Located at 284 River Street, Black Rock Steakhouse offers patrons a unique dining experience.
The restaurant features an interactive grilling system that allows customers to take control of their own meal by cooking it themselves at the table to their own preferred level of doneness. The food is cooked on a flat volcanic rock which is heated up in a specially designed oven to over 700 degrees F., then moved to the diners' table. And it's healthier than other cooking methods because no fat or oil is used.
The grand opening of Black Rock Steakhouse took place Thursday, April 28th and reportedly they have done very well their first weekend. The owners are Michael and Shannon Holl. Michael's mother, Gertrud Holl, was the driving force behind a previous establishment in the same spot, BJ Brickers Restaurant. (More recently, this location hosted a store, Riverside Discount Foods which went out of business last summer.)
Also see: New Business Ribbon Cutting at Black Rock Restaurant
I had the worst experience of my life here. The waitress was so rude. The food did not come out prepared as asked. We were so excited about this place but WE will never return nor will I suggest the place to anyone.
ReplyDeleteReally, it was the worst experience of your life? Assuming you're not overly dramatic you must have had an amazing life. Me personally… I've ate meals all over the world and in plenty of 5-star places in my day. Black Rock has fantastic food and located in the small town of Springfield Vermont you'll surely have to drive a while to find something that rivals it.
DeleteI had similar experience, I found the staff to be rude and not helpful. The wait time was not worth my time because the food was undercooked and they forgot half the stuff we needed silverware to be one. We attempted to go back for a second try and it was worse the second time around. So disappointed.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with both of the anonymous patrons. I have been there several times and the food is always fantastic. Ahi tuna as the appetizer and as the entree on the rock was fantastic!! I understand that this a new restaurant with new waitstaff...perhaps anonymous you should try it again...I've heard that they have made some wait staff changes.
ReplyDeleteThis is Shannon Holl, owner of Black Rock Steakhouse. I am terribly sorry that you had such a bad experience in our restaurant. I do the best I can to go to every table to find out how thigs were during a visit. It is unfortunate that I missed your table. I have revamped the serving staff, and am constantly trying to make sure things run as efficiently and smoothly as possible. I hope you will give us another chance. I would appreciate it, if you do come back in, to come introduce yourself, so I may hear about what happened and correct the problems. Once again, my apologies.
ReplyDeleteI have been in 10-15 times and have never had anyone come to our table to ask how it is except the waitress! But the waitresses need some fine tuning as they are not very attentive. I have never had anyone of them automatically bring a drink refill, I always have to ask and then I am lucky if she ever brings it!
DeleteOur server was extremely apologetic towards the slow service... and the food was great.. however, it took a long time to get our drinks, our appetizer and we had an hour wait time for our food... we kept looking toward the kitchen to see whether it would come out eventually... I've worked in the restaurant industry for many, many years and I never want to complain.. this was the first time I felt I should.. I kept hoping that the manager would stop by to say some kind words to us, but it felt like every person avoided us like the plague because no one wanted to tell us what was going on.. it would've been nice to see the manager stop by and acknowledge that our food time was about an hour... that never happened. I know that if I have a table that is waiting about an hour for food, I get the manager to go by and say some kind words to the table to make it feel right.. perhaps in their eyes we should've spoken up, but we didn't feel like anyone would really care because the manager didn't even acknowledge our table had a problem.. in all, drinks took 10 minutes (even water), aps took 20, food took an hour.. we almost walked out.. it was NOT our server's fault.. she was very attentive and sweet... clearly, organization was the key to the problem
ReplyDeletealso, servers used push carts to get the entire order out to the table. They had to ask people to move the chairs they were sitting in, instead of using tray jacks and trays... not a great idea, and it looks tacky.. just an fyi to the boss, and people were moving tables and outside stuff through the dining room while people were still dining... wait until the dining room is clear.
ReplyDeleteShannon Holl here again, I'm very sorry for your wait. Organization is something we are working on and trying to improve on everyday. Waiting for drinks for an amount of time that you stated is not okay. I would be greatful to have more information from you as to when you were in, and if you happen to remember who your server was. I am also sorry that I did not notice your wait, or I surely would have come over to try and help. My email address is sbuntele@hotmail.com, if you would not mind taking the time to get in touch with me so I may straighten out any problems in the future. As for the table moving, as I do not know what night this was, I have to assume we were moving them to accommodate a larger party that did not have a reservation, or moving them back for a group waiting at the door. The carts are necessary to bring out the meals on a stone as they are very heavy and hot. It is not safe to transport them on a tray, for the server or the guests. They are however only supposed to move them to the opening of an area, not were people are sitting. I am thankful that you brought this to my attention so I can work on fixing it. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future. Thank you again for taking the time to let me know, and once again my apologies.
ReplyDeleteWe thought we'd give "the new place" a whirl a couple of weeks ago and were very pleased with both the service and the food. Shannon, the manager, did come by our table to ensure that we were enjoying our meal and to ask if there was anything else that she could to do make our experience better. The place was very busy, and every wait-person was moving briskly and efficiently, with a smile and an apology for any delay. The salad bar was in high demand, and they kept bringing out new bowls of goodies to replenish.
ReplyDeleteThe serving rock concept was very interesting and we will probably give you folks a try again -- maybe if you do brunch! :-) Thank you very much for giving Springfield another fine dining experience. Keep up the great work, keep looking for ways to improve, and it'll keep on getting better.
Thank you for the positive feed back. Can't wait to see you folks again. Did not have much of a demand for Sunday breakfast so we have decided against it for now. We are open 7 days from 11am to 9pm. On Sunday we begin serving dinner at noon, with Sunday specials served till 4pm. Thank you again, Shannon
ReplyDeleteShannon, Just to let you know you can't please EVERYBODY....I think that your restaurant is a wonderful addition to Springfield and being open for only a couple weeks, you'll stumble upon many flaws. It is obvious that you and your husband are very dedicated to your business and I think patrons shouldn't pick apart every flaw that comes around and post on a blog... there are plenty of positive experiences I have heard about that out way the bad...Best of luck to you!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd to you the complaining patrons, stay home!!!!
Thank you for the support. It is greatly appreciated to know people understand how hard we are working to make this a great place in Springfield.
ReplyDeleteWe just had dinner last night 5/19/11 and thoroughly enjoyed it! The place was packed at 6 pm on a Thurs. night and we could see why. Lots of good choices on the menu and the specials. Everything we had was delicious (lobster and prime rib special and the rib eye on the rock). The portions were huge and the prices reasonable. Yes, there are a few small quirks like they could use tongs on the salad bar in things like shredded carrots but new restaurants always have a bit of fine tuning to do. The Bernaise sauce for the meat was delicious as was the peppercorn gravy. We loved the tiramisu as well and look forward to trying the Swiss Chocolate Fondue for 2 when we have more room left.
ReplyDeleteWe have travelled and lived in a lot of places and really care about good food. We are thrilled to have this restaurant in Springfield and will be frequenting it often for both lunch and dinner as well as bringing guests.
Thank you. Yes tongs, an after thought. Haha. Hope to see you soon. Thank again, Shannon
ReplyDeleteI will never ever, ever eat there!! Just because I listen to peoples comments. Sorry Shannon nothing against you. But the comments have spoken!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing...the food, atmosphere, and staff...you are missing out commenter from above and should stick to McDonald's where they serve it your way...
ReplyDeleteGreat place to eat love will go back over and over again
ReplyDeleteNothing but great food everytime I have been there. Thanks Shannon and mike for a great place to eat and for listing to suggestion that's what makes this restaurant a great place
ReplyDeleteThis place is always packed!!! I can see why, reasonable prices and the food was fantastic!! it's a bit loud, but I like the atmosphere, anyone who has traveled can say it reminds them of a very european resturant.Those of you who have commented above negatively should just not go, it gives the rest of us the pleasure to not read crappy comments on this blog. And I agree with the comment" stick to Mc D or Friendly's" !! Love this place! Kudo's to Shannon and Mike and all the lovely servers who make it an enjoyable time.
ReplyDeleteThe salad bar is SO TASTY & HIGH CLASS! The times we've been we've seen fresh marinated fiddleheads, fresh marinated asparagus (whoa baby!) and a variety of other exquisite items such that even a vegetarian would keep coming back here! Right down to the grapes used in mixed salad offerings- No seeds, No twigs attached to the grape - Not even 1 ! Details are spot on! Oh yeah- and DEFINiTELY try the fruit & cake fondu when you're done, the freshness & chocolate are a PERFECT finish
ReplyDeleteBlackrock has been open for a few months now and I have eaten there numerous times. The food is always wonderful and consistent. The wait staff is a great asset to the restaurant. Everyone seems very happy to be working there--even the cooks you can see thru the kitchen doors. I would recommend Blackrock for your next dinner out.
ReplyDeleteIt is an 5 star restaurant with 3 star pricing. The staff is awesome and the food even better. It has been a long time comming and it's about time Springfield had a restaurant they could brag about. Conrats Mike & Shannon you have done a wonderful job. Now I don't miss Brickers as much ! LOL
ReplyDeleteBrad
My daughter and I made our first visit to the Black Rock last weekend and it will not be our last! The service was excelent and the food was soooooo good, the portion size was more than we could eat in one sitting. I had a clam dinner and they were the best clams that I have had in years,better than that seafood place in West Lebanon.Mike and Shannon keep up the good work and congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWell I guess 2 out of 3 isn't to bad ! :(
ReplyDeleteI and my family have been to Black Rock on numerous occasions. We are treated wonderfully. The food is AMAZING!!! Ahi-Tuna appetizer and the Mediterranean Calamari---try these!! We also have eaten at the bar. When the mom and daughter work, it's like dinner and a show. Funny stuff. Don't pay attention the the negative reviews. Try it for yourself!!! You won't be disappointed.
ReplyDeleteSharron,I had found your restaurant on Sunday oct 8th you were very busy there would have been a wait time,but we saw 3 chairs at the bar so thats where we had dinner.It was very good the salad bar was to die for I'm a diabatic and I'm on a strict diet that salad bar was for me.We have been back 3 times sense the 8th we have had a great time everytime we have gone.I find it had to believe that some pople have fround your place to be so bad they must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. Your doing a Great Job keep up the good work.Jim
ReplyDeleteThis is among my top 3 restaurants 4 south eastern vermont they are excellent don't miss a chance to try the ahi tuna appetizer
ReplyDeleteOn Sunday 1/8/12 my wife and I stopped for lunch and found this resturant to be amazing. The place was packed with customers, one table was open and we got it. The server, SueB was excellent could not have had a better one. After SueB our order we went to the salad bar and could not beleive it, I could have this for my meal(it was so good). My wife had baked haddock and I had fried haddock. Both were cooked to die for. The don't see anything to complain about. The food was great and came to the table quickly the servings are just the right size. The waite staff was very good. I would not hesitate comeing to this place again.
ReplyDeleteI worked at brickers before they closed. I was told to pick up my check at your resteraunt?
ReplyDeleteShannon, over the last year or so, my wife and I have been to Black Rock a number of times. It is by far our favorite restaurant in the area! The portions are incredible, the price is right, the atmosphere is inviting, and the staff is friendly. Whenever we have guests come, we tell them of your place and aim to bring them there. Keep up the awesome work! May God bless you and your business for many years to come!
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