Just back from
Pappas Bros which I visited based on the comments in this thread. In summary - I liked it and will return if I'm ever back here in DFW.
Pappas Bros has 2 locations, the other in in Houston. The one in Dallas is located in a area saturated with eateries. I think Pappas owns a few in the immediate neighbourhood so in a way, they compete with themselves (I think). Not a big deal or anything, but it is interesting.
The website for Papps Bros recommends jackets for the men. I can't fathom why. Obviously one should dress neatly for this place but a jacket (& especially a tie) would seem over the top to me. Long sleeve shirt with collar + no jeans was quite appropriate while I was there. They also recommend reservations - for large parties this is obvious but I went on a Tuesday evening around 18h00 and there was no problem at all getting in.
My server was attentive, personable and made me feel quite welcome there. I appreciated his hospitality. He was quite knowledgeable on the menu and highlighted the off-menu items that were available. As this was my first time in TX, I decided to skip the surf & turf options (plenty of them) and focus on a steak. I ordered a Rib Eye, medium rare.
Interestingly my order, once ready, was brought to me by a different server. This seemed pretty par for the course. I'm not sure why they do this but perhaps it's more efficient or something. In any case, this new server requested that I make a cut in the middle of the steak "to verify temperature". I've never been asked to do this anywhere else, but I made my incision, verified that all was well and he left me and my steak in peace.
The steak was prepared perfectly. There was just enough spice to enhance the flavour but never overwhelm it. The wellness was indeed exactly what I had asked for as well. While the steak was obviously prepared on a super-hot grill, the meat itself never felt too hot, nor too cold; a perfect "Goldilocks" preparation if there ever was one! The proportions were generous as well. Once again I must tip my hat to the Americans - they do know how to feed people.
My server managed to tempt the chocoholic in me with their Chocolate Midnight Cake - exactly what it sounds like - a moist, chocolate later cake served with ice cream. It was nice, albeit a bit much in the end.
The damage at the end was a bit expensive for one person - $88 but I don't regret the spend. The breakdown:
Steak - $36.95
Haricots vert - $9.95
A glass of champagne - $18
Chocolate cake - $7.95
Taxes + tip
So clearly, it's possible to visit Pappas Bros and not spend quite so much. But the food quality was good and the service excellent. It's tough to ask for much more.
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