CUTiger78

Meh.

Ray's tops my list of DC/NoVA most over-rated. On my latest visit, the steak was memorably tough, stringy, and fatty. On both of the last two visits, I had to send the steak back to be cooked more, and medium's just not that hard to get right. YMMV.

On the other hand, I really enjoyed Flemings in Tyson's Corner. I know it's a chain, but the steaks, sides, and service were all top notch.

dchristiva

The Flemings I've visited around the country have always been solid. Good recommendation.

monitor

Since we will be working near Tysons tomorrow and Friday, maybe we can give Flemings a look-see.

I also just now remembered how bad The Palm location at Tysons has been and it belongs on the "over-rated" list since it really now is mostly an after work meeting place for the office workers around there.

CUTiger78

ditto

thedoorchick

I have seen several comments about The Palm and will have to concur; in fact that was what I was coming in here to post about. I've only been to the one in Dallas, but I have been perplexed for years about why anyone would go there. It's barely average and at nice steakhouse prices, I expect food a whole lot better than average. Also, the decor was ridiculously shabby for a supposedly "nice" place.

leviferret

Chains are inconsistent - my experience with two chains last five years or so

The Palm, Tampa, FL - (twice) - Great Steak, perfectly cooked (Pittsburgh)
The Palm, Orlando, FL - (once) - Meat not tender, over cooked
The Palm, San Antonio, TX - (twice) - Great Steak, perfectly cooked
The Palm, Nashville, TN - (once) - Great Steak, cooked OK
The Palm, Atlanta, GA - (five or six times) Once, steak with no flavor and tough, other times, good but not great

Ruth Chris, New Orleans, LA Original Location - (five times) Excellent each time!
Ruth Chris, Orlando, FL (twice) once good, once great
Ruth Chris, Baton Rouge, LA - (once) if I judged Ruth Chris by this experience I would never return to a Ruth Chris
Ruth Chris, Birmingham, AL (twice) disappointing, but not as bad as BR
Ruth Chris, Atlanta (Buckhead), GA (twice) very good both times

chrisjur

I find any of the "chain" steakhouses overrated and inconsistant, including Palm, Capital Grill, Mortons, Flemmings, Smith & Wollensky and Ruths Chris.

And, dare I say, I think Peter Luger in NYC is overrated. Is it good steak? Yes. Has it really been the best steak in NYC for the last 24 years? Puleasssse.... And at rarely a meal below $100 a person, accepting credit cards would be nice (aside from their house card).

vasantn

Another vote for Ruth's Chris in the most-overrated category.

element7

Would have to agree. Been there once and it did not impress me that much. (I didnt even set my expectations very high)

monitor

Agreement here. I've been to four or five of them and only one (Las Vegas) was worth the stop.

texmanufan

The Palm. Paid the first time in Dallas. Wouldn't have gone back, but was treated by vendors in subsequent visits in Vegas and Orlando. Orlando was the worst.

Steph3n

Aventura, FL/Turnberry Isle also is a good location, in fact I think I will reserve a table next month

Smith and Wollensky <--- Sub-par food, horrible surf and turf, AND your wallet is raped when you leave too.

Gamecock

I have a new rub that goes just wondefully on a sirloin, makes the best steak I have ever eaten.. I will never eat steak at a restaurant again.

My daughter, a pseudo-vegatarian*, loves it.


*Don't ask. It's a 17 year old thing.

dchristiva

OK. So you're not gonna share the recipe?

zsurf

Gibson's in Chicago...