I’ve found myself at the Hard Rock more than I should admit over the past few months, which is odd because I don’t gamble. Every visit this summer has included a stop at Council Oak. My husband and I like to eat at the bar when it’s just us, and after few dinners there, I know I can count on a cold martini, a good steak, and bartenders who know the menu.
Council Oak is the flagship steakhouse at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Its name comes from the oak tree on the Hollywood reservation where Seminole leaders met in the 1950s as they organized against the federal policy that threatened to dissolve the tribe.
Is it still worth the hype? Yes. I’ve been back a few times this summer, and the staff has been informed and attentive every time. The steaks have been solid, too.
The Space: This is one of the biggest steakhouse dining rooms I’ve seen in recent memory. The open kitchen, butcher shop, dry-aging room, and glass wine room give you plenty to look at, and the restaurant overlooks the Guitar Hotel’s pool and waterfalls. I still gravitate toward the bar. The bartenders know their stuff, and my husband and I have had good luck finding seats there.
What to Eat & Drink: Start with a martini. Mine have arrived strong and icy cold, exactly as I want them. Then get the Council Oak bacon for the table: thick, glazed slabs with cornbread that adds a little sweetness against all that salt.
The oysters Rockefeller are a good way to bring someone into the oyster fold. We talked a few friends who’d never tried oysters into ordering them, and they enjoyed them. The escargot, with herb butter and lemon, is another dish I’d share. Fair warning if you’re on a date: those herbs may end up in your teeth. There are fresh oysters and caviar on the menu if you’d rather start with the raw bar.
Right now, my favorite thing here might be the French onion soup. Council Oak uses Gruyère and provolone, which gives it that long, stretchy layer of cheese I want from the dish. The Caesar is a good choice, and the chopped salad has plenty going on, including bacon, blue cheese, cranberries, and candied walnuts.
I’ve tried several steaks across my visits, and each one has been cooked well. Council Oak has the full steakhouse lineup, from bone-in cuts and porterhouse to ribeye and Japanese A5 wagyu. Was any of it the best steak of my life? No. But every one I’ve had has been a good steak, served the way I ordered it. Hollandaise is my pick from the sauces. For sides, the potato au gratin is creamy and full of flavor, while the creamed spinach is rich enough that I’m happy to share it.
Perfect For: Dinner before a show. A steakhouse night with friends. A date at the bar.
Pro Tip: If you’re a party of two, check the bar before committing to a table. When we’ve put our names down on busy Friday and Saturday nights, our waits have been about 30 to 45 minutes. I’d plan more carefully for a show night, but I wouldn’t assume you’re out of luck without a reservation.
Expect to Pay: Plan on roughly $150 to $200 per person for dinner with a drink and shared starters and sides. Wagyu, caviar, and a more extensive trip through the wine list will take you higher.
How’s the parking? Self-parking is free in the resort’s garages, including Lucky Street. Valet is $30 at the daily rate, with show-night pricing subject to change.
@HardRockHolly // 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood