A few of the ones I was going to mention (specifically Al Biernat's and Bob's) have already been mentioned.

I'm a huge fan of Pappas Bros and its often a choice for our firm when entertaining. They really bend over backwards for their clientele and I've never had less than impeccable service there. Request one of their high-back booths - its almost like having a private conference room and I know that they spent a good deal of money getting their accoustics set so that you can't hear conversations at the table next door. I know many folks who go there to ink deals.

Al Biernat merits a special mention - he was the general manager of The Palm in Dallas for many years and a lot of us followed him to his new spot when it opened in '98 and left The Palm for good. Al is definitely "the host with the most" - he works the dining room and you will definitely feel like a VIP regardless of who you are.

Nick & Sams would have made my list in the late 90s when I was frequenting them regularly. Sadly, they have had a high degree of staff turnover (with folks scattering to places like Nobu) and I've had some sub-par experiences in there.

One GOOD (and not widely publicized) benefit of Nick & Sams is that the owners also own a couple of "private clubs" near the restaurant that are frequented by the social set around town. If you dine in the restaurant, they will be happy to put your name (for your dining party) on the door list that evening if you so desire some "scenery" after dinner.

On the north end of town (Addison/Plano), I'm inclined to recommend Chamberlains. The tollway has become steakhouse central but its a buyer beware market, in my opinion.

The Brazilian steakhouses around town are abundant - I don't know that I would recommend them for a formal client dinner though. Too many interruptions (getting up to go to the salad bar, constantly stopping conversation for the parade of meat that comes every two minutes, and generally LOUD dining rooms).