BLT Steak is a well-established brand the world over, and for good reason: It never disappoints. No matter where you find one, you’re going to have a memorable experience, and nowhere is that more true than the outpost at Bally’s.
From the minute you enter, you know you’re in for a special meal. The muted woods and opaque glass décor is accented throughout with wine bottles displayed behind glass. It feels very comfortable within these softly lit confines, an ambience only enhanced by the extra-attentive waitstaff. In a particularly nice touch, BLT displays several of its more popular items on an easy-to-read blackboard menu on the wall, featuring everything from chef’s specials to cocktails and desserts. It makes ordering a breeze, and one wonders why more restaurants don’t offer this option.
Nothing starts off a meal at a steakhouse like a cocktail, and BLT’s mixologists have created a list suited to any palate. The BLT Cocktail wonderfully combines bourbon, ginger syrup, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice and orange bitters, but for a spicier kick, try the Inferno, combining tequila and mescal with lime juice, jalapeno and Cointreau.
Now that your tastebuds have been awoken, get ready for a mouthwatering starter list. Whatever you do, don’t skip the amazing Gruyère popovers served with sea salt and butter. These ridiculously flaky treats are almost good enough to make you want to skip the rest of the meal. Almost. Don’t miss the smooth-as-silk tuna tartare, served with avocado and soy-lime dressing, and the smoky/salty double-cut smoked Neuske bacon, adorned with garlic and sherry.
It’s hard to imagine going to a world-renowned steakhouse without ordering a steak, but BLT does offer fine alternatives if red meat is not your thing. The ultra-juicy lemon-rosemary chicken bursts with seasonal flavors, and there’s plenty for seafood lovers as well, including Dover sole, branzino or Maine lobster.
Steak options range from New York strip to porterhouse, and it’s highly recommended you order a sauce with your particular cut. As good as filet mignon or bone-in-ribeye are here, they only get better when dipped in peppercorn or Béarnaise. If you’re stumped, your server will be quick to suggest the proper accompaniment.
Get ready to seriously elevate an already amazing meal with BLT’s abundant sides. The asparagus is perfect in texture and flavor, while the substantial onion rings are almost a meal in themselves. The truffled mashed potatoes pack such a concentrated kick, you only need a small amount to satisfy.
Save lots of room for dessert, because you’re going to want to order several. The banana cream pie uses huge chunks of fresh banana slices and gets a hearty drizzling of caramel sauce, while the crepe soufflé with passion fruit sauce has a lighter-than-air texture and plenty of fruity zing. BLT Steak is the type of restaurant in which you’re already planning your return before your meal is over.
Bally’s, 5-10 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 5-10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Sterling Brunch 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sun. 702.967.7258
