This country is teeming with incredible steakhouses, both discovered and undiscovered. But the unfortunate truth is that many of the best steakhouses in the U.S. are more or less the same. You can eat only so many $150 tomahawks before they all blend together in your memory, you know? (Not to mention the toll that could take on your wallet!)
The next time you’re craving a great steak from one of the most famous steakhouses in the country, consider a less obvious choice. Here are some more interesting — but equally delicious — alternate options.
Instead of Prime Steakhouse …
Las Vegas
The Bellagio’s steakhouse has been renowned in Vegas as a fine dining destination since Jean-George Vongerichten opened it in 1998. That said, there are about a thousand places to eat some terrific prime cuts for way less money.
Go to Best Friend
Las Vegas
Take Best Friend, for example. Roy Choi’s Korean BBQ spot is located in Park MGM and might be one of the most fun meals you can have before a night out on the strip. The steak selections are top-notch, and you can even get them in taco form. That’s right, Best Friend serves Choi’s short rib tacos made famous at his Kogi food truck in Los Angeles.
Instead of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse …
Chicago
Gibsons is a classic, and you’ll recognize the sign from tons of Chicago-based shows and movies, but it’s not the type of place you can’t get anywhere else. Surf and turf isn’t even a good combo; it’s just a way to stick the two most expensive things on the menu on the same plate.
Go to Asador Bastian
Chicago
Look, you’re not gonna spend any less money at Chef Doug Psaltis’ Basque steakhouse. In fact, you might end up spending more.
The tradeoff is that you’re eating food inspired by San Sebastian, which is potentially the best food city on the planet. Hey, it’s still cheaper than a vacation.
Instead of Knife …
Dallas
Famously hated chef John Tesar’s steakhouse is one of Dallas’ premiere restaurants (featuring meats that have been dry aged for over 200 days), but chances are you’re not gonna catch a Mark Cuban sighting and you may not remember what made it so great after the bill hits the table.
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Go to Town Hearth
Dallas
Town Hearth is swankier than Knife by a mile, and the rest of the menu holds its own: Raw bar offerings, Japanese Wagyu, and even… a ’74 Ducati?
Instead of Bern’s Steakhouse …
Tampa, Florida
Famously housing one of the largest restaurant wine cellars in the country, Bern’s has been a Tampa destination since the 50s. But how many bottles of wine do you need? You’re only gonna drink one or two of ‘em.
Maybe three.
Go to Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
Tampa, Florida
If you’ve never been to a Brazilian steakhouse, Gaucha is one you oughta try. A Brazilian steakhouse is kind of like a traditional steakhouse combined with Disneyland. There’s lights and noises and smells, but all of them are wonderful, and all of them are wrapping you in their smoky, meaty arms.
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Instead of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse …
Philadelphia
Del Frisco’s is a reliable upscale steakhouse, but big whoop, there are Del Frisco’s locations all over the country. If you’re in Philly, you should go to a steakhouse that screams Philly.
Go to Barclay Prime
Philadelphia
Why eat steak the exact same way in every single restaurant? Change things up at Barclay Prime, where you can drop $140 on a Wagyu cheese steak covered in black truffle and foie gras, and partnered up with half a bottle of champagne? Decadence to the max.
Instead of Pat’s Steakhouse …
Louisville, Kentucky
This is very much a slice of old-school Kentucky, and even though Pat’s is in an old 19th-century tavern, its own legacy can make it a little stuffy. Restaurants are supposed to be fun, no matter how good the steaks are.
Go to Nami Korean Steakhouse
Louisville, Kentucky
Switch things up with chef Edward Lee’s newest edition to the Louisville culinary scene, Nami. He’s cooking terrific cuts with a combination of traditional and modern Korean techniques. Make sure you don’t leave without the L.A. Galbi, and like many great steakhouses, there’s a lineup of sushi to help lighten things up.
Instead of Peter Luger …
Brooklyn, New York
No credit cards. Impossible reservations. Steaks that start at a hundred bucks. You can treat yourself better than Luger’s.
Go to St. Anselm
Brooklyn, New York
As more of a neighborhood spot, things will be better at St. Anselm. They’ve still got all the chops and porterhouses you could ask for, but with much less of an assault on your bank account.
Instead of Jeff Ruby’s Precinct …
Cincinnati
Jeff Ruby’s is a Cincy staple, and though it’s cool that it’s housed in an old police station, that’s also a bit unnerving. Are you trying to eat dinner in a place that is almost certainly haunted?
Go to Boca
Cincinnati
With a menu that leans French and Italian, there are more flavors at play at Boca than your traditional steakhouse. That won’t curb any desire to go big, either, as Boca’s got a $160 beef Wellington primed and ready for you.
Instead of Metropolitan Grill …
Seattle
Even before Seattle’s food renaissance, Metropolitan Grill was a classy joint to grab a terrific steak. Even though it’s been serving quality beef since 1903, it can also feel like that was the last time the menu was updated. You’re in a great city for food, and you can spice things up a bit.
Go to Kokkaku
Seattle
With cuts from the U.S., Japan, and even New Zealand in the mix, Kokkaku is not to be slept on. Can’t decide what to get? Go for the shockingly reasonable $45 tasting menu.
Instead of CUT …
Los Angeles
Yes, Wolfgang Puck is still the king. At CUT, there’s no doubt about it. But unless you’re just in town to ogle Beverly Hills, this is Los Angeles and there are countless other great options for you.
Go to American Beauty
Los Angeles
There’s so much to love about American Beauty, be it the classic steakhouse menu speckled with seasonal, California influence, the impeccable ambience, or the burger window that stays open all day serving $4.50 smash burgers. No matter what has brought you to American Beauty, things are looking up now that you’re here.
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