Upstairs at the Grill
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Upstairs at the Grill

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A stylish split-level steakhouse and cocktail bar renowned for its locally sourced beef, sophisticated atmosphere, and impeccable service.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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Upstairs at the Grill

Upstairs at the Grill

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stylish split-level steakhouse and cocktail bar renowned for its locally sourced beef, sophisticated atmosphere, and impeccable service.

"This restaurant is more of an experience, delivering a truly memorable meal with superb food and service."

TIP

Terrace Seating Recommendation

Ask for a table on the terrace for a delightful dining experience, it's a popular spot.

Order All the Sides

Highly recommended by reviewers, trying all the available sides is a must for a complete meal.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10:30PM

Cuisine

Steakhouse

Price

$$$

Phone

+44 1244 344883

Address

70 Watergate St, Chester, CH1 2LA, United Kingdom

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Perfectly Cooked Steaks

Perfectly Cooked Steaks

Indulge in outstanding, tender steaks expertly cooked and served with knowledgeable recommendations from staff.

Best restaurants Chester, Northwest EnglandBest restaurants in Chester: Where To Eat in ChesterGoogle Review+1
Charming Terrace Dining

Charming Terrace Dining

Enjoy a delightful meal on the outdoor terrace, complete with a retractable roof and a welcoming atmosphere.

TikTokBest restaurants in Chester: Where To Eat in ChesterGoogle Review
Exceptional Service & Atmosphere

Exceptional Service & Atmosphere

Experience a relaxing meal with attentive, friendly service and a lovely decor that makes for a special occasion.

Upstairs at the Grill, Chester: ‘It has an awful lot going for it’ – restaurant review | FoodGoogle Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Chester A beautiful Sunday roaming around Chester and a delicious lunch at Upstairs at the Grill. Would definitely recommend if you are visiting. #chester #restaurants #citybreak #sundaylunch #lifesyleblog
@emilyelizabethgrace
27 likes • 1.1K views

Terrace Seating Recommendation

Ask for a table on the terrace for a delightful dining experience, it's a popular spot.

Order All the Sides

Highly recommended by reviewers, trying all the available sides is a must for a complete meal.

Sunday Spent right with the wife! 🥰❤️ Beef & chicken roasts at Upstairs at the grill Chester, followed by some shopping in the city centre, and having to stop off at @ROC’S Desserts for the best Dubai Chicolate Brownie on planet earth! Great service off Rochelle 🥰 Great day out! #sundayroast #chester #dubaichocolatebrownie #foryoupage #dessertshop @Kay @ROC’S Desserts
@endurojohn25
5 likes • 717 views
Sunday Lunch at Upstairs at the Grill in Chester 😍 Not gonna lie, this was up there in our best ever Sunday Roasts 🤯 I know, a big claim but the food, drink and restaurant deserved it. It was all very civilised and grown up. Two things that are not used to describe us 😂 There's an ala carte menu to choose from if you wanted but we were there for one thing only....the Sunday Roast 😎 Tommo loaded...
@tuckinandtalk
28 likes • 1.7K views

Inform for Special Occasions

Let the restaurant know about celebrations like birthdays for potential surprise treats.

Try Unique Dishes

Be adventurous and try unique dishes like Marmite emulsion carrots; even skeptics enjoy them.

a popular little terrace you do not want to miss🥩🧑🏻‍🍳🍸 location is: - upstairs at the grill, Chester. - #chester #chesterracecourse #foodchester #upstairsatthegrill #foodcheshire #terracechester #rooftopbaruk
@lancashirelifestyle
158 likes • 4.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Terrace Seating Recommendation

Ask for a table on the terrace for a delightful dining experience, it's a popular spot.

Order All the Sides

Highly recommended by reviewers, trying all the available sides is a must for a complete meal.

Inform for Special Occasions

Let the restaurant know about celebrations like birthdays for potential surprise treats.

Try Unique Dishes

Be adventurous and try unique dishes like Marmite emulsion carrots; even skeptics enjoy them.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Upstairs at the Grill is celebrated for its exceptional steak, perfectly cooked and expertly presented, alongside outstanding service and a beautiful ambiance. Diners frequently highlight it as an ideal spot for special occasions, with many praising the attentive staff and the overall memorable experience. While considered a splurge, most agree the quality justifies the price, making it a destination for a truly indulgent meal.

"Went for a meal here as I had a voucher to use. We decided to go on a Sunday (purely for the roast dinner!) and it did not disappoint. Staff were friendly and attentive, decor was lovely. Food was outstanding (the roast beef was so tender and delicious) and drinks menu was varied. Am sure we will be back soon."

Kimberly Dodd

"Came here for my birthday and did not disappoint, the staff were very friendly & showed us samples of the steak. Had a beautiful birthday card on our table, and the food was divine. You definitely get what you pay for here, can't to return for another occasion."

Rebecca Leigh

"We came here for my boyfriend’s (belated) birthday celebration and had a fabulous time. This restaurant is more of an experience. The decor of the space is superb as is the service! We truly enjoyed our meal and felt we were able to sit and enjoy, there was no rush to leave immediately. It is evident that the team work really hard and try to give you the best experience possible, someone even came round with steaks on a board explaining what the best options were that evening.

You are first sat in a bar area and have the menu explained to you whilst you have a drink. I had a cocktail which was lovely and my boyfriend had a glass of red. We were then moved to the terrace space outside and ate our dinner there. The space is fabulous and the food is even better- I had a beetroot tartare to start and fish for main, and my boyfriend had the scallops to start and a steak for his main. We were very impressed with our food and thought the sides were also excellent.

The team brought over a surprise dessert to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday, and some mini ice cream cones once we got our bill which was very generous. Would absolutely reccomend for anyone to come here who fancies a relaxing meal with excellent service."

Thea Aldridge

What People Like

Tender, perfectly cooked steaks
Attentive and friendly service
Beautiful decor and ambiance

What People Dislike

Can be expensive for a casual meal

Frequently Asked Questions

The restaurant is best known for its high-quality, tender steaks, expertly cooked and served with a wide selection of delicious sides.

Best restaurants Chester, Northwest EnglandBest restaurants in Chester: Where To Eat in ChesterGoogle Review+1

Absolutely! Many reviewers mention celebrating birthdays and special occasions here, with the staff often providing surprise treats.

Google Review

Yes, the restaurant features a popular terrace area with a retractable roof, offering a delightful outdoor dining experience.

TikTokBest restaurants in Chester: Where To Eat in ChesterGoogle Review

While steaks are a highlight, reviewers also rave about the sides like salt and vinegar onion rings, and unique starters such as haggis fritters.

TikTokBest restaurants in Chester: Where To Eat in ChesterGoogle Review

The restaurant has a smart, sophisticated atmosphere, suggesting smart casual attire would be appropriate.

The ambiance is described as a smart, sophisticated, split-level steakhouse with a cool cocktail bar and a welcoming atmosphere.

The 10 Best Restaurants In Chester, EnglandBest restaurants in Chester: Where To Eat in Chester

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The Culture Trip

The 10 Best Restaurants In Chester, England

Bar, Restaurant, British, Steakhouse, Vegetarian, Gluten-free. Located in Chester City Centre, Upstairs At The Grill is a multi-award winning steakhouse and speakeasy bar perfect for a classy night out on the town. A modern interior space awaits guests looking to feast upon dry age beef, which is locally sourced, and sip a cocktail or glass of wine from the extensive drinks menu.

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the Guardian

Upstairs at the Grill, Chester: ‘It has an awful lot going for it’ – restaurant review | Food

Upstairs at the Grill, a smart steak restaurant in Chester, has much going for it. There are eager staff, one with a magnificent beard that ought to be promoted as a tourist attraction by Visit Cheshire. There’s a beautiful setting, good ingredients and smart ideas about what to do with them.

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This two-storey Manhattan-style steakhouse is the place to devour every cut of meat, from American-style porterhouse to a sauce-sodden chateaubriand.

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2022 Review: USDA steaks and other meaty treats – alongside a Manhattan-esque vibe – have won local renown for this swish steakhouse in the city centre. Closed for much of the pandemic, in October 2021 the venue finally announced its return via Instagram and its website: “You may have noticed some building work taking place over the last couple of months…we are beyond excited and thrilled to finally announce that we will be back in the New Year… We have some exciting plans to transform our iconic home in the Olde Custom House Building… Our team of chefs and bartenders are already hard at work behind the scenes developing an exciting new food and drink menu… don’t worry, your old favourites will still feature!

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Whether it’s cocktails on the terrace, food in our restaurant or celebrating a special occasion – a warm welcome is waiting at this great local hub that has proudly been serving the city of Chester for 22 years. Founder Neil McDonnell transformed a mediocre themed pub into a phenomenon that was not only the talk of the town, but one that quite literally raised the bar for other bars to follow… and so they did.

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I was lucky enough to work there with Neil and Mark when I first returned from London, and now it has become a tradition to treat my better half there every year for his birthday. It is a decadent, luxurious, steak-lovers dream and always a very special experience, so it’s no wonder it has a Michelin recommendation. We’re seriously looking forward to one of our all-time favourites reopening this Autumn.

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Inspired by New York steakhouses, Upstairs at The Grill serves great steaks alongside wine and cocktails. The knowledgeable staff will explain the different cuts on the menu, and you even get to choose your own steak knife. The vibe has a moody American members' club feel, with a bar upstairs, heated terrace with a fire, and a retractable roof for dining in summer.

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tripper.guide

Tripper - Guide - 15 perfect restaurants in Chester, United Kingdom

Nestled in the heart of Chester, Upstairs at The Grill is where you can dine like royalty, without breaking the bank. With its swanky décor and delectable menu, this restaurant is perfect for date night or a night out with the lads. Warning: the steak is so good, it might make you want to propose on the spot (but please resist the urge until at least dessert).

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If steak is on your mind, then we highly recommend Upstairs at the Grill. Located in Chester city centre you will find a two storey Manhattan-style steakhouse that will cater for all of your steak needs. Whether you are after some lunch, dinner or even a Sunday roast you will find some delicious dishes that will cater for a range of tastes.

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Mob

Best Restaurants In Chester

Sorry, you need to accept cookies from Instagram to view this content. Upstairs At The Grill is Chester's go-to for a good steak. Offering your classic cuts alongside a pick of the restaurant's signature steaks, this spot is for those who like to blow-out on a meaty meal together with a glass (or bottle) of perfectly matched wine.

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Type: Classic steakhouseLocation: 70 Watergate St, Chester CH1 2LA. Widely regarded as the best steakhouse Chester city centre offers, Upstairs at the Grill combines New York steakhouse style with British elegance. Dim lighting, leather booths, and an extensive wine list create an intimate vibe perfect for couples.

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For dinner, it’s Upstairs at the Grill, considered somewhat of an institution in the city, being a mainstay for over 20 years. The terrace upstairs is a lovely marriage of what I’d call sheltered al fresco. You feel like you’re outside but you’re actually protected from all the elements; cosily lit and intimate.

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Top 10 Places to Eat in Chester – As Voted…

For a seriously special dining experience, look no further than Upstairs at the Grill. This Manhattan-style steakhouse has style and substance, serving up prime cuts of meat alongside classic cocktails, fine wines and polished service. A go-to for romantic dinners, celebrations, or anyone serious about steak.

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Wherever you choose to dine in Chester, rest assured your tastebuds will be delighted with so many high quality restaurants and cuisines to choose from. Whether you’re vegan or vegetarian or need a crowd pleaser for the family and with plenty of offers and deals available your wallet will be delighted too!

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You could bring a vegetarian to Upstairs at The Grill, but it would be pretty mean. For here, it is all about the steak. Inspired by the steakhouses of New York, this restaurant offers cuts from as far away as Australia and the US, but it’s the British and Irish beef steaks that really impressed us.

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Under the same ownership as Bar Lounge is Upstairs at the Grill located just across the road. It’s style is a traditional Manhattan steakhouse. Serving several varieties and cuts of prime beef both from the UK and the USA, it’s a paradise for carnivores and a very popular Chester restaurant.

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The city’s other restaurants to feature in the Michelin guide include Joseph Benjamin, which was also awarded a Bib Gourmand for good quality at good value, Upstairs at The Grill, Da Noi, Covino and Chef’s Table. Chester enjoyed a total of eight restaurants within the 2021 guide.

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The city’s other restaurants to feature in the Michelin guide include Joseph Benjamin who were also awarded a Bib Gourmand for good quality at good value, Upstairs at The Grill, Da Noi, Covino and Chef’s Table. Chester enjoyed a total of eight restaurants within the 2021 guide.

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Description: For a truly memorable dining experience, look no further than Upstairs at The Grill. This upscale steakhouse boasts a sophisticated atmosphere and a menu that showcases the finest cuts of meat, expertly prepared and accompanied by an extensive wine list.

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A Manhattan-style steakhouse offers a unique dining experience with the finest steaks, an extensive wine collection, and classic cocktails. Upstairs at the Grill combines tradition with contemporary flair. Address: 70 Watergate Street Chester CH1 2LA

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Upstairs at The Grill is open as late as 10:30pm most nights, serving locally sourced aged beef and seasonal sides, plus a traditional roast on Sundays. Bring your appetite!

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Very relaxed atmosphere so decided to eat there on the evening. Food was fantastic, husband is a coeliac but this wasn’t a problem, steak was amazing as were all the sides.

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Upstairs at The Grill is a classic New York style steak house serving the best locally sourced steaks. Steak house in the Michelin guide, what more do you need to ask?

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Need a shopping stop or just want to escape from the City hustle and bustle?. We think Upstairs At the Grill is real gem….

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I came on to say Upstairs At The Grill, I have a very posh Chester friend who raves about it.

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