Durant's   

2611 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-264-5967
www.durantsaz.com

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For many in the Valley, Durant's is a shrine to the way dining used to be: great service, simple food, and honest quality. Open in this location since the early 1950s, Durant's has built a zealous following for their steaks and seafood. With curvy red leather booths, wait staff in tuxedos, velvety ruby-red wallpaper and cigars on the menu; you almost expect to find Dean Martin waiting in the lounge. The original entrance on Central Avenue still works, but most patrons enter from the parking lot through the kitchen where chefs and waiters are accustomed to greeting guests as they head for the dining room. Once inside, steak is star attraction, with a variety of cuts cooked to order and served complete with soup and vegetables. Fresh seafood is flown in daily, with live-tanked Maine Lobster available all year. On weekend nights, those without reservations can find themselves spending an hour or so in the lounge while waiting for a table -- which might not be so bad. Bartenders here claim to mix the best Martini in the Valley. -- Jill McCabe