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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Upstairs at the Grill

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

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Steakhouse
Price
$$$
Phone
+44 1244 344883
Address
70 Watergate St, Chester, CH1 2LA, United Kingdom
Website
upstairsatthegrill.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Exceptional Service & Atmosphere
Experience a relaxing meal with attentive, friendly service and a lovely decor that makes for a special occasion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
Absolutely! Many reviewers mention celebrating birthdays and special occasions here, with the staff often providing surprise treats.
Yes, the restaurant features a popular terrace area with a retractable roof, offering a delightful outdoor dining experience.
While steaks are a highlight, reviewers also rave about the sides like salt and vinegar onion rings, and unique starters such as haggis fritters.
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.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
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.
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!
The Best of Food & Drink in Chester
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.
Which Chester restaurants have retained their Michelin status? The results are in ...
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.
Best restaurants in Chester: Where To Eat in Chester
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.
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).
Best Restaurants in Chester | 12 Places to Eat in Chester
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.
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.
Best Restaurants in Chester City Centre (2025) | Where to Eat in Chester
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.
How to eat your way around Chester
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.
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!
Where to eat in Chester
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.
Best Bars in Chester
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.
Eight Chester restaurants featured in Michelin Guide 2021
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.
Chester restaurants add to its tally of stars in Michelin Guide 2021
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
Fun Things to Do in Chester at Night for Students
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!
Top 10 Gluten-Free Bars to Unwind in Chester
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.
Tourists love Michelin Guide Restaurants in Chester
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….
Chester suggestions - eating/things to do
I came on to say Upstairs At The Grill, I have a very posh Chester friend who raves about it.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit