A profound disappointment. Based on Colicchio's reputation and a sampling of diner reviews -- including some from this site -- I organized a family reunion and dinner at Craftsteak. Should not have bothered. Almost every aspect of our evening was underwhelming. Let me count the ways. \r
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1.) The service was horrifically slow. Although we were seated promptly, five minutes passed before a waiter arrived; another ten minutes passed before our drinks arrived; another 15 minutes passed before water and bread arrived. Perhaps we were being conditioned, because our appetizers then took another half hour and our entrees -- ta da! -- arrived almost two hours after we first sat down. \r
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2.) The steaks, which as others have noted are almost comically expensive, were unevenly cooked. Granted, this meant that half the steak was wonderfully prepared, tender and tasty. But it also meant that half of the same steak was either overdone or dripping raw, not to mention tough and gristly.\r
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3.) The ambiance is more akin to a Denny's then to place where the per-person check tops $100. The restaurant is theme-park sized, obviously far too large to competently staff. The din is horrible. Four times during out meal waiters dropped plates or glasses -- four times! These thundering events were followed by much shouting and rushing about by the wait staff, and then frenzied mopping and sweeping, complete with chemical aromas. \r
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I could go on and on, but I'm sure you get my drift. We felt cheated and taken for granted, and we're now soured on the whole Craft empire. Had we not gone as a family the next day to Mesa, at Caesar's Palace, the reunion would have been ruined. Happily, Mesa's was quiet, the staff was competent, and food cheaper and much better than at Craft. Had I only known that in advance. Ah, well.
Cons: Cost, Ambience, Service, Noise
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