what's the best chain steakhouse in the US?

thanks!

Unfortunately, not every restaurant in a chain is equal. For example, the Ruth's Chris in Irvine, CA is excellent while the one in Seattle, WA is pretty average for a steakhouse.

Overall, I'd say the Capital Grille.

I have never has a bad meal at "The Palm" anywhere. I cannot say teh same for "Shula's".

What do you think, OP? State your opinion.

Overall, I'd say the Capital Grille.


A second vote ^ ^

Ruth Chris has been pretty good for us, in Cancun, Vegas, and Minneapolis, so I feel very safe with them.( If can be consistent and good in Cancun, I feel fairly confident on eating in their chain)

I'd say Ruth's Chris, although I agree that they can have some consistency problems (the one in Arlington, VA, is not so hot). I don't like Morton's as much, but it seems to be more consistent.

I have had several mediocre experiences at the Capital Grille.

I've never heard of the Capital Grille chain. Where are they located roughly speaking?

Ruth's Chris (~100) or Capital Grille (~25)

Not many locations but one of the best--Smith & Wollensky. - Also when in NYC go to the Grill sit at the bar and ask for Patrick one of the best bartenders in NYC

What is the criteria for best steakhouse?

For example, Black Angus and Outback chains are great especially if you are taking the family but they are hardly great steakhouses. I go there because I am hungry and I want a decent meal without a huge pricetag. I don't expect a Peter Lugar steak which is wonderful I might add but he is not a chain steakhouse.

I've never heard of the Capital Grille chain. Where are they located roughly speaking?

http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/locations/Main.asp

I know there's one under development here, so probably other locations are also in the works.

I think Ruth Chris is one of the best chains. I've only been to the Irvine, CA and Pasadena ones though, but food and service were excellent.

I've eaten at Morton's in Santa Ana, CA, while it's a great steak, I didn't think it was worth the cost.

There's a small chain called Scott's Seafood and Grill. There's one in Costa Mesa, CA. I think there's one other SoCal location and a few in other states. Their filet mignon is pretty close to Ruth Chris, IMO.


Steve:)

Ruth's Chris and Del Frisco's get my vote.

I think both The Palm and Morton's are overrated.

The word above on Morton's is consistency, though certainly not the best in my view.

Ruth's Chris is far less consistent, I'm not at all impressed with the DC Dupont Circle location, for instance, but I do actually enjoy the one in Seattle a the Grand Hyatt. (I know the Seattle location was dissed above ;).

Actually went to the DC Capital Grille last night. Food was good, but the real standout was the excellent service from the waiter. Turns out that where I was parked from a bit earlier turned illegal shortly after we arrived, the waiter took my keys and had the car moved. Very attentive but non-obtrusive service. Have no idea if this is standard (I doubt it) but this particular waiter made the evening.

I agree that Morton's was not as good as what I was expecting. My vote for the best goes to Capital Grille as well. I have gotten to go to the DC and Tysons Corner location a bunch of times. I think you get a great full meal experience.

I like the appetizers, especially the cold shellfish platter, and if anybody can point me to a better plate of calamari I would want to know it.

For the main courses I like not just the various types of steaks but also the veal chop and the salmon.

The sides are great, and I love going with a large group so we can have many.

Great wine choices and as also mentioned the service is great.

I think the only thing that leaves me disappointed when compared to the rest of the meal are the desert choices. Just not crazy about what they offer. Find myself eating more appetizers knowing I do not need to leave room for dessert.

I used to be a major fan of Ruth's Chris... until I knew better and was introduced to the one-five location steakhouses (Old Homestead, Cite, etc.)

Ruth's has become inconsistant in recent years as well as most of the other chains mentioned. I was disappointed in Capital Grill the two locations I went to (Chicago and NYC.)

If Outback can be considered a real "steakhouse" it's mostly a disaster especailly if you are a single diner. You get ignored as if you don't exist. (I try to eat at the bar if I'm dining alone so I know I can get relatively quicker service.

Morton's actually has turned out good steaks and good meals (I like the pre dinner show with the explaination on what the different type of steaks are and other things.) Morton's actually came to the "rescue" in Singapore when a dear friend and fellow Flyertalker and I went looking for our beloved "Trader Vic's" and found it was CLOSED! :(

It's NOT a steakhouse but Trader Vic's has some good steak offerings. Do the slow grilled steaks Polynisian style.

Morton's in Singapore was just as good as Morton's in Houston and Morton's in Las Vegas (I did not like the one in NYC off Fifth Avenue.)

Would Charley's (Florida) and Old Homestead (which I think now has three or four locations) be considered chains now? They are FOUR PAWS UP when it comes to steak.

For my best "chain" steakhouse: Hy's in Canadia! ;) The Keg was decent too (of course there Flyertalkers who would disagree.)

The best steaks IMHO come from the little one to five location steakhouses. :)

I like the Capital Grille as the best in Detroit, but I still think that the best steak's (regular) Ive had are the ones I buy at a local gourmet store (prime fillets) and throw on my infrared gas grill- add some sauteed mushrooms and some onions, with a side of mashed potatoes and a good red wine, very good.

I like the Rosebud Steakhouse in Chicago (it is one of several Rosebuds, but is the only steakhouse). That said, I rarely order steak at a steakhouse, since the portions are huge -- a pound or more of beef is too much.

I would vote Ruth Chris for best.

My vote goes to Del Frisco's especially in Dallas. Amazing steaks and they still have the cigar bar in the back. Makes for a great evening :D

Morton's way overrated! Usually piss poor service along with an air of superiority. Ruth Chris's, not bad, but usually doesn't WOW me.

Capital Grille is not bad steaks, but usually I get that stellar service there. I guess with all the politicians eating there, they have to be on top of their game.

Now if you want to talk about seafood, the best damn chain is Oceanaire! I've eaten at 3 different locations and each one is amazing in its own regard. Check it out. http://www.theoceanaire.com/

1. mortons
2. Palm
3. Ruth Chris

Ruths Chris. Agree to the :td: on Shulas.

I've always had excellent steaks at Ruth's Chris steak house... until last week... which prompted this thread.

The steaks were just plain awful. It couldn't even match
the $5/pound mystery beef at the local grocery store.
However, since God was the one who created cows, I didn't
really blame the chefs. However, the service was also very
bad. In fact, the service from the waitress was so rude
and unprofessional, the 9 of us unanimously voted to give
her a tip of $0.(the final bill was about $450)

I enjoy going to J. Gilbert's for steak. It's a smaller chain - only 4 locations, but I've always had a great meal in the location near me.

Sullivan's gets my vote. IMHO superior to Ruths Chris.

Based on the recommendations in this forum, I decided to check out Capital Grille's Orlando location this weekend. I was flying into MCO and meeting a friend. She and I had an excellent dinner there. The service was outstanding, and the food and wine were amazing. The gentleman taking care of our wine even came by and gave my lady friend a rose.

Excellent suggestion. Coincidentally, I stayed in the Peabody for a couple weeks in August on training, and a group of people were going to eat at the Capital Grille. I opted out because it looked expensive and I had never heard anything about the place. I'm a huge foodie and don't mind shelling out cash for a great meal, but I don't like to gamble with unknown restaurants when it comes to expensive dinners.

Thanks for the tips, guys.

One of the other thread prompt me to one question... how cheap is a cheap chain steakhouse??? What is the average price to get a piece of the dead cow???

Dividing all the restaurant into three classes

1. eg Ruth Chris (>50???)
2. eg Alexander's (<30???)
3. eg Applebees (<20???)

i vote for ruth chris. love the buttery crust.

My vote goes to Ruth's Chris. The Palm is good but I was disappointed with the one in PHL last time.

I'm glad no one mentioned Black Angus. What a ripoff. :td: :td:

I'm glad no one mentioned Black Angus. What a ripoff. :td: :td:

Wow. Black Angus. I haven't been to one of those in probably 15 years.

Just went to their website. The picture of the steak on the home page looks downright gross, like a Swanson frozen meal. Checked out the menu, and while it's not pricey as a high end place it really isn't that cheap. Frankly I'd rather go to Outback. :eek:

Capitol Grille Tysons was very good, but not outstanding.

The sauce for the crab with the Filet Oscar was excellent though. I'm a real crabcake purist, and back when I still kept trying them at upscale restaurants, I was always horribly disappointed. I was half expecting a mediocre crabcake, but was surprised to discover it was simply crabmeat with sauce. (and it really was JUST right) ^

Was surprised by the winelist's brevity, especially by the glass, but they did have a great deal on a Meritage, $19 instead of $30+ for a glass.

Their single malt MENU was absolutely fantastic though ^^ I will certainly be back for it. Also on the menu were Stoli Elit and good tequilas, rounding out my liquors of choice. :)

Comparatively > WAY better than Morton's, and much better food (and value) than Fleming's.

OT >

Service at Mccormick and Schmick's seems to be sliding slightly too, although I'm also not not as keen on it as I once was.

The best crabcakes in DC metro are @ Jerry's in Seabrook, although the Great American Restaurants chain does a pretty darn good job on theirs, especially Coastal Flats, with 1 larger one instead of 2 at other chain members. I have not had the best of Baltimore, but I have had the best in Annapolis, and Jerry's was probably slightly better prep wise.

Back somewhat on topic, the Great American Restaurants' filets and prime rib ARE also really good, especially considering their average prices. Plus the service is great, albeit casual. I go to Artie's (for brunch) and Coastal Flats (lunch and dinner) all the time.

Cap Grille and The Palm are good.

Fleming's (http://flemingssteakhouse.com) is also very good. it's owned by Outback. They give a true high-end experience for less $ than Cap and Palm.

Best "chain" is Mortons.....best independent is The Mahogany in Omaha, NE.

Mortons is good, and very consistent. I've had better steaks at Ruth's Chris, but also much worse - very variable both between locations and at the same location on different visits. So I don't go the Ruth's Chris much anymore.

Interesting that others have had the same experinece.

Outback is not even in the same league IMHO.

They only have two steakhouses in Chicago, not enough to constitute a chain but Gibsons Steakhouse is far superior to The Capital Grille or Ruth's Chris.

But then I love Salad Bars. I wish they had one in California:(

Fleming's (at least in Tysons) isn't that great..

- Beef flemington (wellington) = not good enough for price

+- also got a combo thing, great value, prime rib and two other things, but the prime rib was not that good.

- Tuna mignon = absolutely terrible (Colvin Run's was outstanding)

+ OTOH service is pretty good

+ and their psuedo souffle is great (personal taste > quality though)

not high end at all IMHO

We hit up Fleming's in Boston last night for the first time. Nice atmosphere and wine list, but I like the food at Ruth's Chris and Morton's better.

.....best independent is The Mahogany in Omaha, NE.

Never been there. I'll have to check it out. Any recommendations from the menu?

Ruth's Chris or Smith & Wollensky's

I recently had my first experience at Flemmings in Edgewater, NJ and must say I was impressed.

They have some nice appetizers including some flaming garlic shrimp in sauce special that had the high amount of garlic and spice content that I love. I was going to go with French Onion soup but as a good friend once said "You should always try something new every time you go out to dinner." My dinner guests also told me to be adventurous.

Another thing I enjoyed was there "Discovery Flights" where you get to sample three international wines. You are served three wines from three different countries served on some type of "tree." On our night we got to sample a French, Argentinian and Chilean which was very nice. If you like a particular wine they can get you a bottle or another glass. I also liked the little cards that told you the wine's name and vintage.

My NY Strip I did bone in (another thing I don't normally do) and was done very nicely.

THe server was knowledgable and friendly and attentive. An added plus of this location is it's on the waterfront with a nice view of the city (you have to request those tables.)

Again, this was a nice surprise. I can't say Flemmings has become one of my favorite chain restaurants, and I won't give up going to the smaller, indepedent restaurants like Old Homestead or Charley's. I'll have to try one or two more Flemmings to make a fair comparison.

It's also wierd for me to see Flemmings and Outback are of the same company (and Outbacks are very very inconsistant and food and customer service.

maybe its me. But i have never been impressed with Ruths Chris. Its good. But definitely never left and said "wow". Maybe it was the locations(went to one in NYC and one in Hartford). Generally, i try to find a local steakhouse.

My favorite steakhouse in the country is Capone's in Chicago!

2nd is 23 grill in Boston.

If i had to rank Ruths Chris among other steakhouses i have been to, it wouldn't crack the top 5. Again, maybe its me, but for all the hype, i wasn't that impressed. Then again, maybe i hyped it up too much.

My first exposure to Ruth's was at the Broad Street location in New Orleans back in the eighties and before the huge amount of franchising. Yeah, awesome, great, special,... Ruth's today isn't special at all.

Same goes for Morton's in general, although last time I ate at the "original" on State street it was incredibly good.

My vote for best chain steak house goes to Capital Grille.

Never been there. I'll have to check it out. Any recommendations from the menu?

Get a steak. Seriously, they are all good. I prefer the 12 oz filet, but the New York is pretty good too. Although personally I enjoy Omaha Prime in the Old Market area more. Mahogany is kind of a chain. They have a couple in Oklahoma I think.

One vote for Morton's.

Fleming's has been good in the beginning but takes itself for granted now.

I favor Firebird's in the mid range. It blows Outback and its competition out of the water. I particularly enjoy the Chile-rubbed Delmonico.

Anyone else that had good or bad experiences at Firebird's?

Although personally I enjoy Omaha Prime in the Old Market area more. Mahogany is kind of a chain. They have a couple in Oklahoma I think.

I had a pretty bad experience at Omaha Prime. Three years ago their mixed appetizer platter seemed to come straight from Sam's frozen food aisle. Did I write "seem?" They 100% did. We had a couple of items in our freezer. That soured me on Omaha Prime.

capital grille or morton's. if you're in nyc though, go to sparks!

I have to say overall around the country IMO Morton's is the most consistent. I have not had good experiences at Ruth's Chris at all, and I don't like the exorbitant amounts of butter they serve steak in unless you ask them not to.

Fleming's is one of my faves but I have only eaten at them in California, Newport Beach is awesome as is La Jolla. Free fact, Paul "F"leming of Fleming's is also the F in P.F. Changs...

It does vary by location, but I would pick Morton's.

I had my first steak at Smith & Wollensky's in Las Vegas Saturday night. Let's just say I was rather underwhelmed. I was in a party of 17 rowdy fraternity buddies, though, so maybe it was just an isolated incident.

I agree with variance from placa to place with all these chains. Therefore, I am just going to vote by city, and since St Louis is the only city where I have been to all three of the main chains, here is their ranking order:

1)Fleming's, we've been half a dozen times, never had a bad meal, service has always been impeccable from the valet to the bar to the waitstaff

2) Ruth's Chris: Second place only because my husband's steak was not exactly what it should have been once. Otherwise, in St Louis at least, it ranks up there with Fleming's

3) Morton's: a little tired, resting on its name I think, although I gave a party in a private room there once that came off very, very well

Del Frisco's with Ruth Chris a close second. One of my favorites is Charley's (Orlando) but only a few of them in Florida afaik.

If i had to rank Ruths Chris among other steakhouses i have been to, it wouldn't crack the top 5. Again, maybe its me, but for all the hype, i wasn't that impressed. Then again, maybe i hyped it up too much.

I tend to agree with you but were talking chain restaurants. If your talking best steakhouses period i don't know if it cracks the top 20. As another poster said Sparks in NYC might be the best steak ive ever had. It's consistent too everytime i go there its great.

We've had good luck with the Flemming's here in Austin...haven't been to any of the other locations though.

In San Diego our fav is Donovan's (small-- does 2 locations- SD/Phx make a chain?) It's excellent.

Never been to the SD Ruth's Chris but had a great filet mignon at RC Pasadena (better than Peter Lugars)

We have Flemings & Mortons too.

I have been to several locations, Phoenix, Cancun, Beverly Hills, Pasadena and it always comes to my table sizzling so I vote for Ruth Chris.

I'd vote for Morton's. Now I'm thinking about their scallops wrapped in bacon appetizer. Yum!

I can't believe noone has mentioned Bern's in Tampa. I'm from the midwest, so I usually opt for seafood on the coast, but Bern's was amazing! It takes 2 years training to become a waiter there, etc., etc. etc. can't explain it all here. I got a sampler that had 3 3 oz. samplers of Kobe, Wagyu and Filet. All melt in your mouth.

Anyway, it's not a chain so...

I've had

1. Mortons (Chicago State St. very good, Las Vegas good)
2. Ruth's Chris (Chicago very good)
3. Shula's ( Miami good, Chicago average)
4. Craftsteak (Vegas average, overpriced) (chain???)

And just for fun try the Ellis Island Casino "Restaurant" in Vegas for the off the menu $4.95 10oz steak dinner with fixin's and a microbrew. Makes a great lunch before a steak dinner. Not the best, but hey it's $5 ;)

Sam Seltzers is in your area too, isn't it??? Went there in 2001 and then 2003... too bad the chain is limited to west coast FLA only....

I can't believe noone has mentioned Bern's in Tampa. I'm from the midwest, so I usually opt for seafood on the coast, but Bern's was amazing! It takes 2 years training to become a waiter there, etc., etc. etc. can't explain it all here. I got a sampler that had 3 3 oz. samplers of Kobe, Wagyu and Filet. All melt in your mouth.

Anyway, it's not a chain so...

I've had

1. Mortons (Chicago State St. very good, Las Vegas good)
2. Ruth's Chris (Chicago very good)
3. Shula's ( Miami good, Chicago average)
4. Craftsteak (Vegas average, overpriced) (chain???)

And just for fun try the Ellis Island Casino "Restaurant" in Vegas for the off the menu $4.95 10oz steak dinner with fixin's and a microbrew. Makes a great lunch before a steak dinner. Not the best, but hey it's $5 ;)

The best steakhouses here in Baton Rouge are Ruth's Chris and Sullivans. Flemings is also very good.

Del Frisco, Flemings and Morton's

We just had another perfect dinner at Fleming's in SAN tonight. I loved them in SEA and am delighted to have them here.

Best "chain" is Mortons.....best independent is The Mahogany in Omaha, NE.

Mahogany also has a location (I believe the original) here in Tulsa! :-) We also have a Fleming's and I think it is a toss up depending on what you're in the mood for and it which "side" dishes you'd like.

As for a value cheaper steakhouse. You can't beat Texas Roadhouse. The Dallas Filet is better than filets that I've had at places for 2-3 times the base price.

I'd also put a vote in for Charley's in the Orlando area. One of the best steaks I've ever eaten.

what's the best chain steakhouse in the US?

thanks!

I'd say Morton'. A bit pricey, but that's the one where I've had the most consistently memorable meals. Porterhouse for two, mmmm.

Mahogany also has a location (I believe the original) here in Tulsa! :-) We also have a Fleming's and I think it is a toss up depending on what you're in the mood for and it which "side" dishes you'd like.

As for a value cheaper steakhouse. You can't beat Texas Roadhouse. The Dallas Filet is better than filets that I've had at places for 2-3 times the base price.

I'd also put a vote in for Charley's in the Orlando area. One of the best steaks I've ever eaten.

^ ^ ^ Fully agree with your assessment of Texas Roadhouse. We just had one open in our area a few weeks ago, and sampled it Saturday night. For a cheaper steakhouse, I found the steak to be much better than an Outback...and better than 2/3'rds of some of the more expensive places that I have been to. 3 steaks (2 16oz strips and one 12 oz filet), one shared appetizer, one margarita, one beer and soda...for $113 with tip. Not bad...

$113 with tip

Dude, you could have a much better 3-person steak dinner than Texas Roadhouse for $113. Texas Roadhouse is where you go when your sister wants you to take her best friend out to dinner, and you can't get out of it.

Maybe the TR around me is uncharacteristically horrible, but I would take Outback over TR any day.

The sauce for the crab with the Filet Oscar was excellent though. I'm a real crabcake purist, and back when I still kept trying them at upscale restaurants, I was always horribly disappointed. I was half expecting a mediocre crabcake, but was surprised to discover it was simply crabmeat with sauce. (and it really was JUST right) ^


A crabcake purist and happy w/ something with sauce? Just backfin, some breadcrumbs and Old Bay for me - no sauce needed. Crabcakes at Ruth's Chris are pretty decent, though. As is the Tuna Stack for those who don't want steak.

Bern's in Tampa. Had the pleasure of dining there last night. Don't forget a visit to their dessert room upstairs!

Texas Roadhouse for inexpensive, Morton's for expensive. Much better than The Palm or Flemings, though The Palm's wedge salad is great.

I can't believe I'm the first to post Ted's Montana Grill. While not a joint in which to impress clients, my bison tenderloin was the best steak I ever tasted, but I fed six at Ted's for the price of two at Mortons.

Puh, tough question.

I'd say Morton's. I've been numerous times to two locations (Scottsdale and Orlando) and the steaks always were very good. However service was way better in Scottsdale than in Orlando. In Orlando waiters tend to be arrogant. Also, the patrons at the Orlando location tend to be very loud. But what matters most with me is the food and they were always great. Be sure to ask their Peppercorn sauce and keep some room for a heavenly soufflé!

I'd say Capital Grill and Ruth's Chris are both very good too, but cannot comment on consistency since I've only been to their Orlando locations.

Someone mentioned Charlies earlier and I have to say that I was terribly disappointed in their Orlando Intl Drive location.

Any opinions on Gallager's Steakhouse? Haven't eaten there but seen outlets in Las Vegas and the Newark Airport.

We've had extremely good luck (except one location) with Ruth's Chris. The location closest to us, Minneapolis, is consistantly good.

Other RCs we've been to:

Manhattan-very good
Honolulu-great (the most reasonable prices and in Hawaii no less!)
Lahaina-very good
Pasadena-very good
Northbrook-awful/inedible (worse than Outback and that is a challenge!)

We've had awful experiences with Outback, you should probably just get the New Zealand rack of lamb if you have to go there.

Mortons has been nothing special.

Smith & Wollensky in Manhattan was probably the most overrated place we've been to. The steaks were awful and gristly(the meat could not have been prime) and the side dishes uninspired. Would much rather go to Peter Luger or Craftsteak in NYC. At least we got to accidentally bump into Mark Messier as he was leaving...Luckily we went to RC two days later and got that awful taste out of our mouths.

When you are at a magazine/bookstore in an airport always look for Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast. They often have articles on steakhouses and occasionaly "rate the chains." People who care that much about wine often have very opinions on food, especially good steaks.

Lastly, remember to always get your steaks "bone-in." The bone (and marrow) impart a great amount of flavor as well as keep the cooking temperature consistent throughout the meat during cooking.

Any opinions on Gallager's Steakhouse? Haven't eaten there but seen outlets in Las Vegas and the Newark Airport.

I was sorely disappointed at Gallagher's in Vegas.

Maybe the TR around me is uncharacteristically horrible, but I would take Outback over TR any day.

What city do you call home (of the several on your list)? So I can
choose the Outback over the Texas Roadhouse there - something
I would otherwise not do.

Morton's and Ruth's Chris. I try to stick to Morton's because I tend to overload on butter at RC. :D

I've always been a big Mastro's fan, as well as Morton's, Ruth's Chris, and, most recently, Flemings. Have to say that Flemings has some of the best service I've ever experienced, and highly recommend their chocolate lava cake desserts. For a quick steak at a good price, though, can't go wrong with Outback. Same with Claim Jumpers, but be ready for some heavy butter.

My favorite is Del Frisco's, but go to Morton's more often due to more locations.

I can't believe I'm the first to post Ted's Montana Grill. While not a joint in which to impress clients, my bison tenderloin was the best steak I ever tasted, but I fed six at Ted's for the price of two at Mortons.


I just had a great dinner at Ted's in Schaumburg, IL. I had the bison short ribs and Flor had the prime rib. Both dinners were excellent. Each entree was about $15 and included choice of veggie and starch. Various salads were about $3-5. Total cost for two including entree, salads, two drinks, coffee, tax and tip was $75. The service was excellent.

I just had a great dinner at Ted's in Schaumburg, IL. I had the bison short ribs and Flor had the prime rib. Both dinners were excellent. Each entree was about $15 and included choice of veggie and starch. Various salads were about $3-5. Total cost for two including entree, salads, two drinks, coffee, tax and tip was $75. The service was excellent.

They just opened one of these in my area. They also have very good burgers and chicken sandwiches and you can order them 20 different ways. Service was really bad probably b/c they just opened, but I will go back shortly.

My vote is Prime Rib. Only three locations though -- Philadelphia, Baltimore, and DC.

I like the Capital Grille as the best in Detroit, but I still think that the best steak's (regular) Ive had are the ones I buy at a local gourmet store (prime fillets) ...

I agree, I can buy and make a better steak.

Be careful when buying steaks labeled as "Prime" both in restaurants and markets, make sure it is "USDA Prime" as Prime can be used as an adjective to describe non-USDA Prime steaks by some marketers who know full well that a consumer who sees "prime" might believe the steak is USDA Prime.

To answer the OP's question, I haven't been knocked out by Ruth's, Morton's, I do enjoy Smith & Wollensky but still know I cook a better steak.

For those in Chicago, a market near Navy Pier sells dry-aged USDA Prime in both traditional beef and Waygu (Kobe style) http://www.fox-obel.com/index.asp

--