Not sure why this place gets a bad rap, although in some ways, I can surely understand.
I think the best way to state my review, is to coincide with Matthew C's recent review.
Best Dining Secret -- There's no way in hell I would label this place as that, so I agree with Matthew.
Best Appetizers -- There's no way in hell I would say this place has the best appetizers, all of which are 'standard fare' type items that you can find in most restaurants, meaning they are average.
Best Family Restaurant -- I could see this, as there's a lot of families I do see here. Best though? Ehhhh...that really doesn't register with me -- don't really see that.
Best in Clovis -- Well, Clovis is frustratingly very fucking small, especially if you think of the technical borders of this city, i.e. there's NOT MUCH at all going on in Clovis, especially restaurants to compare this too....so.....
Best Dessert -- Well, the desserts on display DO look good, but I've never tried them.
Best Service -- For me, service has never been an issue, nor has it ever been a 'highlight.' They get my food out to me in a reasonable amount of time, that's all I know. The fact that I've never 'thought' about the service could very well mean its good also, since people only start thinking about service when it's bad.
Best Steak House -- Damn, #2? Now....that is certainly a stretch. If anything, as far as the limited amounts of "steak houses" in the Fresno / Clovis area, I can honestly see Cool Hand Luke's edging in the top 10, but #2? I don't get that.
Best Worth the Wait -- Ehh......If Matthew C. is correct, and these are in fact actual categories that Cool Hand's is listed under, then I have to agree that Fresno Magazine must be on crack. When I come here, sometimes I have a wait.....sometimes I don't. But usually, any restaurant it is, I'll never wait more than 30 - 45 mins for. Come to think of it, I HAVE waited to be seated at Cool Hand's for 45 mins once, but no more.
Best of the Best -- Again, Fresno Magazine, you're killin me if this is an actual category.....
NOW.
To justify my 4 star rating.
I come here for one thing, and that's the steak.
It's not for the shitty appetizers...
It's not for the average as hell sourdough rolls...
It's not for the Western decor (fuck no)...
It's not for the 'family atmosphere'....
It's not for even the side dishes WITH my steak...
It's for the steak, period.
Cool Hand Luke's surely doesn't serve the 'best' steak I've ever had, nor will they ever.
But in terms of the price point and what you get, I am 9 out of 10 times very satisfied with my steak. Usually, I compare Cool Hand's directly with Tahoe Joe's since I feel that it is there direct competitor as far as the taste they try to emulate with the steaks.
Tahoe has great steaks, although not the best and can be inconsistent. Luke's....however, is cheaper AND usually more consistent, in my book.
And the ONLY steak(s) in which I'll ever order here is the rib eye (or on occasion the tri-tip).
I love my rib eye 'charred rare,' and coming out on a sizzling plate -- they have never disappointed me.
Again, for the years I've been coming here, I only stick to two steaks: Rib eye, and tri-tip, so that is all I can speak for here.
Cool Hand Luke's is the steak house I think of when I want to go 'middle of the road,' you follow me?
I know that when I come here, It won't cost me a 100 bucks for two people, but at the same time it's not gonna be a shitty steak you would find at a chain, like Outback or Sizzlers.
And trust me, I've had some AMAZING steaks in my life, so I feel I can come from a place of credibility.
Cool Hand Luke's is by far not the best steakhouse, but to me, it's pretty damn good. The only thing I'm not thrilled about, is the green beans side -- Tahoe Joe's version of this is much better.
As far as I'm concerned however, the best steaks I've had are no where near Fresno / Clovis, but more so out of town.
Overall though, Cool Hand Luke's is to me, a solid, tasty steak -- nothing more, nothing less. read more