Abacus

12/26/08

Abacus—Tasteful Art!

by KurtWvS at Citysearch

We love the design of this place.. and the design of everything they present. Tastes so so SO good! This is one of the most respected and best downtown restaurants in Dallas P-E-R-I-O-D. My friends esteem all people who work here. Is it expensive? Yes, like so many on its level. Do they earn their way to the top of your list through hard work, attention to detail and excellence? Yes. Chef Kent Rathbun is a warmhearted, disciplined and extremely creative commander. Hey, he has got to be to keep pulling it off as he consistently does year after year. His following will tell you this as well. Kent is a sharpshooter that aims to please and he even opens up his lovely home for his guests.. as well as his Texas-sized-generous heart. (I only mean sharpshooter as he goes for perfection in several areas and seems to attain it). Give it a try, but be careful ’cause it's romantic to the hilt!

• Pros: The unique ambience, attentive service and excellent quality
• Cons: slightly pushy with their lobster shooters (we don’t drink)

03/23/07

Kind of Overrated. Service NOT the Best. Poor Management.

by nonamedamnit at Citysearch

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.

08/17/06

Good, but Highly Overrated.

by louisegrey at Citysearch

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.

The lobster shooters, while flavorful and excellent, contained no hint of lobster and I was surprised they could even use it in the title. But I did enjoy them very much. Their peking duck spring rolls were good...(I still think my favorite Thai place could have made them even better.) My husband's soft shell crab was excellent, and cooked to perfection. Truly the highlight of the evening. I DID NOT LIKE MY ENTREE AT ALL. When you spend money and go to a restaurant like Abacus, your dish at the very least should be good. Maybe not EXCELLENT, but good enough to where you would enjoy it, and maybe just not order it again. I did not even eat it. I am not the type of person to send food back, so I pushed it around and smiled. But what a dissapointment! They nailed everything else almost, and crashed and burned on the entree. My husband's flat iron steak was good.

Overall:

Lobster Shooters - B+

Peking Duck Spring Rolls - B

Soft Shell Crab - A+

Flat Iron Steak - B

Soy seared beef with Chili Prawns - D+

Dessert- B+

Overall - B-

I had a good time. The ambiance is fantastic. The appetizers were good. Not fantastic but good. And the entrees were a dissapointing C-. Save some money, and get a few small plates which are more interesting anyways, and a drink at the bar.

• Pros: Beautiful, Creative dishes, Ambiance
• Cons: Overpriced, overrated

07/09/06

High End Shooters

by jtid at Citysearch

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