Cuts Above the Rest: America's Best Steakhouses

When you think of a perfect steak dinner, you imagine knife-thin slices of well-aged beef, a sizzling crust, rich sides, polished service, and perhaps a storied history behind it. The U.S. is home to dozens of steakhouses that achieve exactly that—here are a dozen of the most legendary, spread across the country, that deserve a place on any carnivore’s bucket list.

COTE, Miami, FL

One of the most modern entries to the pantheon, COTE blends Korean barbecue theater with American steakhouse gravitas. It holds a Michelin star, and in Miami’s Design District, it artfully marries the communal grilling format of Korean BBQ with dry-aged prime beef and a refined cocktail program. Instead of cooking every bite for you, it lets diners participate—grilling on tabletop vents under close supervision from the staff. The effect is both interactive and luxurious. If you go: ask for nicely marbled cuts, and leave room for their top-notch sides and excellent beverage pairings.

Peter Luger Steak House, New York, NY

A name nearly synonymous with “classic American steakhouse,” Peter Luger is known for doing few things—but doing them right. Dry-aging in-house, simple seasoning (salt + butter), unwavering consistency, and a no-frills yet historic dining room. It’s one of the steakhouses that repeatedly tops national rankings for quality and legacy. If you go: be patient—the line can be long, and cash or their house credit is often preferred.

Bern’s Steak House, Tampa, FL

Part institution, part gastronomic playground. Bern’s is known not only for its exceptional beef (aged in-house) but for its wine cellar (one of the largest in the world) and its secret dessert room upstairs. The experience at Bern’s is as much about exploration as dining—many guests schedule a full evening, wandering through wine rooms, tasting rooms, and of course enjoying a perfect cut of steak. If you go: book well in advance and plan time for the full experience—including the dessert room.

Beef ‘N Bottle Steakhouse, Charlotte, NC

A beloved local gem, the Beef ’n Bottle has been serving Charlotte since the late 1950s. It retains a comforting, old-school ambiance—dim lighting, wood accents, and a sense of continuity—with excellent steaks and an impressive wine list. If you go: try their filet or surf-and-turf combinations, and soak in the local charm.

RingSide Steakhouse, Portland, OR

A classic in the Pacific Northwest, RingSide has been around since the mid-20th century and is known for its strong wine program and consistent prime cuts. Its décor nods to boxing (hence the “RingSide” name), giving it that sense of tradition without feeling stuffy. If you go: the New York (center cut) or ribeye are safe bets; the wine list is deep, so lean on the staff for pairing.

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, Oklahoma City, OK

A regional legend, Cattlemen’s brings western spirit to its dining. It’s a staple in OKC and is often touted in regional guides as a must-stop for steak lovers traveling through the state. It offers hearty, reliable cuts in a no-pretense setting—great when you’re after authenticity and flavor without frills. If you go: arrive hungry, as the portions are generous and the sides solid.

St. Elmo Steak House, Indianapolis, IN

A Midwestern classic dating back to the early 1900s, St. Elmo combines old-world charm with hand-cut, dry-aged beef. It’s also known for its bar, where the shrimp cocktail (in spicy house sauce) is legendary—many arrive early just to order that. If you go: start with the shrimp cocktail, then work up to a bone-in ribeye or porterhouse.

Golden Steer Steakhouse, Las Vegas, NV

Old Las Vegas glamour lives on at Golden Steer, one of the city’s oldest surviving steakhouses (opened in 1958). It has seen the Rat Pack, celebrated entertainers, and high rollers walk through its doors. Today, it stands as a link between Vegas’s past and present gastronomic ambitions. If you go: dress nicely, and enjoy the ambiance almost as much as the steak.

Taylor’s Steakhouse, Los Angeles, CA

In a city rich with culinary competition, Taylor’s stands out as a dependable local steakhouse with a loyal following. It’s not as internationally famed as some others on this list, but if you want a strong steak in L.A. with less fuss and good local flavor, Taylor’s is a solid pick. If you go: check their local branches, go for a premium cut, and see how they balance simplicity with local sensibilities.

Halls Chophouse, Charleston, SC

Combining Southern hospitality with refined steakhouse technique, Halls Chophouse is one of the crown jewels of Charleston’s dining scene. They present prime-cut steaks alongside Lowcountry seafood specialties, making for a versatile, elevated menu. If you go: the dry-aged steak is a standout, and don’t skip the sides—they’re elevated, too.

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Chicago, IL

Right in the heart of Chicago, Gibsons is an assertive, classic steakhouse. They offer USDA Prime cuts (Angus, plus grass-fed Australian options) in a polished, energetic environment. Whether you're coming after theater or late-night business, the setting and service aim high without sacrificing warmth. If you go: try a classic bone-in prime cut, and pair with one of their upscale sides (cream spinach, truffle mash, etc.).

Buckhorn Exchange, Denver, CO

More than just steaks, Buckhorn Exchange is a historic institution, blending frontier character, wild game, and classic beef. Established in 1893, it's Denver’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. Their menu includes not only top-tier USDA prime steaks, but elk, lamb, buffalo, and yes, even Rocky Mountain oysters. The walls are lined with trophies and mounted animals, making dining here as much about atmosphere and story as about flavor. If you go: try one of their large-format steaks carved tableside, and if you're adventurous, sample something from the game section.