Highland Grill, one of St Paul’s food gems since opening in 1993, located at 771 S. Cleveland Avenue, has recently remodeled its restaurant design and menu. In an interview with the chef, Francis Gonzalez, he said the focus of the grill’s change was to create a more earthy and fresh feel.

When I went to check the new look out with my dad, I felt the new feel the moment I walked in. The bright lighted sign reading Highland Grill was gone. Instead, it was a wooden sign hanging over the door with green leaves. Being a creature of habit and a proud fan of Highland Grill for over a decade, I was worried that they had lost the essence of what the grill was supposed to be; a grill with grill food. When walking into this cozy diner, I noticed the red and black colors were replaced with wooden floors and tables, and plenty of animal paintings on the walls that fit Gonzalez’s focus. My worries continued. Judging from the new earthy fresh look, it would seem like they were trying to discard all “unhealthier” foods.

Highland Grill has always been known make food the way it should be made, with adding enough of their own flare to make it unique. It was not fast food, but it wasn’t food from Whole Foods either. When I went to check the new look out, I ordered the classic burger, one of Highland Park’s classics, to make sure that they hadn’t lost their flare. It was merely a patty, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and cheese on a toasted bun. I was looking for a hamburger, and even though the restaurant had shifted slightly in appearance and menu items, they still knew how to make a good hamburger. After the first bite of steaming hot patty and melted cheese, I was not only relieved, but once again amazed at the deliciousness of their burger. They have not lost their flare. I could have ordered the salmon, or one of their five brand new salads which were solid as well, but I just wanted a burger, and they got the job done.

Other neighborhood favorites such as the killer banana waffles are coming back by popular demand. The friendly service of the waiters, along with the energized atmosphere from all the customers made the dining experience fun.

In the end, Highland Grill is a perfect mix of food that makes both you and your body happy.

Rating:  4 1/2 out of 5 stars

The service is still great. The energy inside the restaurant is great. But it ultimately comes down to the food, which is still great, if not greater than it was before.