Ben Benson's Steak House   

I'm a little puzzled by the negative reviews here, although even some of them concede that the service is excellent: courteous, warm and professional. If you're tired of the rather limited menus at Sparks and S & W, or the even more limited offering at Luger's, come here for variety's sake. Besides beefsteak every which way, they had venison chops (tender) and buffalo chopped steak on the night I was there. They were out of the buffalo rib steak. A mixed green salad came with a well-done vinaigrette, a crab casserole consisted of top-quality crabmeat, mushrooms and butter, no glop. My wife's lambchops were so good I didn't get a taste, my son's crabcakes were so large I did. Sides of onion rings and sauteed spinach were excellent -- the rings crisp and light, the spinach green and just buttery enough, while the mashed potatoes with caramelized onions were a bit dry, and could have used more onions. A chocolate mousse cake was enough for three to share. Wines by the glass -- a chardonnay, a Sterling cabernet and a Shiraz were all up to snuff. Having been here for both lunch and dinner, I prefer dinner, when the warm atmosphere is more apparent. And as a last aside, the bread basket is superb, and much more compelling than the meager roll you get at Sparks. While I would rate this place a half a notch below my favorite Sparks, it's still very, very good.

Friendly,courteous staff get all the credit for this place.5 stars for them. Decor is stark and gaudy. Steak was WAY undercooked so I sent it back. Still came back almost purple inside (asked for Medium,not rare,or even medium rare.)Filet mignon had a big center of fat. The worst filet mignon I've ever had. Stick with the petite like my wife had.It was perfect. The friendly waiter offered me a prime rib (same price) as a replacement. This was better but not again what it should have been at this famous steakhouse. Nobody beats Old Homestead's prime rib.