5. Al Biernat’s
Overall Score: 92.60
4217 Oak Lawn Ave.
Steak: Hands down the best filet I have ever been served. I ordered it medium rare and sliced it down the middle to find both sides the same warm red color from top to bottom. It had the mouth feel of sashimi. Scores: filet (14 oz., $45) 100, cowboy rib-eye (24 oz., $48) 98
Service: Most of the staff in the kitchen and on the floor have been with the restaurant for many years, and they work together like a well-oiled engine. Owner Al Biernat remembers every face and every name and so do most of the servers. Always professional and polished. 95
Wine sell: The staff is well-versed in wine, and sommelier Todd Lincicome has put together a list with plenty of big reds that are not California Cabernets, so we were disappointed when our server steered us to a Nickel & Nickel Kelham Vineyard Cabernet 2006, marked down to $110 from $145. We settled for a glass of Bernardus Pinot Noir for $15. 85
Shrimp: The long list of seafood possibilities on the appetizer menu made it difficult to stay on course. We passed up caviar, crab claws, and smoked salmon, but we were not disappointed by the three soft, pink shrimp that were meaty and had a bouncy texture. (U-10, $20) 94
Salads: The list is not of the average upscale steakhouse variety. The crisp Caesar is decorated with a tasty sesame lavosh. The hearts of palm mixed with avocado, shrimp, and crab should be an entrée. 95
Vegetables: We asked for asparagus sautéed in garlic and olive oil. The garlic was undetectable. 90
Potatoes: The mushroom risotto called to us, but, for comparison’s sake, we stuck with skillet fries. Next time we’re going for the risotto. 90
Dessert: Best coconut cream pie in Dallas. Chocolate cake? Not so much. 99
Ambiance: Almost all steakhouses are noisy, but when Al’s is full, the volume in the dining room makes it hard to hear across the table. Request a booth on the side and enjoy the people-watching from a quieter post. Everybody who’s anybody is here. 80
