66149 Thu Jan 27 18:10:06 -0800 2005 9 2 Los Angeles Area 0 357177 Taking my best friend out for dinner for his birthday. Last year he went to Talyor's and liked it a lot. I like Taylor's too, and the value and atmosphere are great but I don't think the steaks, or sides for that matter are all that great. How does it compare to Musso's - I went there a long time ago and while I did like the drinks, didn't really remember the steak . . perhaps a bad sign? While I will submit to "you get what you pay for", I am trying to not spend more than $100 for two of us and am more than willing to take any suggestions . . . just not astronomical ones . . . Thu Jan 27 18:10:06 -0800 2005 0 blackbookali 1 357191 For the price, there are better steaks to be had than the ones at Musso. I'm having trouble remembering, but I think they're on par with Taylor's. In fact, Taylor's meat might me a tad better (though there have been many comments over the past year showing an inconsistency in the meat at Taylor's). I've been to both in the past year, and was satisfied both times. Taylor's costs a few bucks less, I think, and dinner includes a salad and potato (only potato at M&F). Of course, you're paying a premium at Musso because it is Musso. You have to judge the value of that for yourself (worth it to me a couple times a year). Dinner for two (steaks), including drinks, and maybe a shared appetizer will run close to $100 w/tax & tip at Musso. Same thing at Taylor's would probably be in the mid-$80 range. If the steak's the thing, you might want to go elsewhere. If your friend would appreciate the bit of old Hollywood, then pick Musso (but, as always, be sure to stick to the "grill" items on the menu). Thu Jan 27 19:11:07 -0800 2005 357177 0 Jack Flash 1 357196 You are safe at either place with a Filet. Musso's filet is better, but you can't beat the price at Taylor's. So it is win-win, in my estimation. If you go to Musso's, in addition to the filet, the pork chop is also wonderful, tender and remarkably juicy. Thu Jan 27 19:31:54 -0800 2005 357177 0 Tom P 1 357197 Musso has a great porterhouse. They have 2 kinds of fries, thick cut and thin French cut. I like the thin ones and with a side of their bernaise it is like Old Hollywood steak frites. Thu Jan 27 19:34:21 -0800 2005 357177 0 Ernie 2 357234 They also have a great pommes lyonnaise - potatoes sliced thin and layered with onions in a crispy cake that probably has a fat content high enough to send a cardiologist into a conniption fit...but so good. Fri Jan 28 00:47:58 -0800 2005 357197 0 snackish 3 357236 Wow, sounds incredible. Have always been curious about the potatoes lyonnaise. Gotta try them next time though no bernaise with those! Fri Jan 28 00:55:51 -0800 2005 357234 0 Ernie 3 357345 It's not on the menu but they have a killer, heart stopping stuffed baked potato, too. Fri Jan 28 15:31:42 -0800 2005 357234 0 2chez mike 1 357203 Having been to Taylor's and not being THAT impressed and having read many mixed reviews for M&F's here, here's an alternative for a decent, budget-conscious steakhouse meal: Porterhouse Bistro in Beverly Hills (see link). It's been over a year since I've been, but their prix fixe dinner is affordable ($32.5 to $37.5pp depending on night) and all-inclusive. Each person gets 2 drinks (can be alcoholic), a starter, choice of app/soup/salad, entree, and dessert. Bargain for Beverly Hills area! It's kinda true that you get what you pay for, but if you order wisely, I think you will be satisfied. Mixed cocktails are weak, so just order a straightforward kind of drink. Onion soup was decent. Get the porterhouse for 2. Sides I liked: fries and spinach. We didn't care for our desserts: chocolate lava cake and creme brulee. Get something else. Perceptor actually posted a photo report in his early CH days; perhaps you or another helpful hound can track it down. Once you see his pics, you'll want to go...nice ambience for a celebratory meal. Enjoy! Link: http://www.porterhousebistro.com/menu.htm Thu Jan 27 19:58:25 -0800 2005 357177 0 Carb Lover 1 357363 Neither will get you the greatest steak in town. But Mussos steaks are pretty good and reliable. Great au gratin as well. And those martinis...the old Hollywood waiters...the history and atmosphere. You can't really go wrong. Fri Jan 28 16:41:10 -0800 2005 357177 0 Bob 2 357379 I hear what you're saying. I prefer to have a "good" steak in a place I really like, than to have a "great" steak in place I don't really care for. Fri Jan 28 17:39:32 -0800 2005 357363 0 2chez mike