(October 15, 2005)

Sixth Street is an ongoing adventure, a unique signature to Austin's storied pop culture. Some nights the festivities spill off the sidewalks and onto the streets. There are always revelers reveling about something and the mood is fun and upbeat. There are dozens of bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from; and if you wait six months, it seems that half of those establishments will close with new ones opening before the dust has even settled.

One pleasant constant in the ongoing 6th street madness is Dan McKlusky's Steakhouse. At 301 E. 6th St on the corner of San Jacinto, this restaurant stands out like a beacon of sanity, calm and good taste among the frenzied offerings of the varied denizens of the dark. And, particularly important in this area, there's valet parking.

For starters, I like their new shrimp and crayfish bisque. It's got substance, a nice flavor, and it's not all tricked up with sherry as bisques can often be. This is a bisque for people who like to eat, not who like to intellectualize about eating (if you know what I mean). The Stuffed Mushrooms have long been a favorite. The blend of shrimp, parmesan, and herb stuffing is both comforting and evocative of things Acadian. Very tasty. Hard to stop eating these. The Crab Cakes should also be sampled. Not overindulged with filler, they have a pristine flavor that suggests the sacred rules of crab cake making have not been trifled with. And I really enjoy their Wedge Salad. The bacon adds a nice touch and I can't resist adding red onions and either feta or goat cheese.

But the essence of steak house like McKlusky's is beef. And beef they have in abundance. The 7 oz Tenderloin Filet with a tart Bernaise Sauce is a marvel of tender flavor and consistency. This is my daughter Lauren's favorite dish. And I enjoy the NY Strip that's coated with cracked black pepper in the classic French style and served with a Cognac cream sauce. Order this one a shade south of medium and you'll be pleased. And the 10 oz Ribeye is beautifully marbled and literally exploding with the kind of flavor that will please any steak lover. It certainly is my favorite.

You should also sample the Rack of Lamb. Order it medium rare, of course, and this tender, succulent presentation will create an instant appeal and sense of inordinate pleasure.

There, are of course, many seafood dishes at McKlusky's as well. We don't have time to show you today but make a point to sample some of these as well. So escape from the ongoing madness of 6th st, to the cool, sophisticated confines of Dan McKlusky's. It's almost like going to a dinner show. 6th St. outside, great steaks et. al inside. Sounds like a good deal to me.

Top of page