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 fantast... read more 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 pep... read more 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)... read more 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.

To be honest, I ate at Ditka's tonight to meet Da Coach. But I left pleasantly surprised at the food and service. The salad, bone-in pork chop, and wine were ta... read more To be honest, I ate at Ditka's tonight to meet Da Coach. But I left pleasantly surprised at the food and service. The salad, bone-in pork chop, and wine were tasty. Our server was genuinely friendly and very helpful. Needless to say, meeting Mr. Ditka was a thrill! He actually meets with each table, takes time with everyone, signs items, and takes pictures. Class act. My experience at Ditka's was truly awesome. I'll definitely return.

This was my first time and probably last time at this restaurant. Overly priced for the food. They're trying too hard to be a nice steakhouse but can't even coo... read more This was my first time and probably last time at this restaurant. Overly priced for the food. They're trying too hard to be a nice steakhouse but can't even cook the steak right. I spent $40 for a New York strip medium rare, it came medium and charred all over. Tasted burnt. I've had $25 steak at longhorn and 5x better. The service was good at least. Our server was friendly and took excellent care of us as we were a big group. My friends roasted chicken was good but still a bit over priced for a piece of chicken. I love steak and I left wanting a real piece of meat. $40 for a dry piece of over cooked meat. I rather eat the gift shop