A Place Where Perfectly Cooked Steaks And Live Piano Music Turn Dinner Into An Event
It is the place that feels like it never left the 1950s, and honestly, that’s exactly what makes it so special. The Top Steak House, located at 2891 East Main Street in Columbus, Ohio, has been serving up thick, juicy steaks and old-school charm for decades.
As soon as you step through the door, you’re transported to a different era. The dim lighting sets the mood just right, and the sound of live piano music drifts through the air, making every meal feel like a celebration.
What really sets this place apart is how they’ve managed to keep that vintage vibe alive without feeling outdated. The service is attentive, the atmosphere is cozy, and the food is absolutely top-notch.
I’ve been coming here for years, and every single visit reminds me why this spot has earned its reputation as one of Columbus’s best steakhouses.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, a birthday, or just want to treat yourself to an incredible meal, this is the kind of place that turns dinner into something memorable.
Stepping Back in Time Without Leaving Columbus
Walking into The Top Steak House feels like stepping onto the set of Mad Men, and I mean that in the best possible way. The exterior might not look like much, but once you cross that threshold, you’re instantly transported to the golden age of supper clubs.
Dark wood paneling lines the walls, and the booths are upholstered in rich leather that’s worn just enough to feel authentic. The lighting is kept deliberately low, creating intimate pockets of warmth throughout the dining room.
What struck me most during my first visit was how genuine the atmosphere felt. This isn’t some theme restaurant trying to cash in on nostalgia.
The Top has been doing this since the 1950s, and it shows in every detail. From the vintage bar setup to the classic tablecloths, everything works together to create an experience that feels both timeless and special.
It’s the kind of place where you can imagine Frank Sinatra sitting in the corner booth, and honestly, that’s part of the magic.
The Piano Bar That Sets the Soundtrack
Live music can make or break a dining experience, and at The Top, the piano player absolutely makes it. Positioned near the piano bar area, the pianist fills the restaurant with classic tunes that perfectly complement the vintage atmosphere.
During my last visit, I heard everything from old standards to recognizable melodies that had other diners quietly humming along. The volume is pitched just right so you can enjoy the music without it drowning out your conversation.
What I really appreciate is how the live piano adds to the sense of occasion without feeling forced or overly theatrical. It’s sophisticated background entertainment that reminds you this isn’t just another dinner out.
The piano bar area itself has become a popular spot for guests who want to be closer to the action. You can sit right there and watch the musician work while enjoying your meal or a before-dinner beverage.
It’s one of those touches that elevates the entire experience and makes you feel like you’re part of something special.
Porterhouse Perfection on Every Plate
Let me tell you about the porterhouse, because this cut deserves its own spotlight. Weighing in at a generous size, this steak combines the best of both worlds with a tenderloin on one side of the bone and a strip on the other.
When my server brought it to the table, I could see the perfect char marks crisscrossing the surface. The exterior had that beautiful caramelized crust while the interior was a gorgeous medium-rare, just as I ordered.
Every bite was packed with flavor, the kind that makes you close your eyes and just savor the moment. The meat was so tender I barely needed my knife, and the natural juices pooled on the plate in the most appetizing way.
Multiple reviewers have mentioned the porterhouse specifically, and after trying it myself, I completely understand why. It’s cooked to absolute perfection every single time.
The chef clearly knows what they’re doing, and the consistency is remarkable for a restaurant this busy.
Ribeye That Lives Up to the Hype
If the porterhouse isn’t your style, the ribeye will absolutely win you over. This cut is all about marbling, and The Top serves one that’s beautifully streaked with fat that renders down during cooking to create incredible flavor.
I ordered mine medium, and it arrived at the table still sizzling slightly, the aroma alone making my mouth water. The first cut revealed that perfect pink center, and the taste delivered everything I hoped for.
Rich, juicy, and bursting with that beefy flavor that makes ribeye such a favorite, this steak didn’t need much more than the light seasoning it came with. Some diners add the truffle butter, which I tried on a second visit, and it adds a luxurious earthiness that complements the meat beautifully.
The thickness of the cut is impressive too, which helps it stay juicy throughout. One reviewer called it the most flavorful steak they’d had between Ohio and Connecticut, and I’m not about to argue with that assessment.
Surf and Turf Done Right
Sometimes you want the best of land and sea, and The Top’s surf and turf combination delivers on both fronts. The lobster tail that accompanies your chosen steak is a showstopper all on its own.
Perfectly seasoned with a balance of sweet and savory notes, the lobster meat is tender and succulent. It arrives butterflied and broiled to perfection, with no hint of rubberiness or overcooking.
Paired with a ribeye or porterhouse, this becomes a meal that feels truly indulgent. The contrast between the rich, beefy steak and the delicate sweetness of the lobster creates a dining experience that hits all the right notes.
One couple celebrating their anniversary mentioned this combination specifically, and their enthusiasm was contagious. The portion sizes are generous enough that you’ll likely have leftovers, which is never a bad thing when the food is this good.
The pricing reflects the quality, but for a special occasion, it’s absolutely worth the splurge.
Classic Appetizers That Start Things Right
Before you even get to the main event, The Top offers appetizers that could easily be meals on their own. The shrimp cocktail comes up again and again in reviews, and for good reason.
Jumbo shrimp are served chilled with a tangy cocktail sauce that has just the right amount of horseradish kick. They’re fresh, perfectly cooked, and absolutely delicious.
The oysters Rockefeller deserve special mention too. Rich, cheesy, and beautifully presented, they’re baked until golden and bubbly.
Even first-time oyster eaters have raved about this preparation, which says something about how well it’s executed.
For something a bit different, the escargot is prepared without drowning in garlic, letting you actually taste the delicate flavor of the snails. The onion rings are absolutely massive, with a perfect crispy coating that stays crunchy.
Starting your meal with any of these sets the tone for an evening of excellent food and attentive service.
Service That Makes You Feel Like a Regular
Great food can only take you so far if the service falls short, but The Top consistently delivers on both fronts. Staff members get mentioned by name in reviews, which tells you everything you need to know about the level of care they provide.
During my visits, the service has been attentive without being intrusive. My server knew the menu inside and out, offering thoughtful recommendations and checking in at just the right moments.
They’re quick to refill beverages, clear finished plates, and make sure everything meets your expectations. When special occasions are mentioned, the staff goes out of their way to make them memorable.
Even on busy nights when the dining room is packed and there’s a wait, the staff maintains their composure and professionalism. The management team clearly runs a tight ship, and it shows in how well-trained and genuinely friendly the entire team is.
This is service that makes you want to come back.
The Patio That Offers a Different Vibe
While the main dining room and piano bar get most of the attention, the patio at The Top deserves recognition as a fantastic alternative dining space. Comfortable and inviting, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere while still maintaining the restaurant’s upscale feel.
During warmer months, the patio becomes a popular spot for guests who want to enjoy their meal with a bit of fresh air. The space is well-designed with comfortable seating and enough shade to keep things pleasant even on sunny evenings.
What I love about the patio is how it gives you a slightly different experience while still delivering the same quality food and service. You can still hear strains of the piano music drifting from inside, but the atmosphere is a bit more casual and laid-back.
It’s perfect for birthday dinners, anniversary celebrations, or just a nice evening out when you want something special but not overly formal. Outdoor service adds to the convenience, making it easy to enjoy a beverage without leaving your table.