how have i missed posting a review for one of my favorite default comfortable places to dine in Dallas??? ok - both locations are good/great. each has its own vibe. my default is the back door bar at Dunston's on Lovers Lane. literally...you go in the back door. beware...the place is packed after 5p and you'll need a reservation for the bar. the main dining room - accessible through the Lovers Lane front door - generally has seating available. Mondays...yeah, forget it. 100% reserved in the back room bar because the country clubs are closed on Monday and this place is the country club crowd substitute...and fried chicken is only available on Monday night.... SO...after 30+ yrs of dining here, there are no bad reviews. the steaks are consistent. the old school, self-service, salad bar is outstanding. the baked potato is always hot and fluffy. the other sides are flavorful and HOT. appetizers - yeah - fried mushrooms for sure. the Cowboy Charcuterie can be hit/miss as sometimes they don't give the sausage enough time on the grill and it can come out cold and offputting. the bar is consistent...stick with your standard highball or glass of wine and you'll be in tall cotton. one word of warning...the place uses live fire mesquite cooking. yeah...big a$$ grill between the dining room and the back room bar. there's a cloud of hot fire smoke from the grill. take a deep breath...don't wear your Sunday best...order like you're someone special and enjoy the old school ambiance. ps...don't pass on the potato salad and pea salad on the salad bar. you can thank me later. ;-) read more

Steakhouse Review #6: Dunston's. Went for lunch with a great group of coworkers and was excited to try it after hearing some positive things. It harkened back to the days of Ponderosa, Bonanza, and Ground Round. I half expected to see popcorn and peanut shells on the floor. There was a salad bar with the basics which you just don't find anymore. I found that aspect charming though did not partake. The vibe was fairly casual, tacky western, and basic. The service we received was really, really bad and the waiter just didn't seem to care about much. I ordered the petit filet, fries, and mac and cheese for around $25. I hate to say it, but nothing was good. The filet was smoky but tough. The mac tasted cheap and bland. The fries were actual too rustic and just not that appealing. The best thing about this meal, besides the company, were the rolls with cinnamon butter they bring beforehand. I tried a bit of chicken fried steak and it tasted watered down with no richness. I really did want to like this place but maybe I've just been spoiled by the snazzy places we've been going to. Quality just wasn't there. The meal was paid for but the total was about $25 with a good tip despite the terrible service. Needless to say, I don't plan on returning. Food: 2 Ambience: 4 Service: 2 Next up is Kenny's Woodfire Grill and then Bob's. Rank: 1. Al Biernat's 2. Nick & Sam's 3. Pappas Bros 4. Dakota's 5. Town Hearth 6. Dunston's read more

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My girlfriend and I came here for our anniversary dinner, and while expensive, it was delicious. I'm in a powered wheelchair, and had no issue getting in or being seated. The decor is rustic and cozy. The salad bar is exceptional, with a variety of fresh foods, dressings, and seasonings. You can really build up a beast of a salad! My steak was cooked to perfection. The wine selection was nice, and they offered to let us taste before buying. We didn't like our first taste, so our waiter found somebody versed in the bottles who helped guide us to a really delicious wine. For dessert, my girlfriend asked for the homemade banana pudding but the waiter said they were out of bananas. He then left the store, saying he'd get more (I thought he was joking), but ten minutes later came back in holding a fresh bunch of bananas! Wow! Talk about going the extra mile. One could not have had a fresher banana pudding, and she loved it. We had a great time, and it's located in a nice neighborhood. read more

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It's still the old school feel steakhouse but the steak quality has dropped some. The apps, salad bar, & sides are still really good. The service we received from Sophia was excellent. She was professional and attentive. My disappointment was in the quality of my bone-in ribeye. The steak was on the thinner side, and I realize ribeyes have marbling but it shouldn't have been tough to chew. The flavor was that of a gas grill. read more

Steak was cooked perfectly. My daughter loved the chicken teriyaki. This place isn't fancy just real and good. Old world charm and the food is grilled inside the restaurant on a wood fired Mesquite wood grill. read more

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A classic steakhouse dinner. The vibe was great, dimly lit, comfy chairs, and takes you back to the 60's and 70's when it first opened. The back door dip was good, very rich so it is good to share with multiple people. I ordered the 5 ounce filet, and after the dip it was the perfect amount of food. The salad bar was delicious, loved the touch of the cold bowls. The fried okra was also cooked to perfection! The happy hour cosmo was yummy, I got it lightly sweetened and it was perfect. I appreciate how they shake it in front of you! Overall very good, excited to come back and try different menu items! read more

Dunston's is a true OG steakhouse gem. Service is quick, friendly, and the food hits the mark. Tucked into a small strip center off Lovers Lane, Dunston's has been serving great steaks for decades. Their mesquite grill sits right in the dining room, so you can watch each steak get individual attention. Most modern steakhouses have moved to gas grills, so having a steak cooked over real wood is both unique and incredibly flavorful. You don't see salad bars much anymore, but theirs is loaded, ice-cold, and stocked with fresh greens, toppings, dressings, and all the extras. The atmosphere is classic steakhouse. The original Sinatra era leather-backed booths and tables give it charm, but the overall décor, like the wall paneling, carpet, and well-worn furniture, definitely shows its age. Cost for an 8oz steak, potato, salad, bread, and beverage was $33, which is very reasonable. If you're in the mood for a traditional, wood-fired steakhouse experience, Dunston's is absolutely worth the stop. read more

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First time here. It's an old school steak house. They grill over mesquite and it smells so good! Our server was very nice, funny and helpful! I got the 6oz bacon wrapped filet for &19.99. You can get a potato, onion rings or fries with a salad or choose 3 sides. I went with sides- au gratin potatoes, green beans and salad. The potatoes weren't great, kinda like cubed potatoes in velveeta cheese. The green beans had great flavor and the vinaigrette on the salad was really good. The steak was medium rare as requested. It came with rolls, which were fine. We also shared fried mushrooms (called mushroom poppers). They were typical. Overall the steak was the star, nice cut, cooked properly and at a great price! The menu is extensive, I'd go back and try other things! read more

Dunston's Steak House - 6oz bacon wrapped filet - Steakhouses Near Me - Dallas, Texas

We're a little disappointed, it seems like everything has gone downhill here since our first visit. First off, there was an issue with the soda machine, with there being more carbonated water than soda syrup. My soda finally arrived as I was finishing my meal. We'd ordered the 12 Oz. New York strip, asparagus, mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms. Normally, after you've placed your order, they deliver a basket of freshly made yeast rolls with their famous cinnamon butter. Those arrived mid meal and were not freshly made. Our steak, while medium rare had zero taste to it. It looked pretty, with the chris-crossed grill marks, but was absolutely tasteless. Our waiter had a large serviced area, so he was extremely busy, with one of his tables having a dozen or more gentlemen keeping him very busy. The asparagus was bearly cooked, but the mashed potatoes were creamery than our previous visit, they were very good. The sautéed mushrooms were also very good. We chose a slice of the Key Lime pie for dessert, ice cold and tasted absolutely wonderful. The place became very busy as our meal progressed, and the noise level increased as the tables filled around us. We're not sure if we'll be back again, because of the tasteless steak. read more

We went back three months later and it did not disappoint! We will keep coming back because of great food and service! read more

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Really wanted to like this place. Atmosphere was old school. We had a group of 7 on a Saturday night before Mother's Day. Everyone ordered filets but one. Not sure what my cut was but I ordered the 9 oz. Sure didn't look like filet because it was 2 sections with gristle in between. Not much flavor. Wasn't medium rare, more medium. One of our steaks was sent back because too rare. Another was cooked too much. Very expensive for poor quality of steaks. The chicken fried steak didn't have much flavor. It was mediocre meal. I get better steaks at Texas Road house and didn't spend over $200. Thought from reviews and history it would be better. Will never return. Service was okay. read more

Greatest salad bar since Steak and Ale. Love the front entrance with that sweet smell of Mesquite grilled steaks. Portions are great and the best bang for your buck in an old, proven family run restaurant. Entry through the back doesn't look great from the opening, but enter into a very nice sports bar atmosphere nicely arranged seating. Waiters are welcoming and servers are very attentive. Meats and fish are cooked on an open mesquite wood grill and the taste is impeccably delicious. We love this place and travel11 miles for the best steak cooked to order, salad bar, baked potato or sweet potato at a more than affordable price. With the self serve salad bar, baked potato, and fresh hot yeast rolls with regular or honey butter, a 5 oz steak is plenty for us! It's on Lovers Ln, across from the old Inwood Theatre. Y'all come!!! read more

We visited last Sunday bc we went to harry Hines location and it was closed so we drove to this one and waited outside for them to open at 4 pm and there was a line already. They opened the door a few minutes past 4 but it was okay. They sat us down quickly and our waiter was the best! He was really good and attentive, we had kids and someone that was in a wheelchair and that didn't make them provide service any less than normal. 5-stars! I don't know if it was bc I hadn't eaten but the salad bar!!! Love!!!! It was soooo good, fresh and clean. I definitely want to go back for this! Everything we ordered was served hot, as ordered and perfect! Definitely recommend this location. Prices are higher than what you would pay at TX Roadhouse but your not waiting hours to sit down either and it's roomy for a bigger party too - major factor why we decided to go here instead read more

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Came for a birthday and had a wonderful time. Chris was our server. He was personable and friendly. Our food and drinks were delicious.

1st time! Loved it. Had the filet - best I've ever had - honestly. Went for my birthday- definitely going back! read more

Dunston's Steak House - Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon (90Z) - Steakhouses Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Was literally the worst Food I ever had!!! they got four steaks wrong for a table of seven people for a steakhouse you're supposed to get medium well correct if you don't know how to do medium well there's something wrong with your restaurant. There is no seasoning on the steaks. It just taste like char. You have to add salt and pepper for yourself. Completely terrible food. read more

Really wasn't a fan of this place. Service felt pretty absent most of the time and I barely felt acknowledged after being seated. Ordered a steak at a steakhouse and somehow still ended up with it overcooked, which kind of says it all. Overall just wasn't a great experience and not somewhere I see myself returning to. read more

Food and service were both outstanding! The wood-fired steak was excellent and cooked perfectly. You can really taste the flavor from the wood fire. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience enjoyable. Definitely one of the better steakhouse experiences I've had. I'll absolutely be coming back. read more

Dunston's represents "old Dallas." A throwback to the 70's or before. Not in a bad way, but a comforting time-capsule way like you could see Tom Landry or Jack Ruby at the next table. Great steaks & other meat options with old school sides like squash casserole and actual home-cut fries (perfect). Dimly lit, authentic historic Dallas photos on the wall, a welcoming small bar with neighborhood ambiance, actual chargrilling going on in the front dining room, and great friendly service. Fun people watching, great atmosphere in a non-trendy way, and all of this on Lover's Lane, a part of the Park Cities that is still authentic, not cookie cutter. read more

Lover's Lane location; Old School steakhouse! Been coming to Dunston's for over 40 years. It goes without saying that EVERYTHING on the menu is amazing and delicious. Steaks are consistently great at an unexpected value. Favorite side - Onion rings. Can't beat the salad bar, with the little pieces of fried toast/bread :) About 20 years ago, we hosted our wedding dinner in the banquet room which is now the TBD lounge. Last night, we celebrated my mother's memorial in the TBD lounge, following dinner for 12 in the Backdoor Bar area. William (the gm) helped pull this together for us with less than a weeks notice. Our bartender and hostess, Diana, the staff, servers, and bartenders were attentive, accommodating and so very kind. Highly recommend for a small private or non private event. Or just a great meal with unpretentious and lovely ambiance. Thank you Dunston's! XXOO -Wendy read more

I love this place. However, our visit tonight was substandard. The Prime rib was very tough. Not a good cut of meat.

10/10 every time. Been coming here with my family for 20+ years. Gene and his staff are the true heart of Dallas. Salad Bar is a MUST. All steaks are cooked to order. And don't forget to walk in through the back.... read more

Food was mediocre. NY Strip was fatty and thin. Nice bottle of wine (Silver Oak cab) was a bit warm. We felt bad for the waitress, she needed help but three of them were more interested in chatting with one another. read more

A nostalgic experience. Loved this 1950's institution. Our service was great. Chopped sirloin was yummy and prime rib excellent.

Food was mediocre at best. Place was crowded & loud. Good service. Very expensive. read more

Enjoyed a decent ribeye steak for dinner this evening. This place has an old-school charm and a cozy ambiance, providing an ideal setting for a relaxing dining experience. The presence of a salad bar with great selection of fresh options, coupled with the view and smell of the open grill area, made for an even more relaxing visit. Service was great! read more

chicken fried chicken with cream gravy was good though under seasoned. As were the mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, the squash casserole was nothing about a casserole. It was mushy, overcooked, and too much liquid. Just couldn't eat it. Service was a little lacking, I had to go to the bar and get my own wine. read more

We had Chris as our server and man that man goes 90 to nothing nonstop. I applaud the new bartender who had drinks out literal writhing minutes of the order being rung in. I've been coming here since I was in my early 20z and 30 years later it's the same good food! read more

Recently returned to Dallas and have been looking forward to revisiting some of my favorite restaurants. Unfortunately Dunstons can no longer be a consideration for my family. We were seated by the host at a booth in the bar area. Menus and water were provided but after being pointedly ignored for over fifteen minutes we elected to leave. In over fifty years of patronizing this restaurant I have never recieved this type of poor treatment. I did overlook the torn booth upholstery but when other tables recieved prompt service and we were not so much as acknowledged by the wait staff it was time to leave. Hate to think that Dunstons has run it's course. Sure will miss the salad bar and a mesquite grilled steak. Was I overly harsh with this review? As of today 03/26/2025 over 480 reviews have been posted both positive and negative. I have not seen even one follow up from Dunstons management. Are they completely indifferent to customer satisfaction? Apparently I am not the only long time customer that is terribly dismayed with this old favorite. read more

Such a nice old fashion steakhouse. I believe it's one of the oldest in Dallas. They had a really great salad bar that they are known for. I got the salad bar and the grilled catfish and both were very up to par. Would order/eat them both again. The wait staff were all super nice and the restaurant itself, like I said, very old fashion but really nice. My favorite was the little speakeasy bar in the back called TBD lounge. That was a really cute area to get drinks after dinner (view my photos). Highly recommended if you're in the area. read more

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This is the quintessential, classic, old school steakhouse. It's not fancy by today's standards, and especially by Dallas, standards, but it's fabulous nonetheless. The owner, Gene, has been greeting guests since they opened in 1955 and he still makes the rounds to ensure everyone is enjoying themselves. The steaks are very affordable and grilled over an open fire in the middle of the wooden and leather filled dining room which makes for quite the spectacle, the baked potatoes come with all the fixings, and the onion rings are some of the best in town - thin batter, nice and crispy. But the real star of the show is the salad bar. Cold wooden bowls in a cooler, plentiful options for greens and toppings, and don't skip the broccoli salad. What a treat. read more

For its price it's a great value. Has a kind of older vibe to it, but looks clean. I really like the wood paneling and leather. The steaks are not amazing, but when it's 29 bucks for a 9 ounce filet wrapped in bacon with two sides... I mean come on. The flavor was definitely good, and the cook was solid (a little under honestly). The collared greens and mashed potatoes with gravy were solid too. Servers were pretty quick and certainly polite so they get my stamp of approval as well. All in, worth a visit, and definitely worth the price. read more

Dunston's Steak House - Front of restaurant - Steakhouses Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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This is a consistently good, high quality, classic steakhouse! They definitely know what they're doing! At Dunston's you're paying for quality food prepared well and great service, instead of just trends like some other Dallas steakhouses. You can tell they really care about the food and their customers. read more

Ordered on Door Dash and it was one of the best tasting steak deliveries for the price! Love all the side options!

Was great, steaks cooked as requested fast service and friendly Also had the pleasure of meeting Mr Dunston read more

I had the ribeye and baked potato it was good. There were quite a few families and it was casual. The service was excellent and the food was good. I will be back. read more

Let me start by saying that I love this place. They have a great salad bar and I love the simple shrimp cocktail. But I went for a good steak. The first pass I said medium, the steak came back rare. I asked for it to be medium and the second one was med well and too salty. They comped that part of my meal so I paid $40. for salad bar, shrimp cocktail, and a martini. (The salad bar came with the meal.) And left without having a good steak. Disappointing. read more

Excellent friendly and fast service. Takes reservations but not that busy on a Friday at 7:30 pm. Casual steakhouse with booths and tables , well lit so not romantic or cozy. Huge dining room where you can see the kitchen cooks and open flames and smell the smoke. The mule cocktail had too much lime for our taste so we liked the TBD cocktail better. The side salads were large but coated in lots of dressing and croutons so we would ask for dressing on the side next time. The veggie sides of Spinach and Green beans were canned and boiled so I would order the side salad next time. The fried okra was hard and tasted like cooked in old cooking oil. The veggie of the day was macaroni and cheese so maybe I should have ordered that? The dinner rolls were fresh and warm. The steaks were cooked as ordered and tender. The chicken fried steak was better. The gravy was thinner in consistency but the light pepper made it flavorful. So three stars average because of the excellent service, tenderness and cooking of the meat, side salad portions and dessert portions and reasonable prices averaged with the school cafeteria style veggie sides and smoky restaurant. read more

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If you want a nice evening laid back with family and or friends go here. Never disappoint. Great old time serve yourself salad bar with ot all. We jad the $19 steak comes with 2 sides and so many choices mushrooms collard greens to mac n cheese and more. The steak is perfect 5 oz cooked to each request as 6 of us had different cooking request. All were so happy and tender too. Hot rolls served with a cinnamon butter. YUM. We've taken out of town guests who are so pleased especially with the quality and bill. Easy front parking and online reservations. Staff service is always the best drinks ordered with appetizers and no rush to start meal very relaxing. Nice wait staff. read more

Better than ever. Dunston's doesn't miss. Ethan the bar tender in the back bar which is the ELITE place to sit is one of the best around. Always friendly and always pouring up drinks the right way. Food here is amazing the daily specials and amazing and the salad bar is spectacular. Love the cold bowls and ice cold schooners of beer. Great happy hour every day. All the staff are talented and able to handle a heavy crowd night in and night out. If you're lucky enough you might run into Mr. Dunston himself. An ELITE restaurant when things are getting so expensive elsewhere, I can always count on Ethan and Dunstons for quality food service and time. The back entrance to the bar is the way to go and it always smells amazing with the ambiance of the grill in the middle of the restaurant. Cheers. read more

Dunston's Steak House - The man, the myth, the legend. Ethan. The - Steakhouses Near Me - Dallas, Texas