Los Angeles - great steak in Los Angeles

in LA would there be a better choice for a great steak than Boa ,Mastro's,Lawry's,the Plam,or Kincaids Bay House
anyone have any thoughts

in LA would there be a better choice for a great steak than Boa ,Mastro's,Lawry's,the Plam,or Kincaids Bay House
anyone have any thoughts

Steaks are everywhere. If you don't mind the chains, they are all here: (Arnie) Morton's; The Palm; Ruth's Chris; Mastro's. There are many devotees of Dan Tana's proclaiming that steak to be their fave, but it's mostly an Italian joint and YMMV. A couple local places: Taylor's, Arroyo Chop House, Nick & Stef's, and the two Boas do a nice job. The steak at Campanile is terrific, and the top hotels have great prime meat purveyors, as well.

Pacific Dining Car is another excellent choice for steaks. Locations downtown west (open 24 hrs) and in Sta Monica.

I love the steak at Toscana in Brentwood. They grill it and then finish it in a wood burning oven. It's wonderful.

Pacific Dining Car also have a nice vibe of deals being done; isn't that part of the charm of a decent steak house?

As an addendum to tdo-ca's post... On a bang for the buck basis, nothing beats Taylor's in Koreatown.

I ate at Kincaids earlier this week. My NY Strip was good ($35), but the service was very slow.

I love Ruth's Chris. I think there is one in Beverly Hills and know there is one in Irvine.

I love Ruth's Chris. I think there is one in Beverly Hills and know there is one in Irvine.

There is also one in Woodland Hills.

Check out www.zagat.com

or www.gayot.com for additional info.

Has anyone been to Porterhouse Bistro (http://www.porterhousebistro.com/menu.htm)? Their hook is interesting... serve choice cuts (instead of prime), but marinade it so you can't tell the difference. Suppose to be great for the bang-buck factor.

Besides those already stated, I quite like the monster prime rib at the Stinking Rose (you can't discount the garlic factor!)

Dan Tanas is great (maybe the best) but also possibly the most expensive in the city and unless you want to deal with being over crowded in a small place you might want to pass. If you want to have a decent chance for seeing a star, its also good for that. (I am going there for dinner tonight despite the complaints... ;-)

When I want a quiet dinner and a great steak, I head to Pacific Dining Car. Prefer the Santa Monica location because its quieter and the area is much nicer.

YMMV.

Enjoy.

The Palm is my favorite as far as chains go. There's a semi-new steakhouse, The Lodge in Bev Hills. Anyone been there?

in LA would there be a better choice for a great steak than Boa ,Mastro's,Lawry's,the Plam,or Kincaids Bay House
anyone have any thoughts
The Backwoods Inn (http://www.backwoodsinn.com/) is one of my favorites. It's about an hour drive north of Los Angeles, but it's worth it IMHO.

The best steak that I have had in LA was at Talia's in Manhattan Beach (it is a small Italian restaurant, osso bucco is probably their best dish, but the steak was exceptional ... very friendly but a date place, in keeping with its Manhattan Beach location).

The Palm is my favorite as far as chains go. There's a semi-new steakhouse, The Lodge in Bev Hills. Anyone been there?


I've been to the Lodge and think it is really tasty. However, it was also really pricy (around $150 a person with drinks, apps, etc.) I still think Boa has the best steaks in LA - try the J1 sauce! Amazing!

Had Mastros in Beverly Hills yesterday, what a scene but definately delicious. :-)

in LA would there be a better choice for a great steak than Boa ...
Boa: Those hankering for rib-eye steak with eggs (any style), chorizo hash with grilled halibut or Kobe beef corn dogs should consider the new Sunday brunch at this high-style beefery, served at the Santa Monica location only, from 11 AM–4 PM

A couple chains not listed yet are McCormick & Schmick's which is really a seafood restaurant with great steaks (Beverly Hills, LA, El Segundo & Pasadena) and Flemings which is like Morton's but not as stuffy (El Segundo, Woodland Hills & Newport Beach.

A couple chains not listed yet are McCormick & Schmick's which is really a seafood restaurant with great steaks (Beverly Hills, LA, El Segundo & Pasadena) and Flemings which is like Morton's but not as stuffy (El Segundo, Woodland Hills & Newport Beach.

I just have a perception problem with Flemings, because of their ownership (Outback Steakhouse). When Outback bought the Roy's (of Hawaii) chain, their food started going south.

Flemings food is actually fine, but not in the class of Mortons, The Palm, or Ruth's Chris. But they sure want to charge like they are.

I just have a perception problem with Flemings, because of their ownership (Outback Steakhouse). When Outback bought the Roy's (of Hawaii) chain, their food started going south.

Flemings food is actually fine, but not in the class of Mortons, The Palm, or Ruth's Chris. But they sure want to charge like they are.

Explains why the one time I tried Flemings (in Austin) it was sadly very mediocre.

Interesting. I've been to the one (Flemings) in El Segundo a few times and it's been very good.

I've been driving by George Petrelli's for years and years, went once and wasn't impressed one way or another.

I happened to stop in last week and it was a real treat. The environment is no big deal, the soup was out of a can, the salad was small.

But the filet was out of the world! I ate it so fast and enjoyed it so much, I didn't even reach for the steak sauce. It's not that expensive, not that crowded, and of course it's LAX-friendly.

Ruth's Chris Pasadena

I've been driving by George Petrelli's for years and years, went once and wasn't impressed one way or another.

I happened to stop in last week and it was a real treat. The environment is no big deal, the soup was out of a can, the salad was small.

But the filet was out of the world! I ate it so fast and enjoyed it so much, I didn't even reach for the steak sauce. It's not that expensive, not that crowded, and of course it's LAX-friendly.

Seriously? I've driven by it 1000 times on the way to the CC Target and I never considered eating there or around there...

Hadn't thought of that place in years. Used to go there for business lunches 20+ years ago and it was quite good then.

The LA Times gave a very good-excellent rating, yesterday, to The Grill on the Alley (http://www.thegrill.com/) in Beverly Hills.

Seriously? I've driven by it 1000 times on the way to the CC Target and I never considered eating there or around there...
although I'm partial to the Mayberry RFD feeling you get up the road at Billingsley's in West LA. the owner is the son of Barbara Billingsley, from Leave it to Beaver fame. On one visit I posited that she was probably dead, my dining partner asked the waitress loudly if that was the case. She said heavens no and they both glared at me.

Just don't go at typical senior dining hours because it's walker heaven. There are several steaks to choose from; I do the sliced sirloin.

although I'm partial to the Mayberry RFD feeling you get up the road at Billingsley's in West LA. the owner is the son of Barbara Billingsley, from Leave it to Beaver fame. On one visit I posited that she was probably dead, my dining partner asked the waitress loudly if that was the case. She said heavens no and they both glared at me.

Just don't go at typical senior dining hours because it's walker heaven. There are several steaks to choose from; I do the sliced sirloin.

I recently ended up at Billingsley's for dinner because we wanted a casual restaurant and ended up only deciding on a place at the last minute. Not the usual type of place I would go in LA, but the food was pretty good. I would definitely classify it as "old school" - the place probably hasn't been remodeled since it opened and it definitely has a crowd of regulars.

Otherwise, I find myself dreaming about the chopped salad and porterhouse at Mastro's....

I should add that Billingsley's and G. Petrelli's are NOT recommended for tourists. They're more for casual dining for locals.

If you're visiting town and need meaty meat, blow that savings account and go to one of the brand-name steak houses. You'll talk about the meal for years - I took my mom to Arnie Morton's one year for NY Eve and she STILL brings it up all the time. Just consider sharing one entree wherever you go, both to save costs and to show that not all Americans are all about quantity when they eat out. And go easy on the sides and the appetizers if they're a la carte, they are also frequently big enough to feed a party of 5.

I miss Petrelli's as I, too, used to do the business lunch thing there several years ago. They still have one of the best cheeseburgers around with grilled onions, and the steaks are great. But it is definitely more a "locals" place and not tourist-oriented.

Finally had a chance to eat at Mastro's, last night. Truly one of the best steaks I have ever had (Kansas City Bone-In Strip), anywhere on Earth. Gnocchi side dish was also amazing.

I miss Petrelli's as I, too, used to do the business lunch thing there several years ago. They still have one of the best cheeseburgers around with grilled onions, and the steaks are great. But it is definitely more a "locals" place and not tourist-oriented.

I remember when it was across the street. "Joe Petrellis`s Airport Cafe"
Still go down for lunch with my sister a few times a year.
George still comes in the bar and says hello.
Juan the bartender, been there forever, always remembers me too.
Its like a time warp when I go. Yes its a locals type. But very LAX friendly.
It and the Buggy Whip for all you LAX long layover types.
Steaks are still good. Not much in Culver City to brag about these days.

I remember when it was across the street. "Joe Petrellis`s Airport Cafe".

Yes, the huge majority of my visits (all but maybe 5?) were to the "old location", but I can't say I actually miss the old location, at least interior-wise. George will be around FOREVER - and Juan, too, I suppose. I have a dear friend in Westchester - maybe it's time to find an MR down there! She and some other workmates and I spent a lot of lunches at Petrelli's and we always go back there together when we are in town.

The Buggy Whip was always pretty reliable, too.

Too bad The Black Whale is gone - they had the best king crab in town...

Now you've made me "homesick" for LA...

The Buggy Whip was always pretty reliable, too...
I keep forgetting about that joint, it's a little TOO LAX-adjacent. Please tell me about that fine dining experience.

Also, I've just been to Taylors in Koreatown for the second and last time. Everyone in there seemed to be enjoying it (and also looked like regulars, if you catch my meaning), I just don't think it's all that for the price. I'd rather just do Petrelli's. Or even, dare I say, Sizzler which is actually serving real recognizable and edible cuts these days. Go ahead, flame away. :p

Saddle Peak Lodge (http://www.saddlepeaklodge.com/) out in Calabasas is certainly worth the trip out into the hills at the edge of the Malibu.

Not only for the beef steaks, but elk, buffalo, and venison.

I'm particularly fond of the elk tenderloin. ^

I ate at Kincaids earlier this week. My NY Strip was good ($35), but the service was very slow.

I love Ruth's Chris. I think there is one in Beverly Hills and know there is one in Irvine.

I have to agree with Ruth's Chris, I have never had a bad steak there, I like the Petitie Filet or the Rib Eye. I wasn't overly inpressed with Arnie Morton's, though many people are.

Billingsly's is folksy but has great prime rib and reasonable prices, didn't care for Petrillos.

Looking for a Downtown steak dinner, for February. Besides the ones listed already in the thread (Nic n Stef, Diniing Car, Taylors, Mortons), has anyone been to Windows (on top of the Transamerica building) or LA Prime (at the Bonaventure)? Quality of the beef and decent wine-by-glass options are important, chi-chi atmosphere or the presence of a "scene" are not. Thanks for your help,

... has anyone been to Windows (on top of the Transamerica building) or LA Prime (at the Bonaventure)? ...I considered eating at LA Prime when I stayed at the hotel, but was put off by the bad LA Times review of it (particularly the 'teriyaki glaze' description of their steaks). Chose to go to a hole in the wall sushi place in Japantown instead (the other extreme from LA Prime, I suppose).

...has anyone been to Windows (on top of the Transamerica building) or LA Prime (at the Bonaventure)? ...
With both of these places you are paying more for location than quality of food.

All this talk about chains restaurants is silly. Mastro's is the best steak restaurant I have been to in my entire life. Over the years a I have been taken out to many steak dinners before but this cannot be topped.

All this talk about chains restaurants is silly. Mastro's is the best steak restaurant I have been to in my entire life. Over the years a I have been taken out to many steak dinners before but this cannot be topped.Everything I've read leads me to agree with you, and if I were staying in BH or elsewhere in the Westside, I'd probably go there. But I was looking to remain in the DT area (also, from the descriptions, Mastro's sounds very dressy - I was hoping for a place where business casual would be OK).

I don't think I've seen Lawry's mentioned yet. I love their prime rib.

Also, Five Crowns (owned by Lawry's) in Corona del Mar (down in the OC) has excellent prime rib and Yorkshire pudding!^



On the other hand, I've been to Fleming's in Fashion Island in Newport Beach and I wasn't impressed with their food at all. I went with a group of 10 people and most of us ordered the prime rib and we were underwhelmed. All of our prime ribs were overdone.:mad:


Steve

Mastro's sounds very dressy - I was hoping for a place where business casual would be OK.

I've now been to Mastros four times. Every time my group was business casual. Except for the week before Christmas when there were a lot of parties being held, my impression is the "uniform of the day" is more like business casual.

I've now been to Mastros four times. Every time my group was business casual. Except for the week before Christmas when there were a lot of parties being held, my impression is the "uniform of the day" is more like business casual.

Agree. Business casual is the uniform dress code these days nearly everywhere in So Cal fine dining restaurants. (means no tie for men, but jacket).

Everything I've read leads me to agree with you, and if I were staying in BH or elsewhere in the Westside, I'd probably go there. But I was looking to remain in the DT area (also, from the descriptions, Mastro's sounds very dressy - I was hoping for a place where business casual would be OK).I saw a guy wearing a tight fitting black t-shirt. Probably was a very expensive shirt and he had the body to wear it but still it was a t-shirt. This is the west coast were very very few restaurants require a jacket or tie. I think that is an eastcoast thing. But it is still a "scene" so whatever you wear should look good on you. The steaks themselves are not overly expensive compared to most high end steak place with most steaks well under $50. The seafood tower here is like no other. When I was here it was on an expense account so we spent like $1,500 so I may be a little biased. My recommendation if you are coming from FL is to live it up a little here since it really like no other place.

Actually I think much more dressed down is the norm in LA these days. Almost everywhere in Beverly Hills, etc. you can get away with jeans and a t-shirt.

On the other hand, I've been to Fleming's in Fashion Island in Newport Beach and I wasn't impressed with their food at all
Been there twice, not impressed either time. Petrelli's for me!

I really enjoyed Cut at the beverly wilshire hotel (wolfgang puck's place). Great scene too.

I really enjoyed Cut at the beverly wilshire hotel (wolfgang puck's place). Great scene too.

Agreed. 4 levels of steak from dry-aged 18(?) days to Kobe. They tell you where your steak lived when it was a steer.

Definitely a scene and not the traditional steak house styling.

Great, warm service similar to Spago. I suspect Wolfgang Puck must continuously drill into all the employees that it is important to be nice, even to the nobodies.

I saw a guy wearing a tight fitting black t-shirt. Probably was a very expensive shirt and he had the body to wear it I'm afraid that, if I walked in there in a tight black t-shirt, the crowd would immediately think "I wonder why the Michelin Man changed his color from white to black" :eek: :D

I really enjoyed Cut at the beverly wilshire hotel (wolfgang puck's place). Great scene too.
gotta tell ya, when it opened, all the restaurant critics in town PANNED it.

Well, all of you Mastro's fans finally convinced me, and I ended up there last night, and I must report that it was a stellar (if expensive) experience.

I showed up early, and was immediately seated upstairs in the bar area (unlike some "high-top" seating, these seats/stools were very comfortable and at a good height in relation to the table. The bonus was being able to enjoy the music, a mixture of mellow oldies on the piano (and later with sax and electronic keyboard).

I had the bone-in ribeye, and it was true perfection: the highest-quality beef, cooked absolutely as I like it. My scallop appetizer was also very good (seared and served with a creamy sauce of finely-diced tomato and garlic over toasted bread points). Sides were creamed corn (very fresh, nothing like the canned goo - the sauce actually enhanced the flavor of the meat) and I also had the Mastros mashed potatoes (tasty, if a little too creamy - I usually like them a little more coarse, but the flavor was good).

There were maybe 20 or so wines by the glass, priced at a decent (meaning non-ripoff) level. I had a generous glass of California Pinot Noir with the entree, which was a nice accompaniment.

Dessert? Yeah, right :D

One of the most interesting aspects was the service. At first, I thought that my waitress was "overly friendly" in the sense that her presentation was very conversational, not in holding with what one usually expects in the higher-tier steak places. But then I realized that it was actually *me* who was a little old-fashioned about it - she was absolutely professional, got everything exactly right, helped with refills etc herself. She also handled her other tables with equal aplomb. With me and the other tables, I thought overall that she was very 'genuine' - I'm usually prerrt good at detecting "phoniness", and I didn't sense any of that at all.

So I am now unabashedly a Mastro's fan - thanks to all here who conveiced me to make the jaunt over from downtown!

As an addendum to tdo-ca's post... On a bang for the buck basis, nothing beats Taylor's in Koreatown.

This is an awsome steak house^

Or, if prime rib is also an option, there is always Tam O'Shanter in Los Feliz.

Dan Tana's is only for actors who are over 80. Not for food.

Steaks are everywhere. If you don't mind the chains, they are all here: (Arnie) Morton's; The Palm; Ruth's Chris; Mastro's. There are many devotees of Dan Tana's proclaiming that steak to be their fave, but it's mostly an Italian joint and YMMV. A couple local places: Taylor's, Arroyo Chop House, Nick & Stef's, and the two Boas do a nice job. The steak at Campanile is terrific, and the top hotels have great prime meat purveyors, as well.

Dan Tana's is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. I don't know where teh actors over 80 comment is coming from. Whenever I go it tends to be filled with people of all ages. If you are visiting LA you are almost guaranteed to see someone notable there too. My new favorite is the Hamburger Steak. Wow. Maybe I have to go for dinner there tonight now... ;)

Dan Tana's is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. I don't know where teh actors over 80 comment is coming from. Whenever I go it tends to be filled with people of all ages. If you are visiting LA you are almost guaranteed to see someone notable there too. My new favorite is the Hamburger Steak. Wow. Maybe I have to go for dinner there tonight now... ;)

I know this is quite an old thread, but what's the latest verdict on Dan Tana. Was reading The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly this weekend and he mentions it. The GF will be living in LA this summer so I'll be down there quite a bit, is it worth a try?

All this talk about chains restaurants is silly. Mastro's is the best steak restaurant I have been to in my entire life. Over the years a I have been taken out to many steak dinners before but this cannot be topped.

I had to laugh when reading this, since Mastro's is a chain restaurant!

But I'm sure it's wonderful, as several posters here have raved about it. My choice for downtown L.A. steak is The Palm, but one of these days I'll have to try Mastro's (one of their locations, anyway ;) ) to see for myself...

If you're willing to splurge a bit more, try the wagyu at Cut. It's absolutely delicious.

another vote for mastro's here. i've been able to benefit from a roommate that used to take employees and clients there. it's as good as all of the others are claiming.