got a recommendation for steak 44 while i was dining at the capital grill a couple weeks back. dude at the bar said it was super swanky...this was certainly true when i visited last night right after landing from sf. there's valet out front - with a selection of mercedes parked for show. i was dining by myself, so i parked at the bar and quietly observed my surroundings. it's very reminiscent of mastro's - huge bar area that also includes high tops for casual dining and walk-in's. there are a couple of dining rooms available according to your party size, as well as a patio if you like the illusion of being outside in 108 degree weather. im not a steak person, so i naturally order the crab cakes ($39) and brussel sprouts ($10). cocktails are priced at $18, so i went with a nice pilsner ($7). truly swanky steakhouse prices! they served homemade dinner rolls seasoned with garlic and salt that are fluffy and delicious - this might have been the favorite of the evening. the crab cakes were a bit mushy; the brussels had HEAVY bacon lardons - a lot of them, which i didnt eat at all, but the brussels were good (and drenched in oil).
i definitely prefer mastro's over this joint.