The Grill on the Alley

The first time I went to The Grill On The Alley in the Westlake Village Promenade my husband and I had planned to have a drink, share an appetizer and then go on with our evening. We sipped Chardonnay selected from the Grill’s highly satisfactory wine list and munched on tasty popcorn shrimp with a flavorful Cajun tartar sauce. As we relaxed while sitting at the comfortable outdoor patio, the plan changed. We decided to stay and have dinner. We were glad we did. My petite filet mignon and his charbroiled rib eye steak were prepared to our request. The spinach mashed potatoes were the perfect accompaniment.

On our next visit to the upscale restaurant, again we planned to have a drink and appetizer, this time while meeting friends. Seated in the lively indoor bar, our foursome settled in and ordered our drinks. The Grill is known for the freshly squeezed juices used in their handcrafted martinis, cocktails and classic highballs so my husband decided to “take one for the team,” as they say and, at the suggestion of our server, ordered the wildly popular Ruby Red Lemon Drop Martini made with Absolut Ruby Red Vodka, and a trio of freshly squeezed juices of grapefruit, lemon and lime. It must have been good because lo and behold he ordered a second. Our friend raved about the Black and Blue Mojito that she had ordered.

Soon the debate began over the appetizers. Our table dialogue turned to “should we order the Calamari or seared Ahi Tuna Sashimi? What about the Kobe sliders? The popcorn shrimp was really good the last time we were here. Maybe we should have a peak at the dinner menu. I’m hungrier than I thought. Do you want to stay for dinner? It’s nice and quiet in the dining room. The booths are really comfortable.” It was de-ja vu; we had again been seduced into staying for dinner.

Well reputed for serving the finest USDA prime and aged beef, the Grill menu also has a nice variety of main course and side salads. Several side dishes are offered including the decadent and delicious Mac and Cheese which is blended with cheddar, gruyere and Danish fontina cheeses. The Grill Special Chicken Pot Pie is equally decadent and delicious made with fresh, tender chicken, carrots, onions, peas and mushrooms and topped with a flaky crust.

Fresh fish is brought in six days a week and, if available, the John Dory white fish from New Zealand is my recommendation. Pan sautéed and topped with a light, delicate lemon butter sauce the fish is mild with a moderately firm texture. It was light, delicious and perfect on a warm summer evening.

If by chance you still have room for dessert, The Grill offers comfort food desserts such as a Fruit Cobbler of the Day or a six layer Big Carrot Cake with pecans and cream cheese frosting. On the lighter side Key Lime Pie with a raspberry puree or Seasonal Sorbet or Fresh Seasonal Berries are available.

On par with the well prepared food and drinks was the service. Professionalism abounds at The Grill from the staff and management. The hostess was friendly and accommodating, the cocktail service was prompt and efficient. Our dining room server, Brad was personable and knowledgeable about both food origin and preparation. Additionally, it was nice to see management perusing the dining room and engaging with guests.

The Grill On The Alley is the best of both worlds; upbeat and contemporary yet somewhat “old school”. The décor is clean and uncluttered but also warm and comfortable. Likewise the beverage and dining menus feature classic, timeless American drinks and cuisine as well as updated fare. And the service is reminiscent of successful fine dining establishments of days gone by.

The Grill On The Alley, 120 East Promenade Way, Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 418-1760. Open Monday-Thursday, 11:30am – 10:00pm - Friday 11:30am – 10:00pm, Saturday 11:00am – 11:00pm - Sunday 10:00am – 9:30pm.