#4 Fleming's - LA Live

Rating: 3.5 cows

Flemings is a fairly well-known steakhouse chain with locations across the country. Firmly ensconced in the "cheaper-than-Morton's-yet-more-pricey-than-Outback" category, the restaurant has the potential to hit the sweet spot of value and flavor. For the most part, Flemings delivered on this promise, but it wasn't a perfect experience.

We arrived at our reservation time and were seated promptly, even though the restaurant was quite crowded. This newest Flemings location is situated in the much-ballyhooed new LA Live entertainment complex right next door to the Staples Center. The decor was nice, but nothing really stood out. It didn't have the same vibe as a super high end place but it didn't feel kitschy either. The waiter was attentive, but perhaps showed a little too much interest in the hostess as compared with our table. His spirits were visibly dashed when he learned that many of us would be taking advantage of the "filet trio" special. It was clear he'd rather we order everything a la carte, and it showed.

When he realized that we weren't going to back down, he redoubled his efforts and things were better from then on out. The filet trio included a tasting of 3 wines to go with 3 petite filets, each with a different preparation. Each of the filets was cooked to perfection, although the problem with multiple steaks is that they cool much quicker so the overall experience is lacking a bit. The other steaks were cooked well, and while we all found the steaks to be very tasty, they didn't leave an exceptional impression with us.

It was a largely enjoyable experience, and definitely a very "good" place that will serve you a very good steak at a good price. You probably won't have the steak of your life here, but you're also not going to pay for it like it's your last meal.

Flemings Photos

Comments

[brent]

i like steaks