What Price Bourbon Steak?

After such a mix of diverse reviews, I was anxious to get on with our dinner at Bourbon Steak. I, like others had high expectations for what is a decidedly pricey steakhouse.
Arriving early to enjoy a cocktail and bite at the bar at 7:00 on Black Friday, the space was packed. We were able to shuffle up to the bar after a few minutes and enjoyed our drinks with the perfunctory Lobster Corn Dogs.  They are wonderful bites, no doubt, but at $16 for four - two bite snacks, the game was on. Cocktails were spot on, and the bartender pleasant.
Seated 30 minutes early was a treat for us. I had brought wine, which was taken when we checked in with the hostess, and presented again when we sat. This set the tone for service that was impeccable all evening. That level you expect at a venue like this where you no one is hovering or bothering, but absolutely nothing goes wanting. Simply wonderful service.
A note on the noise level. Unfortunately there was a table of 8 or so that were acting as if they were at Outback Steak vs. Bourbon Steak. They were raucous and disruptive to the point where the table next to us complained. Once they left, we were able to judge the noise as buzzing, not quiet by any means but not so loud that we couldn't maintain a personal conversation.
Duck Fat fries three ways with three sauces were excellent, a very nice "gift" to start. Kumomoto Oysters were lovely, and served with two sauces, a mignonette and cocktail. ($21 for 4).
But we came for the beef! My wife had the 14oz New York ($46), and I the 18oz Bone In Rib Eye ($49). My Rib Eye was extremely tender and very flavorful. Not disappointing, but I expected an ethereal carnivore experience. They slow butter poach the steaks before a quick grill, a preparation I have been dreaming about. They charge more for Prime beef, and I feel this was maybe the difference. 
My wife's NY was, in her words...tough. Dare I say grislely? Obviously much less than expected.
The Truffle Mac and Cheese (all sides are $10) delivered the goods, but the sauteed spinach was just that and nothing more, shockingly bland. They pay so much attention to detail, to put a blob of wet spinach on a plate with some crispy bits on top was a let down. I know it's just spinach, but whats easier to dress up?
The roller coaster continued with a spectacular Root Beer Float ($10) dessert. A real treat with both Root Beer liquid and a granita over Ice Cream served with two perfect chocolate chip cookies. See what can be done with simple dishes (see previous spinach reference)
A decidedly mixed night, unfortunately not living up to expectations. Very tough to rate with the service and experience so very nice...but we came for perfect Steaks, and I would have traded some of the service perfection for better beef.
4 stars at $250....3 stars at $400!