Restaurant Review: Shula's American Steakhouse

Name: Shula’s American Steakhouse

Location: 2845 Center Valley Pkwy

Ste 700

Center Valley, PA 18034

610-841-5600

Hours:

            Dinner- Monday thru Sunday 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.

            Lunch- Sundays 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Atmosphere: The décor at Shula’s is minimalist. From the awning out front to the foyer to the main dining room, the only two colors present are black and white. The walls are white but clad with framed black and white photos of football games, players and coaches. The tables are covered in crisp white table clothes and the chairs are jet black. Dark colored hardwood floors give the restaurant a very classy yet manly vibe. Sleek and simple chandeliers hang from the ceiling and provide a dim lighting throughout the place while a full bar sits off to the side in a more well-lit area. Shula’s exudes class from every nook and cranny and, although simple, the atmosphere makes any night here seem like a special occasion.

Score- 5

Service: Shula’s offers valet parking every night and the attendant is always ready at your service. We chose to park our own car considering there was a spot 10 yards from the front door. Upon entering, we were greeted by the hostess and seated right away. Our waitress came right over and got the night started off great! She was energetic and fun, which was perfect for my family.  She joked around with us from start to finish and made our Shula experience a memorable one. Her loud personality was appreciated by my family; however, if on a romantic date or a business dinner, it may not have been so well-accepted. Not only was she a great time, but also she was attentive and helpful throughout the meal.

Score- 5

Food: Shula’s American Steakhouse is, obviously, famous for its steaks. The restaurant prides itself on serving only Premium Black Angus Beef and sets itself apart from other steakhouses by requiring all meat reach “Shula Cut” standards, a process more selective and discriminating than USDA prime or choice. Besides a long list of different cuts of beef, Shula’s offers a variety of traditional appetizers, entrees, sides and a to-die-for dessert menu. Appetizers include things like crab cakes, French onion soup, BBQ shrimp and lobster bisque. Entrees include items such as French cut chicken breast, mahi mahi, surf and turf, and lamb loin chops. My preference was shrimp cocktail to start, an 8 oz. filet mignon and the chocolate soufflé. Also popular at my table were the Kansas City Strip steak, oysters on the half shell, mozzarella and tomato chopped salad, chocolate molten cake and the apple cobbler. There are side dishes available to order a la carte including grilled asparagus, baked potatoes, steak fries, crab mac and cheese and sautéed mushrooms. Keep in mind these are all huge portions and can be shared with the table. Other items on the dessert menu include cheesecake, key lime pie and crème brûlée

All of my items were delicious. The shrimp was ice cold and very fresh. My steak was cooked to perfection and very tender. The dessert was light and fluffy and mixed perfectly with the whipped cream and crème anglaise provided as a side.

Score- 5

Pricing: There is no doubt that if you’re headed to Shula’s you’re going to be shelling out some cash. A three-course meal including two cocktails and tip will cost you, per person, around $100. This is no cheap date and is best kept for a special occasion.

Overall, Shula’s is perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving a steak cooked and prepared to perfection. This is not a place to hit up every week; however the bar could be a great place to meet someone for a drink or to stop in and enjoy a quick appetizer or dessert. My Advice: don’t get too attached to this place or you’ll be broke in no time.