12/12/05

Disappointment

by bcmorgan1

Durant's is supposed to be known for their wonderful dishes and unsurpassed service. Unfortunately, our last visit there was very disappointing. We visited on our way to the ballet on a Saturday evening. The food was luke warm at best, and the service was so slow we had to stop a busser to get our check so we could actually leave.

06/17/08

OVER-RATED

by Naomi823

My husband took me here for dinner he swore it is the best place in town for steak, but all i know is that we are two of a kind especially when it comes to food because i thought it was just ok not the best just OK. Their cescar sald is not good either its a little bland and too peppery not my taste at all. I just had to eat here once and knew i would not be back.

• Pros: Really Nice Bar Area
• Cons: Building

02/19/08

Awesome atsmosphere, tastey steaks

by Roxiecollins

On Valentines Day Feb. 14, 2008, my boyfriend and I wanted a romantic place to dine and great steak. We had to take and early dinner as when we called , they said all times are full. when we arrived we were seated immediatly, however throughout the evening, only about 6 couples in the dining area, as several people never showed up. We had an appitizer of crab cakes, well just one came with order but full of crab, no fillers. The Caesar salad was not as good, as hardly no greens, but inside portions of romaine. My steak, the Prime rib was as ordered, however with the large Fillet Migion, it was dry inside, when ordered as medium rare. The wine list was nice, lots of choices. Dinner took around 2 hours from beginning to end. a bit cramped in the corner booth, not to private. But all in all, a nice change, but would not go back soon.l Yes and our waitress gave me a nice flower at evenings end, Nice touch !

• Pros: historical, nice bar area, friendly staff
• Cons: rail system construction, cheap silverware, dishes for a classy place

02/07/08

Durant's rocks

by garygilbert

Durant's is truly not to be missed. Of course, you may wait a ten or twenty minutes for a seat, but if you are a person with a little class and have realistic expectations what comes with a visit to a highly popular restaurant, you'll definitely enjoy yourself. Do not miss this under any circumstances...but if you are a person who thinks that 20-30 dollars is too much for a plate of food, or if you think that for that price you should be treated like a visiting dignitary, then just save yourself the trouble and go to Olive Garden. Durant's is an institution and the food is beyond excellent, and the ambiance unsurpassed if you like the kitsch of a 1950's supper club, which I do. It's always a special night when you go to Durant's.

• Pros: the martinis are fabulous...the steaks are even better.
• Cons: none!

08/06/07

WORST SERVICE EVER!!!

by onyxblackattack

I made reservations for my girlfriend and I for a celebration dinner a week in advance. We entered the resturaunt and the host told us it would be about twenty minutes past our reservation time before we were seated. An hour later people who were complaining the most were seated before us. I told the host that we were still waiting and he said he would get our seats but 15 minutes later he was still nowhere to be seen. A man who was seated and went to the bathroom even passed by and commeneted on how long we were waiting. By this time we were so irritaed the night was ruined. We left and will never go back. It's sad becuase I used to love this place.

01/01/07

A Classic Restaurant

by lt2

I read the reviews before I made reservations...take 10% of the ravers off and 10% of the naysayers off and you've got a good a solid review. We queried some of the locals on it and they said "expensive." So we made reservations and went, New Years Eve, '06 at 5:30 PM.

We walked so we didn't get the kitchen welcome but most of the staff was standing, forming a gauntlet as you enetered. Seating was prompt as was the table service. The place was dark with heavy wood and fabric wall treatments. The restaurant was clean and it's staff immaculately attired

Rebecca was our wait person and what a fabulous job she did. Witty & friendly but not pushy or intrusive.

The salads were large, cold and fresh.....the cocktails chilled and robust!

We both had the prime rib.........melt in your mouth outstanding! Au Jus was HOT, the baked potato was flaky and hot and the rice pilaf was great.....we believe it may have been cooked in beef stock, what a flavor!

Expensive....yes. Worth every penny...ABSOLUTELY!!! Taking everything into account, it was one of the best dining experiences ever. We are planning a get together in the near future with upwards of a dozen guests....this is the place for it!

If you think Outback, Applebees or Chili's has good steak, this place is NOT for you! This is a restaurant for people who enjoy AMBIANCE, enjoy being catered to, enjoy fine cocktails and single malt scotch and enjoy a cooked to order meal!

This is NO PLACE for children under 18 (and I'm being generous with that age). The food is way too complex and rich for their immature palate. And, the dining experience wouldn't support screaming, whining or bored kids acting out.

Durant's is a Home Run!!!

09/07/06

SAVE YOURSELF, DON'T LOOK BACK

by phoenixduffy

FADED, FADED, FADED !!! WHAT A DUMP THE GLORY DAYS ARE OVER, IF YOU DO NOT USE A CANE, WALKER OR WHEELCHAIR YOU PROBABLY WILL NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE. GUESS WHAT? THE RATPACK DOES NOT HANG OUT HERE !!!

Meat and martinis (and maybe even a few mobsters) have made this retro restaurant a legendary downtown hangout.

by Contributor

In Short
To keep the comings and goings of its more infamous guests secret, diners have entered through the kitchen since 1950. Today, the swinging doors are portals into another era where tycoons sup next to socialites and retirees. Entrees come in gargantuan, dry-aged mesquite-broiled portions--accompanied by lobster tail or Florida stone crab (in season), and calf and chicken livers are a specialty. Linger over a trio of cremes brulee or the house-signature cheesecake.

05/18/05

Real Food and Real People

by rstairs

We travelled from Houston for a conference in Phoenix, and were directed to this fine dining mecca! I was quickly a tad impressed by the valet parking in the back but to enter through the kitchen BLEW me away! The staff greeted you as you walked into the dining room as they prepared food and cleaned. Our waitress remembered us when we returned 3 days later for an encore before we left for home. Overall we were pleased with the entire experience and have made sure any friends we have going to Phoenix drop in!

05/04/05

Durant's - starting to fade?

by benbethel

I love many aspects of Durants - the ambiance, the drinks, the onion rings... but lately it seems that their food is getting really pricey for a non-foodie meal and they're always trying to upcharge you - get the smallest filet mignon ($24) with sauteed mushrooms ($8), a ceasar salad ($3), twice baked potato ($3), and a bottle of iced tea ($4) and suddenly you've spent $42! Add tax and you're at $50 - now add your tip and you're hitting $60 - without alcohol - that's a lot of money for not that great of a culinary experience. Still, it's a classic and a place you've got to go to on those special occasions...

• Pros: ambiance, drinks, onion rings
• Cons: expensive, crowded