I went to a modern Texas steakhouse for the first time. Here are 7 things that surprised me about my $100 meal.

I was surprised by the seating options and fine-dining approach to steak at Knife Dallas.Erin McDowell/Business Insider

• On a recent trip to Dallas, I ate at a modern Texas steakhouse, Knife.
• The restaurant surprised me with its upscale, fine-dining approach and free appetizers.

I'm a New Yorker who recently visited Dallas for the first time. Over the years, I've been to quite a few New York steakhouses and am pretty familiar with what to expect from the experience.

However, while I've visited Austin and Houston before, I've never eaten at a Texas steakhouse. During my research, I came across Knife, a modern take on a classic steakhouse that offers a wide variety of steaks and sides with a more elevated feel.

Knife is the brainchild of James Beard nominee, Top Chef alum, and Michelin-starred celebrity chef John Tesar.

Anthony Bourdain once called Tesar "the single most talented cook I ever worked with," according to D Magazine, so I had high expectations.

Knife surprised me with its modern approach and free appetizers. However, perhaps the most surprising thing about my meal was the cost — dining alone, I spent over $100 and didn't even order dessert.

Here are seven things that surprised me about my experience.