Restaurant Review: Mackenzie's Chop House, Colorado Springs, Colorado

128 South Tejon Street

Colorado Springs, Colorado

719-635-3536

On a recent weekend trip to Colorado Springs, we decided to dine again at Mackenzie's Chop House. I was glad to do so! Like fine wine, Mackenzie's is one restaurant that seems to only get better with age.

Just a few blocks from the courthouse complex and a popular weekday lunch destination, Mackenzie's exudes a typical chophouse feel. Guests descend down a half flight of stairs to the front of the restaurant. The décor is dark and elegant, yet cozy and inviting. Although Mackenzie's is considered a "high end" restaurant, there's really no dress code. Most people arrive in dress casual (after all, it is Colorado!), but Mackenzie's is a great place to go for those special occasion celebrations as well. I made reservations for an early Saturday night dinner, but probably due to the time of year and time of day, the restaurant was all but empty. Reservations are strongly suggested.

We were quickly seated and introduced to our servers, who were both personable and quick to deliver. Mackenzie's is known for their martini menu, but the wine list is nothing to sneeze at. I ordered a nice Napa Valley pinot noir, which was reasonably priced.

Our appetizers arrived quickly. My guests shared the signature shrimp cocktail, served in a martini glass. Mackenzie's always has the most enormous yet deliciously tender shrimp, and the cocktail sauce is homemade with chunky bits of celery mixed in. My daughter tried the crab cakes, which were lightly breaded and mostly crab. They were absolutely scrumptious! I had the beef carpaccio, served with garlic infused oil, capers, onions, garlic toast points, and more garlic on the side. Even though the beef is raw and sliced thin, this dish is wonderful, especially when all the accompanying condiments are used.

We were also treated to dinner salads, and the vegetables were crisp and fresh. Unlike my dinner companions, I decided to get the French onion soup, which is tasty and flavorful without being too salty.

On previous visits, we've had the artichoke dip and calamari for appetizers, and the insalada caprese salad and I'd strongly recommend all as possible choices.

For dinner, one of us had a half rack of lamb. It was perfectly prepared. My daughter decided to get the basil-poblano tortellini with chicken. The plate was piled high, and she ended up having her leftovers for breakfast the next morning. Although she's a fussy eater, she declared it interesting and tasty. One of my guests and I decided to order the buffalo strip steak, medium rare. Both of us are watching calories and cholesterol, and buffalo is a good alternative to traditional red meat. Though much leaner than beef, our buffalo steaks were expertly grilled and extremely flavorful.

In past visits, we've had the rib eye, the surf and turf and porterhouse. There is also a "specials" menu that I am sure is wonderful, but we wouldn't know it because we never stray far from the main menu.

After all this gluttony, our party didn't have room for dessert. In the past, I've enjoyed the crème brulee, which is flawless, and the tiramisu. There is also a dessert martini menu for those patrons who would rather have a liquid sweet end to their dinner.

Mackenzie's Chop House is open seven days a week for dinner, and offers their lunch menu Monday through Friday. On pleasant days, you can opt to dine outside in a patio area. Mackenzie's also provides a Tuesday Tapas night, and half price martinis on Sunday. Although considered a bit pricey, the service and menu rises to that level and beyond. In plain English? It's worth it!

More information can be found on their web site at www.mackenzieschophouse.com. The photos of the menu items are mouthwatering. Reservations can be taken online as well as by phone.