Original Steakhouse Reviews

So folks- I started a new thread since the last one strayed FAR from the restaurant itself and the main purpose of the post: HOW'S DA FOOD???

We've been going there for years, and knew it when it had a different owner. we went shortly after the change of ownership and were disappointed with the changes and what seemed to be a decline in the quality of food and service. BUT. looks like that was just growing pains-----

we recently had dinner there and it was excellent. it was a Saturday nite and the lobby was full of hungry waiting families, so the manager came around with samples of the chicken quesadilla- niiiiice! friendly, fast service from our waitress. the food- wow. i had prime rib (let me remind ya'll that I am a beef-fed Nebraska-bred CARNIVORE- I appreciate a good steak!) and it was cooked to perfection- medium, and hot. flavorful, juicy and satisfying! My hubby got filet mignon- against my better judgment- I say if we don't make our own from Wegmans, we get filet at Ruth Chris only! But it was an amazingly good piece of meat- especially for the price. tender- again perfectly cooked, with balanced, hearty flavor.

lastly, my son- 9 yr old food critic (where would he get THAT from....?) grilled chicken sandwich that actually tasted HEALTHY.

we see a real turnaround in the food and the way the team works together to provide service- other servers bussing the table and refilling drinks- a TEAM takes care of you there- not just one person. we left feeling like we got more than our money's worth- and that's what it's all about!

anyone else see this change recently...?

 

I agree the food does seem to be turning around which is great. I also ate there on Saturday and was impressed with the speed at which everything came out - and in the right order, bread, salad, food all perfectly timed.

I hope this trend continues.

 

Quick question: is there a place to sit at TOS where you don't breathe in smoke or smell like smoke afterwards? My son has asthma and none of us enjoy smoky places. The first time we went, a cloud of smoke chased us out! So we have never been back. Too bad, because we'd love to have a place where we could actually walk to enjoy a burger or steak. Thanks.

 

the bar was FULL of smokers when we went. we sat along the wall near the bathrooms, one row from the elevated seats along the back wall, and smelled ZERO smoke. came home and smelled no smoke on our clothes either. but i would say those tables furthest from the bar, past the booths- are your best bet.

 

Thanks, Redon! Maybe we'll give it a shot again.

 

I'll second this - if you can get in the stage type area in the main dinning room you should be ok...I was at the bar last night and didn't even see smokers yet still came out smelling like an ashtray.

 

i hope you do. i think OSH is trying to be a good neighbor along with improving their service and food. gotta give props to ANY business who does that- there are so many here who think they will stay just because of the franchise, or habits of regulars- but competition is THICK here and those who don't raise the bar may just end up CLOSING it... lol

 

Agree. We try to reward businesses that go out of their way to improve and be good neighbors. Perhaps I undersold it before--we HATE HATE HATE smoke and so I wonder if we'll be sitting there the whole time just waiting for the cloud to waft over

 

My wife and I now like to go to the steakhouse as well. We had not gone in a while and we were really put off by glory days so decided to give it another try. We've been quite happy with it now.

 

We went a few weeks ago after having sworn off the place earlier this year. Our experience was also really positive -- great service, EXCELLENT filet kabob (the best kabob I've ever had, actually), and no smokiness in the booth area of the main dining room. We're both nonsmokers and can't stand the slightest smell of cigarette smoke, but we had no problems where we sat. Still think the beer prices are too high, but what can you do...

 

Recently, we sat in the dining room also very far away from the bar - and guess what? Yes, we smelled like an ashtray when we left. The place is so thick with smoke - it is disgusting. Yes, even in the far booths AND the elevated area - don't believe the other posts - it depends on the night. If you have asthma, definitely stay away. But, the food and service do appear to be better.

 

Maybe we talk to Osama and ask him to get better smoke eaters in there.

 

Not worth the guesswork to me. They have chosen, probably rightly so with their business model, to welcome and encourage smokers. That just means families like mine that hate smoke and have asthma problems will never spend a dime there. Which is fine, because there are so many alternatives around.

 

If you've never or haven't recently been, don't BELIEVE any of us- no one is a liar, but every one's senstivity to smoke is different, number of smokers, weather- a MILLION different factors can effect the experience.

go for yourself if you are curious!

 

We went in November. There was a CLOUD in the entire place. There are plenty of other places to eat around here.

 

To Everybody who has noticed a change in service, food quality, and environment....THANK YOU SO MUCH.. We (management and I) have worked extremely hard re-designing The Original Steakhouse and Sports Theatre Experience to be a most positive one for everyone in the Family.

I want to start with saying we agree Smoke Stinks, unfortunately until VA outlaws it, were forced to offer the luxury to smokers who want to. But we agree it’s annoying, not appetizing and not healthy.

On a good note we have added more glass between the dining room and the bar to separate the smoke from the dining room. We have also added 3 smoke eaters and multiple air purifiers.

As for the food we have hired a new corporate chef to re-design the menu to make it more healthier and actually to be honest more women friendly….( women make 85% of food decisions for the household)

We have added a multitude of fresh salads and new healthy entrees to accommodate families and kids of all ages.

We have also changed our hours of operation and now open for lunch everyday. With our new hours we have also added an all new lunch menu serving a multiple of new sandwiches and new lunch platters that are priced accordingly for lunch.

If you haven’t noticed my Name is Osama El-Atari, I am the “lead foot” owner of the Original Steakhouse and Sports Theatre. I want every person that comes into the Sports Theatre to be able to get a hold of me and tell me their thoughts, concerns, complements and hopefully very rarely complaints. We are ever looking to improve are business to make every one as happy as possible every time they join us.

My direct phone number is (571) 233-5333 and I want you not to hesitate to call my number if you have something to say to me…


Otherwise I hope to see you soon………

 

thanks Osama- for your post! as you know you can't please everyone! but those of us who HAVE noticed and appreciate the positive changes will continue to patronize your restaurant.

 

We appreciate the honest, forthcoming post, Mr. El-Atari, and your efforts to improve your menu and service. Refreshing to see owners address issues and invite customers to contact them directly.

Question: do you HAVE to allow people to smoke by law or can you declare the restaurant a smoke-free facility? Wouldn't you be afraid to lose what I assume are profitable bar patrons if you declared it smoke-free?

Anyway, thanks for the post.

 

Osama-
Many restaurants, including your own Wing Factory, are smoke-free. No law requires you to allow smoking.

 

Mr. El-Atari,

I appreciate your post but it is somewhat disingenuous. The Commonwealth doesn't force you to allow smoking; it's your business decision. You can ban it if you really wanted to. Don't blame it on some perceived State of VA regulation.

You should consider the crowds that are attracted to non-smoking restaurants, like Clyde's and Old Dominion Brew Pub.

At least be honest, if you want to allow smoking because it brings you revenue that's just fine. But don't expect us non-smokers to find your restaurant attractive because you are inaccurately claiming the State is forcing you to do so.