The Grill on the Alley

Between frenzied flings with wasabi foams, foie gras ice cream, and other frivolous foods, diners return to safe and steady steakhouses such as the Grill on the Alley. The original Grill has thrilled Beverly Hills A-listers since 1984, and this Aventura branch relies on the same menu and formula — that of the classic American grill. That means sidecar martinis, shrimp cocktails, and oysters on the half-shell; Prime USDA steaks such as a juicy 16-ounce rib eye; pristine seafood entrées such as pan-seared mahi-mahi amandine; Buick-size baked potatoes, creamed spinach, and a wodgy wedge of iceberg lettuce glopped with blue cheese dressing; six-layer carrot cake, hot cobbler à la mode, and key lime pie. So consistent, so reliable, and so comforting in its predictability, the place brings no frills, no ills, and no unexpected thrills. Read our full review.