7 Pennsylvania Steakhouses Tourists Love & 7 That Locals Swear By

Pennsylvania offers some of the most mouthwatering steakhouses in the country, from high-end establishments to hidden gems.

Whether you’re visiting from out of town or a longtime resident, finding the perfect place to enjoy a juicy steak can make your day special. Here’s our guide to the steakhouses that attract tourists and the spots where locals gather for their meat fixes.

1. Barclay Prime

Barclay Prime, which is tucked away in Rittenhouse Square, elevates steak dining to a sumptuous occasion. The restaurant attracts customers looking for Instagram-worthy meals because of its elegant atmosphere and emerald-green velvet couches.

Its $140 cheesesteak, which is cooked with wagyu beef and topped with foie gras, is a prime example of why visitors come here. Everyone feels like a king or queen because of the careful treatment.

2. Steak 48

Steak 48’s modern flair and floor-to-ceiling wine displays are highly praised by tourists. The restaurant’s quiet dining areas contrast wonderfully with its lively energy.

In an exhibition kitchen, chefs prepare prime cuts as customers watch the culinary magic happen. Out-of-town visitors looking for exceptional dining experiences are especially drawn to their famous bone-in filets and striking seafood towers.

3. The Capital Grille

Housed in a historic building, The Capital Grille welcomes travelers with its mahogany paneling and museum-quality art pieces. Visitors appreciate the restaurant’s perfect balance of formality and comfort.

Dry-aged steaks are the centerpiece of their menu, with the porcini-rubbed bone-in ribeye earning particular acclaim. Many tourists schedule visits around their famous wine events throughout the year.

4. Ocean Prime

For travelers seeking surf and turf experiences, Ocean Prime creates a utopia by combining prime steaks with fresh seafood. Every meal is enhanced by the breathtaking city views provided by the floor-to-ceiling windows.

On social media, the dramatic cocktails – particularly their smoking champagne drink, Berries & Bubbles – become viral. The butter-poached lobster tails served with filet mignon are frequently cited by tourists as the reason they traveled.

5. Butcher And Singer

Walking into Butcher and Singer transports visitors to a 1940s Hollywood-style chophouse. The soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and leather booths create an atmosphere tourists seek when wanting an authentic American steakhouse experience.

Their tableside Caesar salad preparation becomes dinner theater. Many travelers specifically visit to try the 50-ounce tomahawk steak, often sharing photos of this impressive cut.

6. Alpen Rose

Behind an unmarked door, Alpen Rose delivers an intimate 40-seat steakhouse experience that feels like uncovering a secret. Securing a reservation feels like joining an underground club, which is exactly what draws in curious tourists. Lined with vintage books and bathed in candlelight, the room gives off a warm, moody glow.

Visible through glass, a dry-aging room showcases cuts aging up to 90 days. Cameras snap to attention when servers arrive with tableside meat presentations, lifting lids to reveal impressive steaks before they hit the grill.

7. Fogo de Chão

Fogo de Chão introduces visitors to the Brazilian churrascaria concept where gauchos carve unlimited meats tableside. The theatrical presentation of skewered meats creates countless photo opportunities for travelers.

The expansive salad bar featuring hearts of palm and imported cheeses delights health-conscious tourists. Many visitors make this their first stop in Philadelphia to experience the unique South American approach to steak.

8. Urban Farmer

Locals flock to Urban Farmer thanks to its strong commitment to sourcing ingredients from Pennsylvania farms. A modern farmhouse vibe, with reclaimed wood and mason jar lighting, creates a space that feels distinctly Philadelphian.

Steak lovers gravitate toward the tasting flight, which highlights the nuances between grass-fed, grain-finished, and dry-aged cuts. Happy hour draws a neighborhood crowd to the bar, where local craft beers flow and conversation comes easy.

9. Saloon

Generations of Philadelphia families have celebrated special occasions at Saloon. The old-school Italian steakhouse vibe, complete with red leather booths and celebrity photos lining the walls, keeps locals coming back decade after decade.

Regulars know to order the off-menu items that servers whisper about. The restaurant’s loyal clientele includes local politicians, sports figures, and neighborhood characters who’ve claimed their favorite tables.

10. Geno’s Steaks

Not your typical steakhouse, but any local roundup feels incomplete without mentioning Geno’s. Passionate debates spark among Philadelphians over loyalty to this 24-hour icon glowing with neon energy.

Savvy neighborhood residents dodge the tourist crowds by showing up at just the right time. Local pros flash their credentials by ordering fast and confidently – “wit” or “wit-out” onions – a shorthand that leaves most visitors puzzled.

11. Steve’s Prince Of Steaks

Locals from Northeast Philadelphia swear Steve’s serves the most authentic cheesesteak experience. Unlike downtown locations, this no-frills spot attracts primarily Philadelphians who appreciate the thinly-sliced ribeye and signature American cheese sauce.

Neighborhood regulars come directly from work, creating a diverse crowd of blue-collar workers, professionals, and families. Many locals maintain decades-long traditions of post-game visits following Philadelphia sports events.

12. Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

Rain or shine, Pittsburghers line up outside this Strip District gem for a taste of wood-fired magic. Smoky aromas drift through the air, pulling in locals eager for perfectly charred steaks at this beloved BYOB spot.

Early arrivals have the best shot at snagging one of the few coveted seats. Unpretentious vibes and fair prices turn it into a weekly ritual for Steel City families chasing Argentine-style grilled perfection.

13. 1700 Degrees Steakhouse

During legislative sessions, 1700 Degrees fills with political insiders sealing deals over expertly prepared steaks. Sophisticated without being flashy, the space attracts capital city locals who appreciate quality in a relaxed setting.

Regulars crowd the bar, where bartenders recall each guest’s go-to bourbon. Harrisburg diners especially value the focus on Pennsylvania farm ingredients paired with prime beef cuts.

14. Culhane’s Steak House

Just outside Harrisburg, Culhane’s serves as the special occasion destination for generations of Central Pennsylvania families. The unpretentious exterior hides a warm dining room where servers know many guests by name.

Locals celebrate anniversaries and birthdays around the signature prime rib cart. Regulars skip the menu entirely, trusting the staff’s recommendations for seasonal specialties that complement their perfectly aged steaks.

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