Ooh, fun. I want to play... I don't think people can count Outback and Ponderosa in this vote... Yes, they call themselves steakhouses, but it's definitely a different league than true steakhouses. Besides, when they charge $10-$20 for a steak, they are given a little bit of leeway, especially since a plate of spaghetti at IHOP almost costs that much nowadays. When I think "steakhouses" I think of Morton's, Ruth's Chris, etc.

Consistently, I've had bad experiences at Sam and Harry's. I've tried one in CA and one in IL. Both are equally blah. Which is a complete and utter shame considering how nicely appointed the restaurants are. But it seems like they care more about decor and ambiance than the actual food.

Also, the Palm has never been a favorite, which might explain why one of the Chicago locations closed a couple years ago. Steaks were dry and ambiance was eh. Nothing to write home about, despite spending $$$.