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| - This place is exactly as it advertises: You order your cut of meat, they bring it on a stone. It's pretty simple, really.
That said, my husband and kids pick this place as their "go to" celebration restaurant. The "flaming cheese" (aka saganaki) is delicious and fun for older kids to watch, the cuts of steak are delicious, and the service is OK. I've noticed that it's been a little inconsistent lately, but from what I'm reading on Yelp it may be a management issue (turnover).
One thing that contributed to a 4-star review instead of a 5 is their inconsistent application of the "rules". My daughter is a very small kid, and she's 9 1/2. She's been traveling and eating at excellent restaurants around the country since she was 6 months old (she has her own frequent flier account). The first time she went, she was able to cook her own steak. The second time, I could order her a steak but had to cook it for her. The third time, she was able to cook her own. This most recent time, she wasn't allowed to have her own steak at all. The server mumbled something about the owner being there - and I assume that was the angry middle-aged scowling man that was skulking around. I reassured the server that my daughter has made her own steak there before, and that I would assume all responsibility for supervising her, but he wouldn't budge. Rather than cause a scene and ruin dinner, I just said "never mind", ordered the next size larger steak for myself, and let her cook to her little heart's content.
I agree with the reviews that say that the restaurant is trying really hard (and failing) at being upscale. I've eaten at several upscale steakhouses, and this isn't in the same ballpark. Rather than try to be something it's not, SOAS should accept the fact that they're not a Morton's or Yachtsman and embrace what they really are.
Bottom line: Delicious saganaki. Great cuts of meat. OK sides. Cook it yourself, or they'll cook it for you. Your choice. Could use some service / decor improvements.
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