Hope
Everything here is amazing. From the atmosphere, the staff, the drinks and the food!! They have lots of amazing steak options but lots of other options that are all well within budget!! I have been so many times and tried most of the menu, which does change occasionally to keep things fresh! Everything I’ve ever gotten has been absolutely amazing!! This place is perfect for a casual night out, but you can also have an incredibly special date night here! They have range!! The staff is always welcoming, and the food and drinks are always spot on!!
… moreJamie Dooley
Update; the hubs and I came back for the steaks and I would give the filet 15/10!! The chocolate cake is everything I’ve been needing in life. Anna was also an amazing server
After 3 visits as a local, I can tell you confidently that this is the best experience in West Michigan…especially if you are lucky enough to have Lauden as your bartender/server. He is knowledgeable, patient, kind and makes great suggestions. He is also a master mixologist! The Espresso Martini and spicy marg are the best cocktails we’ve ever had. The Chenin Blanc is the best wine I’ve ever had. The Scallops are the best dinner I’ve ever had. We also got the rotating cheese (delish) and the melon salad (SO unique and elevated). The scallops were perfectly cooked, dedicate and the puree underneath was something I would eat with a spoon. The accompanying peppers, microgreens, etc completed the dish in a way that kicked all other high end places we’ve eaten (Chop House, MDRD, etc) to the curb. And it was less expensive! We are already planning our next visit to try the steaks next time. We are grateful to have this place in town
… moreVicki Davidson
We stopped in on Saturday at 5pm for a family dinner! Keith, our server, was fantastic-as was the filet and the adult beverages! Highly recommend the Vermu Espresso Martini with table-side, self toasted marshmallow! Great place to meet family & friends & to enjoy downtown Rockford! Can’t wait to come back & try more of the menu!
… moreMark Radius
We went to enjoy dinner and drinks during Happy Hour and found the prices to be very reasonable. The food was great and so were the cocktails. Regular dinner prices can be expensive, but not out of line when compared to similar restaurants in the Greater Grand Rapids area.
… moreJon Palmen
The early review is a nice addition to downtown Rockford. Keith was an excellent server. Small but nice ambience. We had to ask for a low table vs the high table. They quickly moved us which was nice and more comfortable. Food was good. A great place for a special occasion. We went for my birthday but no special dessert for the occasion. We would like to see more dessert options (chocolate/ peanut butter or cookie skillet) or some nice warm bread w dinner would be a nice touch.
… morePamela Enrico
Love the location in Rockford and the great atmosphere of the restaurant. The dim lighting is so pretty and relaxing.. and it’s nice to not have a spotlight on your face, like so many other restaurants are guilty of. Acoustics were good, as was the temperature of the restaurant (no one once complained about being cold or too hot).
Keith, our server was flawless. He was helpful with the menu, paced the meal perfectly, seemed genuinely friendly and didn’t exude any haughtiness.
Food was great! My father said it was the best salmon he’s ever had. My steak was cooked perfectly. Both pasta dishes that were ordered were extremely good. I would say though that the portion sizes of the pasta dishes should be a bit bigger.
The restaurant gave us a complimentary slice of vegan chocolate cake for my mother’s birthday. The cake was fabulous!!
Coffee & Wine . They serve Coke products instead of Pepsi, which is always appreciated.
The hostess even called me later that evening to notify me that I had left my scarf behind.
Overall great experience!!
… moreAmy Wolfert
We had a wonderful first visit. The French onion soup is unique and is the best we’ve had! Our server Kristy was friendly and knowledgeable. The baked pumpkin dish was delicious as well as the Ora King salmon. We can’t wait to return and try other dishes!
… moreAndy R
My wife and I came here for our anniversary and it was absolutely amazing! We love Chef Dave and the absolute magic he does with food. Here I am, the apps, the mains, the pasta, and the desserts are all imaginative and crafted exquisitely. The cocktails were awesome and the wine list is well curated. Our service was impeccable, warm and helpful and just enough without ever being overbearing. Does this place have some things to iron out, sure, but seeing as they’ve only been open for 2 weeks, the quality of everything is pretty spectacular! It’s only going to get better! Moreover, it’s awesome that Rockford has a truly upscale, yet approachable, restaurant that hits the notes that you would expect from downtown Grand Rapids and East Town.
… moreKevin Howard
Char + Barrel in Rockford, MI is a must-visit for anyone who loves exceptional dining and craft cocktails!
As a Chicago native who values great hospitality, I was impressed from start to finish. The hosts were welcoming and attentive. Our server, Anna, was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The bartender was outstanding—creating both alcoholic and non-alcoholic craft cocktails that were truly memorable.
The food was incredible: the best French Onion Soup ever and definitely in Rockford, a fresh Gem Caesar salad, perfectly cooked salmon entrée, and tender scallops. We finished with a decadent chocolate cake dessert that was the perfect ending.
I also had a great conversation with the general manager, Daniel, which showed how much this team cares about delivering a top-notch dining experience.
If you’re looking for fine dining in Rockford MI, seafood lovers’ favorites, or the best restaurants near Grand Rapids, Char + Barrel should be at the top of your list. We will absolutely be back!
… moreMyah Purnell
The french onion soup is absolutely delectable.. I’ve gone back twice just to have more. The service is excellent, Ive been helped by Mary Beth each time. She is a wonderful server, greatly attentive to anything I needed as a costumer. Overall her very warm and friendly personality elevated my whole dining experience on top of already delicious food.
… more