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Al Biernat, Who Helped Foster the Dallas Steakhouse Scene, Has Died

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Al Biernat, Who Helped Foster the Dallas Steakhouse Scene, Has Died


Restaurateur Al Biernat passed away on Wednesday, November 13, after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 69 years old.

Biernat started his career in hospitality at 18 in Aspen, working as a bartender. He moved around as a young man, living in New York, Los Angeles, and Houston — and in the latter, he helped open the Palm. He moved from Houston to L.A. to work at the legendary location of the Palm there, known as a hotbed of industry insider dinners for movies, music, and entertainment. Eventually, the Palm brought Biernet to Dallas, where he opened the now-defunct restaurant and was general manager of all its locations in the city.

In 1998, when Biernat was in his 40s, he opened Al Biernat’s in Oak Lawn — his own steakhouse. It was like unlocking the floodgates of steak. It may be difficult to imagine, but Dallas was not always a town known for its steakhouses, and Al Biernat’s, along with the openings of Nick & Sam’s, Pappa’s Brothers, and III Forks, helped usher in an era where that reputation was made.

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For decades, Biernat was one of the leading figures in hospitality. In 2009, D magazine wrote, “Al Biernat is known as one of, if not the very best, hosts in the restaurant biz. His passion for pleasing and damn near photographic memory when it comes to remembering guests’ names spans over two decades, has become legendary and sets the bar for other front of the house guys on the local fine dining scene.”

In 2011, then-general manager Brad Fuller told NBC DFW, Biernat is “the host of all hosts. He’s the nicest, most friendly guy. He’ll remember your name or what table you like, what you had last time you were in, whether that was last week or a year ago.”

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A man in a suit with white hair smiles, facing the camera, in a black and white photo.

Al Biernat, photographed in 2023.
Al Biernat’s

Numerous celebrities have stopped into Al Biernat’s over the years, including Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, every significant Dallas sports figure, and former president George W. Bush. Then there was the 2011 Super Bowl in Dallas when Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, Demi Moore, and Jerry Jones all dined there.

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The restaurant opened a second location in North Dallas in 2017.

The exterior of a restaurant at night with a brightly lit sign that reads “Al Biernat’s North.”

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Al Biernat’s

Biernat was diagnosed with ALS earlier in 2024 and had a series of conversations with the Dallas Morning News about his life.

Biernat is survived by his wife, Jeannie, and his children Angelica Saylor, Kaitlin Biernat Connell, and Jess Biernat, along with his grandchildren. Biernat’s family would like to receive messages, stories, and photos from friends and customers. Send them via email to FriendofAl@albiernats.com or mail them to Al Biernat’s Personal at 4217 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, Texas, 75219.

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Dallas, TX

Dallas weather: Cloudy Christmas forecast

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Dallas weather: Cloudy Christmas forecast


Christmas morning started off with fog and a bit of drizzle, but after the morning hours we should be dry.

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Skies will be gray pretty much all day. Though you may see some sun peeking here and there.

High temperatures will end up in the high 50s today.

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Thursday Forecast: Storm chances return

Storm chances return on Thursday morning.

Around 9 or 10 o’clock, rain is expected to begin to the west and move east throughout the day.

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There is a high wind and hail risk with the storms, but that is mostly to the south and east of the Metroplex.

We could see some flight delays for people looking to travel on Thursday.

7-Day Forecast

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There could be a few storms on Friday.

We expect some warm weather over the weekend.

Temperatures will be back in the 70s on Sunday.

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Everything to know about Cowboys-Eagles: Will Dallas see Jalen Hurts in Week 17?

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Everything to know about Cowboys-Eagles: Will Dallas see Jalen Hurts in Week 17?


The Dallas Cowboys (7-8) have another chance to play spoiler this weekend.

Despite being eliminated from playoff contention last week, the Cowboys came up with a key win over Tampa Bay on its quest to finish the season strong. Like the Buccaneers, the Philadelphia Eagles (12-3) are fighting for playoff positioning ahead of their meeting with Dallas.

The Eagles face a few questions before the Week 17 game in Philadelphia, with an extra emphasis placed on Jalen Hurts’ availability. The quarterback went down with a concussion in Philly’s 36-33 loss to Washington last week. Will Hurts return to face the Cowboys?

Here’s everything to know about Cowboys-Eagles on Sunday:

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— How LB Nick Vigil became a reliable weapon for Dallas Cowboys without practicing

— SportsDay’s expert NFL picks for Week 17: Chiefs-Steelers, Ravens-Texans and more

— Jerry Jones says Cowboys have ‘outstanding future ahead.’ Does it involve Mike McCarthy?

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— 5 things to know about the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys’ Week 17 opponent

— Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey named NFC special teams player of the week

How to watch Cowboys-Eagles

When: Noon Sunday, Dec. 29

Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

Betting line: Eagles (-9.5) Over/Under: 40.5 (via ESPNBet, as of Tuesday)

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TV: Fox Streaming: NFL App

Broadcasters: Joe Davis, Greg Olsen and Pam Oliver (sideline)

Radio: 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM), 107.5 La Grande in Spanish (KMVK-FM)

Cowboys-Eagles regular season series record

Dallas has a 71-56 record against the Eagles all-time for the regular season. The longtime rivals have already faced off once this season, with Philadelphia claiming a 34-6 win over the Cowboys on Nov. 10 at AT&T Stadium. That was the Cowboys’ fifth-largest loss against the Eagles. Philadelphia can clinch an NFC East title with a Week 17 win over Dallas.

Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.

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Alamo Drafthouse saga leads Dallas' top entertainment stories of 2024

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Alamo Drafthouse saga leads Dallas' top entertainment stories of 2024


As the year 2024 comes to a close, Dallas is ready with all sorts of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve: from classical music to cover bands, from rooftop parties to masquerade balls. Here are the nine most interesting choices to help get 2025 off to a great start.

Gaylord Texan presents Glass Cactus New Year’s Eve Bash
Gaylord Texan in Grapevine will ring in the New Year at their nightclub, Glass Cactus, with performances by cover bands Infinite Journey and Nerd Halen. General admission includes a sparkling rosé toast at midnight, while VIP admission includes a sparkling rosé toast at midnight passed hors d’oeuvres, one drink ticket, and early entrance to club that includes a private 15-20 minute acoustic set from Infinite Journey.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents New Year’s Eve
Before the ball drops, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will kick off New Year’s celebrations with an evening of music, conducted by Moritz Gnann. Among the selections will be four compositions from Johann Strauss II, Bernstein’s Divertimento Waltz, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, and more. The concert takes place at Meyerson Symphony Center.

Waterproof presents Countdown in the Sky
Waterproof, the rooftop lounge at The Statler Hotel in downtown Dallas, will present Countdown in the Sky, a night of music and spectacular views. The Couples package includes two VIP entry tickets with front-of-the-line access, one Champagne bottle, one high-top table and New Year’s Eve party favors. Additional packages are available for groups of 6 to 12 people.

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Texas Live presents NYE Live!
At NYE Live! at Texas Live in Arlington, guests can welcome the New Year in style with entertainment, food and drink options, and a vibrant atmosphere. There will be live music, entertainment, decor, champagne toasts, and celebrations all night long.

Pegasus City Brewery presents NYE Bash
Pegasus City Brewery in Dallas will present a Monte Carlo/Casablanca/Gatsby style New Year’s Eve Bash for their fourth annual celebration. The evening will feature casino-style games, a performance by the David Washburn Jazz Band, an old-school photo booth, a Mexican food dinner, and a choice of 18 taps with beer, cider, and seltzer, plus wine and champagne, zero-proof options, and sodas. It all ends with a toast at midnight.

Meow Wolf Grapevine presents New Year’s Eve Adultiverse
On New Year’s Eve, reality takes a backseat as Meow Wolf Grapevine presents a special edition of Adulti-Verse. Guests 21 and over can enjoy Meow Wolf’s unique experience in style as the interdimensional soirée features a full-service bar and a performance by Night Shade Burlesque, as well as a champagne toast at midnight. Food & beverage will be available for purchase at the cafe.

Catbird presents NYE Met Gala
Catbird, the restaurant and bar at Thompson Dallas, will present a Met Gala-themed New Year’s Eve party, an opportunity for guests to wear over-the-top outfits. The event will transform the lounge into a prestigious and glamorous fashion event, complete with a red carpet, paparazzi, champagne, and special guest DJ Christopher Reid.

The Statler presents Royal Masquerade Ball
While the Statler’s rooftop bar will be hopping, their Grand Ballroom will transform into a Royal Masquerade Ball, complete with extravagant decorations, an open bar, casino games, and party favors. The festivities begin with DJs spinning Top 40 and hip-hop mashups. General admission tickets include access to an open bar and an evening of celebration. Before the ball, guests can dine in The Statler’s private dining space, a three-course dinner featuring premium wine and beer and a chef-curated menu.

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Lone Star NYE at Reunion Tower
Reunion Tower will once again ring in the new year by presenting the annual Lone Star NYE at Reunion Tower fireworks show. The show will feature a display of over 5,000 pyrotechnic special effects, a 259 LED light display, and nearly 300 drones. There is no viewing allowed near the tower; viewing can be done at nearby parties or city streets. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth / KXAS will broadcast the event, and The Spot (98.7 FM), will simulcast the celebration.



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