Tucked along North Central Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona, Durant’s is the kind of steakhouse that earns its legendary status one perfectly cooked bite at a time. With a 4.6-star rating from over 2,000 reviewers, this old-school chophouse has been wowing guests with its NY Strip steak, classic martinis, and red-velvet atmosphere for decades.
Whether you are a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Durant’s delivers a dining experience that feels both timeless and genuinely special. Here is everything that makes this Phoenix gem absolutely worth the drive.
The NY Strip Steak That Started It All
Some steaks are good. Then there are steaks that make you forget every meal you have ever had before.
The NY Strip at Durant’s falls firmly into that second category, earning rave reviews from guests who have dined at steakhouses across the country.
Cooked to your exact preference and arriving at the table still sizzling, this steak is seasoned with confidence and precision. The crust is golden and deeply caramelized, while the interior stays tender and juicy all the way through.
Guests consistently say they did nothing to it — no salt, no sauce — because none was needed. At Durant’s, located at 2611 N Central Ave, the NY Strip is not just a menu item.
It is the main reason people plan their entire evening around a visit to this iconic Phoenix steakhouse.
Walking Through the Kitchen Entrance
Forget the front door — at Durant’s, the real entrance is through the kitchen. This beloved tradition has been part of the Durant’s experience for decades, and it immediately sets the tone for the evening ahead.
Walking past the line cooks and gleaming prep stations is a little theatrical, a little unexpected, and completely unforgettable. You can smell the steaks before you even reach your table, which honestly makes the anticipation even better.
Regulars love this quirky ritual, and first-timers are always pleasantly surprised. One reviewer called it “unique” and said it “adds to the character of the place.” Durant’s has thoughtfully preserved this tradition through its recent renovation, proving that some things are simply too good to change.
Arriving through the kitchen is not just an entrance — it is the first chapter of a great story.
The Iconic Red Leather Booths and Vintage Atmosphere
Red leather booths, dark wood walls, dim lighting, and a room that feels like it belongs in a Sinatra-era photograph — Durant’s atmosphere is one of its most celebrated features. Guests frequently describe the vibe as “dark and moody” in the best possible way.
The recent renovation by the Maestro brothers, who also own Steak 44, was handled with real care. The iconic red banquettes were preserved, and beloved details like the original phone booth and vintage bathroom signage were kept exactly where they belong.
One loyal guest wrote that the soul of Durant’s is “absolutely still there,” calling the update a thoughtful revival rather than a reinvention. Sitting inside feels like stepping into a place where time moves a little slower and every meal feels like a special occasion.
The ambiance alone is worth the trip.
Impeccable Service That Makes Everyone Feel Like a Regular
Great food is only half the equation at Durant’s. The service here operates on a level that is genuinely rare in today’s dining world, and guests never stop talking about it.
Servers know the menu inside and out, make personalized recommendations, and manage to be attentive without hovering. Staff members like Gustavo, Isaiah, Ben, Kevin, and Margaret have each earned shout-outs in glowing reviews, which tells you something important about the culture Durant’s has built.
One guest mentioned receiving a phone call the following day from a staff member named Ash, thanking them for visiting. Another noted that the maître d’ and sommelier were both “knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely welcoming.” At Durant’s, hospitality is not a department — it is the entire philosophy.
Every table is treated like it belongs to a longtime regular, even on a first visit.
The Legendary Martinis Worth Ordering First
Ask anyone who has been to Durant’s what to order besides the steak, and the answer is almost always the same: the martinis. Cold, strong, and made with the kind of precision that bartenders at lesser establishments only dream about, these cocktails have become a signature of the Durant’s experience.
The cucumber martini earned particular praise in one recent review, described simply as “perfection.” A Belvedere martini with an extra shaker remains a fan favorite, while creative seasonal options keep things fresh for returning guests.
Bartenders like Kevin and Tom have been praised individually for their knowledge, personality, and ability to keep the bar lively and fun. Whether you are starting your evening with a classic or trying something new, the martini program at Durant’s is a serious highlight.
Pair one with the NY Strip and you have the makings of a perfect night.
Prime Rib That Rivals Any in the Country
While the NY Strip gets plenty of attention, the prime rib at Durant’s has its own devoted following. Multiple reviewers have called it the best prime rib they have ever tasted — not just in Arizona, but anywhere in the United States.
Rich, deeply seasoned, and cooked to a rosy, tender perfection, each slice arrives with everything it needs to be a showstopper. Three guests at one table all ordered it during the same visit and came away equally impressed, which is not the kind of consistency you stumble upon accidentally.
The new ownership under the Maestro brothers has maintained the same quality that made Durant’s famous. One reviewer noted that the prime rib matches the standard set at their other celebrated locations like Steak 44.
For serious meat lovers, skipping the prime rib at Durant’s would be a genuine mistake worth regretting.
Standout Appetizers to Start Your Meal Right
Before the main event arrives, Durant’s appetizers set a high bar that the kitchen clears with ease. Reviewers have highlighted crispy shrimp, deviled eggs, hanging bacon, and oysters as standout starters that go far beyond the usual steakhouse offerings.
The hanging bacon deserves its own paragraph. Described as thick center-cut strips cooked with near-magical skill, then hung on a rack and drizzled with honey, it arrives with an impressive presentation and even more impressive flavor.
One guest said the honey pooled beneath the rack for extra dipping was a “pro tip” not to miss.
Caviar cones have also turned heads, with one reviewer calling the concept genuinely inventive. Starting a meal at Durant’s with a round of creative appetizers, a cold martini, and good company is one of the better ways to spend an evening in Phoenix, Arizona.
Classic Sides That Complete the Experience
A great steakhouse lives and dies by its sides, and Durant’s treats them with the same care given to the main course. Creamed spinach, baked potatoes, crisp salads, and a signature mashed potato dish loaded with cheese and seafood have all earned enthusiastic praise from guests.
One reviewer called the creamed corn “to die for,” and another could not stop raving about the loaded baked potato — noting with genuine awe that it was the largest potato they had ever seen in their life. These are not afterthoughts tossed onto the plate for filler.
Each side is prepared with real intention, balancing richness and flavor without overshadowing the star of the plate. Sharing a few sides with the table is a smart strategy, both for variety and because the portions at Durant’s are famously generous.
Come hungry — there is plenty to go around.
Seafood Options That Hold Their Own Against the Steaks
Not everyone at the table wants a steak, and Durant’s makes sure those guests feel just as well taken care of. The seafood menu is serious, featuring options like lobster thermidor, crab legs, sea bass, and a raw bar that has impressed even the most well-traveled diners.
One group of three split two lobster thermidors and a platter of crab legs, calling the meal “one of the best” in recent memory. Another guest ordered sea bass and said it was “exactly what you would hope for” — high praise at a restaurant known primarily for its beef.
The raw bar adds a refreshing start to any meal, and the kitchen clearly applies the same level of skill to seafood as it does to its legendary steaks. Durant’s proves that a great steakhouse can also be a great seafood destination without any compromise.
Desserts That Deliver a Memorable Finish
Ending a meal at Durant’s on a sweet note is not just encouraged — it is practically required. The dessert menu has produced some of the most enthusiastic praise in the restaurant’s already glowing reviews.
Strawberry shortcake has been called “truly unforgettable” by multiple guests, with one reviewer saying it is an absolute must-order on every visit. The ice cream cookie cake earned the title of “best part of the meal” from a guest who otherwise had a mixed experience, which speaks volumes about how good it actually is.
For special occasions like birthdays, the staff goes the extra mile, bringing out dessert with a card to make the moment feel personal and warm. From the first martini to the last spoonful of shortcake, Durant’s knows how to build an evening that guests will talk about long after the check arrives.
A Phoenix Institution With Decades of History
Durant’s has been part of the Phoenix dining scene long enough to become genuinely woven into the city’s identity. Located at 2611 N Central Ave, it is the kind of place where business deals get closed, anniversaries get celebrated, and first-timers instantly understand why the regulars keep coming back.
The restaurant’s recent change of ownership to the Maestro brothers — the team behind Steak 44 and Ocean 44 — sparked some concern among loyal fans. Those worries turned out to be completely unfounded.
The new owners have preserved everything that made Durant’s special while elevating the food, service, and overall experience.
Staff members who remember guests from other Maestro restaurants greet them by name, adding a personal touch that feels almost impossible to manufacture. At Durant’s, the history is not just preserved — it is actively honored every single evening the doors open at 4 PM.
The Perfect Spot for Special Occasions
Some restaurants are great for a casual Tuesday. Durant’s is built for the nights that matter.
Birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, and milestone dinners all find a natural home inside those iconic red leather booths.
The staff leans into these moments with genuine enthusiasm. Birthday guests have received surprise desserts and handwritten cards.
One family celebrating a husband’s birthday described the evening as so seamless and warm that they are already planning their return visit.
Even a follow-up phone call the next day — thanking guests for dining — has been mentioned as a detail that left a lasting impression. Durant’s is open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9:15 PM, Friday from 11 AM to 10 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 10 PM.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend evenings when the dining room fills up fast. Call ahead at 602-264-5967.
Why the Drive to Durant’s Is Always Worth It
People drive from all over Arizona — and beyond — to eat at Durant’s, and the consensus is always the same: it is absolutely worth it. Guests who have dined in Los Angeles, New York, and internationally still rank Durant’s among the finest restaurant experiences they have ever had.
The combination of an unforgettable NY Strip, show-stopping martinis, vintage atmosphere, and service that feels both professional and genuinely warm creates something that is increasingly hard to find. Durant’s earns its 4.6-star rating the old-fashioned way — by being consistently excellent, night after night.
Whether you are a Phoenix local rediscovering a neighborhood gem or a visitor looking for a meal that defines the city, Durant’s delivers on every level. Visit the website at durantssteakhouse.com or stop by 2611 N Central Ave. Some restaurants are worth the drive.
Durant’s is worth the trip across the state.