My husband and I ate at Al Biernat's for our anniversary. We had 8:30 reservations and were seated around 8:45 (not too bad in my opinion). Our server was very polite and helpful, and we were able to sit in one of the big booths. They have an amazing salad list - I got Al's Salad, which was good, but not quite what I was expecting, and my husband got the Wedge salad, which he thoroughly enjoyed. We both ordered the Filet Oscar, which was so tender and flavored perfectly. The waiter apologized to us for the ""long wait"" between the salad and entree, although neither of us felt like we waited that long. At the end of the meal, the waiter brought us a complimentary dessert for being so patient (which again, we didn't even think we had to wait too long!). While the food and service was great, it was a little noiser than I expected an upscale steakhouse to be. Tons of people crowded around the bar, so my husband and I had to talk very loudly to hear each other. I guess many people is a sign of a popular restaurant, though.