Steak 954

As a fan of Starr Restaurants, such as Buddakan or Morimoto in NYC or the Continental, El Vez or the Parc in Philadelphia,   I was very happy to find that Steak 954 opened inside the W Fort Lauderdale.  Being a carnivore, I couldn’t wait to partake!

Steak 954 is located on what I call the “entertainment” level of the W Fort Lauderdale, next to Whiskey Blue.

Steak 954 is modern and the menu matches.  Upon entering the restaurant from the hotel you’re greeted by vivid bold patterns on the wall (sorry no pics) that connect the three portions of the restaurant.  There is a bar with a small lounge, the main dining room and a smaller semi-private dining area called the Orchard room.  During the day, the decor itself, is visually stimulating.

The Breakfast service is what I would consider standard fare. Eggs, bacon, toast, you get the picture.  

Moderately priced considering the venue.  Overall, nothing special.  The restaurant serene and relaxing which give you the opportunity to take in all design features. If not to hot or humid, you can also dine on the patio.  This service is good for all.

The restaurant comes alive for dinner service.  The atmosphere goes from laid back casual to urbane modern.  It’s super dark inside and the main feature of the restaurant is the massive aquarium filled with jelly fish.  It’s cute in a Jacque Cousteau, kind of way.  The evening service brings a whole different clientele.  Special occasion diners, sugar daddy’s and gay couples.  It’s a cornucopia of people although not crowded.  The music is a bit to loud and I had to yell at my server.  It’s not place for an intimate date.

The menu features items for a raw bar and Kobe steak.  I started out with a Victoria cocktail, I don't know what was in it, but I ordered two during my meal!  For an appetizer, I couldn’t decided on the bacon and scallops or the sliders.  Since I was going to order beef as my entree, my server suggested I try the Snapper tiradito.  Similar to ceviche it was way better, I damn near licked my plate.

 
The balance of the fish which was topped with sweet potatoes, was amazing.  For a dish which is meant to be “thrown” together the presentation was great.  This is a must try dish!

For my entire I ordered the Rib Eye, the stuffed hash brown and asparagus.  I like my steak medium/medium rare and it came out medium/well.  Not a good start.  Also the presentation is thoughtless.  A big piece of meat on a plate?  Not sexy at all.  I sent back the meat back and they left my side orders.  For a moment I think my server thought that would be OK.  I guess the annoyed look on my face said otherwise.

When my meal arrived the 2nd time, it was medium rare, but the rib eye was just OK.  After all the hype I really was expecting more, I’ve had better at lesser establishments.  The highlight of my dish was the stuffed hash brown.  Golden on the outside, cheesy on the inside.  I took one bite of the hash brown and let out a sigh of joy.  The couple two tables over from me had an order of the tater tots which they said were yummy.  The portions are quite large, they are easily shareable.  

Although my order was delivered in the manner I ordered, my server was very attentive and really knew the menu.  She gave perfect suggestion on what to order and was over all pleased.

The prices are high, but are not warranted, but given the location in the W, I guess they have a target price point to meet.

Based on my experience at other Starr Restaurants overall experience rates the lowest.  I will give this restaurant another shot, but I'll adjust my expectations.

Steak 954
401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33304
Phone: 954-414-8333
web: www.steak954.com