A Howlin' Good Time at Metropolitan Grill Springfield has slowly been gaining a reputation as a bastion of food innovation. And I don't doubt that for a bit. I have been dining in some of Springfield's best-kept secrets for many years now, and I must say it's quite an experience. This so-called food revolution happening in the Ozark Area has seen many of the country's best new restaurants sprouting like mushrooms in this town and surrounding hills. And for those of you searching for a culinary experience like no other, look no further than The Metropolitan Grill or The Metro as known to locals. The restaurant anchors a convenient strip center on the cities S.E. side. However, the interior will remind visitors of an eclectic trendy big city restaurant. The decor allows the true beauty of the food to really shine, though beauty isn't the only thing bringing folks to The Metro. The restaurant buzzed with excited energy and was comfortably full with seemingly satisfied patrons. We started with The Metros famous Calamari and Flash Fried Spinach. My wife and I shared a half order of each which was fabulous and plenty. For the main course, I decided to go with The Metros signature hand cut Rib-eye topped with Tiger prawns, Gouda Mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. The aged steak was cooked to perfection as were my sides . My wife ordered Sea Bass, which came out hot, rich, light and flaky, she had the risotto on the side. The dish was executed perfectly, and the presentation made it a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. The servings were big and and not pricey relative to other restaurants trying to offer a fine dinning experience, actually much less than what you will find in major metropolitan markets. Though I would love to be selfish and keep The Metropolitan Grill all to myself, the work of Chef Pat Duran is too good not to bring into focus. There's no wonder a table at Metropolitan Grill is the hottest reservation in town. ~~B. Altizer read more

FIVE stars aren't enough to rate the Metropolitan Grill! It is by far the best swanky, yet relaxed (chill-swanky?!?!) restaurant in Springfield for a lot of reasons: 1) Incredible seasonal surprises that it features on its ever-evolving menu like my favorite, the Yadier Molina (a filet topped with a crab cake and a side of melty-liscious mac and cheese-heaven!!!). OR Don't be shy - order the Royals steak and the owner, Pat will come out to your table and cook a steak to perfection right in front of you-flames and all!! Plus your dining neighbors will get a serious case of "dinner-envy" when they smell the truffle butter that fills the air!!! 2) It'll become your favorite place for dropping by, hanging out, anniversaries, birthdays or just WEDNESDAYS!!!! Come early for cocktails or wine or good ol' Miller Light! The bar is always full of Springfiel-ebrities and you'll be sure to meet some fun new friends...including your fantastic server! They are talented, they are sexy, they know their stuff and they make you feel like you are a part of the Metro family - genuinely happy to see you again and will probably remember your name from last time! 3) You know that awesome feeling when your pet rushes up to you when you come home and makes you feel like you are the favorite part of their day...yeah, when you walk in-it's better than that!! Kari will be there to greet you and take you to their best table - one hug from her and you will forget how insane your work day was!!!! She is the best, most-thoughtful little lady workin' the Springfield hospitality circuit!! Want to enjoy a great meal in a fun atmosphere with amazing service...every time?!?! Get over to Metro!! read more

After reading a few of these reviews, I just HAD to put my two cents in. The people who have given The Metropolitan Grill a less than 5 stars obviously wouldn't know good dining from a hole in the wall! I dare you to find someone that has eaten here to say they didn't love the food! Anyone I have ever spoken to or recommended this place too, has had nothing but rave reviews. The menu is completely creative, and takes very woren out dishes and turns them into works of art. Art, in the ways of unique flavors in the food, to the very presentation of the food on the dish. The owner has transformed a mediocre resturant with good food, to a place where the atmosphere jumps up and grabs you and the food is to die for. The service is amazing, with nothing but smiling faces that greet you at the door. The wine selection is tremendous and the cocktails are strong and note worthy. Overall, the best resturant in Springfield, in my opinion! PS-@ Steve B.- If you know what the inside of a cheap strip bar looks like, then you shouldn't be reviewing a 5 star restaurant...please go back to Denney's, and keep your terrible opinions to yourself!! read more

I've now been to the Metropolitan Grill twice, and both experiences were fantastic. The ambiance works well for cozy romantic occasions or a bigger get-togethers with friends, with neither sort of customer infringing on the others comfort. The decor is modern and sophisticated. While there isn't a formal dress code, this is a place you'd likely feel under dressed in while wearing a t-shirt. Additionally, the wait staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the food. I don't think I've had better service in Springfield. All of these elements enhance the experience of dining at the Metro. Most importantly, the food is delicious. The flash fried spinach should be tried at least once - it's perfectly crispy and the lemon juice cuts through the oil to create the feeling of a thin, light form. While the vegetarian options are not numerous, they are exceptional and complete in themselves. While I'm normally disappointed when there isn't much else but a salad that I can order at a restaurant, the Metro's leafy offerings are complex in flavor and plentiful enough to be both satisfying and filling. read more

Great meal and great service again! After visiting the first time and having the puff pastry appetizer we just talk about how soon we could come back to have it again. It was just as perfect as the first time, This time I tried the steak that they cook table side and it was AWESOME! We had Lacy again (who is the best server I have ever had...anywhere) and when her boss came over to cook my steak they just know how to make you laugh and make sure you are having a great time. It makes for a much better experience when you can tell that the people like each other and enjoy their jobs. The chemistry in the staff is wonderful and the owner stopped by to say hello and make sure we were enjoying everything. I cannot say enough about this restaurant. My wife also had the Molina steak and wanted me to add that it was the best thing she has ever eaten. We are locals and we are so happy that we have found such a great new go-to place! read more

Been to this restaurant many many times and I got the pleasure of watching it grow throughout the years. Constantly changing the feel of the restaurant, the staff, and the food so you are always greeted with a new experience. They are always happy to adjust items on the menu to your liking and creating something maybe you had in the past that you just have to have again. Don't know what you want? Just ask! They are all very knowledgable about the menu and if they don't know the answer they will find it! It's a place that is created and maintained with new ideas. The owner steps out from behind the grill and makes sure his guests are enjoying themselves. The Flash Fried Spinach is a must! Go enjoy something new, they do change the menu just about EVERY season! I will certainly keep going back. read more

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. The Metropolitan Grill has been our favorite restaurant for many years! We always have a blast there with our friends or even on a date alone. Kari and all the waiting staff, cooks and bartenders too many great ones to name them all, make you feel like family! The food is always delicious! Of course you have to try the Mitchell Pizza (one of our favs) with flashed fried spinach. Also what a great tribute to the locals with the fun pics that cover the windows! We go back a long way with this beautiful restaurant and wonderful food!! read more

I will say that the flash fried spinach is amazing! It's a must eat in the city of Springfield. The menu is rather time consuming due to the "creative" naming of entrees, but once you get past that the food is good. Our last time in i had a Bloody Mary Steak, the sauce was wonderful, but the beef was lacking. The presentation is great but the quality doesn't always equal the expense. When i stick with the pasta & seafood dishes I'm always happy. For the city of Springfield It's a nice alternative to all the Olive Garden/Texas Roadhouse/Applebees type chains. read more

I've been a Springfield resident my entire life. We are literally saturated with restaurants, corporate and independent. Competition is fierce! I continue to be impressed with the ever evolving "Metro". Menu continues to stay cutting edge, all the while holding onto local favorites. Staff always makes everyone feel right at home. This is a place I can dress to the nines or come in jeans and a t-shirt and feel comfortable either way. I absolutely love that out of a place delivering in such a big way! I wish them continued success, they're my favorite! read more

Love this place. Warm and welcoming fine-dining atmosphere with an extensive wine list and fresh summer cocktail menu to start off the experience. We had the flash-fried spinach and filet tips for appetizers and they were delicious! Our server Shelby made excellent recommendations for entrees and enjoyed a wonderful Chilean Sea Bass and the "Molina" (a filet topped with a crab cake!), then we ended our meal with the dessert "OMG" (accurately named). Perfect date night, we will be returning with more couples to explore that amazing menu! read more

My business partners and I went there for a promotion celebration and had a tremendous evening! We started off with appetizers. The full order of flash fried spinach and calamari was not only delicious, but plenty for the four of us. Our server Lacy had plenty of good suggestions; our wine was perfect, our steaks were remarkable, and she even wrote us a very nice, personalized thank you note to top it off! I will most certainly be back, and I would suggest the "yadier Molina" dish to anyone. Thanks metro for a great time. read more

Metro's food is comparable to the finest restaurants across the country and world, for that matter. Whether a Metro virgin (first timer) or frequent flier, the staff is welcoming, friendly, accommodating, patient--simply the best. Lacy was our server most recently and she is very, very good at her job! She always makes us feel special. The menu changes periodically so you never get bored, and yet there are always the old standbys. Nick and Pat make sure the food is always exceptional. read more

Wow! These guys sure know what they're doing! The tastiest, highest quality food in the area, without a doubt. Their steaks are the best I've ever had, and I love their lunch salads. Staff has always been friendly and helpful, including the owner--he will make his way around the dining room to check on tables. The bar and the open kitchen create a great energy that really add to the wonderful experience that is the Metro. If you're ever in Springfield, don't miss this place! read more

This is definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Springfield. Very good steak, love their chef created dishes that are unique to Metropolitan Grill. Good variety. Excellent wine choices. Scrumptious desserts made on site. Service... is AWESOME. We have come to Metropolitan grill for several years now and for several years now Kari has been our waitress. BEST WAITRESS EVER. So in closing I highly recommend. Ask for Kari guaranteed to have amazing service !! read more

The atmosphere is amazing, and the food is fantastic! But, the reason we come back? Our service is always perfection. It doesn't matter if you have been there two times or ten. The bartenders and servers will know your name and remember it. We always feel right at home when we are there. Don't forget to thank the chef's. After all, Metro Grill does have an open kitchen, and they are always thankful for a pat on the back! read more

I say it's the best restaurant in Springfield MO! Pat and chef nick are always changing the menu to keep you on your toes and taste buds watering! The service staff is full of energy and can tell all enjoy their job and working together! The whole restaurant decor is so beautiful and clean. The bar Omg the signature drink list has some unique combinations such as jalapeños in a Margarita! Sign me up! read more

New to Springfield from New York and heard this was the place to go. What else can I say but, amazing!! From the time my wife and I walked in the door, you could feel the energy of the place. From beautiful decor to the open kitchen. The food was perfect, I had a flamed dry age strip and my wife had a grilled Seabass. Without a doubt we will definitely be back! read more

My wife and I went to the Metro for the first time tonight and were absolutely stunned. The food was absolutely fantastic and I highly recommend both the Jennifer ( Lamb) and the flash fried spinach. Our server, Lacy, was absolutely phenomenal and has guaranteed our return to this restaurant and I recommend ANYONE who go here ask for her. read more

ok ..... lots of new eats in town ,,,, But I gotta say Metro keeps on bringing it. The new menu is amazing .... Seriously, the best crab cakes I've had outside the northeast. Not to mention the atmosphere .... I feel like I'm part of the family .... only these people are cooler nicer and much better cooks than my family!! read more