Brunch at Al Biernat’s is Beautiful

by Andrew Chalk

There might be no better time to appreciate an icon of Dallas fine dining and service at its most exceptional than Sunday Brunch at Al Biernat’s. Sunday, the day with no afternoon commitments, no rush-hour traffic to contend with, and friends and family around. 

This is where, from your comfortable seat, you can take in that this is the first restaurant you have been to this week where the servers use tried-and-trusted notepads to take your order, not electronic devices that promote a ‘head-down’ serving mode. Where a lot of guests are known by name by the maitre'd and wait staff. The staff themselves are part of the history of the establishment, often having tenures measured in years, not months.

WHAT WE TASTED

At a recent media event I found the sense of permanence thankfully extends to the menu.

Lobster bisque. Sherry enhancement to the northeast.

For example, soup of the day, lobster bisque ($9/$12) is of deep ochre luminescence with a robust body punctuated by sinuous lumps of lobster meat. I happen across Miguel Arias, Wine Director (with over a decade's service) , who asks how it is and I mention that I make lobster bisque, after a fashion, so when I and The Moll dine out I frequently order it to get a reality check . Without hesitation he asks “Do you like sherry?”. I love it, I reply. “Wait…” he exhorts. Moments later a small jug of translucent brown amontillado appears for me to pour into my bisque. I add about a couple of tablespoons and open a channel for the sherry to flow, carving rivulets in the bisque.. Mixing the two in my mouth in varying degrees of homologation is like a gustatory adventure through Jerez with Auguste Escoffier. In the event Auguste is at the podiatrist on the day you go, be assured that the soup is rich, balanced, and totally engaging in its just-out-of-the-kitchen form as well.  This is one of the best lobster bisques in Dallas. 

Crab cakes with sauce and spiced tomato jam

Crab cakes ($25) are three little islands in a shallow bath of lemon butter sauce and spiced tomato jam. Small enough to devour in one mouthful, but worth splitting into two, the crab meat is smooth to the point of being enchanting. I wonder if anyone has ever ordered a meal of just this dish, because it is really that good.     

There is a good range of salads. The Moll had a Cobb ($11) augmented with salmon ($15) from the bay of fundi. We have had bad luck in the last week finding decent avocados in the grocery store (they all seem to go from rock hard to rock-colored). The slices in this salad were welcomingly green and yellow and had a smooth texture. By the way, the salads are largish, so you may find part of yours going home with you.  

Peak avocado in the Cobb salad with Bay of Fundy salmon. Robert Howard Cobb would have been proud.

Breaking out of Benedict jail, I went with Calves Liver ($25) for my main. It may sound like an odd choice, but Al’s would face a lawsuit (or at least street demonstrations) if they tried to take this off the menu. It is a favorite among the regulars, and now with me. The livers are pan-seared with jalopeño (to deliver a teasing bite) and onions, then draped over zucchini, crookneck squash, and avocado. The liver has a melt-in-the-mouth quality and salty zing that lingers comfortably in the mouth long after the meat is swallowed. Kudos to Al’s for being adventurous here. As I said to Miguel on his next table visit, I don’t think I would succeed if I tried to persuade Al’s to add kippers to the breakfast menu, but this is a step. 

Forget any schoolday misgivings about liver you had and join the Al Biernat regulars who adore this expression.

It would be remiss of me to overlook the complimentary bakery basket of goodies from Empire Bakery. We (I) finished the blueberry cake and croissants in record time (the rest came home!). 

Finally, dessert. Signature Coconut Cream Pie ($13.50) flies off the shelf here. And I can see why. The combination of shredded coconut and cream is irresistible, and there is a likable butter cookie t-boned in the center. New York Cheesecake ($13.50) with fruit slices and berry coulis is genuine cheesecake! I have been to places where a whip (or something) seems to have replaced real cheesecake. I make cheesecake (with both cheeses) and this is the real thing (and better than mine). 

Both of these desserts are made in-house and recommended.   

The menu has a full bar and a bewildering array of cocktails. Miguel has almost 200 selections on the wine list (the oldest is a 1982 Château Léoville Las Cases - one of the stars of that great vintage) but I stuck with pineapple juice on this occasion.

Service from our waitress was excellent in all the checked areas (prompt, correct items, etc.), but went beyond. She delivered with such an incredibly welcoming and friendly attitude. Another treasure from olde world fine dining.

Al’s brunch made Opentable’s list of top brunch spots in the United States (see press release below). On the day we visited the Oak Lawn branch it certainly was buzzing. They also do the same menu at the north Dallas location. We were left with a definite must-return conclusion. Visit soon, and enjoy your leisurely Sunday.

THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE ON AL BIERNAT’S SUNDAY BRUNCH SUCCESS

Al Biernat’s Invites Guests to Experience a Family Brunch Tradition

Iconic steakhouse named top brunch spot in the United States per OpenTable

DALLAS, TX (July 10, 2025)— Al Biernat’s, Dallas’ iconic dining destination known for its impeccable service and elevated fare, invites guests to gather around the table for an unforgettable brunch experience the entire family will enjoy. With locations in Oak Lawn and North Dallas, Al Biernat’s blends sophisticated dining with a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for family celebrations, casual weekends, and everything in between.

Available every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Al Biernat’s brunch was one of only three Dallas eateries to make OpenTable’s list of top brunch spots in the United States. Al Biernat’s brunch menu offers an array of indulgent classics and chef-driven specialties. Guests can savor favorites like Chicken and Waffles, Brioche French Toast, Carne Asada, and Huevos Rancheros, alongside freshly crafted cocktails including the Breakfast Martini, Rose Sangria, and the Fiery Cucumber. Guests can also enjoy fresh bread and baked goods from Empire Bakery. A thoughtfully curated children’s menu for $12 ensures even the youngest diners feel right at home.

“Our brunch service is designed to offer something for everyone, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a laid-back weekend together,” Brad Fuller, Director of Operations, said. “At Al Biernat’s, we believe in creating memorable moments for families and friends, and we enjoy seeing our customers continue to dine with us over the years with their families.”

With its inviting ambiance, attentive service, and diverse brunch offerings, Al Biernat’s continues to be a go-to destination for Dallas families seeking a refined yet approachable dining experience. From celebratory gatherings to family outings, brunch at Al Biernat’s promises to be a weekend tradition that brings loved ones together.

View the full Al Biernat’s brunch menu here.

Al Biernat's has two locations in Dallas, Texas. The first location, Al Biernat's Oak Lawn, is situated at 4217 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75219. The second location, Al Biernat's North, can be found at 5251 Spring Valley Road, Dallas, Texas 75254. Both locations are open from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Follow Al Biernat's Oak Lawn on Instagram here and Facebook here, and Al Biernat’s North on Instagram here and Facebook here.

ABOUT AL BIERNAT’S:

Since June 1998, Al Biernat’s has been a Dallas dining institution. Biernat’s strong family-business philosophy has created a personal and loyal staff, with some members being employed since the opening. While Al Biernat’s is known for their quality of prime aged steaks, the restaurant is more than a great steakhouse! Along with their impeccable list of steaks, Al’s offers fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches, vegan options, and an impressive wine list. All of this, combined with Al Biernat’s finest service, makes it an iconic Dallas staple.