How is Durant's on Central Ave? (Phoenix, Mesa: lawyers, house, restaurant)

[artvandelay]

I have reservations for tomorrow evening at Durant's. I am hoping to experience a non-chain dining experience, unlike everything in the West Valley I've seen. I read that Durant's is a traditional local establishment, so that's what I'm looking for.

Also, anything in the west valley that fits the "local' or "traditional" feel? NOT Mexican, as I already eat plenty of that.

Any help would be appreciated.

[wit-nit]

Durants has been around for a long time. Go into Google and type in Durants Restaurant Phoenix AZ and you'll see many sites catering to the history of this famous eating establishment.
They have been around for many years and are famous not only for their food but the people who have patronized Durants. This includes politicians to underworld figures. Many a political decisions have been made here, and even a murder or two planned. i.e. the Don Bolles case.

[exit2lef]

Durant's is a great choice. It's basic steakhouse fare -- nothing too innovative. Nevertheless, everything is well prepared, the service is first rate, and the atmosphere is charmingly retro-chic with leather banquettes and crushed velvet wall paper. It has an authenticity that no chain can touch. My favorite items on the menu are the crab cakes and the spinach with fennel.

To get the full Durant's experience, make sure to enter through the kitchen -- from the rear where the parking lot and valet stand are. There is an entrance on Central Avenue for pedestrians to use, but it doesn't pass through the kitchen, and entering via the kitchen is part of the Durant's experience.

[dibolles]

Originally Posted by nitram

Durants has been around for a long time. Go into Google and type in Durants Restaurant Phoenix AZ and you'll see many sites catering to the history of this famous eating establishment.
They have been around for many years and are famous not only for their food but the people who have patronized Durants. This includes politicians to underworld figures. Many a political decisions have been made here, and even a murder or two planned. i.e. the Don Bolles case.

Yup. Durant's was the hangout for thugs and their lawyers, namely Mickey Clifton, Adamson, and Neal Roberts. As you can imagine, I have always avoided it.

[YAZ]

I like to hang out for pre-dinner drinks in the bar.

4 people, lots of good food & service...... easy $350.

Worth every penny.....

Get a booth.

[YAZ]

Originally Posted by dibolles

Yup. Durant's was the hangout for thugs and their lawyers, namely Mickey Clifton, Adamson, and Neal Roberts. As you can imagine, I have always avoided it.

Yeah....cuz it must really suck......

[YAZ]

Originally Posted by exit2lef

Durant's is a great choice. It's basic steakhouse fare -- nothing too innovative. Nevertheless, everything is well prepared, the service is first rate, and the atmosphere is charmingly retro-chic with leather banquettes and crushed velvet wall paper. It has an authenticity that no chain can touch. My favorite items on the menu are the crab cakes and the spinach with fennel.

To get the full Durant's experience, make sure to enter through the kitchen -- from the rear where the parking lot and valet stand are. There is an entrance on Central Avenue for pedestrians to use, but it doesn't pass through the kitchen, and entering via the kitchen is part of the Durant's experience.

I didn't know that you could walk through the kitchen......I'm doin' it next time.

I had the filet mignon and it was magnificent. My wife had the porterhouse and the doggies were in hog heaven for a week.

They did something extra special-different with the taters and I forgot to ask the chef.

Sister & BIL are coming in for business on Thursday....was planning on a trip to Toby Keith's place in Mesa.....not anymore.

Gotta call for reservations at Durant's......

[cacto]

Its swanky, old fashioned swanky. A little bit of old Phoenix.

[Desertspiritsteve]

Originally Posted by YAZ

Sister & BIL are coming in for business on Thursday....was planning on a trip to Toby Keith's place in Mesa.....not anymore.

Gotta call for reservations at Durant's......

If you want to economize a little, make your reservations for lunch. As long as I can remember the kitchen was the way to enter. The kitchen staff would greet you and you could see what a squeaky clean kitchen they have. The poster who wasn't too thrilled with the restaurant had a screen name of some-thing-bolles. As in Don Bolles. Mentioned in that post was everyone but Kemper Marley.

For many years there was a billboard in Phoenix that read, "In my humble opinion, Durant's is the finest eating and drinking establishment in the world." ---Jack Durant. When Jack Durant died, he left the restaurant to his longtime loyal employees.

Another steak house/ prime rib house that I always wanted to try was Treulich's at 27th. Ave. and Camelback near Rudolph Chevrolet. This post is making me hungry. Neptune's Table, brunch at the Pointe at Tapatio Cliffs. Growl.

[Goober13]

I was born and raised here and never ate at Durant's. Now I am ready to check them out.