11 Minnesota Steakhouse Chains That Locals Swear Are Worth Every Cut Of Beef
Minnesota might be known for its lakes and legendary hotdish, but mention steak and you’ll quickly discover another local obsession. Ask around, and you’ll be met with a flurry of passionate recommendations—each more enthusiastic than the last.
From lively Brazilian churrascarias where skewers sizzle tableside to timeless American chophouses serving ribeyes seared to perfection, the North Star State takes its steak seriously.
Over the years, I’ve explored these dining rooms with friends and family, and one thing’s clear: Minnesota’s steakhouse chains blend quality, comfort, and Midwestern hospitality in a way that keeps diners coming back for seconds—and sometimes thirds.
1. Texas Roadhouse
Walking into any of the seven Minnesota locations feels like stepping into a party where everyone’s invited and the dress code is come as you are. The smell of fresh-baked rolls hits you first, followed by the sound of line dancing servers and country music that somehow makes waiting for your table more fun than annoying.
My family has made the Coon Rapids location our celebration spot for birthdays and report cards worth bragging about. The hand-cut steaks arrive with a theatrical sizzle, and those legendary rolls with cinnamon butter could honestly be a meal on their own.
With locations spread from Duluth to Rochester, finding one near you is easier than finding a good parking spot at the Mall of America.
2. Outback Steakhouse
No rules, just right might be their motto, but locals know the real rule is always ordering the Bloomin Onion to share before your steak arrives. The Australian-themed chain has planted roots across the Twin Cities plus Rochester and Hermantown, bringing that laid-back vibe that makes even a Tuesday dinner feel like an occasion.
I remember celebrating my first grown-up job at the Bloomington location, ordering the biggest ribeye on the menu like I’d made it to the big leagues. The Victoria Filet with lobster tail still haunts my dreams in the best possible way.
Their wood-fire grilling technique gives every steak that distinct smoky flavor that keeps Minnesotans braving winter roads to get there.
3. Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Downtown Minneapolis got infinitely more interesting when this churrascaria brought the gaucho experience to our snow-covered streets. The concept is beautifully simple: flip your coaster to green and watch an endless parade of meat-wielding servers appear like magic at your table.
My first visit turned me into a strategic eater, pacing myself through sixteen different cuts instead of filling up on the admittedly spectacular salad bar. The picanha steak carved tableside became my new standard for what beef should taste like when prepared by people who truly understand their craft.
Reservations fill up fast, especially on weekends, so planning ahead is as important as wearing stretchy pants.
4. The Capital Grille
Stepping through the doors feels like entering a secret club where everyone speaks in hushed tones about dry-aged beef and vintage wine. The Minneapolis location operates seven days a week, which I learned after showing up on a Monday assuming they’d be closed and discovering my assumption was gloriously wrong.
My anniversary dinner here taught me that steak can be an art form when you dry-age it for 18 to 24 days and cook it under an 1800-degree broiler. The Kona crusted bone-in sirloin arrived at our table looking like it belonged in a museum, tasting like it belonged in heaven.
Live booking makes snagging a table easier than you’d expect for a place this fancy.
5. Pittsburgh Blue Steakhouse
This homegrown mini-chain proves Minnesota knows how to do steaks without borrowing anyone else’s playbook. With locations in Edina, Maple Grove, and Rochester, they’ve mastered the balance between upscale dining and Midwest friendliness that makes you feel fancy without feeling stuffy.
The name comes from their signature preparation method that sears steaks at Pittsburgh-style high heat, creating that perfect crust I dream about during long meetings. My go-to order is the bone-in ribeye with truffle mac and cheese, a combination that should probably come with a warning label for being too delicious.
Their commitment to locally-sourced ingredients means you’re supporting Minnesota while enjoying some of the state’s best beef.
6. Porterhouse Steak & Seafood
Finding a place that does both surf and turf justice feels like winning the lottery, and this Little Canada and Lakeville gem hits that jackpot consistently. The name tells you exactly what they’re about, and they deliver on that promise with the confidence of a chef who knows their grill temperature by instinct.
My seafood-loving sister and steak-obsessed husband finally found peace at the same dinner table here. The porterhouse for two became our compromise meal, massive enough to satisfy his carnivore cravings while leaving room for her to order the Chilean sea bass guilt-free.
Both locations maintain that neighborhood steakhouse vibe where regulars are greeted by name and newcomers are treated like future regulars.
7. Axel’s
Calling Axel’s just a steakhouse would be like calling Minnesota just cold; technically true but missing the whole picture. Their Mendota and Roseville locations serve up serious steaks alongside a menu diverse enough to please the pickiest family gathering, which I discovered during a reunion where everyone had different dietary demands.
The charbroiled sirloin became my reliable order after trying half the menu over multiple visits. What sets them apart is the approachable atmosphere that never makes you feel underdressed, even if you showed up straight from the hockey rink.
Their longevity in the Minnesota dining scene speaks volumes about consistency and understanding what locals actually want from their neighborhood gathering spot.
8. Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steak House
The downtown St. Paul and Bloomington locations bring Pacific Northwest steakhouse elegance to the Midwest with a menu that respects both land and sea equally. My first visit to the St. Paul spot happened during a snowstorm that should have kept everyone home, yet the place was packed with locals who knew better than to let weather stand between them and a perfectly cooked chop.
Their thick-cut pork chop rivals many steaks I’ve tried, but the prime rib remains my weakness. The meat arrives precisely cooked with a horseradish cream sauce that adds just enough kick without overwhelming the beef.
Live hours and active reservations make planning your visit straightforward and stress-free.
9. Bullvino’s Brazilian Steakhouse
This local two-location chain brings Brazilian churrasco tradition to St. Paul and Bloomington with the kind of personal touch that big national chains can’t replicate. My cousin’s rehearsal dinner here introduced our entire extended family to the red-and-green coaster system, leading to the inevitable competition of who could try the most cuts of meat.
The picanha remains the star, but the bacon-wrapped chicken and garlic sirloin deserve their own fan clubs. What surprised me most was the salad bar that actually tempted me away from the meat parade, featuring authentic Brazilian sides that added depth to the experience.
Posted hours make planning easy, and the smaller scale means more attentive service than you’d find elsewhere.
10. Rodizio Grill
Maple Grove’s answer to the churrascaria craze delivers that all-you-can-eat Brazilian experience with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine. The national chain’s Minnesota outpost understands that locals want value alongside quality, and the endless meat parade delivers both without making you feel like you’re on a carnival ride.
My kids thought they’d discovered the greatest restaurant concept ever invented, flipping their coasters to green with the enthusiasm usually reserved for Christmas morning. The grilled pineapple served between meat courses became the palate cleanser I didn’t know I needed, sweet enough to reset your taste buds for the next round.
Active listings and easy reservations make this spot perfect for groups who can never agree on just one entree.
11. Fogão Gaúcho
Bloomington’s Brazilian steakhouse scene got even more competitive when this authentic gaucho-style spot opened its doors with current hours posted and serious meat credentials. The name translates to Gaucho Oven, which perfectly captures their commitment to traditional preparation methods that honor the roots of churrasco culture.
My most memorable meal here involved trying cuts I couldn’t even pronounce, guided by servers who genuinely loved explaining each selection. The fraldinha, a bottom sirloin cut popular in Brazil, opened my eyes to beef sections American steakhouses often overlook.
Their attention to authentic Brazilian side dishes elevates the experience beyond just meat, creating a complete cultural journey that happens to be delicious.