Lord Essex Tavern & Grill

We went for Valentine's Day. Because it was on Friday this year and it was a celebration day, I called a month in advance to make reservations. The person I spoke with, took my reservations and said he'd see us on the 14th. We arrived at Lord Essex at our reservation time and a very arrogant host said "we don't take reservations". I explained that I had called and someone did indeed take my reservation. Arrogant man told us to wait at the bar until something opened up. When we were finally seated, and ordered our selections from the Valentine's menu, it took exactly one hour to get our salads. In addition, the menu called for the house salad. I asked if I could do the Cesear salad instead (they were both $6). I was told "no". Later, when our entrees came (ravioli for one of us, scallops for the other), they were cold. Worst Valentine's celebration ever. Now that we have been, we will not be back.

This used to be a steakhouse. The waitress said that it closed for the pandemic and reopened three weeks ago as a bar and grill. The service was a bit slow and the staff forgot to pick up used plates. The food was good. Perhaps the best were the appetizers: cheese curd appetizers with a hint of spice in the sauce and a wild rice soup. We liked the slow short ribs, walleye, and cedar plank salmon. For desserts, we liked the blueberry cobbler and the cheesecake.

Well, disappointment haunts all my dreams. Lord Essex is no longer Lord Essex. The Kahler Hotel (love the old place dearly) has moved its entire basic bar and restaurant into the old Lord Essex space and kept the name. The marvelous old steakhouse has been relegated to the dustbin of history. But, there is more!!!! It was announced this week that the space formerly occupied by the basic Kahler restaurant and bar has been leased and is being developed into a Ruth's Chris steakhouse! Great move, Kahler!!!!Advocating a major steakhouse is always risky business among the aficionados of such things. There are as many passionately held opinions as to what makes a great steakhouse as there are steakhouses. I've lived in Baton Rouge Louisiana and once was a regular customer of that early property in the franchise. Can't say enough good about it. Food, service, drink, and gracious Southern attitude. I've been to others across the country, some great, some not so. Regardless, the arrival of Ruth's in Rochester is a good thing and reason to hope for the best in a dining genre that has been largely missing for years. The location of the Kahler, immediately adjacent to the Mayo campus, makes it often considered the most valuable property In Minnesota. Location location location. It's as important to a restaurant operation as it is to real estate investment. Ruth's has the best in Rochester. Wish this venture well. Looking forward to being a regular customer if they get it right.

Still very old and in need of a refresh. With the demise of the other breakfast place at The Kahler this comes as a solid replacement. Food was really good and staff was super. I just did breakfast. Like most restaurants, the coffee could be improved.

I'm staying at the Kahler Hotel and ordered room service. The gal who answered the phone was very polite and accommodating. When the food was delivered it was the same person from the phone and we both shared a quick wonderful story. When I'm in town I'll make sure to ask for Gretchen as she's accommodating and goes above and beyond. Thank you for your service and kind story. Food was good as well.

Had the salmon. Really overcooked and warm. Waitress hovered at our table and she wasn't even our waitress. Saw people leave because they could not be seated as everyone was in the kitchen laughing and talking. Would not recommend.

I love the fact that this restaurant is small, cozy and intimate. We waited nearly an hour to get a table. They do not take reservations. The service was horrible! The drinks all came one at a time by the time she got the last drink to the table. The first people were ready for another drink. Some people didn't get their drinks, it was very disorganized. My shrimps scampi fettuccine was delicious. With the exception of one meal, everyone said their food was very good. One meal had dried out rice, overcooked, salmon, and cold cooked vegetables. Everyone commented on how good the walleye and baked ziti was. Had the service been better I would've given five stars however, because the service was so bad, I really should've given three stars. I will return and try again only because my dinner was delicious.

Today's breakfast was disappointing after having a great breakfast two weeks ago. Ordered eggs Benedict. The yolk was so set I could have lifted out of the white. What annoyed me when I brought it to waitress attention, her answer was "oh, that's the way it should be." Novice response. I didn't respond but finished my semi-hard boiled egg. It was ok. Not what I ordered.

Very nice experience. The food was well prepared and presented very pleasingly. we will return again when we are in town.

I just had one of the best Ribeyes I've ever had. AND, it was only $25. A true jewel in Rochester.