5 Florida Steakhouse Chains Worth A Try And 5 That Take Steaks To The Next Level
Florida’s sizzling restaurant scene is nothing short of paradise for steak lovers, offering options that range from laid-back family-friendly chains to elegant, high-end establishments where culinary artistry takes center stage.
Whether you’re craving a perfectly grilled ribeye with classic sides or a refined filet mignon prepared with chef-driven flair, the Sunshine State delivers some of the juiciest, most flavorful cuts around.
Over the years, I’ve made it a mission to hunt down the very best steaks across Florida, exploring hidden gems and celebrated hotspots alike. Now, I’m excited to share my top picks with you—true must-tries for every steak enthusiast.
1. Outback Steakhouse: Australian Flair Meets Florida Flavor
Born right here in Tampa, Outback Steakhouse brings Aussie-inspired goodness to our Florida tables. The Bloomin’ Onion alone is worth the visit – a crispy, golden appetizer that’s become legendary among regulars.
My family’s weekend tradition often includes their perfectly seasoned ribeye, cooked exactly how you want it. The casual atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving quality beef.
The prices won’t break the bank either, which makes Outback a solid choice for steak lovers on a budget. Their Queensland chicken and ribs offer tasty alternatives if someone in your group isn’t feeling the beef.
2. LongHorn Steakhouse: Where Cowboys Would Eat If They Vacationed in Florida
Walking into LongHorn feels like stepping into a Western ranch that somehow landed in sunny Florida. The walls adorned with steer horns and cowboy memorabilia create an atmosphere that’s both fun and authentic.
Their Flo’s Filet stands as my personal champion – butter-tender and seasoned with a signature prairie dust that elevates every bite. Last summer, I brought my steak-skeptic nephew here, and even he couldn’t resist the flavor.
The legendary LongHorn bread alone could make a meal, but save room for their chocolate stampede dessert. The restaurant’s skilled grill masters take visible pride in their craft, ensuring consistent quality across all Florida locations.
3. The Capital Grille: Corporate Card Cuisine That’s Worth Every Penny
Stepping through the doors of Capital Grille transports you from beachy Florida vibes to old-world sophistication. The mahogany paneling and art deco touches create an atmosphere where business deals and anniversary celebrations feel equally at home.
Their dry-aged steaks showcase what happens when patience becomes an ingredient. During my last visit, the server described the 45-day aging process with such passion I nearly applauded before taking my first bite.
The lobster mac and cheese deserves its cult following – a decadent side that complements their perfectly charred steaks. While definitely a splurge, their lunch menu offers a slightly more accessible entry point to experience what makes Capital Grille special without completely emptying your wallet.
4. Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Sizzling Plates That Sing in Butter
The unmistakable sound of a Ruth’s Chris steak arriving at your table – that dramatic sizzle as butter dances on a 500-degree plate – signals that something special is about to happen. My first visit here changed how I thought about steak forever.
Founded by a single mom who mortgaged her home to buy a restaurant, Ruth’s Chris brings powerful female entrepreneurship energy to Florida’s steakhouse scene. Their USDA Prime cuts come out perfectly cooked every time, with that signature butter finish that makes them unforgettable.
The sweet potato casserole could easily pass as dessert, but save room for their bread pudding with whiskey sauce. The white tablecloth setting balances elegance with warmth in a way few steakhouses manage.
5. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: Where Wine Steals the Show (Almost)
Fleming’s stands out in Florida’s steak scene with its extraordinary wine program featuring 100 glasses available by the pour. Last month, their sommelier paired a bold Cabernet with my bone-in ribeye that created flavor fireworks I’m still thinking about.
The steaks arrive with a perfectly caramelized crust that gives way to a tender, flavorful center. Their signature Fleming’s potatoes – baked with cream, jalapeños and cheddar – might be the best potato dish in the state.
The modern, sophisticated atmosphere feels special without being stuffy. My favorite Fleming’s tradition? Their chocolate lava cake that arrives dramatically at the table, proving they excel at beginnings (wine), middles (steak), and endings (dessert) equally well.
6. Bern’s Steak House: Tampa’s Temple of Beef Excellence
Bern’s isn’t just a Florida steakhouse; it’s a pilgrimage destination for serious carnivores nationwide. Founded in 1956, this Tampa institution houses one of the world’s largest wine collections – over half a million bottles – in a labyrinth of underground cellars you can tour after dinner.
Every visit starts with a detailed explanation of their aging process and cut options. The servers undergo more training than some medical professionals, knowing every nuance of the menu and wine list.
The Harry Waugh Dessert Room upstairs deserves its own visit, with private booths made from wine casks. My most treasured Florida food memory remains their perfectly aged strip steak paired with a decades-old Bordeaux, proving that sometimes legends truly deserve their status.
7. Charley’s Steak House: Where Fire-Pit Masters Work Their Magic
The first thing that hits you at Charley’s is the intoxicating aroma of steaks cooking over their custom-designed, open-pit fire. These folks cook with wood – Florida citrus, oak, and Canadian hardwoods – creating a flavor profile you simply can’t replicate with gas or electric grills.
Their three-pound lobsters make for spectacular surf-and-turf combinations. During my anniversary dinner last year, the staff presented our table-side carved chateaubriand with such ceremony that nearby diners actually applauded.
The meat-aging room tour reveals their commitment to perfection – steaks aged up to six weeks for maximum flavor. With locations in Orlando, Tampa and Kissimmee, Charley’s has mastered consistency across venues while maintaining that special-occasion feeling that makes a steakhouse dinner memorable.
8. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood: Rock Star Treatment in Steak Form
Nestled inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Council Oak delivers a steakhouse experience with rockstar energy. The glass-enclosed dry-aging room showcases their commitment to transparency – you can literally see what you’ll be eating weeks before it reaches your plate.
Their 100% USDA prime steaks come from a single farm in the Midwest, ensuring consistency that casino high-rollers demand. My jaw dropped watching their tableside preparation of steak tartare, mixed with traditional ingredients and a surprising splash of Worcestershire that balanced everything perfectly.
The wine list features bottles that cost more than my first car, but their by-the-glass program offers exceptional quality too. Even their bread service – warm pretzel rolls with house-cultured butter – sets the stage for a meal that combines showmanship with substance.
9. Shula’s Steak House: Perfect Season, Perfect Steaks
Named for Miami Dolphins’ legendary coach Don Shula and his perfect 1972 season, this steakhouse chain brings sporty sophistication to Florida dining. Football memorabilia decorates the walls, but make no mistake – the focus here is squarely on premium beef.
The signature 48-oz porterhouse presents a genuine challenge for ambitious eaters. Finish it solo, and your name joins the elite “48-oz Club” displayed proudly in each restaurant. During my visit to their Naples location, I watched a petite grandmother demolish this massive steak while her family cheered – proving size isn’t everything in steak appreciation!
Their custom-center cuts come from premium Black Angus beef, aged to Shula’s exact specifications. The steaks arrive with a simple presentation that lets quality speak for itself – exactly what you’d expect from a coach known for no-nonsense excellence.
10. The Capital Grille (Round Two): When One Mention Isn’t Enough
Yes, I’m mentioning Capital Grille twice because their Florida locations truly transcend the typical chain experience. Each restaurant develops location-specific specialties – the Miami location’s stone crab appetizer during season changed how I view seafood starters forever.
Their bone-in Kona crusted dry-aged NY strip with shallot butter represents steak innovation at its finest. The coffee rub creates a complex crust that enhances rather than masks the perfectly aged beef beneath.
The sommelier program deserves special recognition for making fine wine approachable. During my last visit, our server suggested an unexpected Spanish red that cost half what I planned to spend but paired perfectly with our steaks. This combination of unpretentious expertise and willingness to surprise regular guests keeps Capital Grille in both categories – worth trying AND next-level excellence.