Best upscale chain steakhouse?
#31
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#32
Used to be 'roachjl'
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You couldn't call yourself a man if you didn't think what you cooked on the grill was restaurant quality.
And if a steakhouse just supplied a slab of meat, I suppose it might be true. But I like the general atmosphere of steakhouses that other restaurants usually don't match.
I also think grill masters probably overestimate their ability...
And if a steakhouse just supplied a slab of meat, I suppose it might be true. But I like the general atmosphere of steakhouses that other restaurants usually don't match.
I also think grill masters probably overestimate their ability...
#33
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There was a thread about this in 2007, but I thought a reboot was in order since things have changed.
What is the best steakhouse chain in the U.S? I'm partial to Fleming's but have had good experience at Smith and Wollensky's
Also, what's important in restaurants like these? Steak quality? Great Service? Good wine list?
What is the best steakhouse chain in the U.S? I'm partial to Fleming's but have had good experience at Smith and Wollensky's
Also, what's important in restaurants like these? Steak quality? Great Service? Good wine list?
- Flemings
- Ruth Chris
- Del Frisco's
- Smith & Wollensky
- Morton's
- Palm
- Shula's
From a value perspective I put Flemings at the top of the list - frequent prime rib Sunday promos, $25-50 off via email, costco gift cards. And just a great steak. I have a soft spot for certain Ruth Chris locations, particularly in the south. DF and S&W always provide an enjoyable, if pricey experience. Morton's is always a bit too stuffy (and overpriced) and the Palm staff has way too much attitude and often poor quality output.
IMO the primary criterion is always the steak - I want a tender, rare filet mignon that melts in my mouth. No exceptions (except when I'm ordering prime rib ). Service is important but most of these places have sufficient top quality staff. Last on my list is the wine selection, I often bring my own bottle.
#34
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IMO the primary criterion is always the steak - I want a tender, rare filet mignon that melts in my mouth. No exceptions (except when I'm ordering prime rib ). Service is important but most of these places have sufficient top quality staff. Last on my list is the wine selection, I often bring my own bottle.
#35
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#36
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I have dined at various locations of the following:
From a value perspective I put Flemings at the top of the list - frequent prime rib Sunday promos, $25-50 off via email, costco gift cards. And just a great steak. I have a soft spot for certain Ruth Chris locations, particularly in the south. DF and S&W always provide an enjoyable, if pricey experience. Morton's is always a bit too stuffy (and overpriced) and the Palm staff has way too much attitude and often poor quality output.
IMO the primary criterion is always the steak - I want a tender, rare filet mignon that melts in my mouth. No exceptions (except when I'm ordering prime rib ). Service is important but most of these places have sufficient top quality staff. Last on my list is the wine selection, I often bring my own bottle.
- Flemings
- Ruth Chris
- Del Frisco's
- Smith & Wollensky
- Morton's
- Palm
- Shula's
From a value perspective I put Flemings at the top of the list - frequent prime rib Sunday promos, $25-50 off via email, costco gift cards. And just a great steak. I have a soft spot for certain Ruth Chris locations, particularly in the south. DF and S&W always provide an enjoyable, if pricey experience. Morton's is always a bit too stuffy (and overpriced) and the Palm staff has way too much attitude and often poor quality output.
IMO the primary criterion is always the steak - I want a tender, rare filet mignon that melts in my mouth. No exceptions (except when I'm ordering prime rib ). Service is important but most of these places have sufficient top quality staff. Last on my list is the wine selection, I often bring my own bottle.
#37
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My list would be similar except Ruth Chris and Smith & Wollensky slightly lower with Capital Grille sliding in at #2.
Now if Landry's Select Club ever starts being integrated with Mastro's, then I might have a new #1.
Last edited by dbuckho; Jan 13, 2014 at 9:51 pm
#39
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Not to be a hater, but I am looking forward the Chicago Steakhouse menu at Next. I guess that is 1985, but then again every time I see steak tartare on the menu I get it and think back to the great scene with Gordon Gekko and Buddy from Wall Street.
Back on topic - I really enjoy Capital Grille. Consistently good experience, great lobster Mac and cheese side dish and they treat you like royalty if you're celebrating a special occasion. Took my wife for her bday a few years ago to the ORD location and we still talk about it : rose petals on the table upon arrival, comp flute of champagne, pineapple vodka drink and dessert. They even took a photo of us which we kept on our fridge for a few weeks (to remember the great experience and also help us avoid eating fatty food as we went nuts that night!)
#40
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Lunch or dinner? Are you going planning to get a burger or a steak? I'd say Fleming's if you are going for dinner and don't plan to have a burger. Ditka's for lunch, or if you want a burger.
#43
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I like Fleming's in Chicago a lot. Get a window booth upstairs. If it's snowing, it's a beautiful view because of the large windows. I love the prime Sunday special at Fleming's. As far as value goes, it really cannot be beat. And those damn Fleming's potatoes get me back there far more frequently that I'd like to admit.
Last edited by Andrea Waters; Jan 18, 2014 at 7:40 am
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You couldn't call yourself a man if you didn't think what you cooked on the grill was restaurant quality.
And if a steakhouse just supplied a slab of meat, I suppose it might be true. But I like the general atmosphere of steakhouses that other restaurants usually don't match.
I also think grill masters probably overestimate their ability...
And if a steakhouse just supplied a slab of meat, I suppose it might be true. But I like the general atmosphere of steakhouses that other restaurants usually don't match.
I also think grill masters probably overestimate their ability...
#45
Used to be 'roachjl'
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I like Fleming's in Chicago a lot. Get a window booth upstairs. If it's snowing, it's a beautiful view because of the large windows. I love the prime Sunday special at Fleming's. As far as value goes, it really cannot be beat. And those damn Fleming's potatoes get me back there far more frequently that I'd like to admit.