5 Nevada Steakhouse Chains That Fall Short & 5 That Absolutely Crush It

Nothing beats sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked steak, especially after a long day exploring the Silver State.

As a Nevada local who’s sampled more ribeyes and filets than I care to admit, I’ve discovered not all steakhouses are created equal.

Some spots leave your wallet lighter without satisfying your carnivorous cravings, while others transform dinner into an unforgettable experience.

Let me guide you through the steakhouse landscape with my brutally honest assessment of who’s sizzling and who’s fizzling in Nevada.

1. Mastro’s Restaurants: All Style, Little Substance

My anniversary dinner at Mastro’s last summer left me wondering if I’d accidentally ordered cardboard instead of prime beef. The waitstaff practically performed acrobatics bringing out the $75 steak, but the meat itself? Tough as my hiking boots after a trek through the Nevada desert. The restaurant’s sleek interior and celebrity sightings can’t compensate for overcooked meat and underseasoned sides.

My baked potato arrived lukewarm, while my wife’s asparagus looked sadder than a cactus in a rainstorm. For the astronomical prices, Mastro’s delivers mediocrity dressed in fancy clothes. Save your hard-earned cash for someplace that respects both your wallet and your taste buds. Trust me, the Instagram opportunity isn’t worth the disappointment.

2. Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse: Reputation Exceeds Reality

Remember that kid in school who everyone thought was cool until you actually hung out with them? That’s Vic & Anthony’s in a nutshell. Located inside the Golden Nugget, this place has somehow maintained its reputation despite serving increasingly mediocre meals. During my last visit, I ordered their signature ribeye medium-rare. What arrived was a gray, overcooked slab that would make any cattle rancher weep.

The lobster mac and cheese—supposedly their specialty—contained approximately three microscopic pieces of seafood swimming in a sea of bland cheese sauce. The dated décor feels like stepping into a 1990s business conference. For the $200+ bill that followed our disappointing meal, we could have eaten somewhere twice as good at half the price.

3. N9NE Steakhouse: Living On Past Glory

The first time I visited N9NE back in 2010, I was blown away. Fast forward to today, and it’s like meeting your childhood hero only to discover they’ve completely lost their magic. What happened to this once-stellar establishment? Service now moves at the pace of a desert tortoise. Our server disappeared for 20-minute stretches, and when my filet mignon finally arrived, it was severely undercooked—practically mooing.

The signature sides have shrunk while prices have ballooned faster than summer temperatures in Vegas. The restaurant still tries to maintain its hip, clubby atmosphere, but it feels forced and dated. The DJ booth collecting dust in the corner perfectly symbolizes this establishment: once exciting, now just an awkward reminder of better days.

4. Four Sixes Ranch Steakhouse: Cowboys Deserve Better

The name conjures images of rugged cowboys and authentic Western fare. Reality check: Four Sixes serves up the culinary equivalent of a cheap Halloween cowboy costume. My dad—a former ranch hand with simple tastes—couldn’t finish his supposedly “Texas-sized” porterhouse that had less flavor than the plastic plants decorating the dining room.

Their bizarre obsession with dousing everything in liquid smoke creates an artificial campfire taste that lingers unpleasantly. The cornbread arrived drier than the Nevada desert in August, while the ranch beans tasted suspiciously like they came from a can. The Western memorabilia plastering the walls can’t distract from the fundamental problem: this place doesn’t understand good beef. For a steakhouse with “Ranch” in its name, that’s an unforgivable sin.

5. Peter Luger At Caesars Palace: Famous Name, Infamous Experience

When the legendary Peter Luger announced its Vegas location, I marked the opening date on my calendar like a kid counting down to Christmas. What a letdown! The New York institution has apparently left its quality control back east. My $140 porterhouse for two arrived with a beautiful exterior but a completely raw, cold center—not rare, RAW. After sending it back, the replacement came cremated.

The famous German potatoes were undercooked and oddly sweet, while the creamed spinach separated into an unappetizing oily mess. The final insult? The notoriously grumpy service that’s somehow charming in Brooklyn comes across as plain rude in Vegas. Skip this pale imitation and book a flight to New York if you want the real Peter Luger experience.

6. The Golden Steer Steakhouse: Vegas History On A Plate

Walking into The Golden Steer feels like stepping into a time machine. This Vegas institution has been serving spectacular steaks since 1958, and my grandfather still talks about bringing my grandmother here on their first date. The red leather booths once cradled the posteriors of Sinatra and Elvis—and the steaks remain fit for kings.

Their bone-in ribeye achieves that perfect balance of char, tenderness, and flavor that haunts my dreams. The tableside Caesar salad preparation is theatrical without being gimmicky, and their whiskey selection could make a Scotsman weep with joy. Despite its storied history, there’s zero pretension here. The veteran servers treat first-timers and regulars with equal warmth. This place doesn’t just serve steak; it serves living Nevada culinary history.

7. SW Steakhouse At Wynn: Lakeside Luxury That Delivers

“Expensive” doesn’t begin to describe SW Steakhouse, but unlike other high-end disappointments, every dollar spent here feels justified. My brother-in-law’s promotion dinner here became an unexpected highlight of my culinary year when I tasted their 42-day dry-aged tomahawk ribeye. The patio seating offers views of the Lake of Dreams with its hourly light shows, but the real spectacle is on your plate.

Their Japanese A5 wagyu literally melts on contact with your tongue—an experience so transcendent I briefly forgot about the second mortgage I’d need to pay the bill. Executive Chef Mark LoRusso somehow elevates sides beyond afterthoughts. The black truffle creamed corn changed my understanding of what corn can be. Yes, it’s extravagant, but for special occasions, SW creates memories worth every penny.

8. Oscar’s Steakhouse At Plaza Hotel: Old-School Excellence

Named after former Vegas mayor and mob attorney Oscar Goodman, this downtown gem serves steaks with personality. Last year, celebrating my poker tournament win here was the best decision I made all weekend. The circular dining room perched atop the Plaza Hotel offers spectacular views of Fremont Street’s neon glow. Their signature “Joey C’s Filet Mignon” comes wrapped in bacon and topped with crab—a combination so perfect it should be illegal.

The martinis arrive ice-cold and powerful enough to make you spill secrets you didn’t know you had. Unlike the Strip steakhouses that view locals with suspicion, Oscar’s embraces its downtown roots. The prices remain reasonable by Vegas standards, and the generous portions ensure no one leaves hungry. For authentic Vegas character with steaks to match, Oscar’s can’t be beat.

9. Herbs & Rye: Cocktail Heaven, Steak Nirvana

Locals guard this off-Strip treasure like a secret fishing spot. I discovered Herbs & Rye during their legendary happy hour when all steaks are half-price. My wallet rejoiced while my taste buds threw a party. Don’t let the unassuming strip mall location fool you—this place serves some of the most perfectly executed steaks in town. The bone-in New York strip arrives with a magnificent crust while maintaining a perfectly pink center.

Their hand-crafted cocktails, created by mixologists who treat bartending as an art form, complement the beef beautifully. The vintage speakeasy atmosphere attracts industry professionals who know where to find quality after their shifts end. After midnight, you might find yourself seated next to celebrity chefs unwinding with the city’s best steak and Manhattan combination.

10. Cleaver Steakhouse: The New Kid Crushing The Competition

My initial skepticism about yet another Vegas steakhouse evaporated faster than desert rain when I first visited Cleaver. This relatively new contender has quickly established itself as a serious player in the Nevada beef scene. Their 40-ounce tomahawk—dramatically presented with roasted bone marrow—prompted an involuntary happy dance at the table that my friends still mock me for. The truffle and cognac cream sauce option should be mandatory for any first-timer.

Unlike competitors that nickel-and-dime you, Cleaver includes generous sides with each steak. The restaurant’s butcher-shop aesthetic feels authentic rather than contrived. Massive meat cleavers serve as door handles, and vintage butchery tools decorate the walls. Most importantly, the staff actually seems to enjoy working there—a refreshing change from the robotic service at many high-end chains.