News

June 17-23

Dakotas

Though you descend on an elevator to reach it, Dakota’s Steakhouse on Akard Street in Dallas is a level above many other dining choices. The atmosphere and fare are perfect for entertaining clients, celebrating with colleagues or simply enjoying an impressive lunch. Diners interested in current events are welcomed with an arsenal of the day’s newspapers to pursue if they desire.



Large tables are available to accommodate parties of all sizes and an outdoor seating option places guests beside a large waterfall. At Dakota’s no detail is too small, down to the ornate “D” carved into the butter that arrives alongside complimentary slices of rye, sourdough and flatbread.



Though Dakota’s is a steakhouse, executive chef Ted Grieb and his staff fill the lunch menu with much lighter choices.



I opted for the five pepper chicken ($11) during a weekday visit. Flavored perfectly with parmesan breading, it rested atop a bed of linguini. To add some spice for both the eyes and the taste buds, the chicken is topped with five varieties of colorful peppers.



My guest enjoyed one of the seven salad choices. She loved the seafood taco salad ($14), which combined crab, shrimp, lobster, guacamole and vegetables in a crispy shell. The seafood was cooked well, she said, and was complimented skillfully by a lemon crème sauce that accentuated the flavors of each ingredient.



Thought we dined slightly later than the lunch rush, the service was attentive but subtle - perfect for enjoying uninterrupted conversation without wondering when or whether your beverage is going to be refilled.



Also impressive was the speed with which the food arrived. The entrées were on our table in less than five minutes, but the food tasted as if the chefs did not sacrifice quality for speed.



Other choices at Dakota’s include lemon herb battered fish and chips ($11), pork tenderloin with honey coriander marinade ($12) and a popular “wedge salad” ($9).



Thought it may be tempting to fill up on the entrées, I recommend saving room for dessert.



Dessert selections vary, but I had a melt-in-your-mouth crème brulée ($6.50) and my guest gushed over a large chocolate torte ($8.50).



The torte is the better selection of the two and comes accompanied by a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a dollop of coffee-flavored cream.



Whatever the occasion, Dakota’s is an excellent option for a lunch that is understated but certainly not boring.

bwendell@bizjournals.com | 214-706-7118



EAT SHEET

Restaurant: Dakota’s Steakhouse

Address: 600 N. Akard St. (one block south of Ross Avenue), Dallas

Phone: 214-740-4001

Prices: Salads from $7 - $14 and entrees from $8 - $16

Hours: Lunch Mon. to Fri. 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Dinner Mon. to Thurs.

5:30 - 10:00 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 5:30 - 10:30 p.m., Closed Sunday