Was lame this weekend. We consider ourselves big fans of RED, but my fiance is from out-of-town and we thought we'd try something different. So we went up to Boulevard Steakhouse in Edmond.

I ordered a strip that was, no joke, about exactly the same as Cattlemen's. Ordered a maker's manhattan on the rocks, ended up with a Woodford manhattan served up. The pacing of the meal was pretty poor at times, as we waited for water and our entrees for quite some time. The fiance' ordered the beef tips, which had a good flavor, but the sauce was super over-salted, almost to the point of making one pucker up after sampling.

None of the above made it an overall bad experience...just not one of value for the price and I regretted the decision the next day. We'll be back to RED next time we have something to celebrate.

I've had great experiences and bad experiences at Boulevard - and based on their prices I find that very unacceptable. Personally, when in Edmond and I want a good meal I either go to 501 or Signature Grill as both have always given me an excellent all around experience.

As for Red Prime; The only time I've had bad service or food was when eating at the bar. However, every time (2-3) the waiter acknowledged the poor service and reduced the bill by at least 50% - which means I continue to patronize them.

You know Brian, I just *almost* did Signature Grill for the first time, but I had been to Boulevard before and wanted my fiance' to be able to enjoy the martini lounge prior to dinner. I wish I had now, thanks for the tip.

I'm really disappointed to read that Boulevard Steakhouse has apparently let their standards slide.
I must admit that I've never--yet--dined there (I cook some of the best steak ever at home) but it is a shame that when there exists a place known for always attempting to approach excellence they are allowing a slide into mediocrity. (Especially at THOSE prices . . . =)

Everyone has a bad day...Those guys at Boulevard Steakhouse are very good at what they do.

Everyone has a bad day...Those guys at Boulevard Steakhouse are very good at what they do.

You're always such a good sport, Tuck. Class act!

Not a fan of the ranch mallen?

You know, I've only been to the Ranch once and had a great meal and time. We need to try that one out and get a full assessment and flesh out my opinion on it. I am starting to get the impression that there's RED, the Ranch, and the rest.

You could possibly eat cheaper at Jean-Georges in Manhattan, but then again you probably couldn't order something called beef tips either.

The pricing at places like this, "Mahogany", "Opus", The Ranch, Micky Mantle's etc., is pretty comical, imo. If you must go out and order a really costly cut of beef in Oklahoma City, you might as well just go to Red and be done with it. You can at least be guaranteed that it will be properly cooked.

You could possibly eat cheaper at Jean-Georges in Manhattan, but then again you probably couldn't order something called beef tips either.

The pricing at places like this, "Mahogany", "Opus", The Ranch, Micky Mantle's etc., is pretty comical, imo. If you must go out and order a really costly cut of beef in Oklahoma City, you might as well just go to Red and be done with it. You can at least be guaranteed that it will be properly cooked.

You're smart and anyone that goes to the Ranch et al. is stupid. Got it.

Last time I was at Boulevard I was not able to finish my Lobster Bisque or my Filet because of the amount of salt that was used. It did cause me to suck down 4-5 drinks though. Maybe thats what they were going for, but I wont be back again. There are too many other restaurants that are less expensive that have much better food.

Mallen, you should go back to the Ranch. While Red Prime certianly has a cooler atmosphere and great food(ate there friday myself), the Ranch's service is excellent and has a filet that is unrivaled in this city.

I am looking forward to hitting the Ranch up again! Thanks for the recommendation. If I have so split time b/n RED and the Ranch, so be it. :D #firstworldproblems

You're smart and anyone that goes to the Ranch et al. is stupid. Got it.

I meant no offense.

I've always had luke-warm feelings about Boulevard.The Mantel was my favorite restaurant a few years back, but when my girlfriend and I went this last winter/spring the service and cuisine had definitely taken a dive. I've only been to RED once, but liked it quite a bit. Nonna's to me has always been good, but never great.

We ate at Rococo last weekend, but I had the duck, which was average at best. However, my girlfriend said the mussels were the best she's had in the city. I think most everywhere you at least get what you pay for, which often isn't much in OKC, for better or worse.

from what I know from haveing small chat with bartender at martini lounge when times were rough the past few years boulevard got into the whole groupon deal which led a lot of people who don't usually eat there come through the doors. they relaxed on their dress code and such which led to a less than stellar atmosphere and food quality. Im pretty sure they have ditched all that recently and are still working to get back to where they once were. side note i went on vday and it was fantastic.

I ran into "The 'Groupons'" once at a "Special Dinner" involving what is probably one of the finest, well-established, "independent/locally owned/long-lived" Italian Restaurants in the area and one that We made a destination, partly in order to validate an opinion expressed by the other half of "We" who had been there before.

(How can I say this without ruffling feathers . . . Let's see . . .)
The "Groupons" (and their absorbsion of all immediate available resources in terms of both food and service) had a net negative effect on my--and probably "our"--desire for repeat business.

Which is not to say that we will never try out Cafe Pranzo again . . .

[Threadal Continuity Connection (not even counting the "Service" aspect =): I think they had steak on the menu and Italianized Steak is the Best Steak Ever. When the Groupons are gone I will be back to try it.]

Maybe its just me, but I find the Boulevard's email marketing effort annoying and the butt of jokes in our house around special occasions. Not exactly sure how or when, but we got onto their email list. Most likely we signed up in the hopes of promos. We often do this with probably a dozen or more local restaurants. As mine and my wife's birthdays and wedding anniversary rolls around we get email and postal greetings from all of these establishments. Each one always contains some sort of enticement to celebrate the occasion at their place of business. We get free entrees from many or at the very least a free appetizer or dessert. Last week we did Chili's takeout (shared a salad with chicken entree) so we could get a free brownie sundae (delicious!). I had my free Chelino's entree awhile back and we plan to use our Paseo gift next weekend.

However, with Boulevard its always the same..... "Happy whatever and you should spend an outrageous amount of money celebrating the occasion with us and our mediocre food for no real reason at all." Okay, that's how I read between the lines. Sort of like being 12 and getting a birthday card from your aunt, only to find out when you open the card there is no $20 bill inside. So, the wife refers to these emails and postcards as "look honey, another greeting card from Aunt Boulevard."

If you're gonna go through the trouble of getting me to sign up. Show me you appreciate my patronage by offering me an enticement. Trust me it works and its good marketing. Nobody really cares to hear where you ate on Friday night. But often they'll entertain a story about where you ate for your birthday or anniversary and word of mouth marketing is king with restaurants.

Just my opinion though.

Generally the food at Boulevard is very good. But Ranch, Mahogany and Red seem to be consistently better. Mickey Mantel and Opus are next level down...probably with Boulevard at this point.