Durant's

For many in the Valley, Durant's is a shrine to the way dining used to be: great service, simple food, and honest quality. Open in this location since the early 1950s, Durant's has built a zealous following for their steaks and seafood. With curvy red leather booths, wait staff in tuxedos, velvety ruby-red wallpaper and cigars on the menu; you almost expect to find Dean Martin waiting in the lounge. The original entrance on Central Avenue still works, but most patrons enter from the parking lot through the kitchen where chefs and waiters are accustomed to greeting guests as they head for the dining room. Once inside, steak is star attraction, with a variety of cuts cooked to order and served complete with soup and vegetables. Fresh seafood is flown in daily, with live-tanked Maine Lobster available all year. On weekend nights, those without reservations can find themselves spending an hour or so in the lounge while waiting for a table -- which might not be so bad ... more

For many in the Valley, Durant's is a shrine to the way dining used to be: great service, simple food, and honest quality. Open in this location since the early 1950s, Durant's has built a zealous following for their steaks and seafood. With curvy red leather booths, wait staff in tuxedos, velvety ruby-red wallpaper and cigars on the menu; you almost expect to find Dean Martin waiting in the lounge. The original entrance on Central Avenue still works, but most patrons enter from the parking lot through the kitchen where chefs and waiters are accustomed to greeting guests as they head for the dining room. Once inside, steak is star attraction, with a variety of cuts cooked to order and served complete with soup and vegetables. Fresh seafood is flown in daily, with live-tanked Maine Lobster available all year. On weekend nights, those without reservations can find themselves spending an hour or so in the lounge while waiting for a table -- which might not be so bad. Bartenders here claim to mix the best Martini in the Valley less

I don't know what menu these previous reviewers were looking at, but I just ate at Durant's last night, and had a hard time finding anything on the menu UNDER $20.00 other than ala carte stuff. The stuffed potato is the best I've ever eaten. They do great things with seafood, and their steaks are supurb, which is why they can get away with their prices in Phoenix -- they're old, established, and excellent. The flocked red "bordello" wall paper only adds to the ambiance of the place. My biggest complaint is that the place tends to be REAL noisy, and people start trying to out-shout each other from table to table. Another thing that happens quite frequently at Durant's is celebrity citings. I've not only seen several of the local sports "figures" there, but also have seen Bob Saget, Rob Schneider, Bruce Willis, and Kirsten Alley in the place. Service is impeccible with waiters in tuxes -- as waiters of this genre of eatery should be. ... more

I don't know what menu these previous reviewers were looking at, but I just ate at Durant's last night, and had a hard time finding anything on the menu UNDER $20.00 other than ala carte stuff. The stuffed potato is the best I've ever eaten. They do great things with seafood, and their steaks are supurb, which is why they can get away with their prices in Phoenix -- they're old, established, and excellent. The flocked red "bordello" wall paper only adds to the ambiance of the place. My biggest complaint is that the place tends to be REAL noisy, and people start trying to out-shout each other from table to table. Another thing that happens quite frequently at Durant's is celebrity citings. I've not only seen several of the local sports "figures" there, but also have seen Bob Saget, Rob Schneider, Bruce Willis, and Kirsten Alley in the place. Service is impeccible with waiters in tuxes -- as waiters of this genre of eatery should be. And any restaurant that keeps their kitchen clean enough that they use it not only to cook in, but as their main entrance, is clean enough for me! A tip on the food -- try either the lamb chops ($29.95) or the pork chops -- both are melt-in-your-mouth, cut-with-your-fork delicious. For dessert their creme brule sampler (4 different "flavors" of this rich treat) is a perfect ending for the perfect meal --- then you get the check. Three people, one cocktail, no wine, one appetizer, one dessert, three entrees, one side dish, $143.00 . . . add at least a 15 to 20 percent gratuity, and you have a pretty expensive night out for the average working stiff. . . but as a "special" treat once a year or so, go for broke, make yourself feel important! Its worth it! less