Del Frisco's Grille: Something For Everybody In Rockefeller Center

Del Frisco's Grille is renowned Del Frisco's Steakhouse's more casual sister, with 21 locations across the country. We had the opportunity to dine at the New York location in Rockefeller Center, at the invitation of the restaurant, and we were impressed by just about every aspect of the meal.

Half of the large and comfortable space  was dominated by a bar area that was bustling with workers from nearby Midtown office buildings, and it lent the entire restaurant a not-unpleasant buzz. Tables are well spaced, and a handful of large horseshoe-shaped booths can accommodate larger parties. There are large windows to let in plenty of natural light during the day, and at night, it takes on a clubbier vibe.

There's really something for everyone on the menu. The steaks served here are exactly the same as the ones served at the Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House around the corner, including a 16-ounce Prime ribeye or New York Strip, topped with blue cheese, port-foie gras butter, or "Oscar-style" (with crab and asparagus), and they were perfectly cooked. But there are also plenty of casual dishes, including fun and gut-busting cheesesteak eggrolls, lollipop buffalo-style chicken wings, Shanghai-style fried calamari with crushed peanuts, a shaved prime steak sandwich with horseradish sauce and au jus, and a double cheeseburger. There are also flatbreads topped with shaved Brussels sprouts, bacon, caramelized onions, and mozzarella; pepperoni and sausage; and prosciutto with arugula and fresh mozzarella; all prepared in a wood-burning oven.

If you're looking to go upscale, you can order a steak, but Bay of Fundy salmon with arugula-citrus salad, steamed brown bag fish, and a simply roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and chicken jus are all also available. The kitchen staff clearly has a fine-dining mentality, so even though the majority of the menu is casual, it's all prepared by chefs who really know what they're doing.

Servers are friendly and knowledgeable, and their great attitude reflected that of the management. Everyone who was there, from the hostesses to the kids at the next table over, seemed genuinely happy to be there, and that's one of the most important aspects of a great meal. Add that to a fun and dynamic space and a fun and dynamic menu, and you've got the recipe for a truly memorable dining experience.