It’s hard to overlook first impressions.  Stepping into the Grill Room at 8 pm on a Friday night and my first impression was – wow, this place is doing well.  Barely room to stand to wait for the hostess to seat us and watching party after party get ushered to their seats, my friend and I noted that it didn’t appear that slower financial times has hindered business here.  They must be doing something right. 

The restaurant, located at 84 Exchange Street in the space that was formerly “Natasha’s” has a masculine feel  — dark wood, a long bar, low lighting, and framed pictures of cows and sheep on the wall that have butcher’s lines drawn on them.  It’s bustling and full of energy.  The fare, described as “American Comfort Food” is hearty and filling.  This is a steak house, after all.  People come here for the meat.  While scanning the bar, I noticed a few guys eating steak and potatoes and drinking beer by themselves and wondering if they weren’t sneaking away from their vegetarian girlfriends to get a dose of something more satisfying. 

The wine list is extensive but …

For lunch I prefer a bright and lively place so Peppers Garden and Grill in Winthrop was just the spot.  They offer both a bar area with tables and booths and a large dining room.  My husband and I had decided to eat in the bar area.  It has an open and airy feeling due to the tall windows and skylights.  And the tongue and groove walls and earth-toned paint colors make for a cozy space.