Stoney River Restaurant Review

Recently, the family was out and about doing some much needed to-dos when it we could no longer deny it, it was time to eat. With a quick survey, the little ones were hankering for some steak. Where could we go for a good steak in the Smyrna Vinings area? Longhom, Olde Mill Steakhouse, Ted’s Montana Grill, Blackstone, perhaps even Garrisons?

Then we thought about Stoney River. Recently opened as part of the extreme mall makeover at Cumberland Mall, Stoney River was supposedly known for great steaks (or so my niece said who works there). Still I was hesitant to go. Something about going the mall for a good steak when you’re only steps away from the Food Court. When I’m looking for a good steak, the mall is not the first place that comes to mind. But hey, you only live once.

Upon entering Stoney River, you do get the feel of so many good steak restaurants. The dark wood and leather, the clubiness, the large selection of wines. We were seated promptly and left to figure out what in the world we were going to eat in a steak restaurant. That’s always a tough decision.

Well the kids, who wanted to go to a steak restaurant, pick steak, of course. NOT. Can someone explain this to me. When given the option between mac-n-cheese and steak, why do kids opt for the gooey noodle stuff? Anyway, my daughter opted for the entree with the specially prepared sliced bread, artisan cheese and warmed and toasted to medium well. Alright, so she ordered the grilled cheese. My son picked the mac-n-cheese and they ordered asparagus to split.

My wife ordered the Sea Bass and I was the brave one and ordered the Lodge Filet. I also started off with what is commonly known as a wedge salad. However, at Stoney River, they called it the Head of Lettuce. As it turned out, it’s appropriately named. Rather than a quarter of a head of iceburg lettuce (a wedge), you get an entire half head of lettuce, covered with blue cheese dressing, bacon and tomatoes. It was excellent. In fact, I had to keep beating my kids off with my extra fork. I thought they didn’t like salad! Anyway, it’s always helpful to have that extra fork in times like this.

Perhaps what Stoney River is also known for are their little rolls, served hot with a honey cinnamon butter. Almost like hanging out at Krispy Kreme when the “Hot Now” sign comes on. Those little pups were good.

Our entrees arrived and looked great. As usually happens, the kids decided that our food looks better. While the mac-n-cheese was actually really good and my wife claimed that the grilled cheese was fabulous, I would have to say that the steak and Sea Bass were better.

The Sea Bass was sauteed and served with a coconut-lemongrass reduction with sauteed shitake mushrooms, red peppers, ginger, cilantro and served with jasmine rice. The menu aptly described it, but the flavor was pure delight. My 10 oz. Lodge Filet was cooked perfectly at medium rare and was accompanied by a stuffed baked potato. Wonderful!

We also selected a bottle of Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc to go with our dinner. While a big, hearty Zin might have gone better with the cow, the Sauvignon Blanc was great on a warm day. I think my only real complaint about Stoney River was their overpriced wine list. Anyway, back to the food.

So while on paper, the mac-n-cheese and grilled cheese sound so much better, in person it’s a different story. That’s why our kids opted for eating way too much of our entrees and we were left eating simple carbohydrates with orange cheese on them. Last time I’ll take them to Stoney River.

I think by now you’ve gotten the gist that we really enjoyed out trip to the mall steakhouse, otherwise known as Stoney River, and would recommend it. We thought the meal was great and the service friendly and prompt.