For a chain steakhouse I'd go with the Palm. Had some decent steaks at Morton's many years ago, but I never liked the way they presented menu items on that cart they wheel around to the tables when taking your order -- I know what raw meat and broccoli look like...

Does Mastros count as a chain steakhouse, given their location in Vegas is seafood?

I would say yes I believe they are up to 10-11 locations now, of which only three are "Ocean Clubs." The Vegas Ocean Club (which is excellent, BTW) also offers an extensive selection of steaks.

Ahhh fair enough. I thoroughly enjoyed my entire meal and experience at the Vegas location. Can't wait to go back.

It is expected that the Mastro's concept will expand considerably in the next few years, since it was bought last year by the large restaurant operator - Landrys. The Mortons chain is also owned by Landrys.

Why would people still be looking for a good steakhouse? My guess is someone who lives in the suburbs and lacks much culture.

You've been here since March and this is what you decide to make as your first post? Plenty of people go to steakhouses. Why would you say going to one means one "lacks culture"? Where would you prefer they go. One of the many 'farm to table' restaurants?

Like many here, I enjoy a wide variety of styles and levels of cuisine, from street food to haute cuisine. A high-quality steak experience is part of my rotation, and national chains promise some consistency when traveling.

For me, Mastros and Gibsons are tops. I've had decent to very good experiences in various Ruth Chris' locations (Metarie and Del Mar north of San Diego were best). My two visits to S&W (Chicago and NYC) were terrible - that chain is permanently off my iist.

+1 on Del Frisco's.
Also like BLT Steak.
Does CUT (Wolfgang Puck, 4 locations) or Carnevino (Batali, 2 locations) count as a chain? How many locations before you can call it a chain?

Your post almost doesn't merit response but what the hell. What's NOT to like about a steakhouse? Big portions, usually excellent mixologists at the bar, tasty meat, sides etc. Some of my best memories with my Father are at steakhouses in fact and I plan to keep going to them.

I guess I will actually respond to the question, now that my initial annoyance has worn off . Steakhouses are great for occasional dining. They have good cuts of beef and know how to cook them. The portions are big and the sides are delicious. The bar is usually a fun area in which to hang out.
Most importantly for me, steakhouses usually have some of the most expansive wine lists in town. That's changing a little bit with more restaurants focusing on wine, but as a general rule, if you are looking for an interesting bottle, your local steakhouse will have one, especially if you like bigger reds.

The reason I asked the question about chains is because I like hearing other's opinions on these places. There are only a couple of these chains in my city and I want to know which places to look for when travelling. The consistency of a good chain is valuable, especially when you a paying for a $50+ dollar steak at an unknown restaurant in an unknown city.

For instance, I will now be checking out Del Frisco's next time I am in a town with one of their locations based on the responses here. I also am looking forward to the Mastro's in Vegas.

I would say 3 or more different cities, but that is purely subjective.

Oh yeah, this guy knows a thing or two about a thing or two....^

I've never had a bad experience at a Del Frisco's in my life. I've been to locations in Boston (frequently), Charlotte, Philly, Dallas, and NYC and you get your money's worth (if that's possible at a high end steakhouse).

Capital Grille, Ruth's Chris, Morton's, and Smith and Wollensky's are just trying to keep up with DF in my humble opinion.

+1 - I liked the one I went to in Toronto. Glad I was on company expenses though!