06/15/09

Wonderful Memorable Dining Experience

by Shame

I went to Al's based on a 25 year old recommendation, and found the place to be delightful, classy, warm, and they had wonderful food. The waiters were so knowledgeable, and it was such fun to have them go over the 'menu' with the table, displaying all the types of meats and seafood they could serve many different ways! We had such a wonderful experience, and I will definitely go again soon. Five stars! I highly recommend it to everyone.

• Pros: Most tender steak I have ever had

08/20/08

Great Anniversary

by kmk24

My parents recommended Al?s for our 10th wedding anniversary dinner, but after reading a recent review I was hesitant. Well parents are always right. We had a fantastic evening. Al?s is not modern & glitzy, but it?s not stuffy and boring either, more classy and elegant, perfect for an intimate, cozy dinner. The wood work and fine art add a touch of sophistication and the spacious seating actually let us have a conversation undistracted from other diners. No noise or hustle-bustle either from an exposed kitchen which is the current trend of many restaurants today. The evening started with a great cocktail that I could tell was made with fresh squeezed juices. Our waiter brought out wonderful dark pumpernickel bread with a homemade blue cheese spread. I really liked that you order your meal in stages; you don?t have to decide everything all at once. The dinner is paced to us, not the waiter or turning over the table. I ordered a house salad and my husband had the lobster bisque. The salad was good and the soup was heavenly. After the first course we couldn?t wait for the main event. My small filet with apricot sauce was perfectly cooked and the sauce was full bodied and flavorful. My husband?s filet, breaded and stuffed with cheese and proscuitto ham, was melt in your mouth incredible. We shared a twice baked potato and creamed spinach ? delicious and way too large for any one person. I can?t wait for the leftovers for tomorrow?s lunch. The service was attentive but not overdone. We finished the night with an after dinner drink and a complimentary anniversary dessert. The bill was expensive but not outrageous and certainly no more than many of the national chain steak houses in town. We peeked in the bar before leaving and what a surprise. The riverboat theme was incredible. We were told the wall mural was painted by former Muny Opera set designers. We will certainly be back to Al?s and we won?t be waiting until our next anniversary.

08/02/07

forgetaboutit!

by hbargine

I read the previous reviews and thought that Al's has to be the best of St Louis -- boy were we misdirected.

You walk in and the first thing you notice is the smell of old mildew. We were settled in to our table and given the menu with the steaks and whatnot on the table to show the cuts and indeed the waiters do not tell you what the prices are; figured we would just surprise us at the end, whatever. The menu is relayed by the waiters, who also do their share of tableside cooking. My steak arrived, juiceless and dry, even tho it was medium rare and I paired it with the lobster tail which was ok, with tasteless butter to dip it in. When we got the check it turned out to be $150 per person, without a bottle of wine. In my estimation, would have been overpriced at half that price. Time has passed Al's by, and so should you!

• Pros: tableside service
• Cons: mediocre food