The one thing I've learned over the years about steakhouses is that you can't judge them by one single visit. Sure, the supposedly top-tiered ones should be consistant at a high level, but not all
cows, cooks and wait staff are created equal. Those of you that were completely disappointed in your experience at xyz restaraunt that one night could have maybe eaten there the next night, and it would have been a complete 180. I've eaten at a steakhouse or five through the years where I've proclaimed "This is THE place!" Then you take all your friends or family there for a big special dinner with your gleaming endorsement, and the whole night was a disaster from the food to the waiters... and there you are, all embarassed. If there was some place that I had deemed excellent on my first visit, then was disappointed the next time, I will usually give 'em another shot. If they let me down again, I'm usually done, because it more than likely shows a lack of consistancy. And who ragged on Sea-Tac 13 coins? For what they are, and they ain't no Ruth's Chris and don't claim to be, they're pretty damn good! Had many post-clubbing drunken grub-outs there. Their Escargot is nummy!
And as far as Canlis? I would eat there if a few things converged, like I was in the area and was already wearing a suit and was loaded with cash (and probably a pretty good buzz to help part with said cash). I have heard stories of people being refused to be seated because of their stuffy-ass dress code... and these were people in nice slacks and shirts. Talk about pretentious.
This is straight off their website.
Q: Why is there a dress code?
A: Since 1950, Canlis has lived up to its reputation as the swankest, dressiest restaurant
in Seattle. Today, we maintain that tradition by requesting that men wear a suit
or sport coat (though we don’t require it in many areas of the dining room). Casual
attire? Not appropriate. The bottom line: Everyone likes to look good. In 1950, people
knew fashion and loved to show it. We ask our guests to help us keep that tradition
alive.Ok, fine. But I'm a nice jeans and nice button-up shirt kinda guy (What they would call "casual") when I go out for a nice steak. I find I don't enjoy food as much in a suit. Wierd? Guess so. I'm just always uncomfortable in a suit, along with having to be careful that I don't blop some roux on my tie. If I didn't give a shit at all, Sweats would be the best! Lots of room for the 'ol gut to stretch, and then maybe I could actually finish my plate for a change. Hey, it did say a suit
OR a sportcoat. Wonder how they'd feel about a gravy-stained light gray sweat-suit with a nice Herring-bone sportcoat (with some sweet brown wing tips of course... I mean, I'm not a savage!

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