Restaurant Review: Red Robin - Flint

I know - I could have chosen a more interesting locale for my first restaurant review. Then again, I am the 'Average Guy' and I had dinner there tonight. In all fairness, I have eaten at this Red Robin several times so you might correctly surmise that I'm kind of fond of the place.

Obviously, it isn't fancy but they don't aim to be. The decor is basically a scaled down version of what you find at a Bennigan's or T.G.I. Friday's and, being scaled down, that suits me just fine. Too many restaurant's look like an antiques store threw up all over the walls.

I had the 'Crispy Fish Burger' (an oxymoron, I know) and my wife had the 'Sauteed 'Shroom Burger'. Having tried over half of their menu items, trust me when I say that the food never disappoints. Every selection I have tried has been darn tasty and if it doesn't fill you up (refills on American fries are endless), you should consider a diet. The servers have always been friendly and attentive and a manager ALWAYS stops by to make sure your visit is pleasing.

If you're not in the mood for a burger there are plenty of other options, such as pasta, chicken, and seafood.

There are, however, two negatives that I must point out.

First, it's a rare meal where you don't hear the staff performing the various obligatory 'Happy Birthday' songs several times. It's kind of cute the first time but wears on you after the fourth or fifth rendition. Also, because of the birthday crowds it often gets a bit noisy.

Secondly, their chefs (and I use that term very loosely) have a tendency to undercook the meat. While I would rather have a burger or steak undercooked than overcooked, anything should be prepared as ordered. Such was the case today as the 'Sauteed 'Shroom Burger' arrived medium rare instead of medium (as ordered). I pointed out the problem to the manager when she stopped by and she immediately offered to replace the burger or take it off the bill, which brings up my next point...

Remember that seemingly long forgotten thing called Customer Service? It is alive and well at Red Robin. Everyone is friendly. Everyone is smiling. The employees seem to genuinely enjoy working there and serving the customers. The waitstaff has achieved the happy medium of being attentive while not smothering you. Whenever I have had any kind of problem (which has been rarely), it is immediately rectified. I don't expect everything to be perfect all the time but any genuine problem or complaint should be resolved to the customer's satisfaction. My compliments to the management for consistently doing just that.

A meal for two will run you about $20 to $25 and, all things considered, I always feel as though I get my money's worth. Yes, it is a franchise and that may turn some people off. However, if you want good food served with a smile at a decent price, check out Red Robin.