Saloon is my personal favorite. It is not the most glamorous spot. It does boast an average age of diner in the mid 80’s and is never crowded. I don’t know exactly why I have such an affinity for Saloon, but it scratches me where I itch every time. This particular outing had all the makings of a spectacular steak night with a full boat plus an extra Ray. Holinger bailed due to work which reduced us to one less than perfect. Arriving to the Ray threesome and an aggressively poured bourbon, I knew it was going to be a good one.

The wait staff escorted us to the back of the room, oddly placing us directly across from a table of 3 elderly women who did not seem to enjoy our presence. Luckily they were wrapping up. Apps were ordered up swiftly as there seemed to be a pent up hunger among the group. Standard seafood based apps, nothing outstanding, shrimp, calamari, scallops. A light pinot and a very good zinfindel to start, both reasonably priced and well paired. Kicked it up a notch to a cab with dinner. Saloon’s wine list isnt as extensive as some around the city but it has a good range and is very well priced. I don’t think even Holinger could break the bank here. A wedge salad upgrade was worth it and a solid example of the classic.

I decided on the wagyu strip. At this point we have had literally steak all over town of all different sizes, cuts, temperature, topping, etc. This is hands down the best steak I have had. Everything about it was perfect. The size was manageable, the temperature perfect, the marbling was even throughout, and the flavor was absolutely overwhelming. I typically don’t buy into the whole wagyu / kobe upsell but I’m sold. Sides were nothing to write about, the lobster mac is bland and somewhat dry. The spinach was a bit heavy handed on the butter and garlic.

Oh and then I made sweet, sweet passionate love to the banana cream cream pie with the oreo crust. It had it all. This dessert is worth going to Saloon for on its own. Not being a dessert guy I wasnt all that excited about it until it got in my mouth and did wonders.

A quick post dinner drink with the Rays and Cizzle rounded out the night. Strong performance with a couple mediocre spots in the middle, still top marks to Saloon. Two patrons did indeed have oxygen tanks in two.

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