Dallas Steakhouses: Dakota's
Upon visiting North Texas, one requirement is to eat somewhere that serves incredible steak. The top of the line include Bob's Steak & Chop House, Chamberlin's, Ruth Chris Steakhouse, and Houston's. Having eaten at all those, however, there is one that is not only a cut above, but has the atmosphere and setting to really carry it off. If you can find it! The best steak in Dallas can be had at a little underground restaurant named Dakota's Restaurant (www.dakotasrestaurant.com).
By following the link you can view the menu and more detailed directions--it can be a little tricky the first time. The plus side: there is only valet, so no need to worry about parking. Dakota's is located in downtown Dallas, 600 N. Akard St, Dallas, TX 75201. Anyone having trouble locating the restaurant should call (214) 740-4001--they're used to it. The only thing you'll see on the street is the elevator entrance (complete with signage, of course!) and valet awning. Once on the sidewalk, the above photo is your view. After someone takes your keys, you'll descend the elevator to a dark underground restaurant where you couldn't find better aged steaks and wines.
The underground location is due to the real estate belonging to a church. A clause in the deed would have prevented them from selling alcohol on former church grounds. So they simply put the restaurant underground and cleverly bypassed the problem. What you have now is a real treat--a wonderful secret and a great place to show your friends if they've never been before. You can also sit outside, weather permitting, by the decadent waterfall.
Dakota's is always running specials (3 course lunch and dinners), Saturday night live music sessions, and an incredible wine selection. Everything on the menu is savory, but the USDA prime steaks (dry aged for four weeks) are the real star. I can never stop ordering the filet mignon with--here's the best part--a side of truffle butter sauce. It's $3 extra, but they are severely undercharging for what is one of the most succulent things I've ever tasted.
It's a very nice night out--dinner for two (including a bottle of wine) will certainly run close to $100, depending on appetizers and just how crazy you want to be. However, it's easily competitive in price to all the other great steakhouses in town, and you get so much more here. If you're looking for sawdust floors, keep looking. If it's quality and class you seek, look no further. Reservations strongly recommended!
