Description

A downtown St. Louis dining institution in an out-of-the-way spot, Al's has been serving enormous portions of steak, seafood and basic Italian specialties for decades. The look is clubby, with dark wood and leather chairs. Dress is formal—men wear coat and tie.

After being served a welcoming basket of bread and offered a pricey wine list, you choose your meal from a tray of meats and seafood displayed by your waiter. There is no menu; the waiter describes what is available (e.g., filets, T-bone steaks, veal chops, lobster, salmon) and how it can be prepared. Entrees come with salad and side dish.