03/02/09

INSENSITIVE, DISCRIMINATORY RACIAL REMARKS TOWARDS AFRICAN AMERICANS MADE BY CHEF!! DO NOT EAT HERE.

by VictoriaS2007

If I could give this place 0 stars on this review I WOULD. On Friday, February 27, 2009 my friend and I (both African American women) went to Birk's to celebrate an achievement my friend has been working towards for MONTHS. We had heard good things about the restaurant but neither of us are huge red meat eaters. Both of us ordered the Pan Roasted Rocky Junior Chicken entree. The meal consisted of baked chicken, broccoli, and macaroni and cheese. It was OK at best. On a scale from 1-10 I would have given it a 6.5. The food was a little bland but still well cooked and nicely presented.

After we finished our meal, the chef came over and began asking us about the food. He asked whether "the chicken was better than 'Big Mama's,'" whether "the macaroni and cheese was better than 'Big Mama's,'" and whether "the macaroni and cheese was at least better than 'that government cheese.'"

Now for those who may be unaware due to the minor subtlety of the comment, "government cheese" is what low income families on welfare are given when they redeem their food stamps. Although both my friend and I are African American, neither of us have EVER been on welfare or eaten government cheese, nor do we call anyone in our families "Big Mama." The audacity of this man to insinuate that ALL or even MOST African Americans are currently on, or have at one point been on welfare is inaccurate, offensive, and misplaced. Additionally, exploiting the poor thinking that their circumstance is something to make fun of is equally offensive, insensitive, and ignorant. Another notable point is that this chef did not address any of the other patrons (mostly White) who were dining there that night.

I WILL NOT return as long as this person is still employed at this establishment because I DO NOT intend to support such ignorance!!

11/30/07

So dissapointed

by johnreed1

Last Visit:November 2007I arived at Birks without a reservation, I was told that I will have to leave at 7:pm or I can go somewhere else, I have never been in a place where I have to timed to eat my meal or drink my wine, This restaurant only cares about the turn of business not about taken care of the customers. will not recomend to any of my friends. find a more friendly place to host your customers/friends/family.

08/22/06

Avoid mixed alcoholic drinks

by dennis06

We were pretty amazed the bartender was clueless on how to make various drinks. Some examples were Red-headed sluts, lemon drops, Tia Maria's and various martinis. If you just want to enjoy wine, champagne or on-the-rocks drinks, you should be fine, but do not order any mixed beverages; unless you are willing to provide the ingredients and measurements. By the way, the FOOD was great:)

• Pros: Salmon and lamb chops shared delicious textures; the waiter was consistent.
• Cons: knowledge of various beverages, having to wait after our reservation time

05/23/06

fillet mignon

by mrazlee

I had the fillet mignon this time and it was average. The outside was overchared and I ordered mine medium rare. The dish came with mashed potatoes and creamed spinich. The mashed potatoes was rather thin in the consistency. I guess I like mine a little bit thicker. The spinich was average. It wasn't excellent, but I don't really anything to complain abou it.

The highlight of this lunch was the the calamari. It was delicious.

• Pros: prompt seating, lots of parking, great bar

01/18/06

enjoyed

by ummm

friend of mine and I, we had a nice experience of trying this restaurant; food was excellent , we took waiter's recommendation and try few things in there; calamari were the best I have ever had ; peppered filet was nice as well, it was tender and I liked peppered flavor; friend of mine paella was fantastic and the portions were huge; we were stuffed but the waiter said that we had to try crème burlee and he was right since that was the best I have had so far; a bit pricy but not too bad;

• Pros: tasty food, good recomendations, by waiter
• Cons: a bit noisy, $$$

This bar and grill has Silicon Valley power lunchers in the palm of its big, bold hand.

by Contributor

The Scene
From contempo ambience by Bay Area designer Pat Kuleto (black-and-white tiles against dark wood) to an all-American menu, Birk's offers comfort to those seeking big-shouldered refreshment and prime people-watching.

The Food
If you're in the mood for sipping, the huge bar is a veritable shrine to fine single malts. There are also brews aplenty, perfect for washing down platters of garlicky, cornmeal-crusted fried calamari. Oak-grilled artichokes served with roasted garlic aioli will whet your appetite for the house blackened rib eye, a massive dose of certified Angus beef flavor. While Birk's is probably not the first choice of vegetarians, salads and organic seasonal vegetables are worth the stroll from the Santa Clara Convention Center. Make sure to save room for a great slab of orange-enhanced carrot cake.

02/17/05

Average at Best

by Shanster9

We went to Birk's of couple of months ago. The appetizers were very average. I ordered a cosmopolitan--disappointing. My friend had the KOBE steak, and had to send it back due to the fact is was literally inedible--too tough and overcooked. I had the filet, flavor was good and cooked perfect, but the sides were not very good. Dessert followed the same record-very mediocre. Overall, we were not pleased and will not be back...unfortunately, this was not our first experience with Birk's, we gave it three tries and it did not live up to our expectations.

06/27/04

Bummed

by johnebrown

If this is the Premier Steakhouse in this area, then they need to visit Texas. The service made me feel like they really didn't need to bother with my date and I. The food was average at best. Clam Chowder was bland. Presentation could have been done with picture cards above the grill. No flair whatsoever. I had to light my own table candle. Menus were never taken away. Dishes were washed but spotted. Small steak for the price.

• Pros: Bar, Close to Hotel
• Cons: , Value, Attitude

06/07/04

OVERRATED-SAVE YOUR MONEY

by tamale29

I HAVE TO AGREE WITH THE CRITIC. THIS PLACE IS EXTREMELY OVERRATED. EXTREMELY PRICEY FOR AVERAGE TASTE. I DONT MIND PAYING TOP DOLLAR FOR A GOOD MEAL, BUT I WAS LEFT EITH AN EMPTY WALLET AND DISSATISFIED CLIENTS. NOW I HAVE TO LISTEN TO THEM POKE JABS AT FOR MY CHOICE OF STEAKHOUSES. WILL NEVER GO AGAIN. SIDES WERE SO GREASY, STEAKS WERE A LITTLE DRY. HOPEFULLY THEIR FOOD QUALITY CHANGES

• Pros: NICE SET UP, GREAT BAR
• Cons: , LETTUCE WAS WILTED

10/28/03

Not worth the hefty price

by applejax00

My wallet is still hurting. I completely agree with cplvic's review. The filet mignon was flavorless and overcooked and all of us who orded it were unhappy. The menu is vague in what sides are included so when the waiter asked me for my soup or salad preference I assumed that it was included with the entree. The Caesar salad had brown leaves, there was too much butter in the sides, and the meat was overcooked. All for $55. Never again.

• Pros: Spacious
• Cons: Overpriced, Poor food, Service