Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
About
Steakhouses, Seafood
Price Range : $31-60 ($$$)
Location
Adress: 5224 N Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610
Phone: (813) 627-7600
Work Hours
Business info
- list_altTakes ReservationsYes
- directions_carDeliveryNo
- move_to_inboxTake-outYes
- credit_cardAccepts Credit CardsYes
- thumb_upGood ForDinner
- local_parkingParkingGarage
- directions_bikeBike ParkingNo
- turned_in_notWheelchair AccessibleYes
- accessibilityGood for KidsNo
- groupGood for GroupsYes
- new_releasesAttireDressy
- insert_emoticonAmbienceClassy, Upscale
- volume_upNoise LevelAverage
- local_barAlcoholFull Bar
- turned_in_notGood For Happy HourYes
- transit_enterexitOutdoor SeatingNo
- wifiWi-FiNo
- tvHas TVYes
- turned_in_notDogs AllowedNo
- turned_in_notWaiter ServiceYes
- fastfoodCatersNo
Reviews
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Brett N.
Why 5 stars? Because this was a great spot for a special occasion.
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Council Oak has been on the bucket list for years, but it's not often that one is really able to drop $285 on dinner for two. We try to stick to birthdays and anniversaries for these sorts of experiences, so when three years with my lovely wife was on the horizon, we agreed that it was time to pay the Hard Rock a visit.
Walking through the Hard Rock en route to Council Oak is weird. On one hand, the smell of cigarettes inside of a building in 2019 is close to insanity. I'm sure it's a business decision to allow smoking in a casino, but it is shockingly jarring. Our clothes already smelled like smoke before we even got through the parking garage.
But on the other side of the fence, those damn flashing lights and the energy in the casino sure are intoxicating. I'm not a gambler and we did not partake in the festivities, but it sure looked like fun. We will definitely be back soon to take advantage of the newly renovated spa. But onto Council Oak...
The service and just overall vibe here was exactly what you'd hope for when you're dropping a car payment on a meal. It's never awesome to sign a credit card receipt for that much, but when you feel like you were truly treated to an occasion, it kind of feels worth it. And that was the case here.
My wife was ridiculously excited about the raw bar sampler, so there was no way we were going to leave here without that. Good news for me: she doesn't eat oysters, so I was able to enjoy all of them myself. It also came with crab, lobster and jumbo shrimp. The crab and lobster were cracked at the table, which caused my wife and I to wonder if we could invite our server to our house and have him do that for us at home. What convenience!
We also shared a ribeye - not the large, bone-in ribeye... we had no need for 34oz of steak. It was good, but not amazing, truth be told. A solid 4-stars, which was a little bit of a bummer for the cost we were paying, but the sides made up for it.
Both the brussels sprouts and lobster mac-n-cheese were absolute perfection. The brussels sprouts were a bit softer than any that I've had in the past, but the flavor was eye-popping. I could eat both of these dishes every day for the rest of my life.
Butter cake was the dessert of our choosing and I'd classify it similarly to the steak: 4-stars. Good, not great. Next time, I might opt for some gelato or chocolate at the little shop nearby inside the Hard Rock.
Overall, a 4.5 star experience, rounded up to 5 because of the way it all made me feel. Nice. It made me feel nice. -
Charles B.
My review is for the bar area on the casino floor since that is as far as I can make it from all of the tables and slot machines!
The bar staff are always friendly and pleasant which is a plus for me! They are always happy and try to remember my name ( er, is that a bad thing that I'm a regular) :) . They always can tell the right drink for the right person!
What can I say it's a fabulous bar with excellent bartenders! Thanks for the good times! -
Anna S.
So very good! First time coming to this restaurant and I had a great time. From the live music to the good wine selection to the awesome service! I would highly recommend checking this place out. Just make sure you get a dinner reservation before coming otherwise good luck finding a table.
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Gene Y.
My go to steak place more for different reasons then just the steak. Location is convenient in the casino. If it isn't a busy holiday, getting a table isn't a problem. Service (except for check in) has always been great. Other than steaks, the seafood, soups, sides, and apps are tasty. Good wine selection. Now the steaks. 85% of the time the steaks are on point. They can come out a little rarer then ordered or a little bit over seasoned then one would expect. But still worth my time and $ coming here. Ambiance is a plus. Desserts are standard issue.
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Monica S.
Step into a high class, superb service and menu! The service is 5 star and the cocktails are great. Filet mignon is to die for! If anyone is following my posts, you'll soon find out that I have a brussel sprouts addiction and this place feeds my habitual frenzy!! The side portions are enough to share and recommended in order to taste everything! The seafood selection is amazing,and you can even order your crab legs de-shelled!!! The only real downfall to the place is the location. Parking is free,but you must walk through the smoky casino to get there. That's why I cannot give the full five stars!