Dunston's Steak House — Restaurant in Dallas

Well... it's cheap. Old school steakhouse vibes with a cozy atmosphere that was completely overshadowed by the dumpster fire food. Went for dinner with my husband. He made a reservation, but the way this food tastes...it's a crime they allow reservations for this place. Waitress was nice, albeit pushy, and we were promptly seated. Started off with Jalapeño poppers and the dip. The Jalapeño poppers were the best thing. They taste exactly like the ones from Jack in the Box (do with that information what you will). The dip is edible. Oily, small portion, lightly seasoned and served with the hardest chips in the universe. Had some of the worst "sweet" tea of my life! I'm certain they brewed it in water that was way too hot. It was more akin to watered down burnt unsweetened tea. The dinner rolls were awful. These room temperature rolls were straight from the plastic bag to you. When I say this food was BLAND, holy cow. I ordered the 10 oz ribeye with 3 sides. The cabbage was literally just cabbage. No salt, no pepper, nothing. Same for the black-eyed peas and they were super mushy. Talk about adding insult to injury...the onion rings were sour. My husband had Mac n cheese, fries, and caesar salad with his steak. So disappointed! This mac is Kraft macaroni (yuck). Salad was drowning in dressing. Fries were soggy and unseasoned. Ribeyes were cooked medium and so unbelievably BLAND. The waitress kept offering us various sauces, and after tasting, I see why. The food here tastes like cafeteria food. Like inpatient hospital food. Like retirement home food. Straight from the can. Straight from the frozen food section. Protip: If you walk into a restaurant and the demographic is mostly elderly, walk back out because there's an 80% chance that food is nasty and it was! My husband ate my steak and I left the rest of the food on the table. Taking that meal to go would've been self-destructive behavior. Leave this food for the raccoons and vultures and cook...

My partner and I drive past the Harry Hines location of Dunston’s nearly every day and finally decided to stop in for dinner. Unfortunately, our experience did not live up to the reputation or the legacy described on the restaurant’s website.

Upon arrival, there was no hostess at the front. Another couple was already waiting when we walked in, and we all stood for several minutes before anyone acknowledged us. This set the tone for the rest of the visit.

The ambiance was not what we had expected. While the stone fireplace near the entrance was a nice touch, the overall environment felt dated and lacked the charm we had hoped for. The overpowering smell of smoke permeated the entire restaurant. It clung to our clothes and made the dining experience uncomfortable. If the mesquite pits are part of the appeal, it may be time to look into improved ventilation.

Service was, regrettably, the most disappointing part of the evening. Our waitress passed by our table multiple times before initially greeting us, and continued to do so throughout the meal without checking in or acknowledging that our drinks were empty. There was no follow-up after our food was served—not even a simple, “How is everything?”

We started with the fried calamari, which was the highlight of the meal—well-prepared and flavorful. However, our steaks, ordered medium and medium-rare, took over 30 minutes to arrive despite the restaurant being less than a quarter full.

For a place known for its steak, we expected more—especially given the pricing. The utensils were underwhelming: the steak knives were dull, and the forks felt flimsy. Details like that matter, especially when you're charging premium prices and branding yourself as a Dallas institution.

While we understand every restaurant can have an off night, the lack of basic hospitality and attentiveness was too noticeable to ignore. We had really hoped to enjoy this historic spot, but unfortunately, it fell short on...

An Unforgettable Steakhouse Experience! From the moment we walked into Dunston's, we knew we were in for something special. The warm, rustic ambiance immediately set the tone for an evening that would exceed all expectations. With the aroma of sizzling steaks in the air, the atmosphere was perfect for both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings. The service was impeccable. Our waiter was attentive, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about the menu and never even let our drinks go less than half full. Now, onto the star of the show: the steak. Cooked to perfection, each bite was a masterclass in flavor and texture. I opted for the 6oz. bacon wrapped filet, and it was easily one of the best I’ve ever had. Juicy, tender, cooked to perfection and seasoned to enhance the natural richness of the beef, it melted in my mouth. My wife chose the NY strip, which was equally bursting with flavor. The variety of sauces available added to the dishes, though the steaks themselves were flawless on their own. The sides were just as impressive. Every dish was carefully prepared, showcasing the kitchen's commitment to quality. To finish the meal, we indulged in a decadent dessert of bread pudding and strawberry cheesecake. It was the perfect sweet ending to a flawless evening. Dunston's Steakhouse isn’t just a place to eat; it’s an experience. Whether you’re a steak connoisseur or simply looking for an unforgettable meal, this steakhouse delivers on every front. From the exceptional service to the outstanding food, I can confidently say this is one of the best dining experiences we've ever had. Highly...