Abacus

I thought about it for a week, but after a second try at Abacus, I have to share my disappointing experience. Scenario: party of 8, friendly greeting by manager to birthday girl, great wine service by our waiter. Then the 30 minute wait till our orders were taken. The 40 minutes till our ""small plates"" came out. And they were small. How about 1 ravioli and 1 small link of meat for $16-18? Then the 50 minute wait till our ""big plate"". Overcooked, small portion, and salty sauce masked the natural flavor of the sea bass. I've never had sea bass so well done. Pros: Nice ambience, valet only Cons: Long wait for meal, salty dishes more

My wife and I have been going for many years and it is always good. We have never been disappointed here. Of course you have to get the Lobster shooters. Pros: Consistantly great Cons: far from home more

We're new to the area and our favorite thing to do is to go out to eat. This restaurant was recommended from our waiter at Truluck's (which I don't recommend) who used to be a concierge. I always look up a restaurant before I go and read the reviews. I have to confirm that it was sensational! We usually go to five star rated restaurants as well as the other reviewer and I don't know what she's talking about when she says, in so many words, that it doesn't live up to it's reputation. The ambience was elegant, the server was knowledgeable and very discreet, and the food was delicious. We had the Sunday roll for appetizer. As a lady, one of the things I hate about sushi is that the pieces are too big for my mouth and it's usually hard to cut the pieces. I could cut these pieces in half with a fork with ease and put it in my mouth and actually enjoy it and feel like the lady that I am instead of looking like I'm eating a golf ball. My husband ordered the recommended ribeye with blue cheese, and since I believe you should always order something different so you can try more of the menu, I ordered the seabass. Both were presented well and very, very good. The meat was tender and juicy and the seabass was light and filling. Neither needed more seasoning which is always a sign of a good cook. The atmosphere was not too loud and it felt like we could talk without the table next to us hearing our conversation. Even though we were sat in the corner, we didn't feel like we were apart from the restaurant and forgotten about. I definitely recommend Abacus for an elegant evening knowing that you're going to get what you pay for. Pros: The ambience and the food Cons: Had to rely on server for descriptions of Sushi rolls so you couldn't read, visualize, and ponder more

I had such high hopes for Abacus. I haven't talked to anyone who'd been, but I love Top Chef and wanted to check out Tre's restaurant. So, last night, my girlfriends and I decided it would be a great place to start ladies' night. We were wrong. I called ahead to see if Chef Wilcox would be working and was told he was. But we would later learn that he left before we arrived--which may explain the horrible-tasting food. When we arrived, were seated, and the waiter--an awkward, unsociable fellow--came over and offered us Lobster shots. Two of us agreed to try them. They never arrived. The waiter asked about water, and I asked for lemons. They never arrived. I settled on the salmon, and another pal chose pork. When they arrived (finally), we agreed--way too salty. I had to ask for a new fork because mine was bent out of shape. The wine was the best thing we had (but my wine glass was chipped). When another party was seated next to us, we had to wait a very long time before the waiter came over to check on us--from the time that party arrived to the time he took their order, he never so much as glanced our way. The non-English-speaking busboys were the friendliest people working there. The crowd was not exactly my cup of tea, either. Mostly blonde SMU undergraduates baring too much skin (not on the top) and men with thick necks and tight suits. I would be happy to never return there--even if Tre was my favorite this year. I hope Casey's restaurant won't be this big of a disappointment. Pros: Truffles Cons: Poor service more

So my future wife and I venture out to this restaurant. I'm thinking this is a bit of a pretentious place, and as we enter the restaurant a whole sleu of people walk out so I guess I""m designated the door man for the time being. We arrive about 30 minuts earlier than our reservation, and we are PROMPTLY seated. Kudos for that. I end up ordering the crab cakes, which are to die for. Not overly dry and REAL crab meat. I have the filet medium rare, and I gotta say, it's one of the better filets I've had in the DFW area. Dessert I had the banana bread pudding. Was not too sweet just right. I would venture out there again. Pros: Excellent food, host staff Cons: Getting into trouble with the Mrs., Then the waiter giving me cain for getting into it with the Mrs, Not his business more

My hunnie took me to Abacus for my birthday this week, and I have to admit I was skeptical of the place. I personally avoid restaurants like Abacus simply because they tend to be pretentious and the staff is usually snobby. Pros: Amazing staff and service, food equally as good Cons: *Extremely* loud if they are busy, which is probably all the time more

Their food is good! But, it's not all that good! It's just good. I think this restaurant is highly overrated. But, try it. I don't think that people will be disappointed. I just don't agree with all the hype out there about this restaurant. The restaurant interior is somewhat tacky. Pros: Valet Parking. Creative Menu. Cons: Food is NOT all that great! Poor Management. more

I grew up in Dallas and was lucky enough to be spoiled when it comes to fine dining. I grew up going to the Chappareal Club on weekends with my parents...to Laurels, the Pyramid Room, the French Room- the Mansion. I developed a palette at an early age and as an adult (with a far smaller pocketbook of course!!!) I tell you this as a preface to my review- because perhaps I have been spoiled with fantastic food. Perhaps Abacus is a fantastic restaurant, but there are certain things I believe you should and CAN expect from one of only 5, 5-star restaurants in Dallas. And Abacus did not deliver. Pros: Beautiful, Creative dishes, Ambiance Cons: Overpriced, overrated more

I've been to Abacus several times over the last few years and every time we've been very impressed with the outstanding food and service. The really incredible thing about dining at Abacus is that the standards are so high for the most important aspects of any dining experience, yet the atmosphere can be almost casual. The restaurant is appropriate for anyone seeking either a formal dining experience or for someone just wanting a nice dinner without having to get ""dressed up"". Either way fits into the relaxed yet reserved style of Abacus easily. more

I went to Abacus for the first time during Restaurant Week last year. When I left, I was practically in tears. There is nothing that isn't perfect about this restaurant. The eclectic offering of whatever is new and happening is perfectly executed. The Lobster Shooters were little lumps of heaven! Pros: I can't say enough, it's all a "Pro"! Cons: My husband hates to valet. It's fine with me, though! more

One of the best restaurants in Texas. Always a great atmosphere and amazing food. The only item that I have not loved is the lobster shooters. Pros: The food! Wow! Cons: It's expensive, but worth every penny. more

This trendy restraunt is one of my favorite hot spots in Dallas. From the very sophisticated service to the best desserts in town, I had one of the most lovely dinners at Abacus. Its a great place to have a dinner for a special occasion because of the lively atmostphere and delicious food. I definatly recommend dining at Abacus, and highly recommend their fabulous deserts! Pros: Great Location, Great Food! more

Trendy, yet comfortable, Abacus offers a unique high end dining experience. The wait staff is strong, knowledgeable, especially about wine, and friendly. The food is eclectic and fantastic. The décor is contemporary, but the lighting makes it romantic. Overall, if you're looking for a nice night out, where you don't mind spending a few $$$, Abacus is highly recommended. Pros: Lobster Shooters more

Snooty service and loud music spoils an otherwise pleasant ambience with respectable decor. Food was average. You get the sense of a place trying a bit too hard and missing the mark. Not the enjoyable dining experience that one should be receiving for price paid. more

Five Star...don't think so. Food was good, but certainly not worth the price. When one spends $75 per person, one should walk out thinking it was a memorable experience. That was not our view at all. Scallops...three for $35? Calamari...? Have had better at many other restaurants. Also everything was much too salty. If you are looking for an intimate eating experience this is NOT the place for you. The noise level was overpowering, as was the incessant, repetitive pounding of the music. Sorry, had really looked forward to this evening. Will not go back for sure... more

Abacus didn't live up to its proclaims. Our table was not ready upon arrival. We had to wait 15 minutes to be seated for our reservation - with no recompense. Where I come from, if your reserved table it not ready, you are offered a drink on the house or complimentary dessert or something. The decor was nice, however, it was far too noisy for anything romantic or even conversation that was not screaming. If I were to return, I'd bring a group of people. The food was good, if you have not had anything better before. The Lobster Shooters were the best thing we had. The entrees (Diver Scallops and Jumbo Prawns) were ""all-right"" - I've definitely had better Asian fusion in town. The food was over-seasoned, taking away from the inherent flavor of the seafood. The Truffled Mac-N-Cheese, not as great as it sounded, but worth a try. more

In short, Abacus is the best restaurant in Dallas. The menu is imaginative, the food is excellent, and the service is top notch. On top of all that Abacus has some of the best sushi in town. Abacus constantly shuffles their big plates and small plates so you can always expect to find something new and interesting on the menu. I highly suggest the Lobster Shooters as an appetizer, as well as the Dynamite Roll (in my opinion the best in town) and Tempura Ahi Roll if you are into sushi. Abacus is not for the budget conscious, plan on spending around $75 a person for dinner and drinks... but it's worth every penny. Pros: Food / Sushi, Atmosphere, Everything more