Written by Lindsay Grohs
The Rugby Grille, located within the luxury Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Michigan, is an exquisite place to dine for any meal and occasion. The Rugby Grille celebrates sophisticated flavors in its diverse menu, offers exceptional service, and creates a hospitable environment for all its customers. The restaurant combines the elegance of a steakhouse and the charm of a bistro with its decor as well as its seating options: the gallery, inside the grille, or outside on the patio. To say it is an ideal spot to enjoy a memorable meal would be an understatement.
Located in the heart of Downtown Birmingham, Michigan, the Rugby Grille brings in a diverse, and many times, upscale clientele due to its impeccable ambiance, high-quality service, and exceptional dining experience. From the moment you enter the hotel that leads to the restaurant inside, you are met with timeless luxury. Large, glamorous chandeliers hang from the ceilings, providing a sense of soft lighting to areas within the building. Plush furnishings, intricate moldings, and high-quality fabrics combine to evoke a sense of refinement and comfort throughout the space. Artwork and floral arrangements are scattered throughout the space, complementing the fixtures and walls. These elements work together to create an inviting, yet elegant environment.
After entering the hotel and being led down the hall to the Rugby Grille, you are greeted by the hostess at the host stand. 90% of the time this hostess is a sweet woman named Aurora, a fan favorite of the Rugby regulars. She will give you a warm welcome and escort you to your table. The tables vary in style, including intimate booths, rectangular two-tops, square four-tops, and larger settings that accommodate bigger parties. Each table is topped with a white tablecloth, table settings, and a small flower in a vase to match the season. Once seated, you are met with a server assistant who fills your glass with ice water. The server assistant will also ask if there is something else they can get you to drink while you wait for your server to greet you. The server comes next, greeting you with a warm smile and a friendly introduction. The pace of the meal truly is in your hands. The restaurant staff will not rush you but rather cater to your preferences. Whether you are dining for an extended business lunch, popping in for a happy hour, or celebrating a birthday dinner, the staff will attend to your needs.
The menu itself is filled with nourishing choices that feed both your stomach and your soul. The menu focuses on American cuisine, featuring high-quality ingredients and seasonal dishes. It offers a variety of options from hearty breakfast items and gourmet sides to creative sandwiches, innovative salads, succulent meats, and fresh seafood. A few of their top brunch sellers include the Scottish Salmon Lox, French Toast, Hash and Eggs, Crispy Chicken Sandwich, and the famous Rugby Burger. Switching to the dinner menu, some of their hot commodity dishes include the Alaskan Halibut, Beef Short Rib, Steak Frites, and Pappardelle Bolognese. The Rugby menu also highlights distinctive appetizers such as their Rustic Flatbread, Edamame Hummus, and Baked Brie Brulee.
Although this restaurant is upscale, they are extremely family-friendly. They have many options for the little ones, both sweet and savory. Children rave about the Funfetti Pancakes with Chocolate Sauce along with the Kids Townsend BLT.
Plus, they offer several unique desserts, including a Bourbon Pecan Pie, Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake, and Heath Brownie.
The Rugby Grille also has a full-service bar. Their drink menu is a fine mix of classy cocktails, seasonal concoctions, and simple beverages. Their current seasonal drinks feature holiday flavors. A few of these drinks include the Gingerbread Martini, Peppermint Espresso Martini, Winter Gin Sour, and Cranberry Sage Cocktail. They also offer their classic cocktails, beers, spirits, and a large wine selection. For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, they have mocktails, sodas, and juices. With all the options, you’re nearly guaranteed to find something that suits your taste preferences.
The first time I dined at the Rugby Grille, I ordered the Townsend Grilled Cheese. This grilled cheese features muenster, Havarti, tomato, basil, honey, and bacon held between two perfectly toasted pieces of fresh sourdough bread. The mix of muenster and Havarti cheese is rich in flavor and gooey in texture, enhancing the other elements of the sandwich. The bacon is crispy, giving an element of savory crunch to the dish. The basil offers an "herby" taste. The tomato offers a juicy freshness. And the honey brings it all together, providing a touch of sweetness to the sandwich. Overall, this sandwich delivers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that leaves you “wowed!" The sides were also superb. Crispy, golden, thin-cut fries complemented the grilled cheese perfectly, and juicy fruit offered a sense of freshness to the entire meal.
I have dined at the Rugby Grille many times since this time, enjoying it more and more each time I go. I’ve had their rugby burger, pancakes, hash & eggs, and a few other various dishes. You really can’t go wrong with any of their dishes, as each holds an impressive depth of flavor. The kitchen makes every dish with love, ensuring each plate is cooked, seasoned, and garnished to perfection. The servers present each meal with warmth and attentiveness, ensuring that you are not only satisfied but genuinely delighted with your dining experience. Whether you’re a local or someone visiting from out of town, if you are looking for a luxurious, unique, and welcoming environment for your next meal out, I would highly recommend dining at the Rugby Grille.
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