The elaborate gold-wrought building of Bailey’s Steakhouse contrasts imposingly with its common neighboring stores such as the Container Store and Macy’s. This intricately designed exterior displays a dauntingly formal tone in a shopping center among restaurants such as The Purple Cow and Twisted Root Burger. As I walked through the high arches leading into Bailey’s, I thought of that rich snobby house (there is one in every neighborhood) that makes the normal families feel ashamed of themselves when they forget to water their lawn or trim the grass, because the mansion across the street, pristine and freshly watered, is taunting the brown, overgrown straw in the pitiful front yards of the rest of the neighborhood. This was setting a bad first impression of Bailey’s for me, and I have to say I begun the dinner with a bit of prejudice as the sophisticated massive wrought-iron double doors were opened by a generically friendly hostess.

Although my first impression of Bailey’s was one of disapproval, the rest of the dinner changed my opinion. From the first course, some of the most delicious, garlic and butter bread I’ve ever tasted, to the complimentary chocolate dessert (there was a birthday at the table), I was very impressed with the service and quality of the food.

The signature salad, named “That Salad” (trendy, right? There was no shortage of ‘That’ jokes: “Hey, is That good?” “What is That?” etc.) was a blend of pistachios, feta cheese, and something resembling craisins, in a nutty vinaigrette dressing. There was a bit of confusion when I asked to change the dressing on That salad, and after the second time the waiter came back and asked me if I was sure I didn’t want the house dressing, I took the hint and stuck to That dressing after all.

The steak was also delicious, and the mashed potatoes and asparagus that came with the meal were fresh and seasoned well. Our waiter was dignified and helpful (and very handy with a crumber; debatably the most important trait for a waiter at a nice restaurant), and it was overall a very good restaurant choice.

I would definitely recommend Bailey’s, but as great as it was, it is more of a celebration of a special occasion kind of place, and probably not an every weekend affair. However, as far as formal steakhouses in the area go, I would definitely give Bailey’s a try.