On a recent June evening, I was taken back to 1940s old Hollywood—without leaving Dallas.

My elegant culinary time travel came as I sipped on a Ruby Red Martini and previewed the new summer menu at The Grill on the Alley, a stalwart of the Metroplex’s dining scene for 35 years yet still able to deliver new and creative items to pique the palate.

With an ambience that lends itself to date night, the quality of the menu offerings goes far beyond the typical steakhouse. Standouts on my visit included the Certified Angus Beef Ribeye Steak, Crab-Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp and a Coconut Cake that couldn’t be, nor should it be, resisted.

Other buzzing menu items include a Texas Size French Dip (shaved prime rib, balsamic onions, melted Havarti, au jus and creamy horseradish on a French roll), and a Blackened Texas Redfish with mango sweet chilis salsa and wilted spinach (perfect for lunch).

The beautifully plated whole Thai Snapper fish drizzled with cilantro ginger vinaigrette and herb salad or the Signature Wagyu Meatloaf with tomato glaze, red wine demi-glace and mashed potatoes are tough to choose between for dinner.

The Grill on the Alley in Dallas livens things up with Live Jazz Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm.

Cover Crab-Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp. Photo Adam Zoblotsky

Adam Zoblotsky is Creative Director at Restaurant Pixel, a Texas-based design and photography agency.