12 Florida Steakhouses So Popular, Folks Wait Hours Just To Get In
Florida’s steakhouse scene is built on dedication to craft, quality ingredients, and a loyal crowd that doesn’t mind waiting for something great.
At some of the state’s most talked-about spots, lines stretch out the door and reservations are booked weeks ahead. Each steak is treated with care, cooked to perfection, and served in settings that turn dinner into an experience.
Cities like Tampa, Miami, and Orlando are home to places that have built strong reputations, one plate at a time, by delivering consistently memorable meals.
1. Bern’s Steak House (Tampa)
This Tampa institution has been serving up legendary steaks since 1956, and the crowds haven’t stopped coming. Owner Bern Laxer built something truly remarkable here, complete with an insane collection of over half a million bottles stored in the cellar.
Every steak gets cut to order, aged in special rooms, and cooked exactly how you want it. The menu lists different cuts with their exact weight, origin, and aging time, so you know precisely what you’re getting.
After dinner, head upstairs to the dessert room where over 50 sweet options await in a setting that feels like stepping into another world entirely.
2. Prime 112 (Miami Beach)
South Beach’s hottest steakhouse draws celebrities and locals alike, creating a scene that’s as exciting as the food itself. The brown butter cake steak has become so famous that people specifically request it by name when making reservations.
Getting a table without a reservation feels nearly impossible on weekends, especially during tourist season. The space buzzes with energy from the moment doors open until last call.
Sides here come family style, which means sharing becomes part of the experience. Truffle mac and cheese disappears fast, so order extra if your table loves creamy, indulgent dishes.
3. COTE Miami (Miami)
Korean barbecue meets American steakhouse in this Miami Design District gem that earned a Michelin star for its innovative approach. Grills built right into each table let diners cook premium cuts themselves, though trained staff guide the process.
The Butcher’s Feast offers four different cuts plus banchan (Korean side dishes) that keep arriving throughout the meal. Reservations book up weeks ahead, particularly for weekend dinner slots.
I visited last spring and watched our server expertly flip each piece at just the right moment, teaching us the perfect timing. The interactive element makes this spot perfect for groups who want more than just a meal.
4. Okeechobee Steak House (West Palm Beach)
Old Florida charm lives on at this West Palm Beach landmark that’s been family owned since 1947. Red leather booths, dark wood paneling, and white tablecloths create an atmosphere that hasn’t changed much over the decades.
Regulars swear by the New York strip and the massive baked potatoes that come loaded with all the fixings. Service feels personal here because many staff members have worked the same stations for years.
Lines form early on Friday and Saturday nights, with folks happily waiting at the bar for their name to be called. No fancy tricks or modern twists, just solid steaks done right every single time.
5. Knife & Spoon (Orlando)
Located inside the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, this John Tesar creation brings Texas-sized flavors to central Florida. The chef dry ages his beef for up to 240 days, creating intense, concentrated flavors you won’t find anywhere else nearby.
Bone-in ribeyes arrive at the table looking like works of art, perfectly charred on the outside while maintaining that ideal pink center. Theme park tourists mix with local food enthusiasts, all united in their appreciation for top-tier beef.
Weekend reservations require planning ahead, sometimes a month or more during peak vacation seasons when Orlando fills with visitors looking for upscale dining experiences.
6. Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster (Orlando)
Family owned and operated, this Orlando favorite has built a loyal following through consistent quality and generous portions. USDA Prime beef takes center stage, though the lobster options give steak serious competition for attention.
The popovers arrive warm at every table, setting the tone for a meal focused on comfort and satisfaction. Servers know the menu inside and out, offering helpful suggestions based on your preferences.
My uncle celebrated his 60th birthday here last year, and the staff treated our group like royalty from start to finish. Special occasions feel extra special in this polished yet welcoming environment that never feels stuffy or pretentious.
7. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood (Tampa)
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa houses this sophisticated spot where steaks get mesquite-grilled for a subtle smoky flavor. Native American ownership brings unique touches to the menu and decor throughout the space.
The raw bar competes with steaks for popularity, offering fresh oysters and seafood towers that look Instagram-worthy. Casino guests and Tampa locals both flock here, creating an interesting mix of diners.
Weekends see the longest waits, especially when concerts or events pack the Hard Rock complex. Making reservations online takes just minutes and saves potentially hours of waiting around hoping for a walk-in table to open up.
8. Bourbon Steak (Aventura)
Chef Michael Mina brings his signature style to Aventura Mall’s JW Marriott, where butter-poached steaks set this spot apart from traditional preparations. The technique keeps meat incredibly moist while developing flavors that surprise even seasoned steakhouse fans.
Shopping at the mall and fine dining rarely go together this well, but Bourbon Steak makes it work beautifully. The duck fat fries have achieved cult status among regulars who order them every single visit.
Reservations fill quickly for prime dinner hours, particularly on weekends when shoppers transition into diners. The location makes it convenient for locals and tourists staying anywhere in the Aventura area.
9. Steak 954 (Fort Lauderdale)
Oceanfront views and premium beef combine at this W Fort Lauderdale spot where Stephen Starr’s restaurant group works its magic. Floor-to-ceiling windows let diners watch waves roll in while enjoying perfectly prepared cuts.
The menu goes beyond traditional steakhouse fare, incorporating global influences that keep things interesting. Truffle butter enhances already rich flavors, while creative sides show real thought went into every menu section.
Beach proximity means casual elegance works here better than stuffiness. Reservations stay booked solid during winter months when northern visitors escape cold weather and seek Fort Lauderdale’s best dining options along the coast.
10. Bull & Bear (Orlando)
Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s signature restaurant channels old New York steakhouse energy with Florida sunshine mixed in. The original Bull & Bear in Manhattan inspired this location, bringing that same commitment to excellence down south.
Dry-aged steaks spend weeks developing deep, complex flavors that justify the premium prices. White-gloved service adds formality without feeling uncomfortable or overly stiff.
Special occasion diners fill the room most nights, celebrating anniversaries, promotions, and milestones over perfectly cooked beef. The dress code leans slightly more formal than casual Orlando spots, so leave the flip-flops and tank tops back at your hotel room.
11. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood (Hollywood)
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood’s premier restaurant brings that same mesquite-grilled excellence found at the Tampa location. Prime beef sourcing and expert preparation create meals worth the inevitable wait times.
Live entertainment at the Hard Rock complex draws huge crowds, and many concert-goers make dinner reservations here part of their evening plans. The energy stays high throughout service, fueled by excited diners ready for a night out.
Seafood options shine just as bright as steaks, giving non-beef eaters plenty to get excited about. Request a table away from high-traffic areas if you prefer quieter conversation over people-watching excitement.
12. The Cowford Chophouse (Jacksonville)
Jacksonville’s downtown gem occupies a historic building where exposed brick and modern touches create unexpected harmony. The name references Jacksonville’s original moniker, Cowford, connecting diners to local history with every reservation.
St. Johns River views provide stunning backdrops for meals that emphasize both quality and presentation. Locally sourced ingredients supplement the prime steaks whenever possible, supporting Florida farmers and producers.
I remember my first visit here, struck by how the space balanced fancy dining with approachable warmth. Weekend nights see the longest waits, so weekday dinners offer easier access to this north Florida treasure that keeps raising the bar higher.