I frequent T-Bones every other full-moon or so, whenever I have a craving for cheap steak. The $11 (16 ounce) steak special is about $13+ now but I've paid more than that for a poutine (it was fois gras, but I digress). You can check out the other reviews regarding the décor or the "sketchiness" of the place and the "interesting" people you meet there in the late evenings/early mornings, but I want to focus on the food.
16 once Steak Special w/ mashed potatoes & gravy - the steak cooked medium rare was just as it should be. Sure it's not the finest steak you'll ever have, nor will it be aged to perfection but it is decent for its price (even with the increase) and it does satisfy that inner-cave-man craving for cooked meat. They charge extra for gravy, mushroom and onions. The gravy is ok and the onions are always a good match with the steak (just note that it's really oily and you can definitely taste the oil as opposed to the sweet sautéed onion flavor) but do NOT (I repeat) do NOT order the side mushrooms. Unless you don't know what a mushroom is and you have a distinct taste for salty CANNED mushrooms with an aftertaste of arm-pit sweat, don't be fooled into thinking you'll get Keg-like quality mushrooms (yes I love mushrooms and feel strongly about it :P).
2 Pork Chops Dinner - the pork chop was a little dry for my taste but the fatty parts that they left on the pork chop helped add moisture and tenderness to the meat. It wasn't that flavourful but I do like my pork chops even if it's just seasoned with salt and pepper. I wish they had chicken-fried-pork chops at T-Bones...one can only dream.
Is this place an ideal first-date locale? Probably not. Unless she's awesome and can enjoy a good value meal with good company and can finish a 16 once steak with grace and poise...then she's a keeper ;)
I give this place ***1/2 stars.