I empathize with the person below who used to work at Al's Charhouse. First of all, working for any chain restaurant is sure to make for a lousy experience. If you're a waiter, you are basically... More

I empathize with the person below who used to work at Al's Charhouse. First of all, working for any chain restaurant is sure to make for a lousy experience. If you're a waiter, you are basically is server purgatory if you're working for a restaurant that serves food that is as bad as what they offer at Al's. Being a server probably requires a lot of patience and kindness- and the only thing that could possibly make such a profession worthwhile is to know that the food you're serving is good! At Al's they served us really bad steaks and there was nothing really unique or interesting about their food. The basically just follow the fried food formula. Their salads are aweful. And today, we have the food channel and shows like Diners, Drivins. There's so much you can do with food. You can really be creative. Instead we got places like Al's which serve the same type of fare that has been clogging arteries and causing high lbood pressure and cholesterol for years- and occassionally it's ok to have food like that, but it's only worth it if it's really good. I live in La Grange like one of the previous people who posted a comment, and i don't like the fact that we have places like that in the neighborhood. Palmer's, next door, is a little better, but their food is pretty boring and fattening too. Then you got Casa margarita which serves the same low-end Mexican food that you can find in thousands of other taquerias or mexican joints in the state and around the country. You're right, Francesca's is a breath of fresh air, their food is good- not breathtaking, but at least they have a standard. Baccino's too has a standard, even though they ain't the greatest. I went to a place called Han202 last night, and their actually trying to do something different- they have a 5 course mean (and it is well done) for 20 bucks. They are being innovative! They are being pioneers for managing to serve quality at that price. All we have in this area that is any good is Vie, and it's really the only place worth going to for a good dining experience, but it is overpriced for what is delivered that's for sure. I used to live in California, and in our neighborhood we had great restaurants that strove to establish an original identity. Invariably, they were small restaurants, not monstrous entities like Al's. And they people in the restaurants didn't wear corporate attire and sing you a rehearsed birthday song like they did for my son, who thought it was stupid. You really don't get that feeling that "this is your place, this is a special spot in your neighborhood." Whoever the owners are (and i'm sure they're nice people), they just don't get it. They're running the place like some cheesy resort restaurant that underdelivers on food quality. The world doesn't need more corporate chain places that make food that has no uniqueness or freshness. La Grange deserves better! I get a plumber because he's better at fixing the toilet then i am. I go to a doctor because he understands medicine better than myself. I want to go to a restaurant to experience something i can't at home. My wife cooks way better than Al's, or Palmer's, or that Chinese place on Burlington, or Santiago's, or Via Bella. If you're doing something for a living, it should be something that somebody cannot do at home (or at least not that easily). I pray that somebody with some creativity and self respect as a restaurant owner, somebody who wants to offer something genuinely special opens up a restaurant in la Grange, and drives out Blueberry Hill, Santiago's, even Tipi Thai (though it's not that bad, actually it's DECENT). La Grange is beautiful, it has so much too offer- IT DESERVES BETTER RESTAURANTS. Cons: Bad food, lame service
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Mr. Campagnola, I commend you for the comments concerning the desire of many people today to have places in their neighborhood that they can be proud of and that make them feel like their... More

Mr. Campagnola, I commend you for the comments concerning the desire of many people today to have places in their neighborhood that they can be proud of and that make them feel like their communities are special and have businesses with good services and products to offer. i completely agree that places like Al's ,C margarita, Yau's, etc. all offer food that is dull and overdone and has no nutritive value. Butsir, you are not addressing the underlying causes which result in restaurants that serve poorly prepared, "uncreative" and unhealthy food. Have you seen, sir, the movie "Thank you for Smoking"? What's happening in our insurance industry today, or in the restaurant industry is the same. I worked in marketing at McDonald's Corp , and i learned that McDonald's is first and formost in the real estate business- their main purpose is to make profits, obscene ones at that. Every business needs to make a profit to stay in business, of course. predisposed to heart disease.It is really sad to see. In europe, they don't consume large portions like Americans do. They eat smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day. Their steaks are much, much smaller than the portions sold at Al's. consequently they are much healthier, energetic, and happy. Because we Americans have gotten so used to the supersize culture, we think nothing of it. We think it's normal. But nothing could be farther from the truth. We are only beginning to see that exorbitant health costs to families and society because of our terrible eating habits. I used to know an 80 year old woman who worked in a bomb factory, actually assembling small addictions.parts that would be assimillated into a nuclear warhead. She was a sweet old lady, but she was part of what Eisenhower coined as the very dangerous "military industrial complex." The people at Al's, like you say, may be good people, but they are part of something larger that is truly, as you call it, "monstrous." Until we as a society promote a culture than reinforces our mutual well-being ,we will continue to have companies and institutions that prey on people’s addictions Cons: the food
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McDonald's is well aware of a direct link between the consumption of fast food and heart disease, yet they ignore it. In our evolutionary history, fat reservoirs were not readily available in... More

McDonald's is well aware of a direct link between the consumption of fast food and heart disease, yet they ignore it. In our evolutionary history, fat reservoirs were not readily available in our environment, and the body stored fat to sustain the species when food was not easily accessible. Times are different today, we have lipids available in our food sources. We don't need to store all this excess fat that Americans are carrying around, which contributes to billions of dollars in lost productivity in our economy, health problems, and ultimatelyearly death. But fatty foods actually stimulate glands and the secretion of hormones which makes them particularly addictive. Business capitalizes on this evolutionary heritage, ignoring how terribly damaging it is for the emotional, physical health of human beings. The same way a Metlife insurance agent sells you a whole life policy with an attractive cash value feature (whole life is a terrible pproduct) or a mortgage seller sells you on scheduled (bad) versus simple interest. Ultimately, it is a hustle. They are not concerned with your best interest, they are concerned with separating you from your money. many think this is all fine and dandy, but if you look at it clearly, it really is wrong. I noticed at Al's when i went (and i haven't been in a long time) that many of the patrons are of African American descent, and they are genetically predisposed to heart disease.It is really sad to see. In europe, they don't consume large portions like Americans do. They eat smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day. Their steaks are much, much smaller than the portions sold at Al's. consequently they are much healthier, energetic, and happy. Because we Americans have gotten so used to the supersize culture, we think nothing of it. We think it's normal. But nothing could be farther from the truth. We are only beginning to see that exorbitant health costs to families and society because of our terrible eating habits. I used to know an 80 year old woman who worked in a bomb factory, actually assembling small addictions.parts that would be assimillated into a nuclear warhead. She was a sweet old lady, but she was part of what Eisenhower coined as the very dangerous "military industrial complex." The people at Al's, like you say, may be good people, but they are part of something larger that is truly, as you call it, "monstrousproduct) or a mortgage seller sells you on scheduled (bad) versus simple interest. Ultimately, it is a hustle. They are not concerned with your best interest, they are concerned with separating you from your money. many think this is all fine and dandy, but if you look at it clearly, it really is wrong. I noticed at Al's when i went (and i haven't been in a long time) that many of the patrons are of African American descent, and they are genetically predisposed to heart disease.It is really sad to see. In europe, they don't consume large portions like Americans do. They eat smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day. Their steaks are much, much smaller than the portions sold at Al's. consequently they are much healthier, energetic, and happy. Because we Americans have gotten so used to the supersize culture, we think nothing of it. We think it's normal. But nothing could be farther from the truth. We are only beginning to see that exorbitant health costs to families and society because of our terrible eating habits. I used to know an 80 year old woman who worked in a bomb factory, actually assembling small addictions.parts that would be assimillated into a nuclear warhead. She was a sweet old lady, but she was part of what Eisenhower coined as the very dangerous "military industrial complex." The people at Al's, like you say, may be good people, but they are part of something larger that is truly, as you call it, "monstrous Cons: food
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How they treat employees: I was working at another steakhouse and got a call back from Al's saying they wanted to interview me. The owner, Al, is just plain rude. He never looked me in the eye once.... More

How they treat employees: I was working at another steakhouse and got a call back from Al's saying they wanted to interview me. The owner, Al, is just plain rude. He never looked me in the eye once. I thought I bombed the interview or something because he made no response. I got the job that night. I started. I learned all the ins and outs of the place. THE GUY IS JUST RUDE. HIS WIFE IS A B****. They don't know how to run a business. They worry about little things like every oz of dressing needs to be panned into new pans every night, but they keep the insect cleaner right next to open containers of butter. I even saw Al spraying for furry critters and legs right next to all the butter, take home containers, plastic silverware... and more. And I know a lot of restaurants that make homemade croutons use old bread, but that's gross. I always threw the bread out if a table didnt finish it. I couldn't do that to people. Also, there was only one sink to wash your hands, and I don't think anyone knew how to work it. And people get salad with their hands when they refill the salad station. Croutons and other things are dropped into the honey mustard "surprise" dressing and never scooped out. I can't bash the cooks though. They always wore gloves when they were supposed to and they did wash their hands. The quality on the food.... HORRIBLE. They are big steaks, but the 32 oz ribeye doesnt come close to what my dad cooks. It's not worth the money whatsoever. Bread comes from a package and is heated in microwave. The wine list isn't even the wines they give you. Ask to see the bottle. THEY LIE about what they put in your drinks. And don't ask for stuffed olives... I don't even want to go there with people and their greasy, gross fingers stuffing them. There were a few nuclear surviving friends floating around a few times. NO LIES! I never brought my bag in just in case I brought a friend home with me. Fruit flies are everywhere. It was embarrassing telling customers it was just from fresh produce that comes in daily. I know they are hard to get rid of, but wow there are a lot. So, pretty much there are insects. Al is too cheap to get rid of them the right way. You don't go downtown to these nice restaurants and see insects like you do there. And the last rant I have it how I was apparently "let go" . Summer is always slow for steak places, but they hired me and knew I quit my other job to work there because hours were so much better. They reassured me, so I quit my other job. Within a month they told me they had to cut my hours and bring me back on a few weeks later when business picked up and to keep calling. This is what JEFF the manager told me. Well, I did what he said and I was none the wiser that everyone was talking about me behind my back that I wasnt taking a hint. WELL OF COURSE I WASNT. I was listening to a manager. What kind of place is this? And what I found out tonight, which has caused me to really tell the TRUTH about them is that it's all because of a training manager didn't like me because I asked her "who pis*** in her cherrios?" and I was joking. Just like everyone else did around there. I believe she is a jealous you know what (and I am not conceited in anyway). Nothing about any of my coworkers conversation was what should be discussed in a work place. They were so unprofessional. If you want the measure of a person see how they treat their inferiors, not their superiors. Customers are the superiors, but your experience depends on the servers aka inferiors. Watch how people treat their employees. It has a direct correlation on the quality of your food. Servers get upset, and things happen to your food. I never did anything like that, but I have seen it. Al's is horrible to their employees. I have no reason to keep their secrets now. If you want to know more email me at jambara00@gmail BTW, I know it seems like I am getting them back, but it's all the truth. Pros: NOTHING Cons: EVERYTHING
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I've been dining at Al's Char-House for some time now and need to disagree with the reviewer below me. My drink of choice is usually a Greygoose martini and I have to say that it has always tasted... More

I've been dining at Al's Char-House for some time now and need to disagree with the reviewer below me. My drink of choice is usually a Greygoose martini and I have to say that it has always tasted like Greygoose. If I don't get the salad I always get the Black Bean soup and it's always been thick and awesome. We're always satisfied with the steaks (that I can assure you have no MSG because I'm allergic to it and have been eating them for years!!) or ribs; whichever we choose.. I've also taken larger groups from work here as well and have never had any complaints..... I'm sorry this person feels otherwise... I know we'll be back!
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We had not been to Al's for over a year but in the last two weeks we had occasion to dine there twice. The quality of the food has gone down. The steaks we had were very poor quality and I suspect... More

We had not been to Al's for over a year but in the last two weeks we had occasion to dine there twice. The quality of the food has gone down. The steaks we had were very poor quality and I suspect laced with MSG and tenderizer. Even the Black Bean soup which was one of the best in the area was watered down. I requested a martini made with a brand of gin I normally drink and I believe they substituted with a house gin but charged for the brand name. Our more recent visit was with a group of 15 people and I heard several comments from others that the price/quality was certainly out of line. Sorry to say we will probably not return to Al's.
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I had a terrible time with my boyfriend at Al's. Our server screwed up our order and brought out salads with the wrong dressing. We ignored it because we aren't fussy diners. But this place had... More

I had a terrible time with my boyfriend at Al's. Our server screwed up our order and brought out salads with the wrong dressing. We ignored it because we aren't fussy diners. But this place had terrible steaks that were nothing like the steaks you get at a nice steakhouse. They give good portions, but the quality of the steaks is terrible.
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For the last reviews that stated Al's has bad customer service and was not classy enough, I can understand that because the place is always busy and it looks kind of like a barn. However If you are... More

For the last reviews that stated Al's has bad customer service and was not classy enough, I can understand that because the place is always busy and it looks kind of like a barn. However If you are looking for a classy place like Wildfire or Morton's, do not go to Al's. Al's is for the person that thinks $60 for a steak is way too expensive, and a meal should come with everything. This place has the best steaks north of Texas and the best drink specials around! Pros: Huge portions Cons: wait staff can get overloaded with customers
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Al's lures in their customers under false pretenses. Last visit there I attempted to use a coupon they offered and was subsequently denied usage as I paid. Coupon stated "good for purches of any... More

Al's lures in their customers under false pretenses. Last visit there I attempted to use a coupon they offered and was subsequently denied usage as I paid. Coupon stated "good for purches of any two entrees and two beverages." Fine print did not state any rules in regards to this, customer only needed to purchase items during dinner time. They later claimed $16 sandwiches were not considered entrees when I attempted to submit the coupon. I asked to speak with a manager and she was not helpful, very ignorant and rude stating "those are Al's rules." I asked to speak with Al and she stated he was gone for the day. She wrote down my number so he could call me and I also wrote down Al's number. I never received a call from him or any other manager . Every time I attempt to call "Al has left for the evening." VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND RELATIONS!!!!!! Pros: Portion Size Cons: Customer Service and Management
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Went with my family to al's charhouse last weekend- and everything, i mean, everything was terrible. There steaks were so bad, i can hardly even call them a steakhouse! The steaks were not at all... More

Went with my family to al's charhouse last weekend- and everything, i mean, everything was terrible. There steaks were so bad, i can hardly even call them a steakhouse! The steaks were not at all tasty. When i think of the term steakhouse, i think of a classy place with refined service. The staff seemed like a bunch of hicks, you say things like "y'all need anything else?" or "how you folks doing?" And our salads were so messy on our plates, we had cheeese that looked like it was thrown carelessly on the plate- they didn't even try to make the salad look nice. I can't believe i took my family to this low-class joint. I won't make the same mistake again. At the end of the evening i felt like i'd been force fed like some cow. they load you up on everything, the baked potato had WAY TOO MUCH SOUR CREAM! this restaurant is pathetic. Pros: Nothing pros Cons: everything was horrible
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