what's the best chain steakhouse in the US?
 

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.

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.

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.