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From the Valet Parking to the warm welcome you receive at the hostess stand, to the swank leather and mahogany décor, to the humidor and wine cellar filled with the area's best selection of wines and cigars, Sullivan’s makes everyone into a V.I.P. All they have to do is walk through the door.
Known for its excellent steaks and seafood, the diverse menu boasts an eclectic sampling with tasty nightly specials. The finest cuts of meat are cooked to perfection and offered with many sauce selections to compliment your choice. I highly recommend the Oscar style atop the petite filet mignon. Also of note is Sullivan’s own signature steak, the Kansas City Strip.
If seafood is more what you crave, the crabmeat cocktail is not to be missed. Served on ice atop a lettuce leaf is a layer of avocado topped with the biggest chunks of crabmeat you’ve ever seen. On the side are Cocktail, Dijon Honey Mustard and Louis sauces. There’s no question that Sullivan’s has the best selection of fresh shellfish in the Triangle. If you tend to skip the shellfish because of the work, fear not. All selections are split to provide easier access and less mess. Fresh seafood is available at Sullivan’s every day of the week.
Notable favorites include the iceberg lettuce wedge and the chilled seafood sampler. The Ahi Tuna, served with spicy English mustard and garnished with ginger and carrot slivers is also worth trying. Side dishes are served family-style and are just right for sharing. Horseradish provides a new twist to an old favorite in the horseradish mashed potatoes and if you order the onion rings, be prepared to scale a mountain of them.
Also not to be missed is the Sullivan’s signature martini, the “Knockout.” Like its name, it’s deceptively sweet but packs a powerful punch. Infused with pineapple, this libation will make you happy as the tiny bubbles of foam pop against your top lip.
The deserts are decadent, but not too rich, and most are made for two. They offer a variety of soufflés, which should be ordered with your entrée (allow at least 20 minutes cooking time). The warm brownie cake, always a favorite, is surprisingly light and definitely worth a try. Also on the desert menu are a variety of coffees, cordials, cigars and sweet or sparkling wines. Since smoking is not permitted in the dining rooms, cigars may be enjoyed in the bar area.
Thursdays are big nights at Sullivan’s. The theme is “Swingin’ At Sully’s,” where any selection on the bar menu is half price. Knockouts and select wines are only $5. There is live music nightly, which is contained in the bar, so as to not overwhelm conversations occurring in the dining area. On Sundays food selections on the bar menu are half price as well.
The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable with personalities as colorful as the giant red, yellow, and orange Gerber daisies on each table. If you’re dining alone, the full menu is available at the bar, where you can be thoroughly entertained by the bartenders. And for the cold-natured folks out there like myself, I’m happy to report that Sullivan’s isn’t one of those restaurants that blasts the air conditioning to meat locker temperatures as soon as it gets above 70 degrees outside.
Whether you’re just stepping out for a cocktail, satisfying your craving for fresh seafood, looking for a well-prepared steak, or seeking an excellent overall dining experience, Sullivan’s is sure to satisfy your every need. If it’s something special you seek, the management and wait staff are eager to accommodate. All you have to do is ask. After all, you’re their special guest! |