Alexander's -- Cupertino

My favorite restaurant in the Bay Area! Any time I am craving steak and/or a familiar place for fine dining, Alexanders is where I head to. I've been here around 5-6 times now since its opening in 2005 and despite being disappointed on one occasion, I would still recommend this establishment to anyone and everyone.

Cuisine: Steakhouse

Sets you back: $$$

Where the meat's at: 10330 Wolfe Rd, Cupertino, by Cupertino Square

http://www.alexanderssteakhouse.com/

First off let me say that Alexander's is not strictly a steak-only restaurant. While I have never ordered anything but red meat here, I've heard very good things about their seafood too. They also have a lobster tail/filet combo that is popular. Now, on with the steaks.

Unfortunately, I don't have any of my own pictures from this place. Again, I must have been too hungry/excited to take them. But steak looks like steak. It never really looks any different from one place to the next but boy does it taste different.

I've tried just about every cut of their steaks including the Filet Mignon, the Porterhouse and the Bone-in Ribeye. I very much liked the Ribeye, but I still have to say the Filet is my favorite. You will never experience a softer, more tender slice of meat. And warning, since I did not read the menu carefully enough upon ordering the Ribeye, it is 26 oz!! Be hungry when you order this beast. The Porterhouse, half filet and half new york, is also a whoping 28 oz of deliciousness. Pretty crazy, huh? If you do order the two big ones though, be sure to order them medium. The pieces are very thick, which results in a pretty bloody cut when you order medium-rare.

Now on to the sides... no visit to Alexander's is complete without an order of their truffle fries. I know, I know, who goes to a steakhouse and orders FRIES?? Well, if the fries are perfectly fried in truffle oil, then I do and you should too. They are the most AMAZING fries you will ever eat in your life. Seriously, I dream about these bad boys. Know that you can still order these even if you don't spot them on the menu.

My second favorite side is their Mushroom Fritters: giant pieces of portabello mushrooms that are marinated and fried. Unfortunately, because their menus are seasonal, this scrumptious one isn't a guarantee and there's no telling what sides they will have the night you decide to go. I'll cross your fingers for you though.

Their Mac N' Cheese gets a lot of attention, too. I'd give this a try if there aren't any seasonal sides that interest you.

I don't like to order appetizers here because I think it's a waste of stomach space (the more space you have, the more meat you can eat!). However, I have heard non-stop ravings about the Hamachi Shots here from my brother, and I don't doubt that they are heavenly (and also $22 a shot). I'll have to try these next time and let you guys know. I did try their Smoked Salmon Pastrami on one occasion, and it was not disappointing.

Other random tips... If you like lemonade, definitely order their Yuzu Lemonade. It's $6 a pop but it is amazing! It tastes exactly like a kamquat lemonade should. Also, I would skip the dessert here, though truthfully I may be biased. It wasn't disappointing, but it wasn't as impressive as their food or service (five waiters serve you in simultaneous harmony). Plus, they give you free cotton candy anyway :)

Lastly, Alexander's has this reputation of being extremely expensive. I want to say that this doesn't have to be the case. Yes, you could spend well over $200-$300 for meal for two, but you can also leave completely satisfied for somewhere between $50-$60. It all depends on what you order. I promise that whatever it is, it's going to be a-mazing. You don't have to take my word for it though. Just check the 743 Yelp reviews that rated this place to be 4.5 stars (on average).

And if you ever need a dining partner for this place, you know - clearly - I'm always down.

--fatty regina has signed out of chat