This was a good weekend for trying out new DC places. Two friends from New York visited and I was eager for them to have fun and also meet my DC friends. We were successful on both accounts.
One of my visiting friends, an event planner, had a hefty gift certificate for Sam & Harry's, a DC steakhouse with locations in Dupont Circle and Tysons Corner, VA. Largely because of prices, my friends and I don't frequent steakhouses unless we're on someone's expense account. When entrees start at $25, we just don't see the point. But this night was different.
Five of us women arrived at 8 pm on Saturday. The maitre d' and others greeted us warmly and quickly took our coats and umbrellas. It was a chilly, rainy night and we were excited to get inside and sit down for a hearty meal.
We were given a large round table in the center of one of Sam & Harry's dining rooms. Our server, Farouk, was friendly, patient when we asked lots of questions and knowledgable in answering them.
Sam & Harry's is, first and foremost, a steakhouse and reviews I have read previously urged readers to stick with meat choices. We did, but primarily because that's what we were hungry for.
The five of us didn't dabble much in appetizers (just an order of oysters and a bowl of the soup du jour - roasted red pepper with crabmeat - among us) but those that we did have were satisfactory. Our entrees were delicious. Two of my friends had 8 oz filet mignons with bearnaise sauce which were cooked exactly to their specifications and delicious. Two others had a S&H specialty: the bone-in strip steak. I had a spiced ribeye with horseradish. The steak was tender and I loved the flavor, but it was a bit too marbled for my taste. Next time, I'd probably ask for the filet mignon with the cajun spice added.
Our sides were awesome - we had asparagus and then both mashed potatoes and potatoes au gratin. The au gratin were my favorite - they were a delicious blend of russet and sweet potatoes, cheese and bacon.
Of course we had dessert too. After reviewing all of the options, we settled on Carnegie Deli (NY!!) cheesecake, the apple pie a la mode and a huge brownie and ice cream concoction. We also had coffee and after dinner drinks like Bailey's and kahlua.
Somehow we managed to push ourselves away from the table and posed for a picture. It was a fun night and I'd definitely recommend Sam & Harry's to anyone who feels like dropping some $$ on a great steak dinner.