5 Florida Steakhouses Tourists Line Up For & 5 That Locals Say Are The Real Deal
Florida may be famous for its beaches, theme parks, and year-round sunshine, but it’s also a true paradise for steak lovers.
Across the state, sizzling cuts of beef take center stage, from glamorous Miami hotspots where celebrities wine and dine to unassuming small-town steakhouses where locals have been savoring perfectly seared ribeyes for generations.
Each spot has its own character—some dazzle with modern flair, while others win you over with old-school charm and time-tested recipes. After years of exploring the Sunshine State’s steakhouse scene, I’m excited to share which restaurants draw the tourist crowds and which remain local favorites.
1. Bern’s Steak House – Tampa’s Crown Jewel
Walking into Bern’s feels like stepping into a carnivore’s dream palace! During my first visit, I nearly gasped at the wine list – over 500,000 bottles housed in their legendary cellar. The steaks are aged to perfection, with servers who explain each cut’s unique characteristics like they’re introducing you to royalty.
What truly separates Bern’s from the pack? Their famous dessert room upstairs, where I indulged in the most decadent macadamia ice cream while lounging in a private booth. The tourists lined up outside know what they’re waiting for – a steakhouse experience that feels more like a magnificent culinary adventure than just dinner.
2. Prime 112 – South Beach’s Star-Studded Steakhouse
Spotting celebrities became my unexpected hobby during dinner at Prime 112! This South Beach icon serves up sizzling steaks alongside serious people-watching opportunities. The truffle mac and cheese literally made me close my eyes and savor every bite – worth every penny of its hefty price tag.
Their bone-in filets arrive with theatrical flair, servers presenting them with a flourish that matches the restaurant’s glamorous vibe. Getting a reservation requires planning weeks ahead, but joining the well-dressed crowd waiting at the bar became part of my Miami adventure.
Between the celebrity sightings and the butter-soft steaks, Prime 112 delivers exactly the kind of memorable South Beach experience that keeps tourists lining up night after night.
3. Sunny’s Steakhouse – Little River’s Hip Hotspot
From pop-up sensation to permanent fixture, Sunny’s captured my heart with its mid-century charm and mouthwatering dry-aged steaks! The casual-cool vibe feels refreshingly different from stuffy steakhouse traditions, with a soundtrack that had me bobbing my head between bites.
Their creative sides deserve special mention – the twice-baked potato had me questioning all other potatoes I’d ever eaten. Tourists have caught wind of this gem, creating wait times that stretch into hours during peak season.
What makes Sunny’s worth the wait? That perfect balance of exceptional quality without pretension. The staff remembers regulars while warmly welcoming first-timers, creating an atmosphere that feels exclusive yet wonderfully accessible at the same time.
4. Cote Miami – Korean BBQ Meets American Steakhouse
Smoke-free tabletop grilling changed my steakhouse expectations forever at this Michelin-starred marvel! Cote brilliantly marries Korean BBQ techniques with premium American beef, creating a dining experience that’s interactive and utterly delicious. The Design District location buzzes with energy as servers expertly slice and arrange meat tableside.
My first “Butcher’s Feast” left me speechless – waves of perfectly marbled beef accompanied by banchan sides that refresh the palate between bites. The smokeless grills mean you won’t leave smelling like your dinner, a thoughtful touch that elevates the experience.
Tourists book weeks ahead for this unique fusion concept, drawn by the Michelin recognition and the chance to experience steakhouse traditions reimagined through a Korean lens.
5. The Joyce – Miami Beach’s Secret Steakhouse Speakeasy
Finding the unmarked door to The Joyce felt like discovering buried treasure! This 60-seat hideaway on Española Way instantly became my favorite secret to share with visiting friends. The walls showcase serious art pieces that would look at home in a gallery, creating an atmosphere of exclusive sophistication.
Their A5 wagyu melted on my tongue like butter, a transcendent beef experience worth every dollar of its premium price. The cocktail program deserves equal praise – my smoked Old Fashioned arrived under a glass dome, releasing aromatic wisps when lifted.
Tourists who manage to secure reservations feel like they’ve joined an exclusive club, whispering about their Joyce experience to fellow food enthusiasts like members of a delicious secret society.
6. Okeechobee Steakhouse – Florida’s Historic Beef Institution
Florida’s oldest steakhouse immediately won me over with zero pretension and maximum flavor! Operating since 1947, Okeechobee Steakhouse in West Palm Beach embodies old-school excellence that locals have trusted for generations. Servers who’ve worked there for decades greet regulars by name, creating a warm community feeling that chain restaurants can’t replicate.
My perfectly aged ribeye arrived with the included salad and potato – a refreshing departure from the à la carte pricing that dominates modern steakhouses. The meat spoke for itself – expertly seasoned, perfectly cooked, and absolutely delicious.
While tourists flock to flashier spots, locals know this landmark delivers consistent excellence without the fuss or inflated prices of trendier establishments.
7. Meat Market – Palm Beach’s Local Luxury Pick
Meat Market brilliantly balances upscale dining with approachable comfort! My first visit revealed why locals consistently choose this Palm Beach gem over more touristy options. The contemporary space feels simultaneously formal and relaxed – perfect for special occasions without stuffiness.
Their signature steaks showcase creative preparations that elevate traditional cuts. The Kobe beef dumplings appetizer nearly stole the show from my main course! Craft cocktails complement the menu beautifully, with mixologists who remember returning customers’ preferences.
What impressed me most? Despite its trendy reputation, Meat Market maintains a strong local following through consistent quality and attentive service. The restaurant fills with Palm Beach residents who bypass tourist traps for this reliable favorite where the food truly lives up to its “insanely good” reputation.
8. Cody’s Original Roadhouse – Florida’s Peanut-Shell Paradise
Cracking peanuts and tossing shells on the floor feels wonderfully rebellious at Cody’s! This St. Petersburg institution proves great steaks don’t require white tablecloths or hushed conversations. My first bite of their wood-fired ribeye explained why locals pack this place nightly – big, bold flavors at surprisingly reasonable prices.
The boisterous atmosphere creates instant camaraderie among diners. I’ve struck up conversations with neighboring tables that turned into friendships lasting beyond dinner. Their portions arrive cowboy-sized, perfect for hungry families seeking value without sacrificing quality.
Tourists often miss this gem while chasing fancier options, but locals know Cody’s delivers consistently excellent steaks in an environment where you can truly relax and be yourself.
9. Cafe Mineiro Brazilian Steakhouse – Orlando’s Churrasco Champion
My Brazilian friends confirmed what locals already knew – Cafe Mineiro serves Orlando’s most authentic churrasco experience! Skip the tourist-packed Brazilian chains and head to this family-owned gem where gauchos circle continuously with skewers of perfectly grilled meats.
The self-service salad bar features Brazilian specialties alongside fresh vegetables, creating the perfect complement to the parade of proteins. I learned quickly to pace myself and use the little cards that signal when you’re ready for more meat – otherwise, the delicious offerings never stop coming!
Families gather here for celebrations, filling the restaurant with laughter and conversation in multiple languages. The value compared to International Drive’s flashier options makes this a beloved local secret worth discovering.
10. McGuire’s Irish Pub – Destin’s Surprising Steak Destination
Dollar bills covering every inch of ceiling and walls create an unforgettable first impression at McGuire’s! This Irish pub in Destin might seem an unlikely steakhouse contender until that first glorious bite of their legendary ribeye. My dinner companion actually clapped after tasting it – a spontaneous reaction to beef perfection.
Local fishermen and longtime residents pack the bar nightly, sharing stories over pints and steaks. The homemade beer bread arrives warm and irresistible, threatening to fill you up before your main course even arrives.
Tourists often discover McGuire’s through word-of-mouth from satisfied locals. The combination of seriously excellent steaks in a fun, unpretentious setting creates the perfect Florida Panhandle dining experience that keeps residents coming back year after year.