Steak 44 is a high-end steakhouse that will meet and exceed your cravings for an amazing steak, and more. Top-notch service, great wine, and outstanding surprises from the menu made for a spectacular night out. It’s a lively place packed with guests, so be sure to make reservations (don’t miss it if you’re in the Phoenix area!).
There was so much food. So much food. And it was all incredible, beginning with the piping hot, garlic-butter brushed pull apart buns brought to the table to start the night while we sipped on pre-dinner cocktails. (Piping hot was a theme, here as you’ll see below…)
The bread starter was followed by perhaps the night’s most memorable dish, highly-recommended by our server despite our protests: the Crispy Shrimp (pictured at the top). We weren’t going to do it. We didn’t need a starter. We had every intention of “making room” for the steak that was to come, but the Crispy Shrimp was talked up to legendary status…and it didn’t at all disappoint. We shared it, thankfully, as it was more than generous. But oh my – so delicious! The succulent shrimp was breaded with panko, tossed in an unctuous garlic aioli and served with a sweet Thai chilli sauce. If this wasn’t a steakhouse and I didn’t have beef-centred plans, I would absolutely pair this appetizer with a green salad and call it an amazing dinner!
On to salads. We were determined to have a complete steakhouse experience, so Caesar Salad it was. For him – a poached egg on top (why not?). Marvelous!
We chose the Aperture Cabernet 2021 from Sonoma County (from a great wine list). By and large cabernet, but blended with small amounts of Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. It was rich in color and taste, and velvety smooth. Went absolutely perfectly with our steak.
The steak and wild mushroom side (shared) was not only delicious, it was so pleasingly piping hot – and remained so as we ate – to the point that it was almost mysterious. Whatever they’re doing, they do it right – and that warning you always get not to touch your plate should be taken very seriously here.
If there is one and only one complaint it is about the size of the portions. Being on vacation with no great way to bring home the tantalizing leftovers, it seemed a shame to leave as much behind as we did. Still, we ate with gusto while we were there, and enjoyed every morsel.
After all this …yes, we shared dessert. The Salted Caramel Gelato was too tempting. After those piping hot main courses, we needed something to cool us down, right? Why not something rich, velvety and sweet…
This is a must-do destination for steak-lovers who find themselves in the Phoenix area. We can’t wait to get back here!
Steak 44 is located at 5101 N 44th St. Phoenix, AZ 85018. For more information or to make a reservation, visit https://www.steak44.com/contact/.
