Eccell Steakhouse

(Although I rate Atmosphere, Service, Pricing, and Steak, only the Steak rating is used to rank the restaurants in the Guide)

Atmosphere: 4/5  Slightly casual, which could be a positive or a negative, depending on your point of view. Located in a "strip mall" rather than an independent building.  Tablecloths were only used where multiple tables were moved together for larger parties; our booth had no tablecloth, and my plate tended to slide a bit when cutting the steak.

Service: 5/5  Our server was Andrew, and he was very nice without being obsequious.  Accurate & timely, attentive without getting in the way.  He talked wine with us, and offered some "at home" wine info and suggestions.

Note:  Their menu offers a "Deep Ellum" option for steaks, but doesn't say what that is. Andrew explained that Deep Ellum is the name of the bleu cheese variety that they will put on your steak if you wish.  The Sunday special is worth considering, as it includes both $5 off steaks and half-price wine, which would have made a $30 difference in our Saturday night total (2 steaks and a $40 wine).

Pricing: $$$  Steak prices are fairly high, and inlcude just the meat - any salads and/or sides are extra.  Sides are served "family style" to be shared among the party.

Steak: 4/5  I had the Prime Ribeye, medium rare.  From the first bite, it was clear that the question of whether "I could have made a better steak at home" was answered - I had never had a steak this good at home.  This was likely due at least in part to the quality of the meat - you usually can't buy USDA Prime cuts at the grocery store.  Their infrared broiler cooking method was evident as the meat had a thin crisp crust but was juicy and tender inside.  The seasoning was just what I like: salt, pepper, and a bit of butter (but not "swimming" in butter). I'm rating 4 out of 5 because there was a tough piece at one end of the Ribeye, something white that the steak knife couldn't tackle (not bone).  I haven't run into anything like that before in any of the many grocery store Ribeyes we've bought; it was disappointing to find in a steak house's "top of the line" steak.

Bottom Line:  This was definitely great steak.