The first step this joint has got right is the name - sounds chic and gives a perfect picture of what’s in store for you. The Grill House is a tex-mex eatery located on one corner of Ulsoor lake, just past Taj Residency and The Park hotel. You might have to look out for it on your left if you’re coming from the direction of the Taj and the parking comprises of an open space of land once you take a left into the tiny lane. Perhaps, it is the somewhat nondescript location and look that has kept the place from becoming popular.
When one thinks of heading out for some steaks or sizzlers, the usual names that come up are The Only Place (no alcohol), Sunny’s (a tad expensive) or Kobe’s. But here is a joint that not only serves quite a few of the popular grills, sizzlers and burgers but also throws in a bar and a handful of delicious desserts at your service, at a moderate price.
The interiors make up for the crude exterior. The place is, thankfully, not stuffy or smelly (the only scents you get are of the sizzling steaks ordered at tables). There are 2 floors of sufficient space, with the bar located on the top floor and the seating is comfortable as well. So you might want to consider this as a good choice for a friends' get together.
The menu offers various sections starting from an impressive array of starters, soups and drinks and moving on to Steaks/Grills (Veg, Chicken, Sea food and Beef), Burgers/Sandwiches, and a small variety of Pastas and Wraps. What I would specially like to mention is the decent assortment of vegetarian dishes, something you rarely find in cuisines like this. The Chilli Potato Fries and Mozzarella Cheese fingers are worth trying and so are the Soups and Veggie Wraps.
The non-vegetarian section is by no means a let down. The starters itself set you up nicely for a delicious meal. We ordered just the Barbeque Wings since we did not want to miss the meal. Let me warn you that the quantity of anything out here is more than sufficient so if you feel you need to concentrate on the main course, take it easy on the starters. The Wings were a whole 10 pieces, enough for the 4 non-vegetarians at the table. For the main course, I got to taste some excellent Grilled Fish of the Day sizzler (they serve in plates too), which had a slight peppery taste and was served with mashed potatoes, rice and veggies – definitely recommended! I ordered Chicken Fajitas, served in 2 large tortillas with the usual filling. It was just moderately good (the ones I’ve had at Chilli’s were much better) and I think the culprit was the accompanying blandish garlic sauce that they gave. Another point was that the ingredients are meant to be served separately – the standard chicken, bell peppers, chilli, onions, chopped tomatoes and sour cream along with the tortillas and, at the max, a spicy Mexican sauce - wouldn’t say this one's a must have. The last time I was here, I ordered the Chicken Shashlik sizzler, again recommended for the excellent sauce they used.
The desserts are great too provided you have tummy space left; do try out the Chocolate Mouse cake and I’ve heard the Cheesecake is good too. They change the dessert menu often so you can ask for the day specials.
For the negatives, the place doesn’t have what one would call perfect service (but manageable) and the food will not really live up to a purist’s expectations. Cost is, again, manageable for an occasional visit.
A dish on an average costs between Rs. 175-300 and quantity is more than sufficient for a glutton.
Meal for 2: Rs. 500-600, with drinks: Rs. 700-800; they have also recently started a Weekday buffet
The Grill House
Kensington Road
(Diagonally opposite to the Gurudwara)
Ulsoor, Bangalore
Phone: 080-40977011
