Every city has a restaurant that feels less like a dining room and more like a time machine — Phoenix has Durant’s. Durant’s Steakhouse in Phoenix, Arizona, is more than just a restaurant — it’s a living piece of history, founded in 1950 by Jack Durant, who transformed it into a gathering spot for Phoenix’s elite, frequented by everyone from politicians to Hollywood stars. Jack Durant himself was a former minor league baseball player and Las Vegas pit boss who brought a flair for storytelling and drama to the steakhouse, often weaving tales of his colorful past as he served some of the finest steaks in the city.
Durant’s Steakhouse is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a new Renaissance after a year-long restoration and acquisition by James Beard nominated brothers Mike and Jeff Mastro. The steakhouse has relaunched with a restored dining room and updated kitchen under new ownership, preserving its iconic red booths, walls, and vintage signage while elevating the overall dining experience. Long-time fans can rest easy — the soul of Durant’s is very much intact.
Menu Highlights
Signature hand-cut steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, and world-class martinis sit at the heart of Durant’s menu. The menu is filled with generously portioned dishes including Durant’s Delmonico steak, Slow-Roasted Prime Rib, and Australian Lobster Tail — and those feeling especially indulgent can take on the 48-ounce porterhouse, where finishing it in one sitting earns a plaque on the wall. That’s not just dinner — that’s a badge of honor.
Beyond the steaks, the menu includes a massive Lobster Thermidor, other fresh seafood, and an incredible veal parmigiana served with a flavorful vodka sauce. Classics like the famous porterhouse alongside the Caesar salad and Dungeness crab cocktail round out a menu that leans confidently into its mid-century roots without feeling stale. Guests will also find a variety of different steaks, shrimp scampi, and crab cakes, while a new caviar service — popular at the Mastro family’s other restaurants — has been introduced alongside classic cocktails and old favorites like the Paper Plane.
Whether you order a filet, ribeye, or New York strip, the quality and execution are consistently top-tier, and classic sides — creamed spinach, baked potatoes, and crisp salads — are prepared with care and balance, complementing the main course without distraction. From the famous relish trays to decadent seafood and desserts, every meal is served with the impeccable, personal service that has defined Durant’s for over 70 years.
The martinis deserve special mention: cold, strong, and impeccably made. Pairing one of four martinis with your meal is truly the way to understand why the restaurant has remained a local mainstay all these decades. The bar is equally iconic, and if you can find space at the bar, grab it — this area is prime for eavesdropping on insider politics.
The Famous Kitchen Door Entrance
There’s one feature at Durant’s that you simply won’t find anywhere else in Arizona — the entrance. Famous for its “back door” entrance through the kitchen, Durant’s invites guests into a timeless world of red-flocked wallpaper, tufted leather booths, and mid-century glamour. This unconventional entry sets the tone for the entire dining experience, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the restaurant’s operations as cooks wave from their stations — making diners feel like insiders in this retro steakhouse while adding a sense of exclusive authenticity.
Hollywood legends Joe DiMaggio, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and John Wayne all frequented Durant’s — and walking through that same kitchen door today, you can almost feel the weight of that history. More than one Phoenix politician has described it as stepping into the power center of the state of Arizona, and that reputation for backroom deals and big personalities has never fully faded.
Atmosphere & Décor
The atmosphere features dim lighting, signature red velvet wallpaper, and plush red leather booths — it feels like a scene out of a Scorsese movie. Neon signs, porterhouse club plaques, portraits, and a phone booth still adorn the interiors, while the red booths, red walls, and vintage signage dominate the space with unmistakable character. The Mastro family’s restoration was intentional and careful — described by Jeff Mastro himself as “really more of a restoration than a remodel,” preserving everything that made Durant’s feel special.
The ambiance is unapologetically classic: dim lighting, red leather booths, dark wood, and an atmosphere steeped in history and confidence. The crowd is a compelling mix of Phoenix “old guard” politicians, couples on romantic dates, and people seeking that classic mid-century glamour. It’s the kind of room where you instinctively sit up a little straighter and linger a little longer over your drink.
Other Considerations
What’s the price range like? Durant’s is firmly in the fine-dining price category — expect to spend accordingly for a full dinner with drinks. The price point is high, but certainly not inflated — the quality is worth the money. Think of it less as an expensive dinner and more as an investment in an evening you’ll actually remember.
Do I need a reservation? If you’d like to book, you can call or reserve a table through the online booking system at the restaurant’s website. Given Durant’s storied reputation and renewed buzz following its 2025 reopening, booking ahead — especially on weekends — is strongly recommended.
Is this a good spot for a special occasion? Absolutely. Durant’s is the kind of place where business deals are closed, celebrations are marked, and memories are made. The restaurant also accommodates birthdays, retirement parties, and corporate functions, with private dining rooms and event venues available.
What about the service? The service is exceptional in the truest sense of the word — the staff operates with professionalism, warmth, and a level of polish that is increasingly rare, knowing the menu intimately, anticipating needs without intrusion, and treating every guest as if they are a regular.
Is there a dress code? Durant’s is a fine dining establishment with a classic, upscale atmosphere, so smart casual at minimum is expected. Some visitors have noted questions about the dress code, so it’s worth checking the restaurant’s website or calling ahead if you’re unsure — it’s the kind of place where dressing up genuinely adds to the experience.
Durant’s Steakhouse
📍 2611 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website: https://www.durantsaz.com
