This has already become one of my favorite special occasion places, with great food, great service, and yes…outlandish prices. But as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.
Steakhouses are an American tradition, and I have eaten at several of the national, “expense account” chains ala Morton’s of Chicago, Jess & Jim’s in Kansas City, Smith and Wollensky, and Sean Hannity’s favorite Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. They are all a carnivore’s paradise. I think Hyde Park is better. The fact that is one of very few Oceanfront fine dining rooms is a big bonus.
In addition to the Daytona location, Hyde Park operates three Hyde Park Steakhouses in the Cleveland area plus locations in Akron, Columbus (3), Pittsburgh (by the stadium), and Sarasota, Florida.
The food is the thing, and it doesn’t get much better than this. Steaks are the centerpiece, and their trick is Dry-Aging and its 1800 degree grill. Hyde Park Grill uses only the best hand selected corn-fed mid-western beef, which is placed in a specially designed climate-controlled facility where it is dry-aged for 28 days. Dry-aging is a time consuming and labor intensive process where moisture evaporates from the muscle creating a greater concentration of beefy flavor and where the beef’s natural enzymes break down the fibrous, connective tissue in the muscle naturally tenderizing the beef…rendering it a bit sweeter and lending a buttery succulence that just can’t be duplicated. Typical shrinkage during the process is 10 to 15%, therefore dry-aged beef usually costs about 25% more...but if you have ever had dry-aged beef, you already know this is certainly well worth it!
When you order a steak here, medium rare means medium rare. Order it exactly the way you want it…You don’t have to order under your desired temperature due to some unskilled grill guy missing the mark and having it come out well done. Hyde Park knows steaks and flat out gets it right. My favorite is Steak Kahne, covered in peppercorns and a cognac bordelaise sauce…but I order an extra side topping of Blue Cheese Butter for the steak that when combined with the cognac bordelaise sends my tastebuds into orbit.
The menu is ala carte. You can start with a wonderful Lobster Bisque, a Cold Maine Lobster Cocktail served with both a house cocktail sauce and an impressive basil aoli or the Crispy Calamari tossed in a Thai Sweet Chili sauce….wow. As for the sides, I tasted several but truly enjoyed the saute’ed Fresh Spinach and Mushrooms and the Maple Whipped Sweet Potatoes… BUT DO NOT MISS THE POTATOES GRUYERE GRATIN. These rich, creamy and wonderful au gratin potatoes are the best I have ever had, or will ever hope to have, anywhere (sorry Grandma!). Sides are for two, but you may fight your tablemates over the potatoes! Desserts are made in house by the Daytona location’s own pastry chef and are truly a treat…although saving room for desert is tough, you may want to share. Another idea is to come over to Hyde Park at the end of the evening just to enjoy one of the desserts! Worth the trip.
Make no mistake about it. This is an expensive place to eat. Dinner for two, including drinks, wine, extras and tip can push $150.00 plus easily. But this is food as theater. You don’t have to rush in or out as you savor the ambience, the oceanfront view and the outstanding food. For a foodie like me, it is great night out…that delivers an amazing dining experience. | 
