I travelled to Birmingham for the first time and tried the Rock House restaurant. The food was overpriced and tasted terrible. The presentation was lacking also. There was cheddar cheese in my Chicken Parmesean. Cheddar cheese doesn't below in Italian cooking! The service was slow. The food took way too long to arrive at our table. My martini was $12 and was not mixed well. The food was very bland and reminded me of Shoney's. I will never go there again nor will I recommend it to anyone. The outside was cute, but that's about it. I was very disappointed. I spent a lot of money and did not leave feeling satisfied. (January 2007)

We had a terrible experience at this place. They were out of just about everything. Just like the other reviewer mentioned, the cheese was cheddar. We could have had a better meal if we thawed frozen pasta. It was way over priced for how bad it was. The service was slow, and we could hear people arguing in the kitchen. I was shocked at how bad it was.

When I recently had dinner on the patio at Lakeview Oyster House, which is next door to Rock House, I was not at all surprised to see that Rock House's dining room was nearly empty. Like the other two posters, we also had a terrible experience there. The food was awful, the presentation severely lacking, and the prices were ridiculous for the portions served. Our server was neither courteous, nor friendly, and it took her almost 20 minutes before she "noticed" we were sitting at one of her tables. The bread tasted like it had been sitting for hours. The "Breast of Chicken Picata" was not even served with a whole chicken breast, but rather two bland chicken pieces that looked as though they might have been scraps. Sadly, we were very unimpressed with Rock House, and it is safe to say that our first trip was also our last.

I have eaten at Rock House for lunch three times in the past 45 days. I enjoyed each visit. The food was very good, the service was excellent. The owner and chef personally came to greet us at each visit. I had my birthday luncheon at Rock House with 12 other women and everyone was happy with service, food, wine. I am going back today for lunch with 2 other friends as a late birthday celebration. I could have picked any resturant in town for my birthday and post birthday celebration lunch and I have chosen Rock House. Give them a chance, it's worth it.

Paul,Ashley,Ritchie, Enjoyed having lunch and dinner with you all last night. It was a great day. I enjoyed sitting on the veranda and last night with my daughters on the porch. You know I will be back. Thanks again for a great dining experience. Kelly Jo Henry

I enjoyed my first experience there. The staff was very attentive and gave me complementary dessert due to a small complication. BUT, I went again on a Tuesday evening for dinner to find them CLOSED for no good reason. There was no sign on the door or anything. I have never been back. Why take a risk on going to a restaurant that might decide not to open that day . . .?

It is unfortunate that some of the ladies above had disppointing esperiences at the Rock House. My wife and I first tried the restaurant in September, and had such a great evening that we have been back three more times, twice with friends. Each time, the food was superb, the service very attentive, and the drinks just as we like them. In addition, you just can't beat the warm, fun atmosphere. It has become one of our favorite places in town, and we eat everywhere! We were told that for almost five months during the summer and late spring that the owner/chef suffered a burst appendix and then life-threatening complications, and only returned around the time that we first visited. In any case, he's back, and we think the place is great!

I love the Rock House Restaurant. My husband, Ed, and I have eaten many meals there- for dinner and lunch, birthdays, and New Years Eve. When we have company from out of town, we have taken them to Highlands, Boteggas, Hot and Hot Fish Club, and the Rock House. My friend, Winkie from Baltimore, prefers the Rock House above the rest. Their servers are professional and friendly, without being intrusive. We have been able to enjoy the great food in a relaxed atmosphere that reminds me of the French Quarter. Paul Casey, the owner, truly cares that his customers have a good experience and has made changes in the menu in the last few months- expanded, lower prices, better variety of dishes. When it is warm enough, dining on the porch or deck is wonderful. Earlier reviews cited problems earlier this year. Paul was in the hospital and during his absense,the quality was not up to his high standards unfortunately. This restaurant always receives high health department ratings unlike the restaurant next door, the Oyster House.I would highly recommend the Rock House.

We had dinner for the first time at the Rockhouse and I can not say enough good things about it. We were skeptical after reading some of the reviews on this sight however it absolutely blew us away. The food was AMAZING, the atmosphere was very cozy and we had very attentive service. We will definitely return!

We love this restaurant !

We live out of state, but we have watched the amazing growth of this LOVELY restaurant. Each time we land in Birmingham, we ask our dear friends to take us there to dine.
Paul Casey is superb chef! Recently, in July of 2007, we went there to celebrate my birthday . From the Diamonds and Sapphire martinis, Beef carpaccio,the daily bruschetta as appetizers, to many delictable veal and pasta dishes which were thoroughly enjoyed ! We ended the dinner with a wonderful selection from the extensive wine selection.. what else but a fine champagne with an unbelievable fruit dessert that Paul created for us. Such love !

When you go, besides the lovely food, please take a look around at the wonderful decor and antiques that make this restaurant both romantic and exquistive.

Can't wait to be back in Birmingham again ! The Rock House is the best place to celebrate with family, friends.

I would like to start by saying that I am a fool. I read the comments on this site and many of them were negative. Last year I took my girlfriend here for Valentine's Day and we had a great dinner. The food, service and atmosphere were all top notch. This year when I thought about where to go for Valentine's Day I immediately thought of Rock House. I started looking around for the number and came upon this site. Like I said earlier I read a number of the comments most bad, but I brushed them off thinking it would be better for Valentine's Day. I made reservations for 7:30 and we were off. We arrived at 7:15 and stood up front for 5 minutes and nobody said a word to us. We finally went to the bar and ordered a drink. At that time my girlfriends parents happen to show up. Neither of us were expecting this. They had 7:00 reservations. We stood and talked to them at the front for 10 minutes and nobody said anything to us. If we asked them a question they said they would get right back to us. Finally my girlfriends parents left and told us to take their 7:00. A little after 8 we were seated. They did give us a free glass of wine for the wait, which was nice. There were also several other tables open so I don't know why we were waiting. Then our waitress comes over and within a minute of sitting down wants to take our order. We tell her to please give us a minute. She comes back and we order. It is a set menu with no price showing. We both get the Bruschetta and the filet medallons, she gets the salad with the fruit and I get the one with feta. Within two minutes the Bruschetta is out. Mine is refrigerator cold hers is warm. Not two minutes after getting that they bring the salads. We are not even close to being finished but allow the salads to be placed to the side. I get a fourth of the way through my sald, which reminded me very much of the salad you get at Olive Garden, and they bring the entrees. I would not let her put those down so they took them back. After we finish and get the entrees the real disappointment starts. There was some kind of gravy on the mashed potatos and the meat. The gravy was burned horribley and the meat, which was ordered medium rare was well done. It was the worst entree I have ever had. I can stomach about half of the entree and feel sick. Desert comes and it is good. They even gave a free flute of champaign. Now the part I don't like, the bill. I am thinking $150 or so. We had 4 glasses of wine between us. $215 later I was livid. They were nice enough to add 20% gratuity, probably because they knew nobody would have tipped otherwise. I hope the owners read this so they will know exactly who wrote this. I put on the back of my bill, "Worst $215 I have ever spent." I then left and went home. I have never paid that much for a meal before in my life and I have eaten all over B'ham and New Orleans. I would have been upset if I had been at Applebee's and paid $40 for that meal. That is the last time I will ever set foot in that place, and you would be a fool to ever do so. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Sincerely Pissed Off,

Roscoe Whatley

All we can say is that our Valentine's Dinner experience was amazing--great service, even better food. And everyone around us seemed to be having a wonderful time, as well, and the place was packed. Also, most people are aware that many, many restaurants have fixed price limited menus on Valentines Day, Mothers Day and New Years Eve. We called around, and the Rock House offered more courses for less money than most of the other places. Some were even charging over $100 per person, not including drinks! We got a wonderful four course meal that included unlimited champagne and a full vase of roses for all the ladies for $70 per person. I'm sorry, but in our book, that is a great deal. The Rock House has officially become our favorite restaurant!
Joe and Deena Johnson

I have just found the rockhouse my time spent there was well worth it . we had reservations at7:30 got there at 7:20 we were greeted with open arms,we were early and the host thus being on Valentines day sat us in the bar.we were served a woderfull drink called the freaktini. I also could not take my eyes off the restaurant as a whole ,it has to be the best kept secert in town!!!!!!!!! I can say this I read the statement made by the jerk ,Roscoe Whatley and i,m sorry sir I was there tables were tight I must admit
be everyone was haveing a great time you could hear
nothing but great, wonderful,the best I,ve ever had.
Also were on earth can you get a five course meal for $70.00 plus champange ? I saw no one wait like your claiming nor any one else at the bar.I know this because we were not rushed in any way and were done with drink,s at about 8:10 .I also watched the onwer and he went to every table said hello how is everything ? He came to our table from start to finish,I know he spooke to us at least four to five times. I am so sorry if this comes off like this is a review done while i was madd and in a hurry because i am. I was just going to leave a nice review ,Because i had found such a great place to dine and a feeling of warmth,so forgive me for saying but Roscoe ,you sound like a fool .Our food, service,price,was outstanding .I would also like to say maybe cut down on the wine you drink at one setting. you my think clearer ,seeing I am sure you also had the wonderful champane . The restuarant I went to was great maybe you went next door .

I would like to say why are these crazy first comments still up on this site , hello did you not hear the chief and owner almost died ,and further more if any of these persons had went recently they would know he was out six month,s. This is one of the only place in this town with a great chief,that still comes out to say welcome how are you Im the chief and onwer ,please let me know what can I do for you tonight? I will say the food does not come out quickly but when it does O MY GOSH the best crab cakes and veal picata ever put to my lips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So please try the small house with big taste.

Thank you RockHouse
Nancey Tortatega

My bride and I stumbled on The Rock House with neither the recomendation of others nor the knowledge of the reviews preceeding mine.

What a plesent susprise! If you want an eclectic dining experience with FANTASTIC food, eat at Paul's little jewel! Paul and his servers are truly concerned that you have a wonderful time.

If you want to dine at a friendly little place where the owner comes to the table, turns the chair around, sits down and chats for minutes about your meal and what is going on in your life......this is the place for you.

Did I mention the food? It's fantastic!

Last night we decided to try the Rock House Restaurant for the first time. As frequent diners at the Bottega Café and the Hot and Hot Fish Club, we wanted to try something new. I have to say we were pretty disappointed. When we sat down, I was immediately uncomfortable because the room was so cold. I decided to leave my jacket on and make the best of things. The building was very old and figured that a little draft was to be expected. The second thing I noticed was the décor. Where mismatched furniture and peculiar art pieces work in a setting like Chez Lulu Restaurant, this setting looked like you were visiting someone’s crazy grandmother’s house. That aside, I reviewed the menu and became more optimistic. The selections were very enticing. As the friendly but seemingly new to the restaurant waitress asked for our order, I realized that they did not have half the items listed on their menu. When the food arrived, I have to say that it wasn’t terribly bad; it just didn’t have the taste or presentation that you would expect for the prices we were paying. The whole experience made me wish we had decided to eat at Bottega where the food is consistently good and the staff appear to have been trained in a formalized manner consistent with the pricing structure. To leave on a positive note, I will say that the staff at Rock House were really trying to make a good impression. It’s as if they had read some of the reviews posted on this site and that they knew that people were talking. We had several people including the chef check on us throughout the meal which was nice but I feel that they are fighting an uphill battle if they are going to succeed in a city with so many fantastic culinary choices. Unfortunately, we will not be checking back to see if they follow through.

This week my husband,Ed, and I attended a 5 course wine dinner at the Rockhouse Restaurant and had a ball.Mr. Hank Weitzel, the owner of Alexander Valley Vineyards was there and he and his wife mingled with the diners and were delightful. The wines were wonderful as was the meal. Women received roses and my husband and I both wish the Rockhouse could have other events like this. It was an interesting, relaxing evening. Congratulations to the Rock House for a fabulous event.

You won’t be disappointed at Rock House!
Rock House is a delicious restaurant! My husband and I dined at Rock House for the first time on Valentine’s Day of this year. We had a reservation and were welcomed and seated immediately. The menu states that all of the cuisine is made to order and therefore will take approximately 20 minutes to arrive. I love this because I want my food fresh and hot. The wine list is fabulous with a nice selection. The menu offers selections along with specials. I had the pasta, and my husband had an Italian chicken dish, both were delectable! Save room for desert because Paul makes his own cakes, and desert is divine. The atmosphere at Rock House is comfortable and cozy. You can dress in any attire from shorts to dressy and feel comfortable. There is adequate space for dining, and you are not seated so close to another table that you can hear other’s conversation. The owner Paul stopped at our table to make sure that we were satisfied, and he makes everyone feel at home. We love this restaurant so much that we have dined there again with an equally enjoyable experience. I recommend Rock House to everyone. Please try it! You won’t be disappointed!

You won’t be disappointed at Rock House!
Rock House is a delicious restaurant! My husband and I dined at Rock House for the first time on Valentine’s Day of this year. We had a reservation and were welcomed and seated immediately. The menu states that all of the cuisine is made to order and therefore will take approximately 20 minutes to arrive. I love this because I want my food fresh and hot. The wine list is fabulous with a nice selection. The menu offers selections along with specials. I had the pasta, and my husband had an Italian chicken dish, both were delectable! Save room for desert because Paul makes his own cakes, and desert is divine. The atmosphere at Rock House is comfortable and cozy. You can dress in any attire from shorts to dressy and feel comfortable. There is adequate space for dining, and you are not seated so close to another table that you can hear other’s conversation. The owner Paul stopped at our table to make sure that we were satisfied, and he makes everyone feel at home. We love this restaurant so much that we have dined there again with an equally enjoyable experience. I recommend Rock House to everyone. Please try it! You won’t be disappointed!