Grill House

After a lack luster dinner and finding out that the one restaurant I truly wanted to eat at in St Andrews would be closed until THE DAY WE LEAVE (bullocks!!) we tried to find plan B… And Unilocal brought us to this restaurant. When we think of «grill» immediately your mind wanders to steaks and such, right? Well turns out this place is actually a Mexican restaurant. Honestly, I adore chicken fajitas with flavorful guacamole, so I acquiesced…
I ordered the chicken fajitas and my fiancé ordered the steak fajitas. I also ordered a side of salmon (an option not really listed on the menu so props for making that happen) and a strawberry margarita was also served to us. When we first sat down though, complimentary frozen margaritas were served to us as a welcome and thank you for stopping in… Apparently they’re known for their margaritas, and my fiancé loved them, so if you’re on the hunt for good drinks, this place may have you covered.
As for the food… Too spicy and tangy in my opinion. The flavor of the sauce and seasonings were so overpowering, I could have ordered steak or even prawns and I wouldn’t have known what I was chowing down on… The guacamole helped calm the flavors down a tiny bit, but it was also pretty bland so it didn’t really add anything extra to the dish. (Fiancé felt the same way about his meal).
The side of salmon I ordered was… salmon, ha! Flaked as if it were from a can (however bigger chunks indicated that it wasn’t) and when I took my first bite, I could tell why they’re typically offered with yogurt because it was pretty dry. The guacamole mixed in with it was pretty good though, so I finished my little bowl, no problem.
I can’t say we were over the moon about this place, and I’m still disappointed that the original restaurant I wanted to go to is CLOSED… But it was better than lunch, so at least my taste buds were a little happier!

Went with a group and the food was nearly inedible. Way too salty. Burgers were terrible. Don’t believe the advertised seabass was actually seabass. Could have been an off night and the manager was accommodating but would not not visit again. Maybe it’s more of a college hangout?

Very decent and large steak burger, I was really stuffed after it and could not even finish the fries. My companion’s BBQ ribs was humongous! There were two layers of ribs if I remember correctly and she could barely finished the first layer. The good thing about this place is that it gives you free mojito and it was delicious! Price was reasonable and service was okay.

During a recent stay in St. Andrews, we walked past the Grill House and were intrigued enough to come back for dinner that night. (By this point in our trip, the standard British/​pub grub was getting a bit worn.)
The first item of note is the interior and decorations. This place has a very light and lively feel, not dark & heavy like so many other restaurants and pubs. The theme is sort of a cross between Mexican restaurant meets US Southwest vibe.
This also the first and only place we came across in the UK with good margaritas, and a few Mexican beers to choose from. The gals in our group were especially enjoying the frozen margaritas.
Now at this point, I should mention that my wife and I are Southern Californians. Meaning, we’ve basically been eating Mexican food since before we could walk. And to this day we eat Mexican 2 – 3 times per week. So, when I say this was good Tex-​Mex food, there is some experience behind those words. Of partiular note was the «special of the day» enchilada that I ordered… this was the real deal! Not sure how these guys obtained good ingredients for Mexican food in the middle of Scotland, but darn that was one tasty enchilada. I’d stack it up against any I’ve had in Los Angeles.
Our one and only sort of complaint: One member of our group ordered the chicken ceasar salad. When the salad arrived, much to the dismay our our friend, there were nice big slices of anchovy on the salad. If our friend had known this, she would have ordered something else. The menu did not indicate anchovy chunks would be on the salad, our friend assumed as normal there would be a wee bit of anchovy paste ground up in the dressing. So, it’s not that this was horrible, but rather the menu should just say that anchovy slices sit atop the salad.
I would go back here in a heartbeat, and even find myself wishing we had this great little restaurant near our home.

Went for dinner. Dish was excellently prepared. The grilled steak burger and BBQ pork ribs are their absolute MUST-​TRY! Desserts were as satisfying as the main dish, especially their toffee pudding and chocolate cake (both served with cream). The menu is tad bit pricey but definitely worth a try!!!
Would come back another time. Recommended!!!

A decent place, particularly, it seemed, if you didn’t want to get fish or takeout around here. Staff were really nice. Food was okay. Drinks were okay. Nice patio.

The service was very good with polite efficient waitresses. Inside, the décor is funky and Mexican themed however, this is not a solely Mexican restaurant.
Unfortunately, the food let the place down a bit. It was good but not great.

Got to say that this place is not a Mexican restaurant, but there are I guess Mexican influences in the menu.
I actually am not a big fan of tequila, but I really like the free mini frozen margarita — I think it is a really nice touch, and since my OH is often driving, I get to have his as well ;-)
I would say that this is pretty good value for money — it is not super expensive, but portions are hearty and the meat is definitely good quality. The chicken chilli is decent. The burger is good, but a typical Scottish ‘gourmet’ burger — i.e. quite densely packed, quite small in diameter but thick, quite ‘meaty’ (if you know what I mean) and not given the choice of rareness. (For an awesome burger in St Andrews then go to the Jigger).
I have to say though that we went for a Friday special steak a couple of weeks ago, and the steak was cooked EXACTLY the way I wanted it — medium rare, bloody and melt in the mouth. OH had has medium and there was a discernible difference so props to them for that — many places I have been to don’t really seem to distinguish and insist on overcooking them.
If you want a quick meal, not too expensive, but somewhere solid for a tasty bite, then come here — especially if you can grab one of their lunch or pre-​theatre deals.

The Grill House has a good atmosphere, great menu and attentive staff. I would definitely recommend it!

The Grill House is part of a small group of restaurants, two of which located in St Andrews also (Glass House and Doll’s House).
The food is of a Mexican/​Tex-​Mex/​Scottish theme– an idea that works surprisingly well, with produce such as the beef being of a very high standard.
The restaurant’s décor is colourful and welcoming; suitable for large groups, families, as well as couples who wish to enjoy a relaxing meal, in a more informal environment than some of the other establishments around St. Andrews may offer.
The building itself is a re-​modelled house, and although extremely spacious, has a sense of disorder about it, in a way not particularly comforting as the waiting staff manœuvre themselves and their sizzling platters around the array of dining areas. Outside two large tables sit, with tactfully braded Corona umbrellas hung over, all of which adding to the more informal environment.
On arrival, tortilla chips, dip, and frozen Margarita cocktails are delivered by the waiting staff– all of whom are extremely friendly and more attentive to your every requirement, yet not over-​bearing. In addition, the bar also serves a variety of Mexican themed drinks and of course Corona lager in chilled bottles– available at a discount to larger groups.
As mentioned the food is of a very high standard, however I found the rib sauce required more spice and seasoning– a minor point, however important, especially in a Mexican grill house where such a sauce plays an integral role.
The portion sizes were more than enough for anybody, with there being plenty of both meat and vegetables served with the fajitas. The staff were very accommodating, and even packed away the extra food to take home.
The food in St Andrews in general for what you pay is not excellent, compared to London or Glasgow, and I believe this to be because of the captured tourist market who are forced to eat out as such. However I do regard the Grill House as one of the finer establishments in the area, offering excellent fresh food, and very reasonable prices in a relaxed, if somewhat hectic, environment. The staff are however outstanding, and would happily leave a handsome tip.
2 course dinner for 2 with 2 drinks, £35

This restaurant is probably one of the most popular choices within St Andrews. At reasonable prices, with an interesting range of foods (particularly suited for those with gluten free requirements), this place is great. It has a wonderfully Mexican themed décor inside and is tailored well to large groups. Free Frozen margaritas come on arrival (though only in a shot class type container), but it definitely emphasises its fun and carefree attitude!

Came here today with my friend and her family who were visiting. Got an beef enchilada and stayed away from the margaritas… Had a sightly more pleasant experience then last time but it still took FOREVER to get our food.

Another of the small chain of ‘house’ restaurants, the Grill House provides Mexican cuisine in fun surroundings be prepared for brightly painted walls and Mexican artwork. More suited to a family dinner or a celebration with friends that a romantic meal, this restaurant is fun and original with a great patio for the summer. Don’t leave without trying the frozen margaritas!