The Coach Grill reigns as the classic steakhouse of the suburbs

Once known as The Red Coach Grill, which opened in 1935.  The Coach Grill of Wayland, located on Boston Post Road, is owned by Back Bay Restaurant Group, which also owns and manages Abe & Louie's in Boston, along with many other dining establishments.  The focus here is quality food, unhurried service and a knowledgeable staff.

The restaurant exudes casual elegance with its cozy booths, wood detailing and stone fireplace in the bar.  There is a private dining room off the bar area that can accommodate private parties with up to 30 guests.  Location makes this place so special.  Many guests are locals who prefer to dine comfortably in a relaxed atmosphere a short ride from home.  With its extensive wine list, comfortable tables and high quality food, it is no wonder guests keep returning to the Coach Grill for a touch of urban dining in the suburbs.

The glowing fireplace in the bar sparks a casual atmosphere where anything from jeans and a T-shirt goes.  The main dining room is a little more upscale.  The white tablecloths and uniformed staff make every diner feel special.

Try their fresh jumbo shrimp cocktail with a sampling of spicy cocktail sauce.  Their varied appetizer list includes: French onion soup, Maryland jumbo lump crabcake, baked clams casino, fresh iced oysters, beef carpaccio and Chinese pork spareribs.

The Coach chopped salad is a mix of iceberg, romaine and Boston lettuce tossed with bacon, blue cheese, radishes, black olives and onions in a dijon vinaigrette.  Be sure to save room for the house specialty.  The Coach steaks are aged a minimum of five weeks to ensure extra flavor and are arguably on par with its downtown, sister site, Abe & Louie's.

The house specialty bone-in filet mignon is extremely flavorful, tender and juicy, cooked to your liking.  The seasoned and slow roasted, bone-in, double cut prime rib is another menu favorite.  You really must taste their generous, juicy melt-in-your-mouth cut served with a side of creamy horseradish.

The menu here is offered a la carte so heed your server's suggestions.  Share the jumbo salted baked potato.  It's the fantasy baked potato of your dreams topped with chives, bacon, sour cream and butter.  Does it get any better than this?

Entrees also include a fresh fish and daily rotisserie selection.  You can order New Zealand rack of lamb, sesame encrusted tuna steak, swordfish, jumbo lump crabcakes, chicken piccata, and a rotisserie lemon chicken.  If you saved any room for dessert, sample the freshly baked mango cobbler.  This heavenly delight is served warm and topped with creamy vanilla ice cream.

The Coach Grill reigns as the classic steakhouse of the suburbs because its laid-back atmosphere, attentive service and first rate steaks are still Wayland landmarks.

By Kellie K. Speed

Upscale Living Magazine, Fall 2008