invited me to have dinner with his family and friends. I balked at the thought of going to Peabody's but happily accepted because of the people. It ended up being better than I remembered. The food -- I had a tasty turkey sandwich on ciabatta with some great sweet potato fries. The clientele -- The place was hopping, and the average age of the crowd is 65. A lovely elderly couple in my party kept seeing people they knew. :) The service -- Our server sat our party really awkwardly. We had a party of 8 and had made reservations, but we were stuck at a semicircle-shaped booth with two 2-top tables pushed against it. This seating arrangement was uncomfortable for everyone, most especially the folks with limited mobility, and it also hindered conversation.
(3)
Ronda N.
Cozy spot that serves good prime rib at a reasonable price. Unexceptional beer list and the service is middle of the road at best.
(2)
Nha V.
This is my first time, and def not my last. Went here for restaurant week and was very surprised by the decore. Its barsey tone but has nice decoration to compliment. We got the calimari - very crunchy, big and delicious Shrimp app - my friends like it but it wasnt spicy like we asumed. But it was still good, but not as good as calimari. Filet - best filet ive had. Juicy, tender, flavorful. Im an A1ngirl, and i def didnt use it with my steak. Very very good steak. I got it in med rare also. The service was also good and our waiter was very nice. I bad a good experience here and will be back for some more steak and calimari.
(4)
Alexandra C.
First time having dinner here last night. Not extremely busy, didn't have to wait for a table for 2. I had blackened grouper special, very good. Nice place, good service prices were reasonable too!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Elizabeth M.
Excellent meal, lobster mac and cheese w gazpacho soup, classic place with classic food. Serve a mean drink too! I'd recommend this family owned business to anyone who doesn't want to be disappointed.
(5)Erika G.
We dine here often and so we were super-disappointed in this evening's service (or lack-thereof). Our waiter had the personality of a prison-guard and was, pretty much, M.I.A throughout our painful dinner service. First off, it took a half hour to receive our burgers & fries. Yes, it was a busy Saturday but c'mon Peabody's, don't you have this down by now. Also, it drives me absolutely *nuts* when the wait-staff can't be bothered to acknowledge the long wait; give you an idea of when the food will be coming out & apologize. Well, on *two* different occasions we had to ask a busser & a hostess to retrieve our waiter from God knows where. The very few times he came over to us, he didn't say a word. Just stared at us as if to say, "well?? what??". I complained that my burger didn't come with what I'd ordered. He (bored & annoyed by my suggestion.....) said he'd bring the rest of the contents out....to which I replied, "that's ok. I'll take it from here". My husband took his third bite of burger to learn it was *not* undercooked but actually NOT COOKED. It was bright pink on the inside & almost to the perimeter. Unreal. We waited & waited & waited for our waiter to check on us but predictably, it was not meant to be. We eventually asked a busser to retrieve him. When he returned to our table, we showed him the UNcooked burger. You could tell, he was totally annoyed. He let out a sigh; grabbed my husband's plate & said, "al right" as he began to dart back to the kitchen. We stopped him in his tracks to explain that we weren't sure what his intentions were but we were definitely not going to wait another HALF HOUR for COOKED burger. No way. He mumbled, "ok got it". "Got it"??? REALLY??? That's your reply?? We saw him explaining to the upstairs manager (I assume, she is. This is based on the fact that she's there nearly every time we are & she seemed to be "in charge"). She told him to comp both of our meals which was appropriate & appreciated. Unfortunately, she nor any other manager bothered to apologize to our table. No, we're not smug, spoiled jerks but an Uncooked burger is a serious health violation. Had my husband taken a couple more bites, he would have gotten very ill. Maybe she couldn't be bothered to come over because she took the assumption, the burger was just slightly undercooked(?) We don't know but you'd think, she'd want to check it out for herself. Shame, shame, shame on both the irresponsible cooks and the apathetic waiter & manager. We've been long-time Peabody's customers but we'll never return. My family & family friends dine there, regularly, as well. We'll definitely share our tale-of-woe with them as well. (ok, I'm new to YELP so, I haven't mastered uploading a pic but click on this link - below to view Uncooked burger pic!!) scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.…
(1)Jon G.
I've you are an old person or enjoy eating with old people in a place designed for old people then do I have a show for you. Peabody's is great, but let me be clear, it isn't a place for a young person to get a steak, a bear or go on a date. This doesn't mean it isn't a great restaurant though. Peabody's is well known throughout the area for having some great steaks and the best burgers around. I'm embarrassed to say, I've eaten a burger here even though there are more quality menu items. Still ,the burger was delicious as was everything else I ordered. The warm bread is great, the salad is great, the crab cakes, the lobster mac and cheese - all great. I look forward to my next visit so I can try something new. If you visit Peabody's, your best bet is the lobster macaroni and cheese. Prepare to have your life changed forever (or at least until you eat at a good restaurant again).
(4)Jeff P.
We split a prime rib dinner and a twin lobster tail dinner. Best prime rib I have had in a long time. The lobster tail was very good. I highly recommend this combo for two, if the two items are on the menu!
(5)JOHN A.
We love this place it is our favorite restaurant in Birmingham. I recently ordered their perch dinner and it was awful. Small little fish fried to a crisp like potato chips and very dry. You really need a new suppler for your perch.
(3)Dennis L.
My wife and I have been coming here forever-we are so fortunate to have such a great quality restaurant in the area-everything is the best -never a problem -great food ,service and atmosphere-thank you for being here..
(5)Nikki B.
I love going to Peabodys. I sometimes have so-so service, but the food never disappoints. Smaller portions, sure, for some items like the filet mignon, but it says right on the menu its a 5 or 6 oz portion. What do you expect? an 8 oz when it clearly says what you are getting? The salmon and fish are always hearty servings, and the presentation is generally pretty decent. Who ever makes their soups knows exactly what they're doing in the kitchen. DEEEELISH! My favorite is the Manhattan clam chowder, which you can only get on Friday nights. Bummer... The calamari appetizer and firecracker shrimp are heavenly. And my absolute all time favorite dessert is their chocolate mousse. Delectable. I always order a dirty martini, and it's perfect every time. I'm a fan of Peabody's even though I'm way younger than the typical clientele. i always walk out happy.
(5)Zachary A.
The ambience might be on the old school side, but I must say I really did like this restaurant. You can't beat the half off wine bottle special on Tuesdays and the spinach and artichoke dip was spot on. I ordered the flat iron steak and it was delicious, no complaints. Everything was presented well and presentation is everything... Next to taste of course.The service was fast and friendly. There's a reason why this restaurant has been around Birmingham for so long. I would return.
(5)Nathasja T.
I like Peabodys. Sure, I am about fourty years younger than the average clientele, but who really cares. I come to eat, not socialize or be seen. My husband and I have been going here for what seems like forever. I prefer sitting downstairs, it makes for better people watching plus you can 'feed off' the bustling diningrooms energy much better. We both really enjoy their salads. The cobb, Traverse City and caesar salad are all very good. The ingredients are fresh and crunchy, and held at perfect chilled temperature. He often opts for the ribs, burger or steak where I gravitate towards the salmon or the whitefish. I am known to order an appetizer and salad instead of full entree as well at times (I am referring to the crab cakes). The food is good overall, however service seems to be a hit or miss. I enjoy the overall ambiance. It has a slight dark gentlemans club kinda feel to it. There is dark wood everywhere which is broken up by the crisp, white tablecloths. Like I mentioned earlier, it does appear to be an older people hangout, but it is one where the food has the right consistency and is properly seasoned.
(4)Geoffrey V.
My Family and I have been eating at Peabody's since i was a kid and it's time to share my review. from the burgers to steaks to specials like the lake perch and prime rib I have never had a bad experience. There is something to be said for that. My go to is always the Swiss onion soup. creamy onion soup with crunchy croutons and lots of gooey melted Swiss, its got a great nuttiness and fresh onion taste. the Lobster mac and cheese is another great choice and my wife swears by their Caesar salads. They have a full bar of top shelf liquors too. rarely do i leave without having enjoyed a Detroit favorite adult milkshake called a Hummer. I've been upstairs for private parties and the service and food are great for large groups as well. If you are looking for Nouvelle cuisine and a revolving menu this is not really that kind of place. Its anchored on stand by favorites and consistent food and service. Ive seen some complaints on other reviews and it's honestly surprising to me as I've never experienced less than outstanding service and a friendly hostess. I know they have some live music some nights too, I've heard some great jazz while having a drink in the bar, I'm not sure how regular it is.
(4)Erica O.
AWFUL!!! I've given this restaurant plenty of chances. I wanted to like it, really I did. It's in walking distance to where I work. But, I've been here about 3 times, and each time was just a bigger disappointment than the last. The atmosphere is dark and outdated. The customers in the restaurant are typically 70 and over. This probably explains why their food is so bland, lifeless and mushy. Not only is the food terrible, but the service has always been consistently unfriendly to downright rude. From the hostess right up to the management. Sorry Mr. Peabody, but three strikes and you are out of my restaurant choices for good! If you are looking for better places to eat in Birmingham, there are MANY! Try Toast, Townhouse, Social Kitchen & Bar, Hyde Park. Any one of those will offer you a better dining experience.
(1)Richard F.
We went to Peabody's for a business/lunch meeting today. We sat upstairs because we thought it might be quieter. The food was fine and the service was good too. I thought the prices were a bit higher than the local competition, but not outrageous. We were served a variety of sandwiches and salads and one of us ordered fish and chips. My California Cobb Salad was nicely presented, plentiful and contained all good ingredients. The person that had the fish and chips commented that it was "just OK." The brown bread loaves that you slice at the table were a bit plebeian, but not terrible. All in all, I would go back.
(3)Hannah Z.
Always have had good food and never had bad service. My family has been frequenting Peabody's for as long as I can remember and we never leave disappointed.
(5)Derek M.
We went to Peabody's occasionally because it was reliable, you knew what you were going to get, consistency. Unfortunately tonight we got a bad meal. The night started good, the onion soup was delicious as were the salads. I order the Lobster Mac and Cheese and my wife the Eggplant special. First of all the chef needs to learn how to drain pasta, both were swimming in water. The Eggplant was cut to think and not cooked, and the Lobster Mac & cheese was horrible. It had a funky taste like something was burnt, it was not like I had in the past. It was basically macaroni with shredded cheese and chunks of Lobster. I remember in the past it came in a casserole dish, baked with a nice crust. I could not finish it. Too bad, this was a place we could rely on, now I am not sure.
(1)Derek M.
A couple of notable things. First, this place is old. I don't just mean the wood decor, or the single place setting of flatware you get that looks like it's from 1975. I mean the clientele is generally over 60. When we came to eat at 7 pm, most of the patrons were leaving (presumably from the early bird special?), and we looked younger than just about everyone by 20 years. The food wasn't bad. I will say the portions seem pretty small. A chicken dish is maybe a third of a typical breast; the flat iron steak was smaller than a typical filet serving. At the price point, it struck me as a little thin. One really positive note: the calamari was really fresh and well-seasoned. It wasn't rubbery like most calamari. We may come back. It has a nice quieter ambiance when you're there later in the evening to chat with others.
(3)Rebecca B.
We go here from time to time, mainly because it is on Woodward and we have a classic car. I'll paint the Peabody's picture: the other patrons probably all rode to dinner together in the American House bus. The food is what you expect above mentioned patrons may enjoy. The heat is kicked up to 85 at all times. There you have Peabody's. Pro: frequent coupon mailings. Con: Normal boring menu. Unpredictable service. Little overpriced.
(2)Devan Brie G.
Good food and service. Portions kind of small depending on what you order. Lobster mac and cheese is good. Salmon is good but portion is small. Prime rib is good and portion is large. Filet mignon is delicious but tiny.
(4)Neil D.
I gotta say the location is pretty awesome downtown Birmingham. The crab cakes were amazing probably the best I ever had, fish & chips were comparable to same entree I had in London, lobster macaroni was excellent... The only thing that bothered me was it was really hot in there did they forget to pay the AC bill??? The service was so so, need to be more attentive Laurie or whatever your name is... So I gave it 3 stars for the food, the experience could have gone better
(3)Nina B.
Went here tonight for dinner with my husband. We both had had heavy lunches, so we were enticed to come here after perusing their salad menu online. My husband ordered their gorgonzola steak salad, which he thoroughly enjoyed. I had one of the chef's special salads, which was replete with roasted turkey, golden raisins, hazelnuts, pears, cherry tomatoes, red onions, blue cheese, and a few other ingredients which I am probably forgetting. The salad was sweet and tasty, but not necessarily on my rank of "top salads" I have had in recent memory. For example, it did not have very much dressing on it (and I am not usually one to like a lot of dressing), but I actually needed to ask for a cup of extra dressing so I could blend the flavors a little more. The roasted turkey left me feeling a bit disappointed, as it was a little dry and not very flavorful. Service was prompt and friendly. They were so nice that they didn't make a big deal when my husband's iced tea accidentally went flying off of the table and spilled all over the floor! The waitress brought him a replacement drink right away and brushed off the event without letting it faze her. The atmosphere of this place was rustic--I really like their upstairs non-smoking section, which has comfy booths that overlook the first level of the restaurant and felt very neighborhood-y. There was hardly anyone there for dinner tonight under the age of 65....so it's not exactly the trendiest restaurant in town, but rather a local joint that people keep coming to for its familiarity. It's a place where you can let your hair down and not worry about keeping up with the Joneses--a place where you can order traditional American fare and relax after a hard day at work.
(3)Scott S.
Ok. The food was fine. The clam chowder actually good. Prime rib was good nothing special but tasty. But the service at the end is why I am in no rush to ever go back. Our server, a nice young kid, spilled sour cream on the floor opand our shoes when he cleaned up. It sat for a few minutes, then he came by and wiped his hand on a bar napkin on the table. Then put back in the table for us to look at. Really? Then the staff walked by he mess on the floor, looked down, no one cleaned it up. At least 4 people including an owner walked by. We had to step over it to leave. Gross. I told he lady in charge. She said ok and went the other direction. Enough of a bad taste that after going there for years I do not want to go back. I mean if you spill sour cream on your customers you should clean it up
(2)Christina B.
Was attempting to plan a reception for after a funeral from 300+ miles away. Peabody's looked great in terms of menu and proximity to the cemetery. Having never been to the area, I decided upon Peabody's. Called and spoke to Susan and she was great; really friendly and accomodating. I verified details with family and called back and got Nancy. This was the game-changer. I was asked to hold and wait for Nancy to come to the phone but was not put on hold. In the background I could hear someone reference Nancy and she replied at which point I listened to a few minutes of chatter; despite being "on hold". Nancy picked up and when I explained what I was planning, did not offer condolences and at the minimum, was not very friendly. I was trying to navigate the menu with her and she was very quick and short, as if this was the last thing she wanted to be doing. When asking about the "pasta buffet" I was told that they never really have anyone order it unless they are trying to "carb up". Lovely. She kept pushing sandwiches on me despite me repeatedly saying that we did not want sandwiches served. She pushed to know EXACTLY how many people were coming (impossible since there are not RSVP cards for funeral receptions) and everything was extra expense. Our biggest fear is that we would come to Peabody's after a hard day and have the gruff Nancy to deal with. We left it on the note that I would verify details with family and they took my number. I never called back....and neither did they. Sorry Peabody's, I took my $300 lunch tab someplace that made us feel comfortable during our grief.
(1)Kiley K.
I ate at Peabody's on Tuesday for the first time in probably 2 years and was very happy with the service, atmosphere and my lunch! I I got a sandwich that was out of this world! I am still thinking about it now. Unfortunately i walked out and forgot the rest of my sandwich in the box sitting on the table. The sandwich i ordered is called the Apple Turkey Ciabatta. If you like turkey sandwiches, Havarti cheese and amazing fresh bread, you must try this sandwich. I was with a bunch of other ladies and everyone enjoyed their meal.
(4)C B.
i went to Peabodys w/ my husband, parents, and cousin for the first time recently for a nice evening out to catch up with some drinks and good food. After reading the reviews and looking at the menu I was absolutely expecting good traditional food and good cocktails-nothing too fancy or pricey. Even after going in with what I think were reasonable expectations I was pretty disappointed. The beef wellington appetizer was pretty poor-the puff pastry was a gooey doughy mess. The clam chowder was ok, in no way the best of any strip i've ever been to. I ordered the shrimp and avocado salad and that by far was the worst thing i have ever had at a restaurant. It was so sweet it tasted like a creamsicle on lettuce. Eh. Luckily everyone else's dinners were good. Again, nothing we talked about, but acceptable. Anything that was ordered that would be considered "bar food" was very good. the onion rings, fries, and club were excellent. so if you're going for a sandwich and anything fried, you're probably good to go. The biggest reason I would never go back was the service. Our waitress was all business and no help. She just seemed to hate her job and it spilled over onto our experience-it was uncomfortable. I would recommend if you're going out skip this one and try another of the many great options in the area.
(2)Suzanne S.
Pleasantly surprised by this 'old favorite'. Server was good without being our best friend. My Cobb Salad was prepared with attention to detail. Not just a heap of chunks of lettuce. The fixings were nicely cut and very adequate. My friend had the perch - plentiful serving - nice chips and coleslaw. While maybe not avant guarde - good food at a good price - yes us older folks like to eat out too!!!!
(4)Ernie H.
This was my first time at Peabody's, and it won't be the last. I am not a big fan of Prime Rib because of all the grizzle, but our prime rib was the best that I ever had, only a small amount of fat on the outside edge and no grizzle in the rest of it. The wait staff was excellent and the atmosphere was wonderful. The prices were very reasonable for the quality of food you are getting.
(5)Wood W.
Nice to be back in town and return to the always reliable Peabody's. Food was great and appealed to all. My 10 year old daughter finished the whole Whitefish entree because it was so good which never happens. Several fils wrapped up the great meal with the Ice Cream Puff with Sanders Hot Fudge and I knew we were back in Birmingham! I thoroughly enjoyed the Peabody's Peppermint Stick Ice Cream instead.
(4)Ron C.
After not being able to get into 2-3 DRW Places on Saturday , we jetted out to Peabodys. I was only here once before, in 2007 , when Detroit Country Day took me here for Christmas. Made a reservation with Erin for 5:15, she had amazing phone skills. Arrived at 5:07, the male host finally looked up from his sheet & phone call & welcomed us., two for Ron, go right upstairs & they will seat you, so we walked upstairs and the hostess inquired would you like to be seated? and do you have a reservation? [ odd questions , since I was there & made it past the kiosk?] We sat at a nice 4 seat table, at the top of the stairs & were warmly welcomed by a very sweet& personable gal named Nicole. She took our beverage order and I inquired as to whether or not they had Sangria? She promised to check on that one.The upstairs bartender said she did not know how to make it and neither did the downstairs bartender . My wife ordered CRANBERRY SAGE CHICKEN Grilled Marinated Chicken Breast, Butternut Squash Ravioli, French Green Beans, Dried Cranberry Sage Cream Sauce, Cranberry-Orange Relish 14.50 A+ with a Grand Traverse Salad upgrade for 2.95 A+ I was truly torn between the Ribs,Flat Iron Steak or the 2 prime Ribs, Nicole was not a meat eater & could not offer a suggestion, other than the flat iron steak was 'pretty' So I ordered the 14 ounce Prime Rib medium rare it was cooked perfectly and was a generous slice A+ I substituted the baked potato for red skins, which although they were good, I only got 2 red skins about the size of a golf ball Taste A Portion D with a Grand Traverse Salad upgrade for 2.95 A+ Nicole was / is a wonderful server A+ And the Peabody was a nice change of pace my only 'beef' was the host / hostess and the 5-6 servers who had ZERO Tables , who leaned over/ on the railing for the better part of an hour, making comments C-
(4)Matt R.
Great food, a lot of reasonable prices. If you go on a Friday, be sure to order the Manhattan Clam Chowder! Peabody's has also hosted a few live jazz bands, which is some nice live entertainment.
(4)Taft P.
The food was adequate, but nothing special. Wife said the burger was OK. I thought the chicken salad wrap was OK. Some say the decor is rustic, but I think it's dated. I would eat here again... but not if there is a wait.
(2)Emily L.
I went here before a high school dance once (haha). I don't remember what I had, but I remember disliking it greatly. Our 12-top was shoved into a long line of tables in a dark, tight corner, and I felt like I couldn't breathe. Fast forward to the present, when my friend invited me to have dinner with his family and friends. I balked at the thought of going to Peabody's but happily accepted because of the people. It ended up being better than I remembered. The food -- I had a tasty turkey sandwich on ciabatta with some great sweet potato fries. The clientele -- The place was hopping, and the average age of the crowd is 65. A lovely elderly couple in my party kept seeing people they knew. :) The service -- Our server sat our party really awkwardly. We had a party of 8 and had made reservations, but we were stuck at a semicircle-shaped booth with two 2-top tables pushed against it. This seating arrangement was uncomfortable for everyone, most especially the folks with limited mobility, and it also hindered conversation.
(3)Ronda N.
Cozy spot that serves good prime rib at a reasonable price. Unexceptional beer list and the service is middle of the road at best.
(2)Nha V.
This is my first time, and def not my last. Went here for restaurant week and was very surprised by the decore. Its barsey tone but has nice decoration to compliment. We got the calimari - very crunchy, big and delicious Shrimp app - my friends like it but it wasnt spicy like we asumed. But it was still good, but not as good as calimari. Filet - best filet ive had. Juicy, tender, flavorful. Im an A1ngirl, and i def didnt use it with my steak. Very very good steak. I got it in med rare also. The service was also good and our waiter was very nice. I bad a good experience here and will be back for some more steak and calimari.
(4)Alexandra C.
First time having dinner here last night. Not extremely busy, didn't have to wait for a table for 2. I had blackened grouper special, very good. Nice place, good service prices were reasonable too!
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