There are a few standard appetizers like crab-stuffed mushrooms or oysters on the half-shell, but why not start with the shrimp, sautéed in a garlic butter sauce and then dipped in cheese and wrapped in bacon. Everything is better when you wrap it in bacon, but this will make a fan out of even the non-seafood lover in you.

Under the heading of soups and salads they have the usual suspects like Caesars and dinner salads, but the interesting twists continue here with a hearty beefstake tomato and mozzarella salad, Texas black bean and pepper jack soup, or my personal favorite, a Maui onion soup served piping hot with a thick helping of melted cheese. The latter is enhanced with cilantro and is unusually spicy but delicious, with a great kick. The signature Austins' Steakhouse Salad is also noteworthy, a finely chopped mixture of greens, bacon (see, better immediately), tomatoes and other veggies, and tangy chunks of bleu cheese.

For entrees they have Alaskan king crab legs, rack of Wisconsin lamb, veal chops, double-thick pork t-bones, swordfish, salmon, and other relatively standard fare, plus more of those southern flavors like fried chicken. But you didn't really come here to eat anything other than beef, did you?

They age and cure their meats in a 60-day process, using a marinade of Cajun spices that leaves the cuts flavorful and tender. Then they cook it over mesquite apple wood for an extra smoky taste.

I can't possibly recommend any dish more highly than the pan-seared rib eye. They rub it in peppercorns and then pan sear it in a garlic butter and cilantro sauce. Not only was it cooked perfectly (you wouldn't think medium-well is hard but from my experience it has been), but it was without a doubt the most flavorful cut of beef I've ever eaten. I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it.

There are a variety of ala carte side dishes including the aptly named "Colossal Idaho Bakers" (baked potatoes), sweet sautéed onions, and more.

In keeping with the Texas theme, portions are enormous. Appetizers easily serve two or more with the salads coming in bowls that barely fit on the table. But in case you haven't adequately gorged yourself by now - and why not? It's Vegas! - don't forget the after dinner menu.

In addition to the after dinner drinks and cigars (which must be smoked at an exterior bar), there are the desserts. A delicious cheesecake comes with fruit compote; festive carrot cake has a sweet vanilla icing; their bread pudding is served with a brandy caramel sauce; down-home apple pie is served with ice cream; and the "Chocolate Decadence Cake" is actually more fluffy soufflé than cake but it was chocolate and it was amazing so who cares what they call it?

The atmosphere is vaguely 60's mod, with exposed stone, colorful glass panels, and the requisite steakhouse copper and mahogany accents. It's upscale without trying too hard and not at all pretentious or intimidating. It's perfect for the special occasion if you feel like getting dressed up or a great meal if you feel like wearing jeans.

Service is truly exceptional - among the best I've experienced at restaurants of any caliber and cost. They all knew I was there reviewing the place but I watched them with the other diners and the staff was just as attentive and friendly. Granted, you may not have the hotel's director of food and beverage stop by your table but there's a good chance the restaurant manager will come over to say hi.

Prices are reasonable for the amount of food you get and how good it was. Appetizers run $7-12, soups and salads $5-8, ala carte entrees $17-40 (or more for market price seafood), vegetable sides (hash browns, yams, green beans, asparagus, and more) are all $4, and desserts are $6 apiece. A full wine list and bar menu starts at around $4 a glass and goes up from there. A full, very satisfying dinner will probably run you in the $40-50 per person range but it is absolutely worth every penny.

There's a lot of competition for the title of best steakhouse in Las Vegas, but my vote definitely goes for Austin's. It's not a place you should miss.

Texas Station is located north and west of The Strip, about a 10-minute drive depending on traffic. Take the I-15 freeway north to the 95 freeway north and take the first exit - Rancho Road. Turn right and Texas Station is up about 2 miles on your right. If surface streets are more your style, take Sahara west to Rancho Road (just past the I-15 underpass), turn right, and go about 3 ½ miles to Texas Station.