Austin Land Cattle

J

jimmyjazz

2,500+ Posts
Scored a babysitter last night, so the wife & I went to Austin Land & Cattle for the first time.

Hmmm.

It didn't rock our world. Don't get me wrong, it was very good, but there were problems. The waitress delivered the wrong glass of wine. My steak was undercooked (although I usually anticipate that and order accordingly, so it was fairly close to what I wanted -- medium rare). My wife's ribeye was definitely a better cut than my New York strip. The fries were excellent, as was the wilted spinach. The cooked carrot strips were a shade overdone.

Mostly, I thought the ambience was a little cheesy. It felt like the old Little Italy on Mesa. I guess I'm picky that way -- as much as I like the food at a chain like Fleming's, they always feel too "corporate", as if they were designed by committee. This place felt like it was designed by, well, a 60-year-old.

Off night, or consensus?
 
I would say off night. The decor is what it is, and I kind of agree with you there--wouldn't go so far as the Little Italy comparison.

As far as the food, I've never had a meal that was poor or even average. Service has always been good too.
 
We'll definitely give it another try or three. There were too many non-steak items on the menu that sounded delicious not to go back.
 
IMO you got the norm. I've never understood some peoples' love for the place. IMO its sub par at best. To each his own though!
 
Off night I think. I really like that place. Try the filet next time, that's all I ever get.

Their desserts are very good too. Leave room next time.

I've always sat in the John Wayne room because the only time I ever go there is for special occasions. That's probably meant to be cheesy though. Nothin like eating a steak right next to a life-size cutout of the Duke.

This is not known to many people, but they sell burgers too, but they're for take-out only. Gigantic 12 oz patties, all the veggies (each individually wrapped), big *** fries, all for $6.50. Meat is ground sirloin too. That might be the best deal in Austin.
 
yep, burgers are amazing

Heading there on Friday night and will report back. haven't eaten there since '95 or so. Had the filet and grilled shrimp and thought it was outstanding.
 
They will also prepare steak tartare if you're interested, but I believe you have to call ahead. Good to know about the burgers.

We go to ALC often, and are always happy with the food quality and friendliness of the staff. The ambience is nothing like a Ruth's Chris. Rather, it feells like "our local steakhouse", which it is.

Also, when I want "medium rare" I order "medium rare plus". This usually does the trick as I don't like my steak too underdone and I have learned that their "medium rare" is a little more rare than I like.
 
Well jimmy, I must admit to not being an actual professor (even though I ended my 20 year restaurant career as the Corporate Food & Beverage Director for one of the largest hotel and casino development companies) just like I'm sure you don't actually overreact to every comment on this board. I apologize for insulting you in any way as this was not my intention. But then you did admit to ordering a strip. But I digress.

Again, my apologies.
 
I've eaten at ALC twice in the past year. Both times I had a very pleasant experience. Each time there I've ordered the filet (Medium Plus). Both times the steak was cooked to perfection. Both were very good cuts of meat. I enjoyed the salad (even with the odd seaweed lettuce) and the shrimp cocktail appetizer was tasty. Service was great the first time. It was okay the second time.

My experiences at ALC have been, far and away, better than the one I had at Sullivan's a few weeks ago. My filet there was charred on the outside and bloody on the inside. (I requested medium.) The service was very sub par.
 
If you want a good steak and excellent service, try Emiril's Delmonicos at the Venetian in Vegas. The tenderloin tournedoes are the best beef I've ever had next to a Kobe steak at the Grand Hotel in Yokohama in 1957.
 
forgot to report on our dinner from 2 weeks ago...

Overall it was a great experience. Our waiter was in his first week, but it did not show. Very professional, knowledgable and friendly.

Started off with Shiner Bock Shrimp which were tasty but nothing too special.

I had the ribeye, medium rare with a side of grilled shrimp and my wife had the Filet medium rare plus. Also had a bottle of wine.

The ribeye was good, not great, but better than most. I had only had the filet there before and wish I had ordered that again since my wife's was out of this world. Fortunately for me she ate about 3/4 of it and was full so I finished it off. Austin L & C serve, imo, the best filet in town.

We commented to the waiter that the seasoning on the filet was excellent and before you know it the owner's son (who I guess is now running the place) is at our table with a huge to-go cup of their rub. I have since grilled steaks at home with this stuff and it's out of this world.

Great dinner, great service, we'll be back


oh, and yes, Delmonico's is amazing. Best steak/dinner experience we've ever had.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Prediction Results Threads

2024 Schedules

Back
Top