still going strong. hungry for spencer's, but dressed in shorts, we dined in their attractive lounge. the bartender knew how to carry on a conversation, without overdoing it. i wish more bartenders could master that skill.
even in the lounge prices aren't exactly cheap, but there is a selection of appetizers, sandwiches and burgers that won't break your bank. while the two out-of-town businessmen dining next to us up at the bar raved about their burgers, we opted for the bbq beef sandwich and the steamed mussels. the sandwich was basically a fancy bbq sloppy joe. it was delicious, and came with nearly a pound of skin-on french fries. the mussels came in a large bowl, accompanied by a delicious thai style broth and a handful of small slices of crusty bread. there were maybe 15 mussels, several of which had not opened. overall i liked the dish. we also ordered calamari as our appetizer. it was fine, and came with both a seasoned tartar sauce and a smoked chipotle style cocktail sauce. i only wish that the calamari portion size had been larger, as we ran out of calamari long before we had exhausted the sauces.
we noticed the dining room was about 3/4 full, and the lounge about half full during our visit. spencer's remains one of omaha's better high end steakhouses, with a near perfect pairing of ambiance, service and food.
-----10 dec, 2011-----
still good. we enjoyed a friday evening dinner in the main dining room. while the place was bustling we were still seated promptly.
the menu leans heavily on beef, befitting the restaurant's name, but there are a few seafood, poultry and pasta dishes as well. prices have crept up, and average in the $30s for a main course and salad. sides are served family style, and are enough for three or four to share. they are all $8, but if you ask you can get two half portions for the same $8. the next table had fries and an absolutely loaded baked potato that looked out of this world. we opted for the mashed potatoes and green beens. they were both just "okay."
my rib eye steak was absolutely delicious, although slightly undercooked. my husband's prime rib was cooked to perfection.
the wine list is decent, with numerous offerings by the glass, mostly in the $10-20 range. several half bottles are also offered. full bottle prices start around $30 and go up, up and away from there.
service was generally professional, and the food was delivered at perfect intervals.
the atmosphere is attractive, with stone and dark woods predominating. it is agreatplace to leave behind the troubles of your world for an hour or two.
my only wish would be for the return of more inventive menu offerings. this is now pretty much just a steak and chop house, so don't expect to be surprised by anything on the menu.
food: a-
atmosphere: a
service: a-
menu sophistication: b-
value: b
-----22 may, 2010-----
worth the splurge. spencer's is one of omaha's best places for steak, chops and other high quality american foods. the main dining room is semi formal, with the attractive adjoining lounge a bit more relaxed. we dined at the bar, where both the full menu and an abbreviated bar menu are offered. prices on the regular dinner menu average in the $30 range for an entree with side. appetizers are from $8-$16. you can enjoy a full meal in the bar from around $20 on up.
the food is excellent. the steaks are prime grade, the appetizers inventive and well proportioned, and the service is both pleasant and punctual. chef glen wheeler has been working his magic at many omaha area restaurants for years, and he clearly knows his stuff.