Tucked away in the Paoli Shopping Center, Baxter's American Grille is a neighborhood happy-tappy/restaurant/sports bar serving up an eclectic mix of comfort fare, pub grub, classic sandwiches, and house specialties. It's pretty obvious that Baxter's isn't exactly the Ritz... but neither is it pretending to be. On the other hand, if you're in the mood for a burger & brew, or just some laid back comfort fare, it's definitely a place to consider. After all, man does not live by foie gras alone. I've always been of the opinion that each restaurant should be evaluated individually - on the basis of how well it fulfills its own particular raison d'être - not en masse. But regardless of where you're dining - however humble or upscale - it's always a good idea to go with what the restaurant's kitchen does (or proports to do) best. Based upon my years of experience as a food writer, the dishes that Baxter's - and restaurants of similar ilk - seem to do best are those that require the least amount of fuss. Take a gander at Baxter's globe-trotting menu... you find such diverse items as steaks & prime rib, chicken parm, Thai stir fry, all-American calf's liver, and a variety of seafood... There's simply too much going for the kitchen's reach not to exceed its grasp... If I want an 8-ounce filet, I'll go to a steakhouse; if I prefer chicken parm, I'll pay a call at my favorite Italian restaurant. Thai stir fry? My go-to Asian eatery... And when I chow-down at Baxter's, as I have over the years, I stick to the pub-grub or similar fare. This, of course, doesn't guarantee success... but it certainly puts the odds solidly in my favor. During our most recent visit, however, my permanent dining companion and I decided to take the "comfort food" route - she settling on the Fish & Chips; I opting for the Home-Style Meatloaf - both of which proved to be somewhat disappointing. When I think about fish & chips, I can't help but recall an incident that took place several years ago... My companion and I were visiting a New Jersey restaurant (thankfully now defunct) that I planned to review. We were seated at the bar enjoying a preprandial libation and checking out the menu. When my companion spied the fish & chips, she asked the bartender his opinion. "What can you do to fish & chips," he shrugged. Well, actually you can do a lot - in this particular case, none of it good. For no matter how straightforward a dish may be, a kitchen can find any one of a number of ways to muck it up. I'll spare you the gory details... but let me simply say that the sorry specimen we were served has remained the worst representative of the genre it has ever been our displeasure to ingest. Fortunately, Baxter's version, while not exactly receiving my dining partner's enthusiastic imprimatur, at least did not incur her wrath. The haddock was at the peak of good health, she said, the batter judiciously applied & done to a golden brown, and the accompanying sweet potato fries perfectly crisp and beyond reproach... Her final word on the matter: "Acceptable." ... And the same could be said for my meatloaf. Hardly the incredible "diner" meatloaf of childhood memory - for which I constantly search - but adequate nonetheless. On the positive side, the texture, neither too dense nor too mushy, was right on the money. And the portion size, as you'll note from the photograph, was certainly generous. On the other hand, the meat lacked anything even approximating seasoning... And the flood of bland-leading-the-bland brown gravy did little to ameliorate the situation. The pillow of mashed potatoes was so-so at best... But, kudos to the kitchen, the side of house-made coleslaw was quite good. Dessert choices round up all the usual suspects... Dark Chocolate Mousse... Apple Crumb Pie a la Mode... New York Cheesecake... Carrot Cake... and Baxter's Brownie Sundae (pictured). This latter offering is clearly the way to go. A Ghirardelli triple chocolate brownie is crowned with vanilla ice cream, splashed with caramel and chocolate sauces, and finished off with whipped cream and a cherry. Yes, very old-fashioned... but very good, very rich, and very suitable for sharing. read more

See all

very good food and nice family ambience. It took a while to put our order in but after that service was good. Reasonable prices. Will go again! read more

Good food. Nice variety. The dining and bar area are nice. The service was a little slow but in their defense there was bad weather and they said they were short handed. I would def try again. Soup was really good. read more

Omg. So damn good! Food delicious and service excellent. Best local neighborhood pub.

Bar service was excellent and our take meal which included the prime rib and lobster tail was excellent as well

With it being titled as an "American Grille" I stopped in at lunch to get a sandwich, and quickly learned that's not what this place is for. Notably, while they have soups, salads and flatbreads, there are no sandwiches on their large menu, but there is an entire page devoted to alcohol. Judging from the other people there at lunch time, liquid lunches seem to be their forte. Defaulting to a salad, it too was disappointing. With so many other good places in the area, I won't be returning. read more

You will never find a more purely American food and atmosphere place anywhere else. The first room is the full bar with wood and a bit dated by now decor. The second room is booths also wood and dated decor, but everything seemed solid and clean. We were there for dinner and it seems popular with the older set. Service was enthusiastic and frequent, cocktail list was solid and drinks were strong. The menu- just absolutely American/east coast. It's like going to a diner and slicing out all the pages that aren't strictly burgers/sandwiches/open faced sandwiches/fried stuff. I was delighted. I got the classic chicken salad and fried oysters which was mediocre- no seasoning in the salad and oysters a big greasy. But my partner got the rueben and said it was the best they had in years- perfectly crisp bread, balanced delicious meat and dressing, with chips and pickles on the side. Parking is easy through the whole plaza and as long as service and cleanliness stays solid I would absolutely come back next time I want a burger or sandwich or solid American fare. read more

Found the place online and decided to meet my wife and daughter there. Wasn't sure what to think when we went in. Looked like where the local retirement community came to dine for the evening. Small bar right when you walk in, a couple TVs. Not sure if I even saw any decor on the walls. Dining room was to the left, again nothing remarkable. Nevertheless, the food ended up being very good. The bang bang shrimp could've had a little more bang bang but it held a crunch despite the sauce and did have good flavor. The snapper soup paired with the bread brought to the table was very enjoyable. I got to sample the burger as well as the turkey dinner (juicy turkey piled on white bread smothered in some kind of magical gravy paired with skin on mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce) from my wife and daughters plates and both were very tasty. The fries were crispy, even the sweet potatoes fries had a nice crunch which they hardly ever do at restaurants. The beef in my french dip was full of flavor, wrapped in a nice soft roll, covered in melty cheese. The waitress was also very friendly and attentive. Overall everything was very good. I don't know if I'll be back but I'm definitely glad I ate here. read more

Hidden gem. The food service and atmosphere were great. Looking forward to returning.

After a long day we got here at 9:30pm when they close at 10pm. Got welcomed with a smile and Janet was amazing! She was so patient with us while we figured out our order, and food was delicious!!! It was a great feeling, great live music and awesome food! Thank you for my special bowl of soup and a great night! read more

See all

Not a great place. Tonight they had a live musician who was louder than words can describe. The food was awful. Microwaved soup. Over cooked chicken. Powdered mash potatoes. I sent it back. To give them some credit, they did remove my meal from the bill and the waitress was very polite. Free WiFi here. Hackers dream. All the POS terminals and the credit card machines as well as the TV's are on the same network. read more

Baxter's American Grille - Rubbery chicken. Powdered mash potatoes. Funky tasting mushrooms. Sent it back. - American Near Me - Paoli, Pennsylvania

Baxters really is a three-star place as another reviewer already mention but deserves for stars because frankly the food was great and the service/bartender was outstanding. All Baxters really needed was a fun crowd. This bar has the makings of a great upper scale dive bar. It clearly has a following of the "older set. We were absolutely delighted to find out our friend Jeff Dominik was the guitar player so we had to come out and have a good bar food and great tunes. I am adding Baxters back to the rotation for sure. Can't wait to try their lollipop lamb chops on the appetizer menu. I enjoyed the Philadelphia platter consisting of chicken salad and fried oysters. Let's keep this place alive... With some business read more

Baxter's American Grille - Nice size lobster for lobster special - American Near Me - Paoli, Pennsylvania

See all

This has to be the best Prime Rib available in the area period...and I have eaten at Ocean Prime and they can't touch it. It came to me sizzling on a sizzle pan and it was perfect just like i ordered it. The wait staff are very attentive to you and Kudos to Dina and Lisa the 2 waitresses that took care of our area and it was phenomenal...we also told them to inform the owner of the same. Great time good atmosphere and people and covid safe....whT more could you ask for. read more

Baxter's American Grille - steak in a skillet - American Near Me - Paoli, Pennsylvania

See all

We have been going to Baxters in Paoli for 20 years.The food is Great! the employees are professional and friendly. It's like going to Cheers with entertainment on the weekends. read more

This place has been a family favorite for almost 30 years. My grandfather was a regular here so I felt like we needed to pay tribute when we visited PA. The food is good and the staff are all so friendly. The place could use some upgrades but that's also part of it's charm read more

Baxter's American Grille - American Near Me - Paoli, Pennsylvania

See all

I have to revise my review, this place is a mess now. Our orders is always messed up and the customer service is terrible. Use to love going to Baxter's but won't be back. I'm a little shocked they are still even open. read more

We had a great dinner out yesterday for Mother's Day! We recommend making a reservation as they were very busy for the holiday. Our waitress Dina was awesome! Service was quick and she came by often to check on us. Their prime rib is to die for so delicious. Also enjoyed dessert of chocolate mousse and cheesecake. Will definitely be back, we had great service and a great meal! read more

Very disappointed and hope they get back on track. Will give it another try in a few months. Once my favorite area tavern. read more

Baxter's American Grille - Have not been here in a while as we moved a large distance away. Still one of my favorites. Wish they were closer. - American Near Me - Paoli, Pennsylvania

Baxter's is the epitome of the age old question...if a mediocre bar fall in the forrest and no one is around to care...does it make a sound? Baxter's isn't good. It isn't bad. It just is. There are some things I like and somethings I don't...but even those things I just don't really care about too strongly. It is like when I walk inside all ability to give a fuzzy crap about anything just suddenly disappears...but not in a good way...in a very disorienting and upsetting kind of way...like seeing Tilda Swinton naked. It isn't good. It isn't bad. It isn't hot. It isn't not. It is just there. The atmosphere is nothing special. Brown wood walls, Nondescript carpet that I don't even remember the color. I think green. Who cares? I sat down to eat with my ex-girlfriend. She had just gyrated half naked for a bunch of Elk Lodge hornballs from Cleveland. She was hungry. I was hungry. We had a very ho hum meal. I had prime rib, a specialty, and it was good. It wasn't special, it wasn't memorable except to say that I kind of remember liking it. I can't tell you what Molly Mounds had to eat...but I remember her thinking it was okay. Second time I just wanted a beer. It was a long day at the underwater basket weaving plant and my hands were killing me! I sat down at a table near the bar and waited 10 minutes to get my first beer and 24 to get my second. I asked for the check at the same time I ordered my second beer. In 24 minutes I should have at least 4 beers. Everyone walked around in slow motion. The energy sucking demon had possessed them so thoroughly I am sure that when they go home at night from their shift that there is a visible hole in their chest from where their soul has left their body. To make the experience even more shallow...there was an older man playing a guitar that I swear if I stayed any longer I would have fallen asleep. I kid you not. He was like Dave Matthews less talented older uncle...if you can think of someone less talented than Dave Matthews. I know...it's horrifying. But even that didn't give me the ability to care. Normally i would have smashed his guitar over his head and been led out screaming until the police or the PCP got a hold of me. Would I go back...I am honestly not sure. Dinner wasn't memorable. The bar isn't memorable. Right now as I type this I am wondering why I wasted the few minutes. I want to feel something...anything...great...thanks Baxter's...I guess it is back to cutting...I need to feel...I need to feel... read more

This is a solid 3 start place but i am giving it 4 as the food I had happened to be excellent - but i ordered a special. Lobster Salad on an English muffin with hollandaise (from a mix?? - I got it on the side and it came cold - so that part wasn't excellent). Very good service for a relaxing lunch. Not cheap - but not expensive either. Medium price, medium food, and mediocre decor (needs a re-fresh from 1992). Lots of older folks eat here - but they often know where the nice quiet places are. I will definitely be back. Very good service from our friendly female server. (Can't remember her name.) And a full bar! read more

Lunch; Good Service, tasty food but SMALL PORTIONS for the Price... I ordered the Roast Beef Carvery Sandwich with Cheese $9.50 and. Paid the extra $1.00 the fries instead of Coleslaw or chips. The sandwich was a small Club roll and maybe 20 fries. The plate was big with alot of open space. With an iced tea and tip, I spent $15.00 for a few fries and a tiny sandwich. Mind you it was tasty what I had, but not worth the price. I will go to the other baxters for a bigger sandwich and slightly lower price. read more

I will admit I have been to Baxters several times and have yet reviewed the place yet...my bad! The place is not much to look at, but they have great food and friendly service. Larry the bartender is always ready with a trivia question and really makes you feel welcome. I have come with business colleagues for lunch about 6 times and have never been disappointed and I recommend the cheese steaks, chicken salads, and turkey plate. You won't be disappointed if you look past their appearance of just another bar! read more

We eat there often. The food is always good; the atmosphere is excellent; and the service is great. We would recommend to anyone. Diane & Sam read more

This is my local pub. Great people, excellent service and consistently good food. I also love the live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. read more

Delicious appetizers and a great atmosphere. I'd highly recommend the bacon wrapped scallops before ordering up a nice steak. Highly recommend! read more

Met some friends here for lunch one day, purely for the convenience in location and because they had a couple of vegetarian options on their menu. While waiting for my friends, I ordered a Bloody Mary, which was the best part of the meal. They make their own mix, which was fantastic! The vegetable wrap I had was just okay, with not a lot in it as far as volume or substance, wrapped in a plain white tortilla. I had the option of having fries for an additional charge but just went with the chips instead. For some reason I assumed, not having read the description carefully, that the chips were house-made like they are in so many other restaurants. They were not and I think came from a bag of Ruffles. All in all, very mediocre and I wouldn't eat there again. This also seems to be the local hangout for a lot of older people, and to give you a point of reference, my friends and I are in our fifties and were the youngest people in the place except for the staff. read more

What a great place!! The service was awesome and very accommodating! Came in as a party of 18! Well done getting us in and out in under 90 minutes!!! Cindy was the best!! read more

Recently stopped in at Baxters which was kind of hidden behind the pet store in the Paoli shopping center. . The food looked pretty good (never actually ate). It was a Friday night and it wasn't too busy. The waitress I had though was absolutely atrocious. I think her name was Courtney. She was telling us the specials and on the middle of her speaking to us she just walks away... There was no " excuse me for a min" or " I'll be right back" nothing. 15 mins later she comes back with our drinks puts them on the table and again walks away without a word. Now, I got a miller light draft . I've drank Miller light a million times... this wasn't a miller light.. At this point I'm just happy to get my drink. Finely she get our order simple enough I got a cheese steak as described on the menu with fries my wife gets a Cesar salad with chicken. Again it's a Friday night and it's not busy. As we are sitting there something catches my eye under the table across from us... it's seems that there's a mouse trying to dine out as well. At this point I just want to leave the food comes and the waitress nowhere to be found I look for someone to get us our check so we can go. We didn't really want to take the food but we didn't want to make a Seen. We just want to leave. Another waitress comes over after waving her down she gets us boxes and go into a long dissertation on why there's a mouse and every restaurant has mice and blah blah blah. I was floored finally we get our check and get out of this nightmare. read more

Had a very disappointing, awkward experience with our server. Would appreciate if the owner would reach out to me to discuss this.

The food is just OK the smoking area is right next to the outdoor dining area it's quite unpleasant and the smoke leaks into the eating area which we find gross and therefore we will not be back read more

Seriously good down home food, you feel like your an American eating in there with meat and potatoes, chili, wings, and awesome french onion soup. It's a nice laid back kinda place. Its always a little dark in there, I could definitely see a few people meeting there if they were having an affair type place, but it can just as easily be a great place to meet a business partner for lunch. I cannot speak for the bar, only the food, but I've been there dozens of times throughout the years and I've never had a bad meal. It is what it is...and that's just plain good! read more

Extremely disappointed in the quality and preparation of the food this past Saturday night. No need to go into detail other than the fact management did the right thing and removed the it entree from the bill. I was told "we have a new chef". They need to run a new add. read more

A group of four to six of us meets here once month or dinner. The food is usually just so-so but something was different last night. I had one crab cake with sugar snap peas and cole slaw. The peas were cooked just right and the slaw was delicious. I don't usually like fries but a friend had fries that tasted as good as they looked. The crab cake was just OK. Service. No smile. Not very attentive. Ongoing experience here that the servers just arrive at the table and start talking without any sensitivity about the table's occupants engagement with each other. It would help if the server would appear and pause for just three seconds to allow us to finish a sentence and turn our attention to her naturally. Aaarrrgghh! She can find this nine seconds in the time she saves by not coming back to offer refills on water and iced tea and coffee. Yes. We ask for separate checks. Yes, it is annoying to server and it shows. What the server doesn't realize is we do it for her benefit as one of our group is a very, very poor tipper and would bury her money in to hide that fact. read more

Baxters has the atmosphere where you will find the same people there everyday. I'm not saying thats a bad thing, it's a nice laid back place where you can watch a game at the bar. I've had lunch their a couple times and although it sports a decent area for people sitting down to eat, the food is pub-ish and greasy, which isn't really my taste. I know plenty of people that enjoy Baxters, but it's not first on my list for places to eat. read more

Food is good. People are friendly. But the music scene there is snoozeville. I'm tired of all the same acts. I swear that every place in Chester County only knows like 4 music groups. Free yourself from the tired music!!! read more

It's ok, not great. The au jus of the prime rib was just a broth. The apple tort crust is listed as flaky on the menu, but comes soggy and doughy. My review would be tougher except for the fact that they took off the apple torts from our bill. read more

I'm still trying to figure out why my first review was removed. I love Baxter's. The food is awesome and the staff is extremely friendly. They even hug the regulars on their way out. Ed the owner is always stopping by to make sure everything is just right. Always a great experience. read more

Cozy bar and grill with strong local following. Great steaks, along with a broad (if somewhat) standard menu selection. This is a nice place to go when your looking for a nice place to eat that is not your typical big box restaurant. read more

Best Buffalo wings I ever had.I also had the open faced turkey with gravy which was very good.Atmosphere is very nice with a friendly crowd. There is also good entertainment on Thursday Friday and Saturday nights. I will be back. read more

Lizzie was a polite and attentive server. Our brunch was exactly what we ordered, served hot and flavorful, on a recent visit this past Sunday. Menu has standard fare nothing really jumped out but what our party ordered was executed well. It had been many many years since my last visit only because I don't live in the area anymore... Brought back some memories. The decor is dated and "close" but our server was a pleasure to look at! Will I be back maybe some day but to many restaurants between here and home! We did enjoy though! read more