10 Pennsylvania Steakhouse Chains That Burn Through Your Wallet But Not Your Taste Buds
Pennsylvania offers some truly magnificent dining experiences for meat lovers with deep pockets. From sizzling prime cuts served on scorching plates to endless Brazilian-style meat parades, these steakhouse chains deliver unforgettable meals that justify their hefty price tags.
Ready to splurge on a memorable carnivorous adventure? These ten steakhouse chains across the Keystone State promise exceptional flavors that match their premium prices.
1. Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Where Plates Sizzle and Credit Cards Melt
The signature 500-degree plates at Ruth’s Chris ensure your USDA Prime beef stays hot until the last bite. Located in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, this upscale chain defines special-occasion dining.
The à la carte format means sides like the creamed spinach and lobster mac come separately, quickly escalating your bill.
A standard dinner for two can easily surpass $200 before touching the wine list, which features plenty of tempting but pricey options.
2. The Capital Grille: Old-World Charm with Modern-Day Prices
Mahogany paneling and art deco touches create a sophisticated atmosphere at The Capital Grille. Their in-house dry-aging process produces steaks with complex flavors that casual chains simply can’t match.
With locations in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and expanding to suburban areas, this steakhouse attracts business diners and celebration meals.
Add-ons like foie gras, truffle butter, or bone marrow can transform your already expensive steak into a truly budget-busting affair.
3. Morton’s The Steakhouse: The Classic Splurge Experience
Morton’s has been perfecting the art of steak since 1978, and their attention to detail shows. The theatrical tableside menu presentation, showing raw steaks and live lobsters, remains a signature flourish that sets the tone for your meal.
I still remember my dad taking me here for my college graduation. When the server wheeled over that cart of raw meat options, I finally understood what ‘special occasion dining’ truly meant.
Find them in King of Prussia and downtown Pittsburgh, serving prime-aged beef in a power-dining atmosphere.
4. Fogo de Chão: All-You-Can-Eat Luxury with a Brazilian Twist
Fogo de Chão brings the Brazilian churrascaria concept to Pennsylvania with continuous tableside service of fire-roasted meats. Gauchos circle the dining room with skewers of picanha, filet mignon, and other cuts, slicing portions directly onto your plate.
The fixed-price model (currently around $65-85 per person) includes the impressive salad bar, but specialty cocktails and desserts will push your bill higher.
Locations in Center City Philadelphia, King of Prussia, and Pittsburgh make this carnivore’s paradise accessible across the state.
5. Texas de Brazil: The Lone Star State Meets South America
Pittsburgh’s Station Square hosts this meat-lover’s paradise where the rodízio-style service keeps the proteins coming until you surrender.
The expansive salad area features over 50 seasonal items, from imported cheeses to roasted vegetables.
Back in 2019, I celebrated my anniversary here and made the rookie mistake of filling up on their amazing salad bar before the meat parade even began!
The all-inclusive price (around $60 per person) seems reasonable until cocktails enter the equation.
6. Steak 48: Philadelphia’s Modern Luxury Meat Haven
Steak 48 brings contemporary flair to the traditional steakhouse experience at its Broad and Spruce location. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an open kitchen create a vibrant atmosphere that attracts Philadelphia’s see-and-be-seen crowd.
The menu features prime steaks wet-aged for 28 days, while seafood towers and inventive sides tempt you to expand your order.
Their impressive wine program offers spectacular bottles that pair perfectly with your meal – if you’re willing to invest in the experience.
7. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse: Main Line Luxury with a Wine Focus
Nestled in Radnor on the prestigious Main Line, Fleming’s combines prime beef with an award-winning wine program featuring 100 options by the glass. The warm, amber-lit interior creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for romantic dinners or business meetings.
Their signature bone-in ribeye exemplifies their commitment to quality, but prepare for sticker shock. When my boss took our team here last year, even the vegetable sides cost nearly $20 each!
The comprehensive wine list encourages exploration, but can dramatically increase your final tab.
8. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood: Ocean Treasures Meet Premium Steaks
Despite the seafood-forward name, Eddie V’s delivers exceptional steaks alongside pristine fish at their King of Prussia and Pittsburgh locations. Live jazz performances create a sophisticated atmosphere that transports you to another era.
The menu balances land and sea with offerings like center-cut filet mignon and South African lobster tails. Cocktails here are crafted with premium spirits and fresh ingredients, making them irresistible despite their $16+ price tags.
The overall experience feels like a special occasion, even on an ordinary Tuesday.
9. Sullivan’s Steakhouse: King of Prussia’s Classic Carnivore’s Playground
Sullivan’s brings Prohibition-era charm to King of Prussia with live music and hand-shaken martinis complementing their exceptional steaks. The lively bar scene makes this a favorite for both special occasions and after-work gatherings.
Their 28-day wet-aged steaks come in generous portions, but following steakhouse tradition, sides are ordered separately.
I once tried their famous Knockout Martini before dinner and nearly forgot about the financial damage we were about to inflict on my friend’s credit card!
10. Ocean Prime: Philadelphia’s Seafood and Steak Symphony
Located in Center City, Ocean Prime delivers theatrical presentations alongside impeccable service. Their smoking seafood towers arrive at tables engulfed in dry ice fog, creating Instagram-worthy moments before you even taste the food.
The steaks rival any dedicated steakhouse, with add-ons like black truffle butter or garlic shrimp scampi available to enhance your cut.
Their “Berries & Bubbles” champagne cocktail, featuring dry ice that bubbles dramatically, perfectly symbolizes the splurge-worthy experience: visually stunning, delicious, and definitely not priced for everyday consumption.