Hal's On Old Ivy - Steak House

www.hals.net

Hal's On Old Ivy is an old school steak house in Buckhead.  Dave and I vote this restaurant as having the absolute BEST steak in Atlanta.  The restaurant has a comfortable bistro-like atmosphere.  They have two floors of dining with a bar on each floor.  We went back recently with friends, and this is what we ordered:

First of all, you start off with toasted garlic bread - yum!

Appetizers:

Shrimp Stuffed with Crab Remoulade - This was really good.  On the menu it is offered without the crab, but our waiter recommended adding the crab meat.

Hal's is noted for its oyster selection.  Our friend ordered a half dozen for an appetizer and was very pleased.

Salads:

Hal's Chopped Salad - Dave and I both had this.  It was excellent.

Iceberg Wedge - Both of our friends had this one and said it was very good.

Sides:

Lyonnese Potatoes - These were excellent; perfectly cooked with caramelized onions.

Sauteed Spinach - Dave thoroughly enjoyed the spinach.  I thought it was just o.k.

Mashed cheddar cheese potatoes - This dish was the only disappointment of the evening, and they weren't bad.  They just weren't anything special.  The dish isn't even on the menu.

Steaks:

Prime Bone-In 22 oz. Ribeye - OH YEAH, I ATE THIS!!  This is the BEST steak!!  It is served in a butter sauce.  Absolute perfection! I kid you not!!

Filet Mignon 12 oz. - My friend ordered this, and I was allowed a taste.  First of all, it is a huge filet!  It was melt in your mouth tender.  I preferred the actual flavor of the ribeye, but my friend preferred the filet after tasting my ribeye.  Both are excellent!

Dessert:

Cheesecake - Now, I must preface this review with the fact that I am a cheesecake snob.  Hal's cheesecake is good but not excellent.  

Bread Pudding - I didn't have this.  I personally am not a bread pudding fan,  but Dave had it and really enjoyed it.

All in all, an excellent meal in a great atmosphere!  Again, I must reiterate, Hal's has the best steak in Atlanta.

Atmosphere:  HIT!

Food:  HIT! HIT! HIT!

Price:  $$$  (Expensive steaks but very reasonable sides, salads, and appetizers!  You get what you pay for.)

Service: HIT!