Buffalo’s very own Chef Darian Bryan has opened the doors to his latest culinary creation, Reserve Steakhouse.
Located at the former Eckl’s in Larkinville, Reserve Steakhouse is exactly what a steak lover would come to expect from such a stepped up setting. The restaurant is sophisticated, luxurious, and very happening.
A friend of mine and I stopped in to have a drink and a bite at the bar, which was a real eye opener into Chef Darian’s world.
When we arrived, it was still light out. We valeted the car, and headed in through the stately front doors, where we were greeted by a hostess. She led us down a hallway, past the main dining room, and into the bar area.
As the evening progressed, the brightly lit dining areas became more lavish and subdued. I was happy to find that the menus were backlit, which I haven’t seen in Buffalo since the days of DBGB’s (my friend reminded me). I do find that backlit menus are very helpful in dimly lit restaurants, as my eyes just aren’t what they used to be.
Click to enlarge
Perusing the menu, we decided to stick with a couple of cocktail selections (The Aviation, and a tequila blanco served neat). We also ordered a couple of appetizers – the Valley Pearl Prince Edward Island (PEI) oysters and the steak tartare.
Other selections range from roasted half chicken, tuna crudo, marinated beets, dry aged pork chop, rigatoni alla vodka, caramelized miso sea bass, wagyu burger, lobster mac & cheese, and a dessert list.
Private dining room with dedicated service
Photo courtesy Reserve
Photo courtesy Reserve
As we sipped our cocktails, General Manager Jordan Schmidt made his rounds around the bar. He told us that the word was getting out that the place was open, and that table bookings had been flooding in, which was not a surprise. With Chef Darian’s recent win on Next Level Chef, his name is gold right now. Last week, Reserve hosted two successful soft opening nights, for friends and family, which allowed the staff to test the waters. This week, Reserve is operating at full tilt, with high demand heading into the weekend.
Adding to Chef Darian’s successes with Jerk Hut and Bratts Hill, Reserve Steakhouse is another level of culinary success for the top chef. For Chef Darian, there is no rest for the weary, which is just the way that he likes it. And so do his fans, who continue to eat up each and every concept that he serves up.
Coming soon: In the fall Chef Darian will introduce Back of House Burger – a more casual dining experience, at the same location as Reserve Steakhouse. Similar to how Jerk Hut and Bratts Hill play off one another, so too will Back of House Burger and Reserve Steakhouse, by offering “layered dining experiences within a single destination.”
Reserve Steakhouse by Chef Darian Bryan | 703 Seneca St Buffalo, NY 14210 | (716) 271-0271 | Menu | Complimentary Valet
Hours
Monday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Tuesday – Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Friday – Sunday: 4 PM – 11 PM
Dining and Cooking