The Grove Restaurant

Beautiful indoor décor and spacious, cute outdoor seating (complete with a live band), The Grove is aesthetically pleasing. The servers that brought out and bussed our dishes were nice and friendly, and the crowd was pleasant (older people and families). Unfortunately I found the food pretty mediocre. The menu options were unique and sounded mouth watering, but the flavors didn’t quite deliver (which was a let down, given the prices rivaled those of dishes in San Francisco – $ 16 for a burger and $ 18 for risotto). The burger was okay but nothing memorable, the seafood risotto was strange. It was creamy but lacked the desired rich cheesy flavor, and although (understandably) the seafood was cooked from frozen seafood, I didn’t «get» or enjoy the frozen carrots and potatoes mixed into the dish. The highlight of our meal I thought was the battered cauliflower (came with the burger) – the batter was thin, crisp and well flavored. Would definitely eat those nonstop if given the chance!
Overall, relaxing and pretty atmosphere and pleasant crowd, but unlikely to return for the food (maybe for dessert or drinks).

Great atmosphere and beautiful outdoor area. Reason for the 2 stars is the LONG line waiting at the bar. We had to go up and wait in a 15 minute line to order a drink each time! Isn’t that the point of having waiters? To take orders and get our drinks so that there isn’t a line of 20 people waiting. Our food also took an hour and a half to come out. We went there and I was barely hungry and by the time the food arrived I was starving. Mind you, it was Valentine’s Day, but I think they should have been prepared. The place wasn’t packed either. I can’t imagine how it would have been if all the tables were taken. I don’t think I’m fully qualified to judge the food either because by the time it came out I was so hungry that I scarfed it down so quickly. A peanut would have tasted gourmet at that point. Haha. I gave this place 2 stars for the eating area and ambiance. They need to hire more waiters and have them serving customers instead of standing in one line for food and another for drinks. It’s not ideal because you always have someone having to get up and order drinks. Honestly, this place has great potential, they just need to change some things around.

Nice outdoor patio, flavorful food, cool live band, friendly service… Overall excellent vibe

Horrible food, and horrible cafeteria style service. But great ambiance! My advice would be eat before, show up to hang out. Great drinks, wine, live music and fire pits!

Great food, friendly staff, farm fresh. Went for Fathers Day and they had a wonderful band playing outside on the back patio, which was a huge, great space by the way. Bocce ball as well. Dog friendly place with a kennel area while you eat. We had such a great time, and was very pleased with everything for such a special day. Seemed like everyone there was having a great time as well.

The service — the delicious food & scrumptious home made deserts can all be summed up as «perfection».
The service is first class friendly and impeccable; aimed to ensure the customer is happy and satisfied.

By far THE best place to eat in the Hollister vicinity. The menu has a few items that remain constant, but I love that there’s always something new and exciting there. (Makes me go outside my comfort zone!).
There has never been an item I didn’t like. My favorites are: meatloaf, grove burger, banana foster French toast, peppers and literally every dessert!!!
There bar is good as well, but I love the alcoholic apricot freeze!
Can you tell I love this place?

I here been by the place a lot of times and if I would have know how great is was I would have stop every time!!!
Food:
Pizza was awesome!!! Wood fired, thin crust, with fresh toppings.
Place:
The ultimate outside patio with live music. The band that was playing this afternoon was off the chain.
People:
Wait staff, bartenders, and counter folks were all very nice and friendly.
I will not pass these place without stoping !!!

The Grove, with Willow Heights Mansion, catered our wedding and also provided a beautiful cake.
Everybody loved the amazing food. In my review of the venue, I mentioned how picky my Asian family is and even they had great things to say about the food. That’s pretty huge. Um, I believe their words were something along the lines of, «American food usually isn’t very good, but the food at your wedding, yes, good! *thumbs up*» You get the idea.
Kim, who handled our cake order from The Grove, was extremely professional, responsive, and knowledgeable. We kept our cake simple with some pretty basic instructions, which Kim used to create a stunning cake with a few ribbons and pearls and icing piping details. I believe we ordered a strawberry chiffon flavored cake and our guests loved it. It was delicious. My mom even wanted me to bring her any leftover after the wedding. ;)
If I’m ever back in the Hollister area, I would definitely be back to eat here. Gorgeous restaurant (from what we saw when we came for our tasting) with great food.

Beautiful outdoors seating area. Some of the tables have fire pits but all are surrounded by full grown trees, lighted at night. We went last night to hear the live music. The music was a 10 and we had a great time dancing on the large dance floor.
The wine was wonderful and the food fantastic. The only downside is if you can’t sit outside the inside has a very industrial feeling

I really love swinging by the Grove By Leal Vineyards whenever I have to travel this way.
I equally enjoy taking new people to see this hidden gem. The grounds a re beautiful and this past Sunday there was a great crowd and band to sit and enjoy some cocktails with.
It’s right off the beaten path and you should most definately swing by.