The place was packed on a Friday night but our party of ten got great service. Everyone's food was good. My prime rib was excellen.t and the garlic mashed potatoes made it a great pair. We had calamari and artichoke dip for apps -- they came out fast and were very good as well. I am not sure why all the bad reviews, but we had a nice experience and will definitely go back
It's a nice restaurant. The decorum inside adds to the dining experience, and the outdoor seating is right by the pond, best in Brighton in my opinion. There is a huge selection of food, and I have yet to order anything that is not delicious. All around a quality restaurant. A bit pricy, but nothing crazy. Portions are the perfect size, and the desserts are big enough to share!
(4)
Mike P.
First time at Stillwater in Brighton. I met a friend here for dinner. I ordered a hamburger and she had chicken tenders. My 'Angus Hamburger' was clearly a very round and flat frozen patty before I ate it. Unremarkable food. It was not bad or inedible, but way out of line for the price. There prices are definitely on the high side for average food. I've had much better burgers at half the price. Service was good until I paid the bill with a 20% tip. Once I signed my receipt I never saw our waiter again. No water or drink refills. The restaurant was attractive and clean. Cut the prices by 1/3 and I might consider returning.
(3)
Jeremy M.
Drinks are okay. My wife and I have lived in Brighton for 11 years and been to Stillwater a handful of times and it's always been on the high end. The waitress was outstanding, can't say enough good things about her. We ordered a sangria, 2 beers and 1 order of crab dip. It was $35 before tip. The crab dip was okay but came with boxed crackers. The mixed drink was weak. Again, from a service perspective, outstanding, 4-5 stars! From a price point perspective for the quality food, I give them 1 star. Fix the kitchen and I'll be happy to spend $35 here. I won't be back for a long time if ever.
(2)
Sarah B.
I want to give this place between 2 and 3 stars, but there is no way to give them 2.5 stars, but unofficially, that is my rating. The drinks are better than the food. Despite their reputation as a "fine dining establishment," I've never felt that the food that I've eaten there reflected that. It's just my opinion, but I was not impressed with the menu and during one dining experience, my salmon was very cold to the touch. Another time, I ordered a salad that arrived with mushy tomatoes. The ambience is certainly nice enough and the staff is very friendly, but the food is hit or miss. The drink menu is indeed varied, but beware the prices. The sangria is very good.
(2)
Ernie M.
We were in a party of 14 and the service was impeccable. She got everything right and the checks were all correct although there were 7 separate checks. when you pay they take your charge card right at the table. The food was also excellent. One in the party raved about the pork chops. I had the lobster bisque and a burger, both excellent
(3)
Randy M.
Fairly good menu the restaurants very nice very clean waitstaff not real friendly excellent food I thought my meal was stuffed shrimp and scallops and I would give my meal five stars
(3)
Brenda S.
Really love the food here -- Not so much the price. I wish they had more items to choose from at affordable costs. We don't get to eat there as much as we would like because of the cost. Their Cajun Steak Tips are by far THE BEST. If you go there, I would highly recommend them. They are not spicy hot -- but taste amazing.
(4)
Robin L.
Overall, I think it's a pleasant experience at Stillwater Grill. And, as a person who appreciates lovely aesthetics in dining and life, I must say that I find the overall feel and experience a bit common. Yet, I'd still go back again because of the things I list below: * Welcoming, kind and attentive staff * Roomy dining area * Lots of windows and nice natural light * Lovely view of river walk out back windows * In nicer weather, it's wonderful to dine on back deck * Most times for lunch, seating is immediate * Good location in Brighton The dishes on the Stillwater Grill menu that appeal to me are the salads. I was there yesterday and had their Traverse Bay Chicken Salad and it was quite good. Ingredients tasted fresh. I also ordered the Lobster Bisque knowing I'd only have a bite or two because of it being so rich. I do recommend it if you're a Bisque kind of a person. Many items on the menu have things like breading, sauce or cheese and I personally don't care for those things. Also, I don't often eat steaks, so I can't judge those items as well. My friend had the Tuna Melt and absolutely loved it. I do want to say that the service was wonderful. Our server found the perfect balance between paying attention to us and honoring our privacy. I'm giving them 4 stars because this restaurant continues to stay on the top of my list for lunch places in Brighton.
(4)
Stephanie N.
One of my favorites since working walking distance from the Okemos location 15 years ago. The tenderloin tips are amazing. The spinach artichoke is orange and different than any other, I love it. It is pricy for what you get, it is a $100 meal for my family of three with a cocktail for two of us. It is a nice walk or the back around the duck pond at the Brighton location.
(4)
Eva Yvonne T.
Im finally giving a review on this place.. Used to live in the area, been here a few times before, no bad experiences. Since moved to SoCal, back occasionally. I am giving it 3 stars for great service and good atmosphere. Food quality is average, priced a bit high. They have a limited meal plan, portions are huge. The crab stuffed mushrooms are covered in heavy cheese melted on top, it really does not do well on this. The pasta dishes are nothing remarkable, probably closest to Olive Garden. Parking was adequate, no wait for a Sunday at 6 pm. Had 2 options for Sauvignon Blanc wine, 9.00 a glass, good pour. Boxed it up and done in an hour. Seemed a bit like cookie cutter seafood steak place, 25-40 a dish. Appetizers are 11.00-17.00 .. Not awesome, not bad either. Fast service, friendly waitresses.
(3)
Larry L.
Good food & great staff. Drinks & food arrived quickly and the food was great. This wasw our 3rd visit and we will return again. A little on the pricey side.
(5)
Katie D.
Excellent food, great service, but overpriced. There are a few ways to get around this, however. First, Tuesday is half-off wine day, which brings the 30-35 dollar bottles of wine down to where they should be priced. They also have a loyalty club that occasionally sends out coupons. Aside from that though, this place is best left for special occasions, as you'll mostly likely end up spending about $50 a person for steak and drinks. I've never had a bad meal here, and it's nice to have a semi-fancy place in Brighton to eat, but for the price, I'd expect something a little more upscale. That said, the ribeye was decent, but not the best I've ever had. Skip the $3 upcharged mac and cheese, as it's really lacks flavor, as others have said. Lobster bisque is fantastic, and the traverse city cherry salad is a nice option for an included side. The best part about going to Stillwater, however, is the boardwalk behind the restaurant. It stretches all the way across the Mill Pond into the heart of downtown, where you can visit cute little shops while you work off all the steak you've just eaten. There are also some very, very friendly ducks behind the restaurant, that no doubt have enjoyed many leftover Stillwater dinner rolls.
(4)
Jenny I.
Hands down one of my favorite restaurants of all time. Hubby and I go here for our anniversary every year. One year we went to the Stillwater in Okemos and it just wasn't the same. It wasn't bad, but it didn't have the great deck to eat on. I love their steak, but I've also had the swordfish. AMAZING! We always try to eat out on the deck if possible.
(5)
Joe M.
Yelp.....you have the Okemos location listed but your phone interchange sends it to Brighton location causing confusion for diners and operation. Please fix. Thanks
It's a little pricey but the food is real good. Outside seating by the walking path is a nice setting.
(4)
Jeff B.
I was with a large group and ordered a burger. It arrived cold and over cooked. The fries tasted like they were sitting awhile.
(2)
Heather D.
We have been a patron of this restaurant for many years. Up until the last year or so, we have always enjoyed it. Sadly, we can no longer recommend due to poor tasting, undercooked, and cheaper quality food. Please do not waste your money. You will be greatly disappointed. I know we sure are.
(1)
Bridget L.
The food was good. I like the combo meal I had- Cajun tips and salmon- both delicious. After eating a salad and bread with a drink it's hard to finish your meal! Waitstaff was very friendly and patient as we were a big party. Too expensive for anything other than a special occasion. That's why I give it only 3 stars.
(3)
Peter O.
Check out the winter menu! Short rib / Mac and cheese combo is the best meal there since the creation is the Steak Tips! Excellent service and Food as always.
(5)
Jan S.
First and foremost, despite what an employee will tell you, this place does NOT take reservations. I called and requested a reservation for 6:00 p.m. We arrived at 5:50 p.m. only to be still sitting in the crowded lobby at 6:30 p.m. When I approached the host table I was met by the young lady behind the counter with a blank stare. Already being annoyed, I wasn't about to initiate the conversation as it is her job to greet me first. As I stood there staring back, she finally realized that I was awaiting a greeting and said, "oh sorry, can I help you?" I asked her what was going on with my table, and she said we still had 3 parties ahead of us. When I said that didn't make sense since we had a reservation she explained that they simply put their "reservations" on a list and are seated ahead of other people who arrived without a reservation. This is call ahead seating, not a reservation. Perhaps management is worried about losing business when customers call and ask for a reservation and then can't comply, but you can't mislead them. After being seated over an hour after my faux reservation I received a steak that was overcooked (not medium). I sent it back. After all, I didn't wait that long to get my steak prepared incorrectly. The one thing I can say is that after I sent my steak back the manager came over with a complementary shrimp cocktail and apologized. I just so happen to be allergic to shellfish, but it was the gesture that mattered. Still, there are far better places to get a good steak that will actually seat you per the schedule. Unfortunately, I think those who live out this way have few options so this steakhouse is the one of choice for the locals.
(2)
J S.
I was very pleased with my meal. I ordered the mahi mahi and it was flaky and properly broiled. I appreciate that they offer healthy cooking options for their entrees (broiled with veg side). Soups were good too - we tried the french onion which was super salty (as expected), lobster bisque which was heavy but good, and my favorite the beef barley which was nice and light.
(4)
Heather M.
Very expensive for kids cooking. Prime rib (10 ounce) was all fat, shrimp over cooked. The 'crab stuffing' was anything but crab. Five adults with a $180 final bill.... I've had much better for half.
(1)
Fred F.
WOW! We all know Stillwater over the years has been a stable in the community with awards for top restaurant for a few years running. So instead of kicking back and enjoying the crown they continue to produce! Fantastic dinner had the Asian Ginger Scallops off of their creative "Summer Menu".. Along with that we enjoyed the popular Lobster Bisque, Potato Skins, Chop Salad. Excellent job on the entire dinner. A Big thank you to our server Karey! Unbelievably professional with a great personality. Very attentive, prop and helpful. A pleasure to interact with and have as a server she made our visit very enjoyable. If you stop by be sure to be seated in Karey's section! :)
(5)
Bullwinkle R.
One of Brighton's nicer dining establishments with the best outdoor seating in town. I'm a fan of their various seafood dishes.
(4)
Nancy H.
OK so here goes.I had promised myself never to eat here after 2 bad experiences in the past. Last time time we ate here (2009), we were extremely disappointed, to say the least. As we wanted to dine someplace close to home for our anniversary dinner, we 1st stopped @ Black Rock. WTF? 2 hour wait? Not for this couple. NO eatery is worth waiting 2 hours for. Decided to head to Stillwater after calling & being told that we could get seated immediately. And we were. Mike, our waiter, was friendly & very knowledgeable with the menu items. After bringing our drinks quickly, hubby ordered lobster bisque which had lots of lobster. I started with the Traverse salad which was remarkable. We both chose a steak (mine was rib-eye, his was filet) we added a 6 oz. lobster tail on the side. Let me say that both of our steaks were done to perfection & the lobster tail was succulent & tender. Dinner was perfect & Mike was one of the best servers we have ever had in the Brighton area. We will be going back as we saw a few other items on their menu that we want to try. The only complaints I have is that the drinks were weak & we did not order the cheesecake w/Chambord to take home. But you can be sure we will do it next time.
(5)
Gregory T.
Fast service, friendly staff got what we asked for on a busy night. Right price, good food, great atmosphere. Me thinks some of you may be competitors trying to hurt your competition.
(5)
Mike L.
Great food good service..... Yummmmy
(5)
Mark G.
Temperature inside was freezing. Chose the patio in attempt to stay warm. A lot of potential for a great patio area but it looks lazy. Plastic everything . Need permanent roof area to protect from the elements. Some additional landscaping would be nice. Service was fine. Hardened food on 2 pieces of silverware. Basic inspection missed. Food was really good. Salmon and tilapia were prepared perfect. No complaints. I will return .
(4)
Robin R.
Just a really great meal. Fab kids menu and great adult chow too. Who knew Brighton was host to this little gem? Will definitely be back.
(5)
Andrew H.
Terrible entree. Really good service, excellent artichoke dip (best I think I've had). Descent salad, not great. Entree was Cajun Tendorloins, Tuna, and Blackened Tilapia. Everything was absolutely terrible. Rubber tenderloins, overcooked tuna (like a brick), and the tilapia was mush. Owner and waiter were apologetic, but the food is just not to par. Won't be back.
(1)
Deb Z.
Service is good even though we felt rushed. Have eaten at Stillwater for years but it's getting too expensive! Be ready to drop $40 on a meal with one drink and the food is not THAT good. I won't be eating there again.
(2)
Jessica D.
This is mine and my husbands favorite restaurant to go out on a date to. We always get the mussels appetizer and lobster bisque, they both are to die for!! Also Holly is the best waitress we have had, she is funny, very personable, knows the menu and can make great recommendations. You will not be disappointed :)
(5)
Candi V.
I always enjoy going to Stillwater Grill. They have consistently good food and service. My favorite thing to order is the Asian tuna salad (although they've recently cut back on the amount of tuna they put on the salad). I also enjoy ordering off the seasonal specials menu (usually fish - they do a terrific job on fish!). My husband usually gets steak. They have tasty rolls and French onion soup. They have a very high quality side salad too (mixed greens with good croutons). The lemon cake was very delicious: light (feeling...probably still a ton of calories) and not overly sweet. They used to have totally awesome warm cookies, but unfortunately they stopped selling them. The outdoor seating is the best in Brighton; it has a covered patio with a view of the pond. The pond is kept somewhat natural (tons of lily pads), but it adds a very relaxing atmosphere to the meal. The indoor restaurant is classy too, although the view of the TVs annoys me if we're seated too close to the bar area. I recommend surfing for coupons before going. Stillwater has a loyalty program and often puts coupons in the local ad fliers. It's very rare that we go there without a $10 off $50 or $5 off $25 coupon. It's generally a little on the pricey side, but the coupons bring it down to normal. I also recommend going in the middle of the week, as there is usually a wait on Friday/Saturday evenings. Stillwater Grill has been a regular restaurant in our date night rotation for many years and will continue to be as long as they keep up the good work. I'm torn on whether to give it 4 or 5 stars, but I am going with 4 mostly because it isn't my *favorite* and there isn't anything there that I absolutely love love love. I really enjoy the things I do have, and I've never had a bad experience there. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you decide to go to Stillwater.
(4)
Andy M.
This place was a lot of fun, but it suffers from a little too much popularity. The first time we arrived on a Friday night with an hour+ wait, so we opted to try elsewhere. We made a reservation for the next night (1/8/2011) and it was even nuttier, so I'm glad we made a reservation. Unfortunately, they shoehorned 7 of us into a booth that's pushing it to hold 6. It's got an impressive menu, but this evening, the kitchen was definitely beyond its capacity. We had three undercooked entrees, including my salmon salad. Mine was not undercooked enough to fuss about, but one of my party had a very pink burger (on a well-done order, so come on!). We sent that back to cook more and the manager graciously apologized by delivering a shrimp cocktail appetizer. Then another in the party cut into *really* pink chicken and that HAD to go back (urk). Just after the chicken went back, we discovered the free shrimp were still partially frozen, so it was not a stellar night for the kitchen. I'd give it another try, but it was not a good introduction.
(3)
Paul W.
Food was good. Somewhat nice selection of beers. I went during the day and it was not too crowded, but I had driven by the place on Friday night and it was bursting at the seams. I'd certainly go back.
(3)
Kelly F.
This is our favorite place in Brighton...never had a bad meal...bartenders are great and decent prices for a nice meal!
(5)
Russell A.
Great food, service, and clean. Very reasonably priced for Lunch. Dinner the price jumps up to where you would expect for a nice steakhouse. I go for lunch whenever I can.
(5)
Lisa H.
Came here for dinner last night with my sister. She was running late, but there was a 20 minute wait for a table, not surprising for a Friday night (the place was packed). Got a decent mixed drink from the bar and our waitress was quite nice. My sister ordered the lobster bisque and the salmon pacific salad, I ordered the prime rib and grilled scallops with asparagus and a tossed salad. My prime rib was perfectly medium, the scallops grilled to perfection, and the asparagus nicely tender crisp. My sister's bisque looked velvety and she was very pleased with it and her salad, which had a generous piece of flaky salad and large chunks of peppers and bleu cheese. Also, our very sweet waitress made honey butter after my sister requested a side of honey to make her own. All in all, a lovely evening out.
(5)
Natalie W.
You know how everyone talked about that new movie and how awesome it was and how ohmygoshyouhavetoseeitRIGHTNOW!!! And then you go, and.... you wish you had grouted your tub instead? Well, that's kind of what my experience with Stillwater was like. I had heard the legend of this place for years. Bottom line, the place was overpriced, the steak was edible but not amazing, and it just didn't seem to warrant all the praise I had heard. But my memory, she's not so good, so after that visit I let all the "positive" news that persisted to convince me to return. Same thing. So if I go again, and it's bad, shame on me. But I'll be sure to tell you all about it.
(2)
Becki B.
The first time I ever went here, it was within the first week that they opened. There wasn't a lot going on in Brighton back then, and this place was sorely overrated just for existing. Luckily they've since taken their place in the middle of the pack. Now that there are choices in the area, Stillwater provides a decent dining experience with good food and consistently adequate service. It's good for people like my dad, who dislike the big name 'chain' restaurants just because of what they are. The wait has also gotten somewhat better since the area has grown, but you'll still frequently spend a few minutes waiting for a table. There is lots of activity to watch while you're waiting, though.
(4)
Matt U.
My family really enjoys this restaurant and has eaten here a handful of times. My 9 year old daughter reven equested Stillwater for her birthday dinner. The atmosphere is really pleasant with a lot of seating and a nice view of a small lake (from outdoor seating). Service has always been very good too.
(4)
Vince S.
We have been going to Stillwater Grill for many years with friends and family. We have always enjoyed our meals, drinks, and good service. It is very busy on weekend nights so reservations are a must. Awesome martinis at the bar while you wait for you table. The combo dinner selections offer great choices.
(4)
Lynne D.
We stopped in here for a beverage before heading off to the movies...staff was good. Atmosphere was ok. Ok place to go get a drink - but I thought the menu was boring. How do they win best restaurant in Brighton? I don't get it.
(2)
Lauren W.
I hadn't been to Stillwater for about 3-4 years when my girlfriends suggested going there for a night out. I remembered it being really good, but not so pricey...I wonder when their prices jumped? I guess if I am going to spend $40 on a meal for just myself, I would rather go some place a bit more upscale. Money aside, I had the seafood pasta and loved it! There was an abundance of scallops and shrimp and I had plenty for leftovers for the hubby. Great waitress, too. And on our way out, we ran into John Heffron, one of my fave local comedians! If you have a bit of money to spare, I still think this is one of the top places in Brighton.
(4)
Melissa P.
Went to Stillwater Grill for dinner last night. It was my birthday, so we wanted to go to a restaurant that we knew would be good with no nasty surprises. We chose well. We've been to Stillwater Grill many times since moving to Michigan seven years ago. Our only complaint in the past was that the smoke from the smoking area had a tendency to filter into the nonsmoking areas. With that problem legislated away, we were anxious to go back. The prices are, indeed, higher than average for the area; but, then again, the food is also way better than "average." We started off with the calamari appetizer. It was light, crunchy, and the calamari were done perfectly - still tender. My husband had the seafood scampi special, and I had the 9 oz. fillet. I also made certain to order the crab Bearnaise sauce (not on the menu, but available upon request). My husband really enjoyed the scampi. The true star, though, was the fillet. It was so soft and tender that the grill marks formed little pillows where the meat had sagged slightly through the grates. The flavor was superb. When you add a little of the crab Bearnaise to each bite, it's amazing. Yes, the fillet is now $29. I felt this piece of meat was worth it. You must also take into consideration that salad and a side are also included. The only part of the meal that could have been improved upon was the dessert. Desserts are sourced from a neighboring bakery, so I can't really fault Stillwater for them. The size of the portions is very appropriate and my husband enjoyed the lemon cake. I must say that the carrot "volcano" cake was a disappointment. It didn't taste like carrot cake at all, and the "volcano" was a smidgen of cream cheese-like frosting in the middle. My advice - save the calories. The service (as has always been the case) was excellent. They were attentive but not hovering. That has always been a hallmark of Stillwater Grill, and it has not changed. We felt welcomed and well-fed. I would highly recommend Stillwater Grill for a really good experience.
(5)
Ashley T.
This place is way overrated and way over priced. Service was great and the building inside is nice. However the food was very blah. Wife had the tilipa and i had chicken needless to say we won't be back ever.
(2)
Raymond B.
Food quality has really gone down ...Used to be one of my favorites, not anymore & it is to expensive for what you get.
(2)
Jay S.
I will agree with everyone and say that Stillwater is way overrated, but thats not to say I do not enjoy their food. There steaks are massive and when they give you crab they give you a mountain of crab. There service is slow and their managers run around like their heads are chopped off. The quality of the food is inconsistant, its never bad, but I might get a steak one time and it will blow my mind and the next time its tough like it sat under a heat lamp for too long. Their loaded mash is a skip. I like that their loaded mash comes in a ramekin, but they are obviously pre made and run through a convection oven or maybe even micro waved. They show up hot on top and only warm in the center. I dont understand their following but I like that they can accomodate huge groups and have a sweet outdoor section when its warm. If they just upped their game and delivered on what everyone expects them to be then I would toss them a five star. Its all there but they just seem lazy compared to their service five years ago.
(3)
Tastingtattler B.
If you are of ethnic background do not go to this restaurant. The host went to every table but ours and must have passed by at least six times. We ordered pie which was not prepared the way it was advertised on the menu. The waitress was not at all apologetic but rather bought out the sauce for the pie to put it on myself. I have patronized some of the most exclusive restaurants in the country. The sauce should have been drizzled on the plate and then the pie placed on top. If I wanted to cook for myself I would have stayed home. It was apparent the color of my skin was the reason for the poor service.
(1)
Joshua R.
Surprisingly good food. This place is a sorta-chain. When you walk in there's a lot going on - open kitchen with chef's moving around, waitresses and managers around the floor. I went with my family and was surprised by the service and the atmosphere. The appetizers, especially the ahi tuna, were great. If you're hesitant, give it a try before you knock it.
(3)
Scott G.
I used to love Stillwater. It was, flat out, my favorite restaurant ever. Between Brighton and Okemos, I probably went there, on average, twice a month. I had done that for years. I stopped going so often, and now miss the good old days. Unfortunately, over the past few years, I've noticed that the quality of the food varies from time to time. It's generally good (it used to be fantastic - all the time,) and the wait staff will always bring take your food back if it's not right, but it's still unsatisfying when you go to your favorite place, and the quality isn't what it used to be. That sentence makes me feel old :-o Anyway, it used to be fantastic, all the time. The food was always prepared right, always delicious, always filling. And, the waitstaff was always courteous and attentive to the diner's needs. The waitstaff is still there doing their job well, generally, but the quality of the food just doesn't seem to be quite as high as it used to be. The filet mignon used to be rich, meaty, almost buttery - the last time I had it, it had more fat than filet should have. It's texture wasn't nearly as nice as it used to be. The specials are usually seafood or surf & turf - I would recommend to them that they diversify a bit, but I imagine they don't because that's what people go there for - seafood and meat. They used to do Ostrich on a regular basis, but they don't anymore. That was one of my favorite specials. Their house specials include steak tips, which are Cajun seasoned, and generally very good. Ask for the horseradish sauce when you order them - the taste of that sauce with the seasoning on the meat makes it taste much better! They used to include the sauce with the meal, now only the veteran Stillwater diners know about it - it's not mentioned on the menu! All in all, I would say that Stillwater is a very good restaurant, even though sometimes I'm not as pleased as I used to be when I used to go there more often.
(4)
Gary A.
A nice upscale and popular restaurant in Brighton. Fresh and local ingredients - I've always had good quality meals - with excellent and intelligent servicers, and a good selection of wine and beer. Priced for this upscale capabilities. Good for business meetings, to impress customers or for important celebrations, when the restaurant experience won't impact the event. It is popular and very busy place on weekend nights, I've never had a problem getting a table for lunch.
(4)
Mark A.
My wife and I came here for lunch in May of 2015. The place is very clean and well maintained, but the food and service sucks. The waitress took our drink order and then disappeared, although the place was less than 1/4 full with many waitresses. While looking at the menu, the appetizers were all over priced, and the sample platter said "absolutely no substitutions" under it. That's a ridiculous way to try to save some money, especially as far as providing good customer service and establishing a good first impression goes. Someone had left a stack of trays piled on the ledge on the back of my booth seat, and I kept bumping my head on them, as they stuck out far into my seating area. After the waitress finally showed up again, we placed our order. Then the waitress asked us if we would like some bread. We were going to say no to the up sell, but I asked if it was complimentary, and it was. Another ridiculous way to try to save money, by not making it clear that the complimentary bread is complimentary, hoping people will say no. What is the point of having free bread if you don't want to give it away? The bread turned out to be two rolls, which were served with cinnamon butter, and were pretty good. The food was mediocre, and it took forever for us to get out of there because our waitress disappeared again after we have received our food. I guess I should have realized when she said, "Will you be needing anything else?". She must have been going on break or something, but she could have brought us our bill and passed us onto another waitress.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : 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 Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Darin E.
The place was packed on a Friday night but our party of ten got great service. Everyone's food was good. My prime rib was excellen.t and the garlic mashed potatoes made it a great pair. We had calamari and artichoke dip for apps -- they came out fast and were very good as well. I am not sure why all the bad reviews, but we had a nice experience and will definitely go back
(4)Paul N.
This place was suggested by one of my co-workers in Michigan. I went to this place to eat during my trip there. There is an adequate space for parking and quite spacious in the inside. The interior decoration is ok. It's just a regular ambiance type of place. Let's talk about the menu and the actual food. I had the potato skin for an appetizer. I am pretty sure Applebee's has this item for a cheaper price and the quality is about the same. Basically, it's an overcharged item and for a restaurant that serves "pricier" menu items, this potato skin is quite rudimentary and uninspiring. It's very boring appetizer item, and I can imagine Chef Ramsay throwing this to the ground and cursing up the storm for serving it. I had the opportunity to try the sea scallop, prime rib, and grilled salmon. Grilled salmon was pretty dry and a bit salty on the outside. The cook went a little too frenzy with the salt and pepper. Prime Rib was ok. Nothing too crazy, and the meat quality was not what I paid for. Furthermore, the scallops were cooked fine, but it was over-seasoned. What was weird to me was that the restaurant place this random redish looking sauce over it, and it was a bit out of place. Below the scallop seemed like risotto or some kind of carb like material, but it just was not enough. They basically sprinkled it in the bottom which felt like a non-committal relationship. Overall, these proteins were half-assed pieced together meal. What was more frustrating was the price. For the rudimentary culinary skill and menu, the restaurant charges somewhere around 30 dollars per entrée. It's very disappointing and upsetting when someone has to pay that much to get a walk in the park type meal.
(2)Makenzie K.
It's a nice restaurant. The decorum inside adds to the dining experience, and the outdoor seating is right by the pond, best in Brighton in my opinion. There is a huge selection of food, and I have yet to order anything that is not delicious. All around a quality restaurant. A bit pricy, but nothing crazy. Portions are the perfect size, and the desserts are big enough to share!
(4)Mike P.
First time at Stillwater in Brighton. I met a friend here for dinner. I ordered a hamburger and she had chicken tenders. My 'Angus Hamburger' was clearly a very round and flat frozen patty before I ate it. Unremarkable food. It was not bad or inedible, but way out of line for the price. There prices are definitely on the high side for average food. I've had much better burgers at half the price. Service was good until I paid the bill with a 20% tip. Once I signed my receipt I never saw our waiter again. No water or drink refills. The restaurant was attractive and clean. Cut the prices by 1/3 and I might consider returning.
(3)Jeremy M.
Drinks are okay. My wife and I have lived in Brighton for 11 years and been to Stillwater a handful of times and it's always been on the high end. The waitress was outstanding, can't say enough good things about her. We ordered a sangria, 2 beers and 1 order of crab dip. It was $35 before tip. The crab dip was okay but came with boxed crackers. The mixed drink was weak. Again, from a service perspective, outstanding, 4-5 stars! From a price point perspective for the quality food, I give them 1 star. Fix the kitchen and I'll be happy to spend $35 here. I won't be back for a long time if ever.
(2)Sarah B.
I want to give this place between 2 and 3 stars, but there is no way to give them 2.5 stars, but unofficially, that is my rating. The drinks are better than the food. Despite their reputation as a "fine dining establishment," I've never felt that the food that I've eaten there reflected that. It's just my opinion, but I was not impressed with the menu and during one dining experience, my salmon was very cold to the touch. Another time, I ordered a salad that arrived with mushy tomatoes. The ambience is certainly nice enough and the staff is very friendly, but the food is hit or miss. The drink menu is indeed varied, but beware the prices. The sangria is very good.
(2)Ernie M.
We were in a party of 14 and the service was impeccable. She got everything right and the checks were all correct although there were 7 separate checks. when you pay they take your charge card right at the table. The food was also excellent. One in the party raved about the pork chops. I had the lobster bisque and a burger, both excellent
(3)Randy M.
Fairly good menu the restaurants very nice very clean waitstaff not real friendly excellent food I thought my meal was stuffed shrimp and scallops and I would give my meal five stars
(3)Brenda S.
Really love the food here -- Not so much the price. I wish they had more items to choose from at affordable costs. We don't get to eat there as much as we would like because of the cost. Their Cajun Steak Tips are by far THE BEST. If you go there, I would highly recommend them. They are not spicy hot -- but taste amazing.
(4)Robin L.
Overall, I think it's a pleasant experience at Stillwater Grill. And, as a person who appreciates lovely aesthetics in dining and life, I must say that I find the overall feel and experience a bit common. Yet, I'd still go back again because of the things I list below: * Welcoming, kind and attentive staff * Roomy dining area * Lots of windows and nice natural light * Lovely view of river walk out back windows * In nicer weather, it's wonderful to dine on back deck * Most times for lunch, seating is immediate * Good location in Brighton The dishes on the Stillwater Grill menu that appeal to me are the salads. I was there yesterday and had their Traverse Bay Chicken Salad and it was quite good. Ingredients tasted fresh. I also ordered the Lobster Bisque knowing I'd only have a bite or two because of it being so rich. I do recommend it if you're a Bisque kind of a person. Many items on the menu have things like breading, sauce or cheese and I personally don't care for those things. Also, I don't often eat steaks, so I can't judge those items as well. My friend had the Tuna Melt and absolutely loved it. I do want to say that the service was wonderful. Our server found the perfect balance between paying attention to us and honoring our privacy. I'm giving them 4 stars because this restaurant continues to stay on the top of my list for lunch places in Brighton.
(4)Stephanie N.
One of my favorites since working walking distance from the Okemos location 15 years ago. The tenderloin tips are amazing. The spinach artichoke is orange and different than any other, I love it. It is pricy for what you get, it is a $100 meal for my family of three with a cocktail for two of us. It is a nice walk or the back around the duck pond at the Brighton location.
(4)Eva Yvonne T.
Im finally giving a review on this place.. Used to live in the area, been here a few times before, no bad experiences. Since moved to SoCal, back occasionally. I am giving it 3 stars for great service and good atmosphere. Food quality is average, priced a bit high. They have a limited meal plan, portions are huge. The crab stuffed mushrooms are covered in heavy cheese melted on top, it really does not do well on this. The pasta dishes are nothing remarkable, probably closest to Olive Garden. Parking was adequate, no wait for a Sunday at 6 pm. Had 2 options for Sauvignon Blanc wine, 9.00 a glass, good pour. Boxed it up and done in an hour. Seemed a bit like cookie cutter seafood steak place, 25-40 a dish. Appetizers are 11.00-17.00 .. Not awesome, not bad either. Fast service, friendly waitresses.
(3)Larry L.
Good food & great staff. Drinks & food arrived quickly and the food was great. This wasw our 3rd visit and we will return again. A little on the pricey side.
(5)Katie D.
Excellent food, great service, but overpriced. There are a few ways to get around this, however. First, Tuesday is half-off wine day, which brings the 30-35 dollar bottles of wine down to where they should be priced. They also have a loyalty club that occasionally sends out coupons. Aside from that though, this place is best left for special occasions, as you'll mostly likely end up spending about $50 a person for steak and drinks. I've never had a bad meal here, and it's nice to have a semi-fancy place in Brighton to eat, but for the price, I'd expect something a little more upscale. That said, the ribeye was decent, but not the best I've ever had. Skip the $3 upcharged mac and cheese, as it's really lacks flavor, as others have said. Lobster bisque is fantastic, and the traverse city cherry salad is a nice option for an included side. The best part about going to Stillwater, however, is the boardwalk behind the restaurant. It stretches all the way across the Mill Pond into the heart of downtown, where you can visit cute little shops while you work off all the steak you've just eaten. There are also some very, very friendly ducks behind the restaurant, that no doubt have enjoyed many leftover Stillwater dinner rolls.
(4)Jenny I.
Hands down one of my favorite restaurants of all time. Hubby and I go here for our anniversary every year. One year we went to the Stillwater in Okemos and it just wasn't the same. It wasn't bad, but it didn't have the great deck to eat on. I love their steak, but I've also had the swordfish. AMAZING! We always try to eat out on the deck if possible.
(5)Joe M.
Yelp.....you have the Okemos location listed but your phone interchange sends it to Brighton location causing confusion for diners and operation. Please fix. Thanks
(5)Vivian K.
I've been to this restaurant three times and all for the steaks. My boyfriend is new to town so we originally discovered this location through recommendations from his coworkers. After trying the first time, we kept coming back and we can see ourselves continuing to. The restaurant has a nice environment (reminds me of spacious cabin sort of decor) and a lakeside view, which will be great in the day time in spring and summer. I've had the Prime Rib Au Jus and the Sirloin steaks. I would highly recommend getting the prime rib as it is always tender and tastes delicious when dipped in the sauce. Originally from California, steaks tend to be cooked a little more despite what you order so I went with a medium-rare the first time around. I learned my lesson and ordered medium from then on because the medium-rare was still stringy and difficult to chew for me. For sides, their seasoned fries are great and crisp on the outside, but were a bit too salty. I normally get their steamed broccoli because nothing else really calls out to me. Slightly wished they would do sauté or garlic vegetables besides steamed. Give it a little more flavor to it. Overall, its not the most amazing steaks I've had, but for their price and consistency.. I'm giving it a 4-star because I know I wouldnt mind bringing friends to here too. Seating is spacious and not at all crowded. Waitors and waitresses are friendly. Nothing to really complain about here!
(4)Steve M.
It's a little pricey but the food is real good. Outside seating by the walking path is a nice setting.
(4)Jeff B.
I was with a large group and ordered a burger. It arrived cold and over cooked. The fries tasted like they were sitting awhile.
(2)Heather D.
We have been a patron of this restaurant for many years. Up until the last year or so, we have always enjoyed it. Sadly, we can no longer recommend due to poor tasting, undercooked, and cheaper quality food. Please do not waste your money. You will be greatly disappointed. I know we sure are.
(1)Bridget L.
The food was good. I like the combo meal I had- Cajun tips and salmon- both delicious. After eating a salad and bread with a drink it's hard to finish your meal! Waitstaff was very friendly and patient as we were a big party. Too expensive for anything other than a special occasion. That's why I give it only 3 stars.
(3)Peter O.
Check out the winter menu! Short rib / Mac and cheese combo is the best meal there since the creation is the Steak Tips! Excellent service and Food as always.
(5)Jan S.
First and foremost, despite what an employee will tell you, this place does NOT take reservations. I called and requested a reservation for 6:00 p.m. We arrived at 5:50 p.m. only to be still sitting in the crowded lobby at 6:30 p.m. When I approached the host table I was met by the young lady behind the counter with a blank stare. Already being annoyed, I wasn't about to initiate the conversation as it is her job to greet me first. As I stood there staring back, she finally realized that I was awaiting a greeting and said, "oh sorry, can I help you?" I asked her what was going on with my table, and she said we still had 3 parties ahead of us. When I said that didn't make sense since we had a reservation she explained that they simply put their "reservations" on a list and are seated ahead of other people who arrived without a reservation. This is call ahead seating, not a reservation. Perhaps management is worried about losing business when customers call and ask for a reservation and then can't comply, but you can't mislead them. After being seated over an hour after my faux reservation I received a steak that was overcooked (not medium). I sent it back. After all, I didn't wait that long to get my steak prepared incorrectly. The one thing I can say is that after I sent my steak back the manager came over with a complementary shrimp cocktail and apologized. I just so happen to be allergic to shellfish, but it was the gesture that mattered. Still, there are far better places to get a good steak that will actually seat you per the schedule. Unfortunately, I think those who live out this way have few options so this steakhouse is the one of choice for the locals.
(2)J S.
I was very pleased with my meal. I ordered the mahi mahi and it was flaky and properly broiled. I appreciate that they offer healthy cooking options for their entrees (broiled with veg side). Soups were good too - we tried the french onion which was super salty (as expected), lobster bisque which was heavy but good, and my favorite the beef barley which was nice and light.
(4)Heather M.
Very expensive for kids cooking. Prime rib (10 ounce) was all fat, shrimp over cooked. The 'crab stuffing' was anything but crab. Five adults with a $180 final bill.... I've had much better for half.
(1)Fred F.
WOW! We all know Stillwater over the years has been a stable in the community with awards for top restaurant for a few years running. So instead of kicking back and enjoying the crown they continue to produce! Fantastic dinner had the Asian Ginger Scallops off of their creative "Summer Menu".. Along with that we enjoyed the popular Lobster Bisque, Potato Skins, Chop Salad. Excellent job on the entire dinner. A Big thank you to our server Karey! Unbelievably professional with a great personality. Very attentive, prop and helpful. A pleasure to interact with and have as a server she made our visit very enjoyable. If you stop by be sure to be seated in Karey's section! :)
(5)Bullwinkle R.
One of Brighton's nicer dining establishments with the best outdoor seating in town. I'm a fan of their various seafood dishes.
(4)Nancy H.
OK so here goes.I had promised myself never to eat here after 2 bad experiences in the past. Last time time we ate here (2009), we were extremely disappointed, to say the least. As we wanted to dine someplace close to home for our anniversary dinner, we 1st stopped @ Black Rock. WTF? 2 hour wait? Not for this couple. NO eatery is worth waiting 2 hours for. Decided to head to Stillwater after calling & being told that we could get seated immediately. And we were. Mike, our waiter, was friendly & very knowledgeable with the menu items. After bringing our drinks quickly, hubby ordered lobster bisque which had lots of lobster. I started with the Traverse salad which was remarkable. We both chose a steak (mine was rib-eye, his was filet) we added a 6 oz. lobster tail on the side. Let me say that both of our steaks were done to perfection & the lobster tail was succulent & tender. Dinner was perfect & Mike was one of the best servers we have ever had in the Brighton area. We will be going back as we saw a few other items on their menu that we want to try. The only complaints I have is that the drinks were weak & we did not order the cheesecake w/Chambord to take home. But you can be sure we will do it next time.
(5)Gregory T.
Fast service, friendly staff got what we asked for on a busy night. Right price, good food, great atmosphere. Me thinks some of you may be competitors trying to hurt your competition.
(5)Mike L.
Great food good service..... Yummmmy
(5)Mark G.
Temperature inside was freezing. Chose the patio in attempt to stay warm. A lot of potential for a great patio area but it looks lazy. Plastic everything . Need permanent roof area to protect from the elements. Some additional landscaping would be nice. Service was fine. Hardened food on 2 pieces of silverware. Basic inspection missed. Food was really good. Salmon and tilapia were prepared perfect. No complaints. I will return .
(4)Robin R.
Just a really great meal. Fab kids menu and great adult chow too. Who knew Brighton was host to this little gem? Will definitely be back.
(5)Andrew H.
Terrible entree. Really good service, excellent artichoke dip (best I think I've had). Descent salad, not great. Entree was Cajun Tendorloins, Tuna, and Blackened Tilapia. Everything was absolutely terrible. Rubber tenderloins, overcooked tuna (like a brick), and the tilapia was mush. Owner and waiter were apologetic, but the food is just not to par. Won't be back.
(1)Deb Z.
Service is good even though we felt rushed. Have eaten at Stillwater for years but it's getting too expensive! Be ready to drop $40 on a meal with one drink and the food is not THAT good. I won't be eating there again.
(2)Jessica D.
This is mine and my husbands favorite restaurant to go out on a date to. We always get the mussels appetizer and lobster bisque, they both are to die for!! Also Holly is the best waitress we have had, she is funny, very personable, knows the menu and can make great recommendations. You will not be disappointed :)
(5)Candi V.
I always enjoy going to Stillwater Grill. They have consistently good food and service. My favorite thing to order is the Asian tuna salad (although they've recently cut back on the amount of tuna they put on the salad). I also enjoy ordering off the seasonal specials menu (usually fish - they do a terrific job on fish!). My husband usually gets steak. They have tasty rolls and French onion soup. They have a very high quality side salad too (mixed greens with good croutons). The lemon cake was very delicious: light (feeling...probably still a ton of calories) and not overly sweet. They used to have totally awesome warm cookies, but unfortunately they stopped selling them. The outdoor seating is the best in Brighton; it has a covered patio with a view of the pond. The pond is kept somewhat natural (tons of lily pads), but it adds a very relaxing atmosphere to the meal. The indoor restaurant is classy too, although the view of the TVs annoys me if we're seated too close to the bar area. I recommend surfing for coupons before going. Stillwater has a loyalty program and often puts coupons in the local ad fliers. It's very rare that we go there without a $10 off $50 or $5 off $25 coupon. It's generally a little on the pricey side, but the coupons bring it down to normal. I also recommend going in the middle of the week, as there is usually a wait on Friday/Saturday evenings. Stillwater Grill has been a regular restaurant in our date night rotation for many years and will continue to be as long as they keep up the good work. I'm torn on whether to give it 4 or 5 stars, but I am going with 4 mostly because it isn't my *favorite* and there isn't anything there that I absolutely love love love. I really enjoy the things I do have, and I've never had a bad experience there. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you decide to go to Stillwater.
(4)Andy M.
This place was a lot of fun, but it suffers from a little too much popularity. The first time we arrived on a Friday night with an hour+ wait, so we opted to try elsewhere. We made a reservation for the next night (1/8/2011) and it was even nuttier, so I'm glad we made a reservation. Unfortunately, they shoehorned 7 of us into a booth that's pushing it to hold 6. It's got an impressive menu, but this evening, the kitchen was definitely beyond its capacity. We had three undercooked entrees, including my salmon salad. Mine was not undercooked enough to fuss about, but one of my party had a very pink burger (on a well-done order, so come on!). We sent that back to cook more and the manager graciously apologized by delivering a shrimp cocktail appetizer. Then another in the party cut into *really* pink chicken and that HAD to go back (urk). Just after the chicken went back, we discovered the free shrimp were still partially frozen, so it was not a stellar night for the kitchen. I'd give it another try, but it was not a good introduction.
(3)Paul W.
Food was good. Somewhat nice selection of beers. I went during the day and it was not too crowded, but I had driven by the place on Friday night and it was bursting at the seams. I'd certainly go back.
(3)Kelly F.
This is our favorite place in Brighton...never had a bad meal...bartenders are great and decent prices for a nice meal!
(5)Russell A.
Great food, service, and clean. Very reasonably priced for Lunch. Dinner the price jumps up to where you would expect for a nice steakhouse. I go for lunch whenever I can.
(5)Lisa H.
Came here for dinner last night with my sister. She was running late, but there was a 20 minute wait for a table, not surprising for a Friday night (the place was packed). Got a decent mixed drink from the bar and our waitress was quite nice. My sister ordered the lobster bisque and the salmon pacific salad, I ordered the prime rib and grilled scallops with asparagus and a tossed salad. My prime rib was perfectly medium, the scallops grilled to perfection, and the asparagus nicely tender crisp. My sister's bisque looked velvety and she was very pleased with it and her salad, which had a generous piece of flaky salad and large chunks of peppers and bleu cheese. Also, our very sweet waitress made honey butter after my sister requested a side of honey to make her own. All in all, a lovely evening out.
(5)Natalie W.
You know how everyone talked about that new movie and how awesome it was and how ohmygoshyouhavetoseeitRIGHTNOW!!! And then you go, and.... you wish you had grouted your tub instead? Well, that's kind of what my experience with Stillwater was like. I had heard the legend of this place for years. Bottom line, the place was overpriced, the steak was edible but not amazing, and it just didn't seem to warrant all the praise I had heard. But my memory, she's not so good, so after that visit I let all the "positive" news that persisted to convince me to return. Same thing. So if I go again, and it's bad, shame on me. But I'll be sure to tell you all about it.
(2)Becki B.
The first time I ever went here, it was within the first week that they opened. There wasn't a lot going on in Brighton back then, and this place was sorely overrated just for existing. Luckily they've since taken their place in the middle of the pack. Now that there are choices in the area, Stillwater provides a decent dining experience with good food and consistently adequate service. It's good for people like my dad, who dislike the big name 'chain' restaurants just because of what they are. The wait has also gotten somewhat better since the area has grown, but you'll still frequently spend a few minutes waiting for a table. There is lots of activity to watch while you're waiting, though.
(4)Matt U.
My family really enjoys this restaurant and has eaten here a handful of times. My 9 year old daughter reven equested Stillwater for her birthday dinner. The atmosphere is really pleasant with a lot of seating and a nice view of a small lake (from outdoor seating). Service has always been very good too.
(4)Vince S.
We have been going to Stillwater Grill for many years with friends and family. We have always enjoyed our meals, drinks, and good service. It is very busy on weekend nights so reservations are a must. Awesome martinis at the bar while you wait for you table. The combo dinner selections offer great choices.
(4)Lynne D.
We stopped in here for a beverage before heading off to the movies...staff was good. Atmosphere was ok. Ok place to go get a drink - but I thought the menu was boring. How do they win best restaurant in Brighton? I don't get it.
(2)Lauren W.
I hadn't been to Stillwater for about 3-4 years when my girlfriends suggested going there for a night out. I remembered it being really good, but not so pricey...I wonder when their prices jumped? I guess if I am going to spend $40 on a meal for just myself, I would rather go some place a bit more upscale. Money aside, I had the seafood pasta and loved it! There was an abundance of scallops and shrimp and I had plenty for leftovers for the hubby. Great waitress, too. And on our way out, we ran into John Heffron, one of my fave local comedians! If you have a bit of money to spare, I still think this is one of the top places in Brighton.
(4)Melissa P.
Went to Stillwater Grill for dinner last night. It was my birthday, so we wanted to go to a restaurant that we knew would be good with no nasty surprises. We chose well. We've been to Stillwater Grill many times since moving to Michigan seven years ago. Our only complaint in the past was that the smoke from the smoking area had a tendency to filter into the nonsmoking areas. With that problem legislated away, we were anxious to go back. The prices are, indeed, higher than average for the area; but, then again, the food is also way better than "average." We started off with the calamari appetizer. It was light, crunchy, and the calamari were done perfectly - still tender. My husband had the seafood scampi special, and I had the 9 oz. fillet. I also made certain to order the crab Bearnaise sauce (not on the menu, but available upon request). My husband really enjoyed the scampi. The true star, though, was the fillet. It was so soft and tender that the grill marks formed little pillows where the meat had sagged slightly through the grates. The flavor was superb. When you add a little of the crab Bearnaise to each bite, it's amazing. Yes, the fillet is now $29. I felt this piece of meat was worth it. You must also take into consideration that salad and a side are also included. The only part of the meal that could have been improved upon was the dessert. Desserts are sourced from a neighboring bakery, so I can't really fault Stillwater for them. The size of the portions is very appropriate and my husband enjoyed the lemon cake. I must say that the carrot "volcano" cake was a disappointment. It didn't taste like carrot cake at all, and the "volcano" was a smidgen of cream cheese-like frosting in the middle. My advice - save the calories. The service (as has always been the case) was excellent. They were attentive but not hovering. That has always been a hallmark of Stillwater Grill, and it has not changed. We felt welcomed and well-fed. I would highly recommend Stillwater Grill for a really good experience.
(5)Ashley T.
This place is way overrated and way over priced. Service was great and the building inside is nice. However the food was very blah. Wife had the tilipa and i had chicken needless to say we won't be back ever.
(2)Raymond B.
Food quality has really gone down ...Used to be one of my favorites, not anymore & it is to expensive for what you get.
(2)Jay S.
I will agree with everyone and say that Stillwater is way overrated, but thats not to say I do not enjoy their food. There steaks are massive and when they give you crab they give you a mountain of crab. There service is slow and their managers run around like their heads are chopped off. The quality of the food is inconsistant, its never bad, but I might get a steak one time and it will blow my mind and the next time its tough like it sat under a heat lamp for too long. Their loaded mash is a skip. I like that their loaded mash comes in a ramekin, but they are obviously pre made and run through a convection oven or maybe even micro waved. They show up hot on top and only warm in the center. I dont understand their following but I like that they can accomodate huge groups and have a sweet outdoor section when its warm. If they just upped their game and delivered on what everyone expects them to be then I would toss them a five star. Its all there but they just seem lazy compared to their service five years ago.
(3)Tastingtattler B.
If you are of ethnic background do not go to this restaurant. The host went to every table but ours and must have passed by at least six times. We ordered pie which was not prepared the way it was advertised on the menu. The waitress was not at all apologetic but rather bought out the sauce for the pie to put it on myself. I have patronized some of the most exclusive restaurants in the country. The sauce should have been drizzled on the plate and then the pie placed on top. If I wanted to cook for myself I would have stayed home. It was apparent the color of my skin was the reason for the poor service.
(1)Joshua R.
Surprisingly good food. This place is a sorta-chain. When you walk in there's a lot going on - open kitchen with chef's moving around, waitresses and managers around the floor. I went with my family and was surprised by the service and the atmosphere. The appetizers, especially the ahi tuna, were great. If you're hesitant, give it a try before you knock it.
(3)Scott G.
I used to love Stillwater. It was, flat out, my favorite restaurant ever. Between Brighton and Okemos, I probably went there, on average, twice a month. I had done that for years. I stopped going so often, and now miss the good old days. Unfortunately, over the past few years, I've noticed that the quality of the food varies from time to time. It's generally good (it used to be fantastic - all the time,) and the wait staff will always bring take your food back if it's not right, but it's still unsatisfying when you go to your favorite place, and the quality isn't what it used to be. That sentence makes me feel old :-o Anyway, it used to be fantastic, all the time. The food was always prepared right, always delicious, always filling. And, the waitstaff was always courteous and attentive to the diner's needs. The waitstaff is still there doing their job well, generally, but the quality of the food just doesn't seem to be quite as high as it used to be. The filet mignon used to be rich, meaty, almost buttery - the last time I had it, it had more fat than filet should have. It's texture wasn't nearly as nice as it used to be. The specials are usually seafood or surf & turf - I would recommend to them that they diversify a bit, but I imagine they don't because that's what people go there for - seafood and meat. They used to do Ostrich on a regular basis, but they don't anymore. That was one of my favorite specials. Their house specials include steak tips, which are Cajun seasoned, and generally very good. Ask for the horseradish sauce when you order them - the taste of that sauce with the seasoning on the meat makes it taste much better! They used to include the sauce with the meal, now only the veteran Stillwater diners know about it - it's not mentioned on the menu! All in all, I would say that Stillwater is a very good restaurant, even though sometimes I'm not as pleased as I used to be when I used to go there more often.
(4)Gary A.
A nice upscale and popular restaurant in Brighton. Fresh and local ingredients - I've always had good quality meals - with excellent and intelligent servicers, and a good selection of wine and beer. Priced for this upscale capabilities. Good for business meetings, to impress customers or for important celebrations, when the restaurant experience won't impact the event. It is popular and very busy place on weekend nights, I've never had a problem getting a table for lunch.
(4)Mark A.
My wife and I came here for lunch in May of 2015. The place is very clean and well maintained, but the food and service sucks. The waitress took our drink order and then disappeared, although the place was less than 1/4 full with many waitresses. While looking at the menu, the appetizers were all over priced, and the sample platter said "absolutely no substitutions" under it. That's a ridiculous way to try to save some money, especially as far as providing good customer service and establishing a good first impression goes. Someone had left a stack of trays piled on the ledge on the back of my booth seat, and I kept bumping my head on them, as they stuck out far into my seating area. After the waitress finally showed up again, we placed our order. Then the waitress asked us if we would like some bread. We were going to say no to the up sell, but I asked if it was complimentary, and it was. Another ridiculous way to try to save money, by not making it clear that the complimentary bread is complimentary, hoping people will say no. What is the point of having free bread if you don't want to give it away? The bread turned out to be two rolls, which were served with cinnamon butter, and were pretty good. The food was mediocre, and it took forever for us to get out of there because our waitress disappeared again after we have received our food. I guess I should have realized when she said, "Will you be needing anything else?". She must have been going on break or something, but she could have brought us our bill and passed us onto another waitress.
(2)Thomas P.
I have been to this place several times the last few were less than satisfactory. It was an anniversary dinner and my wife and I both ordered seafood - whitefish and snapper which were on the daily special board. First of all the service was EXCELLENT. The ice tea had an aftertaste like they either had not cleaned the pot or use a stinky flavored tea.The appetizer and salad were good. Now for the star of the meal-the entrée. Both fish tasted "fishy" a strong odor and did not taste fresh-hopefully not frozen, but for the price ($24.99) they should not be disappointing. We were asked by the manager how our dinners were and after I said "just ok" he left...not wanting to hear more. We let our waitress know her service was fine and told her about the issues with the food-she apologized and promised to let someone know. We have found the food lacking in prior visits but thought we'd give it one more try on our anniversary. It's a shame -this place was fantastic 5-10 years ago. We will not be returning.
(2)Amanda R.
I feel as if this is more 3 1/2, but it is definitely on a fine line to being 4 star. We haven't been here in two years and were given a GC so decided to come back. It isn't that we didn't like it so we never came back, in fact we always raved about the portions and the prices you paid for the portions and quality, we just moved away from that area and Brighton hasn't ever been a big "it" spot for us. Anyway, not much has changed, but I felt as if the food quality got a bit mediocre from what it was before. We started with their Shanghai Muscles, which is a winter special. Muscles with a sweet soy (which was just soy sauce, sesame oil and seeds, then butter) sauce along with sautéed red bell peppers, sugar snap peas and mushrooms. This wasn't bad, it was a good concept, but I think it could have been executed better. We both agreed that Jolly Pumpkins (AA) had better muscles, but that's an issue in my book considering this place is a much higher price point. We also ordered potato skins, but c'mon you can't really screw those up. For entrees I had their winter special Cherry Walnut Salmon and SO had their Ribeye. The salmon was cooked very well, but there was definitely not even a hint of cherry flavor and the walnuts were pretty sad. They cut them up and just placed them on top of the salmon, not exactly incorporating it as described by the menu. It was still a great piece of salmon, just not exactly what I thought it would be. The Ribeye was good, but we eat a lot of them at home so we may be heavily bias. It wasn't spectacular, I found the seasoning they used to overcome the true flavor that a Ribeye gives when done properly. Creme brulee was meh. I definitely make it better. They halved one strawberry and put it on top, but the hard sugar coated top wasn't even hard. You could taste the sugar that was supposed to become hard, but at this point I knew we had homemade pie at home anyway so I wasn't too bummed. for an almost 200 dollar meal I could have gone elsewhere and gotten more food and better quality of food for the same price along with a better selection of drinks. It's worth checking out if you're in the area, but I doubt we will go out of our way to go again. Not sure what happened within two years, but meh.
(4)