Great Steakhouses

quote:

Originally posted by Rogey88

I have eaten Ruth chris, Mortons, Lawreys, But by the far the best steak house i have been to is Charleys Steak House In orlando, Its ranked 3rd in the nation, Mortons and Ruths chris are not in the top 10 even though they are very good.

I've eaten at Charley's. IMO it's pretty good, better than Gallagher's in NYC if you want a yardstick. I can't say how it compares to a lot of the others mentioned in this thread, as I haven't been to them. The meat is high quality and prepared correctly, exactly what you would you want from a steakhouse I'd say. As far as "rankings", who cares.


Tom

LG's Prime Steak in Palm Springs. They have also opened up in San Diego.

One of the best places for steak, now gone, was the Como Inn in Chicago. Known mostly for Italian Food and great hospitality, the steaks were wonderful. Gone after 60+ years. I truly felt at home there thanks to the Marchetti family.

The last two times we went to Bandera I had perfect filets. Cooked medium rare and very tasty.

I understand this is a chain but I think it's the only one in Chicago.

yes, Bandera's IS a chain (not a big one though) (and a sister to the Houston's chain)
I used to go to the Bandera's on Wilshire Blvd in Brentwood, CA when I lived in Los Angeles..............their beef ribs were to die for....fall off the bone tender, with a nice charred crust....

ellen

There'a small TX based chain (two or three locations there) with a branch in San Francisco, CA called "Bob's". Despite the generic sounding name, it's menu is on a par, including prices, with the large national upscale steakhouse chains. (The SF location is in the Omni hotel).

After having their bone-in rib-eye on three different occasions over the last year, I'm ready - and I'm very surprised to be saying this - to admit that this cut of steak served there may be the best I've had.

quote:

Originally posted by CoastFan

There'a small TX based chain (two or three locations there) with a branch in San Francisco, CA called "Bob's". Despite the generic sounding name, it's menu is on a par, including prices, with the large national upscale steakhouse chains. (The SF location is in the Omni hotel).

After having their bone-in rib-eye on three different occasions over the last year, I'm ready - and I'm very surprised to be saying this - to admit that this cut of steak served there may be the best I've had.

IMHO the original Bob's on Lemon in Dallas has some of the Best Steaks and Sides I have eaten. Of course they only use Prime corn-fed midwest beef.

quote:

Originally posted by twodales

One of the best places for steak, now gone, was the Como Inn in Chicago. Known mostly for Italian Food and great hospitality, the steaks were wonderful. Gone after 60+ years. I truly felt at home there thanks to the Marchetti family.

The last two times we went to Bandera I had perfect filets. Cooked medium rare and very tasty.

I understand this is a chain but I think it's the only one in Chicago.

Not sure how this is related to the original which was great. http://www.comochicago.com/

I read this entire thread. Ok, maybe I had a martini while I was doing it.

Gratified as I may be to have seen Major's mentioned (their East Meadow location service is best, IMO), I'm shocked. Major's is just a notch below "top-notch" (S&W, Luger's, Morton's, et alia) but it is a fine steak for the money, I'll second that notion.

But.......No one here has put in a vote for Embers? Brooklyn's finest? (9519 3rd Avenue)

In a cost-benefit analysis run by me and four friends, Embers wins. Luger's is incredible. S&W is awesome if you have an in and catch 'em on a "good day," Morton's is accessible and serves above average beef.

Embers is outstanding even on an "off" day. Steak for two delivered black-and-blue as ordered, potato pie (really, try it) and brocolli (who are we kidding here?) are good sides.

But the meat is centre stage. Sliced ala Luger, juices puddling.

Forget dessert. I've never had room for dessert.

Besides, Whistlestop Cheesecake is usually in my refrigerator at home.

But that's another thread.

quote:

Originally posted by Forsyth

Gratified as I may be to have seen Major's mentioned (their East Meadow location service is best, IMO), I'm shocked. Major's is just a notch below "top-notch" (S&W, Luger's, Morton's, et alia) but it is a fine steak for the money, I'll second that notion.

I can't comment on the East Meadow location; but the Woodbury location is not even close to Luger's, Brooklyn or Great Neck. I'd rather drive the 45 miles to Brooklyn than the 10 miles to Woodbury and gladly pay the extra expense.

Thanks for the heads up on the Embers.

Kozel,

I think the martini effected the language I used.

Major's is not in the same league as Luger's. Major's just doesn't require checking how much cash is on hand (hey, I'm redoing a bathroom this summer, alla my money goes to Lowe's and Kohler).

I'd drive the miles, no question about it, for an occasion. But for a "Let's grab a steak!" spontaneous moment, Major's is adequate.

Oh, and other than steaks, they do a nice tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes so you can take non-meat-eaters there.

Laura (I think finishing tiling and subflooring necessitates a steak)

Late but here goes.

1. Peter Luger's. My dad used to have one of "the" cards but he died in 1976. Still fantastic.
2. Angus Barn Raleigh
3. Bern's Tampa
4. Smith & Wollensky's 3rd Ave.
5. Ranch House Charlotte (only because I was raised in CLT and would kill for the fresh horseradish cocktail sauce on the shrimp cocktail)

While Omar's in Ashland Oregon may not compare with internationally famous beef houses, it's the best place in our Rogue Valley for a succulent cut of Beef, in addition to some tasty seafood. Here's an Oregonian article-
http://www.oregonlive.com/travel/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/travel/1123322228261030.xml&coll=7
It's a place we promised to take the Chips family when they visit this fall.

Del Friscos Steak House in NYC ! (a few other locations around the US, started in Texas, I believe)....went there back in the winter

I had the 10 ounce "carpetbagger" steak, which was a very well marbled rib-eye.......and with a real nice charred crust.


At $26.00, it was'nt overpriced for a prime steak, and hey, they even threw in the "chateau potatoes"! It was delicious!

ellen

p.s. Mastro's in Beverly Hills is my runner up. The rib-eye with the bone. Also love their bread basket.

I've just waded through all eight pages. Wow...A lot of recommendations and experience.

I was in D.C. a couple of weeks ago and had a real good bone-in rib eye at Sam and Harry's. Had some of the traditional sides such as creamed spinach and garlic mashed potatoes. The overall experience was very good. I'd put it on a par with what you expect at places like Ruth's Chris and Morton's.

I've never been to Peter Luger's but have placed it on the roster of "must do" restaurant experiences.

Personal favorites - a number of which have already been commented on - include:

El Gaucho - Seattle (with a location in Portland, OR). The atmosphere is purposely dark with a lot of red booth seating, stylized after 1920's New York supper clubs, according to the literature. The table side service is supurb. Downside? - The ala carte prices for the steaks now make those seen at Morton's and Ruth's Chris look reasonable by comparion.

The Steakhouse at Circus-Circus, Las Vegas - This has been mentioned a couple of times earlier. With LV now having at least one outpost of just about every upper end steakhouse in the country, the understated Steakhouse can get overlooked. That's a shame because the beef is very good and reasonable compared to the big casino, big name places.

The Ringside - Portland, OR. - The downtown location is the one to go to. The Eastside location doesn't seem to measure up.

Morton's and Ruth's Chris - I'm lumping these together. I'm surpised at the occasional mention of an unsatisfactory experience. I've been to a good number of locations for each, and have always found the steaks to meet expectations. At the prices they charge, one's expectations are pretty high.

JaK's in Seattle, with a suburban location - For overall value, including portion size and quality, these places are pretty hard to beat. A complete Porterhouse or rib-eye dinner (salad and potato included with the meal) can be enjoyed for slightly less than $30 dollars. By "big city" standards in this day and age, the value is hard to beat.

The Capital Grille in Providence, R.I. - Now a chain, the original was a very satisfying experience the few times I've been there. One of my dining companions had the largest piece of prime rib I've even seen at a restaurant. Just "eye-balling" it, it appeared to be in the 2 and half pound range. The CG is a favorite for the New Patriots during season, when they have the next day off. I was there one Monday night several years ago with about 8 or 9 of the Patriots a couple of tables away. The waiter told us that was a ritual during the season.

The Palm - Been to the one in Philadelphia. The prices for the huge lobsters are off the chart, but the steak I had made the experience well worth while.

In Buffalo, New York area when on business you have two great steakhouses to choose from:

1. The Buffalo Chop House
2. E.B. Green's

Both restaurants are outstanding with a special nod to the Buffalo Chop House for outstanding service!

thanks, anselmo, as I plan to be in Buffalo next month....I just might try that Buffalo Chop House........(and of course, give a full report after)



and coastfan, that bone-in ribeye at Sam and Harrys sounds succulent.
Looks like I'll have to try there as well...


had a real good NY strip at the Palm Steakhouse in the Tropicana Atlantic City casinos' new "quarter" last week.. 18 ounces for $36.00..........real crusted on the outside , the way I like it....and pink on the inside, and HOT...

ellen

ellen

Just got back form a fabulous steak dinner at Aspen's in Marietta, GA. I had the filet with blue cheese butter, asparagus with hollandaise and the wedge salad. My husband had the bone-in ribeye. Our dogs appreciated it too since we brought home the bone from the ribeye...they were in heaven!

My husband and I were just discussing how we compare evere steakhouse to Ruth's Chris. For us, there's nothing that compares.

The Tea Steak House in the tiny town of Tea, South Dakota...ridiculously cheap and no attempt at ambiance...just great steaks grilled on charcoal. And talk about a confidence in doing one thing and doing it right...desserts are unavailable! Also Omaha Prime in the Old Market neighborhood of Omaha, Ne. Fairly expensive and worth every penny!

Over the weekend, in Maine, we couldn't get in to the Maine Diner, www.mainediner.com but a friend got in line for us at The Steakhouse www.the-steakhouse.com. down the road, on the same side going to Ogunquit. The place fills up when they open at 4. On weekends, you get there early, or wait. I don't believe it, but I was told that on summer weekends, they often turn away 1000 people. It was excellent, and reasonable for what we got, but there is no way that I would suggest that you wait two hours to eat there.

quote:

Originally posted by Forsyth


Gratified as I may be to have seen Major's mentioned (their East Meadow location service is best, IMO), I'm shocked. Major's is just a notch below "top-notch" (S&W, Luger's, Morton's, et alia) but it is a fine steak for the money, I'll second that notion.

I just noticed this comment, and I had to respond. Anyone who walks into Major's and expects anything resembling a top-tier steakhouse, they are going to walk out the second they see/taste their steak. You can certainly get a fine meal and a good price at Major's, but it's NO WHERE near the league of ANY top steakhouse mentioned in this thread. It's a mid-level restaurant on all counts.

When I lived in Syracuse, NY the top place for steaks was Scotch n Sirloin. I think they have a Rochester location as well.

The last time I went (15 years ago) it was excellent.

For more middle of the road steakhouse, a la Darryl's (of the Houlihan group), I used to like Colorado Mine Co. but, again, it's been some time since I've been there.

The waitsfaff at the Colorado Mine Co is definitely better on the male eye!

Have been to both Scotch n Sirloin locations in 2005. While the menu is a bit more traditional than CO Mine Co, I would vote for either Scotch n Sirloin location every time.

If you are in Syracuse, maybe a stop at the CO Mine Co. for a nightcap on the way back to the motel would be worthwhile.

Wally

Great thread! I read nearly everything, unfortunately, I can see how the list of best steaks runs the gamut because of regional differences, and everyone's different idea of what "the best" steakhouse really means to them.

I'm from Los Angeles, so naturally, most of my experiences are there, and New York. I am sorely lacking in the Mid-West and Texas areas, something I hope to rectify one day. But here are what ranks as the best steakhouses in my mind, and the location. Not all of them true "road food", and had at different times of my life. If I can try each one on consecutive days, I would, haha.

1) Delmonico Steakhouse (Las Vegas, NV)
2) Prime Steakhouse (Las Vegas, NV)
3) Jocko's (Nipomo, CA)
4) Peter Lugar's (New York, NY)

Just to give you an idea of what else I've had, all of them VERY good, but not good enough to make my personal list of THE Best. Hitching Post (Buelleton, CA); Far Western Tavern (Guadalupe, CA); Pacific Dining Car (Los Angeles, CA); Taylor's Steakhouse (Los Angeles, CA); Circus Circus Steakhouse (Las Vegas, NV); Charlie Palmer Steakhouse (Las Vegas, NV); Donovan's (La Jolla, CA); Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (San Francisco, CA); Morton's (Beverly Hills, CA); Alexander's Steakhouse (Cupertino, CA); Nick & Stef's (Los Angeles, CA); The Jar (Los Angeles, CA). There are a ton of other steakhouses, that I would sort of put in the "third tier", ones that I won't bother mentioning.

Bern's

http://www.bernssteakhouse.com/bs_frame.htm

Jonathan

The Golden Steer in Las Vegas. On Sahara Ave, a half block off the Strip. Wow!

There is out of the way steak house north of Topeka called the Plantation Steak House. Great food and every table is in a private room. You have to ring a buzzer for the waitress.

Here is the Top Ten List someone referred to earlier.

1. Bobby Vans's Steakhouse (New York)
2. Charleys' Steakhouse (Orlando)
3. LG's Prime Steakhouse (Palm Desert)
tie.Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse (New Orleans)--reopening April 1, 2006
4. Plaza III, The Steakhouse (Kansas City)
5. Metropolitian Grill (Seattle)
6. Al Biernat's (Dallas)
7. Ringside (Portland)
8. McKendrick's Steakhouse (Atlanta)
9. E.B. Green's Steakhouse (Buffalo)
10. III Forks (Dallas)
tie Vic and Anthony's (Houston)

*non-chain steakhouses

http://www.tomhoran.com/steak_list.asp

The only real problem I see is that he has 12 steakhouses in a top ten list. I seriously doubt you could go wrong at any of those listed.

My favorite steakhouses:
1. Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse
2. Charley's Steakhouse
3. Chicago Chop House
4. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
5. Morton's Steakhouse
6. McKendrick's Steakhouse

Steakhouses I want to try:
1. Bern's Steakhouse
2. Pete Luger's
3. Capital Grille

Steakhouses that did not live up to hype
1. Bone's (Atlanta)
2. Smith and Wollensky (New Orleans)
3. Del Frisco (Orlando)

Porterhouse

We avoid chains but when in a strange city and want a steak (and are lazy) we think the chains may not have the charm but satisfy every time and they should at the prices they charge.
Although some are pretty,Ruth's Chris in San Diego is overlooking the harbor.
Does anyone agree that if you don't have time to research the local scene these are respectable subs ?
K
http://www.bobs-steakandchop.com/index1.html
http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/locations/Main.asp
http://www.smithandwollensky.com/
http://www.mortons.com/website/index.html
http://www.ruthschris.com/locations/locations.html

quote:

Originally posted by Kayleigh

We avoid chains but when in a strange city and want a steak (and are lazy) we think the chains may not have the charm but satisfy every time and they should at the prices they charge.
Although some are pretty,Ruth's Chris in San Diego is overlooking the harbor.
Does anyone agree that if you don't have time to research the local scene these are respectable subs ?
K
http://www.bobs-steakandchop.com/index1.html
http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/locations/Main.asp
http://www.smithandwollensky.com/
http://www.mortons.com/website/index.html
http://www.ruthschris.com/locations/locations.html

I usually ask the concierge at the hotel for the best steakhouse in town.. Of course, I always need to let them know that price should not be a concern (I noticed that if I don't say that, they usually recommend the run of the mill type of place- even though I asked for the BEST). I do that everytime I go into a "new" city.

But yes, if the concierge is not available, and I feel like having a steak, I would not hesitate going to some of the chains (Ruth Chris, III Forks, etc).

In Dallas, first choice: Capital Grille.
Second choice: My house.
Not in Dallas: Peter Luger!