First impression, wow there is a lot of taxidermy :p It's not my taste, and this is just my opinion. Maybe just pick out your one favorite dead head and mount it somewhere in the restaurant. But again, it's not my restaurant to decide the decor. Definitely didn't get me in the mood for eating though. We mentioned to the hostess that we were very excited about the tesla coil. She assured us that the section we would be seated in would be good for viewing.

We were seated and were happy to spot what looked like the coil in the section next to/above us. We were served oil and a piece of bread divided into 5 or 6 tiny wedges (for 5 people, 2 pieces probably would have been better), but no water. After 5-10 minutes, our server took our drink orders, but it took a long time to get our drinks. We would have preferred water to be brought out, or at least offered, with the bread. I think we waited 10-15 minutes before our drinks showed up. However, a water and a non-alcoholic drink were missing, so that was another 5-10 minutes. A colleague had talked directly to the bartender, but his (alcoholic) drink had to be changed because they realized later they were out of orange (not sure if it was the fruit or syrup or what). So, overall a problem with 3 of our drinks. If the service had been quicker, or we at least had water to start, it wouldn't have been a problem. I recommend instead of upselling to each person, ask in the beginning, Eg okay I'm ready for your drink order, and if anyone is interested in upgrading to top shelf liquor, let me know and I'll tell you more about it.

We finally got to order, and they were out of another ingredient: basil. Also, most meals were upsold--do you want to pay extra for this side? Or x or y meat, etc.? Again, I think this might be better presented before taking the order, Eg Okay here are the specials, xyz, and also if anyone is interested in appetizer x it can be added, so just let me know if you're interested and I'll tell you more. Also, since this is a steakhouse this probably doesn't apply often, but for our table it would have been good if the server had asked if there were any dietary restrictions, and then for two of us she could have tailored our offerings, eg to meat eater she tried to upsell asparagus, but the two vegetarians were offered meat. Again, I understand this is a steakhouse, so vegetarians are probably not their typical clientele.

The cornbread muffins were tasty, but it took another 15+ minutes to arrive and we had to ask twice. The meal was good. I was disappointed that the salad bar had four heavy dressings (ranch, house, thousand island, and bleu cheese), and no vinegarette. Overall the salad bar was pretty good, however, for the price it would be nice if they added a fruit, like peaches. During the meal our hostess brought out a dessert tray and we picked out two. Due to the slow service, we ended up there for 2 hours, which was longer than we expected. Besides me and my 1-plate limit salad bar ($10), only one person finished their meal: steak fajitas special ($20) and said it was very tasty. No one else finished their food (pasta, veggie burger, and steak) or wanted to take it with them.

Had to ask about the coil a few more times. Suddenly we heard it, looked at it, and couldn't quite see it, and then it was over. Half our table couldn't see it because of a column. I really wish they would have told us where to stand so we could see :(

I think if the service was faster at getting water and plenty of bread out, that would have helped immensely. The handling of the tesla coil really needed to be improved. If you have a table that has mentioned to the hostess and server how excited they are--make sure they will be able to see the coil.

Right now this isn't a place that I would suggest when my friends and I are going out. Other than the taxidermy, overall I liked the atmosphere, and I think my in laws and Grandma might enjoy Shamus. I will make sure to ask where we can get up and stand to see the coil. Hopefully my next visit is better.