Ditka's - Laveen

We visited our favorite spot, Ditka's, for dinner. We live in Laveen, and it’s the only higher-end restaurant in the area, plus the food is consistently fantastic! As my husband and I drove there, we were discussing how great it is to have such a nice place so close to home. However, when I ordered my usual, the waitress informed us that Ditka's is closing on September 30, 2018, and that a Mexican restaurant owned by George Lopez will be moving in. Noooo! We’re tempted to protest, but what difference would it make? We plan to visit again before they close, as we will definitely miss the excellent staff. As for the new restaurant, we won’t be going – we’re just not interested in another Mexican restaurant!

I dined at Ditka's last night and started with the Shrimp Cocktail, which was surprisingly good. Next, I tried the crab bisque, but I had to ask for cracked pepper myself, as the server didn't offer it. The bisque really needed something to enhance the flavor, which was quite lacking. I ordered the 16 oz Prime Rib rare, but it arrived medium instead—and once again, it had little flavor. The au jus they provided was definitely necessary. My wife ordered the Filet and Crab Cake (as shown in the picture). To my surprise, what they called a filet was more like a medallion. In total, our meal cost around $140, including the tip. Honestly, it didn't feel worth it, and I wouldn't recommend it unless you have no other options.

It’s quite unfortunate that there’s no Wi-Fi or cell service here. What a disappointment. First, my steak—ordered rare or blue—came out (let’s be kind and say) medium well. Then, when I sent it back for a colder center, it still didn’t meet my expectations. Thanks for ruining my birthday celebration. I was already dealing with a frustrating bartender, who was incredibly slow. #slowestbartender I’ve been to this location before, as well as the one in Chicago, and unless I find myself lost in Laveen again, I definitely won’t be returning. Goodbye to bad experiences. On a positive note, my server Charles was excellent! Thank you, Charles—please find a place where people truly care about their work.

If only it wasn't in a casino, I'd give it a 5 and come back more often. Thankfully, no smell of smoke inside. We were seated promptly at a booth and had a good time. Came here expecting over priced, bland food. Apparently I was in for a surprise. Our server was prompt and nice. Hubby gave him 8 out of 10 rating (we ran too low on drinks once). The foooooood.....best calamari ever! Crispy, soft, and TASTY without the deep fried oily feeling. Don't usually like tartar sauce but loved this one. Linguini was delicious-nice, subtle zing and scrumptious prawn. Steak was succulent and delectable. We didn't have room for dessert because the portions were huge. Reasonably priced for great food and large portions.

So i had looked at the menu ahead of time, and my husband and I were going for a 10th anniversary, my husband was going to get the prime rib and I thought I would get the Southern Fried Chicken. The Southern Fried Chicken is not on the menu it's an error on the menu my husband's prime rib was okay but not great but my chicken which ended up being chicken piccata was dry and overcooked. We did get a lovely piece of cake for our 10th anniversary which was complimentary of ditkas, but would we go back again probably not