12/16/08

First less than Excellent Experence

by KenSwanson

This evening was my forth Dinner @ Mastor's City Hall Steakhouse over the past two years. I travel every week out of the Dallas area and entertain several times on every trip. This was my first dinner at Mastor's that was less than excellent. Their staff is very good and attentive unfortunately the Signature ?Bone in Filet? was not up to par; I hope this evenings dinner was an aberration and not a trend.

• Pros: Excellent Service
• Cons: Concerned about a downward trend

12/01/08

Excellent food and atmosphere but beware of upselling!!

by AZScuba11

The Good:

I made the reservation several days in advance. Someone from the restaurant staff called me to confirm the day of and a couple of days after to make sure everything went very well. It was a nice touch. The building is fantastic. It is dimly lit and there is a candle at each table. The decorations, live music and upscale feel of the restaurant allow a unique dining experience. We sat near the back where the entrance to the kitchen is. The tables in this area are, in my opinion, too close together for real private conversation but it didn't bother me. The servers were quick to greet us and cater to our needs. The food tasted great and the portions were large. The staff made sure we had everything we needed.

The Bad:

We ordered a bottle of wine that we recognized was from a little known winery back home (and reasonably priced at $35 per bottle). Instead of bringing the bottle immediately to her thirsty guests, the waitress came back with a single glass of something else and proceeded to try to change our minds to order the wine she suggested. (Now when we were trying to decide earlier, she didn't have any real suggestions) Noticing she did not mention the cost of this alternative wine, I could only guess it was an arm and a leg so I respectfully declined. The stunt had me a little uncomfortable and almost made me ask for the manager. I restrained myself. The issue is: we are there to enjoy ourselves. Not to feel like dodging door-to-door salespeople. They did ask me what kind of water I wanted and from the previous review I knew to ask for tap water. Lastly, they did something every restaurant does: they brought the check when they "thought" we were done and then disappeared. I was ready for another bottle of wine, so much for that. In other countries, bringing the check without the guest asking for it is an absolute insult. Then she took the check before we left. That's another no-no. I will probably go back but will have to set some rules.

• Pros: Valet Parking
• Cons: upselling

09/09/08

NO LONGER GOOD QUALITY

by sjohnwaz

I used to love this place, but ever since last January, the quality of the meat is inconsistent. Inconsistency, in a supposed top-end steakhouse is unacceptable. I used to eat there once a month until January of this year. I have always tipped well and the service has been exceptional until 2008. Mastro's (Owner of the original Cityhall) has sold the corporation last year and it has not been the same since. I would not waste my time paying for supposed top quality steak that is inconsistent. I have never had a problem with Cityhall until January of this year and I have been there over a dozen times. I won't be going back, and will not reccomend this place to anyone.

• Pros: Nice Design
• Cons: Steak is INCONSISTENT in Quality