17 Steakhouses In Washington That Know How To Cook A Perfect Cut
Washington state isn’t just famous for coffee and tech companies. It is also home to some seriously amazing steakhouses. Here, steak lovers can find everything from classic dry-aged ribeyes to exotic Wagyu cuts.
Ready your taste buds as we explore the absolute best places to satisfy your carnivorous cravings across the Evergreen State.
1. The Capital Grille (Downtown Seattle)
Elegant sophistication meets mouthwatering meat at this downtown Seattle institution. Their in-house dry-aging process creates steaks with flavor that’s simply off the charts.
With a wine list boasting over 350 bottles, you’ll find the perfect pairing for your porterhouse. Last anniversary, my wife and I splurged on their bone-in ribeye – worth every penny of the splurge!
2. Metropolitan Grill (Downtown Seattle)
Seattle locals affectionately call it “The Met” – and for good reason. This legendary downtown landmark has been serving top-tier steaks since 1983, with their signature mesquite charcoal-grilled cuts stealing the show.
Don’t leave without experiencing their tableside Bananas Foster preparation. The choreographed flames and caramelized sweetness create the perfect finale to your meat feast.
3. Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Downtown Seattle)
The sizzle says it all. Each steak arrives on a 500-degree plate, swimming in clarified butter that continues cooking your meat to perfection while you eat. Their USDA Prime cuts receive the royal treatment, broiled at 1800 degrees to lock in juices.
My dad, a notorious steak snob, still talks about their ribeye three years after our visit. Their creamed spinach side dish has converted many vegetable skeptics.
4. El Gaucho (Seattle & Tacoma)
Step into old-school Hollywood glamour with dim lighting, tuxedoed waiters, and live piano music setting the scene. El Gaucho’s theatrical flair extends to tableside preparations – their Caesar salad made from scratch before your eyes is pure culinary theater.
Their 28-day dry-aged steaks develop complex flavors that pair perfectly with their impressive whiskey selection.
5. Daniel’s Broiler (Multiple Seattle Locations)
Waterfront views and USDA Prime beef? Yes, please! Daniel’s three locations (Downtown, Lake Union, Leschi) all deliver spectacular vistas alongside perfectly prepared steaks. Their bone-in New York strip develops a gorgeous crust from their 1800-degree broiler.
I once watched the sunset over Lake Union while savoring their peppercorn-crusted filet – a memory as delicious as the meal itself.
6. JaK’s Grill (West Seattle)
Don’t let the casual neighborhood vibe fool you, as JaK’s grills some seriously impressive steaks. Their unique lava rock cooking method creates a perfect crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
The Steak Oscar topping (dungeness crab, asparagus, béarnaise) transforms an already excellent steak into something transcendent.
Their intimate setting makes this the perfect date night spot when you want quality without pretension.
7. The Butcher’s Table (South Lake Union)
Part butcher shop, part upscale restaurant, this South Lake Union gem offers a unique farm-to-table experience. Watch skilled butchers break down primals before your steak makes its way to your plate.
Mishima Reserve Wagyu develops an incredible crust from their wood-fired grill. The marbling creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that beef aficionados dream about.
Don’t skip their beef fat candle – it melts into a dippable delight.
8. The Grill from Ipanema (Belltown)
This Brazilian steakhouse brings the rodízio experience to Seattle with sword-wielding gauchos carving meat directly onto your plate. Fifteen different cuts, from picanha (sirloin cap) to fraldinha (bottom sirloin), keep coming until you flip your card to “stop.”
Their grilled pineapple, dusted with cinnamon, provides the perfect palate cleanser between meaty bites. The all-you-can-eat format makes this a celebration destination.
9. Bateau (Capitol Hill)
Not your typical steakhouse! Chef Renee Erickson’s sustainable approach means whole-animal butchery and a chalkboard menu that changes as cuts sell out each night. Their 21-day dry-aged, grass-fed beef develops flavors you simply can’t find elsewhere.
The Parisian bistro atmosphere creates a refreshing departure from dark steakhouse clichés. Their butter-basted technique creates a crust that will haunt your dreams.
10. Beast & Cleaver (Ballard)
By day, a neighborhood butcher shop. By night, an intimate 12-seat restaurant serving some of Seattle’s most innovative steak experiences. Steak flight lets you compare different aging techniques and cattle breeds side-by-side.
The nose-to-tail philosophy means unusual cuts appear alongside classics. Last year, I tried their 45-day dry-aged coulotte – a revelation of funky, complex flavors I still think about weekly. Weekend tasting menus sell out months in advance.
11. Canlis (Queen Anne)
Seattle’s fine-dining crown jewel since 1950 might not be strictly a steakhouse, but their steak game deserves serious respect. The iconic glass-walled dining room overlooks Lake Union, creating an unmatched special occasion setting.
Their filet mignon comes from prized Northwest cattle, cooked to scientific precision. Piano music drifts through the dining room as servers orchestrate a ballet of white-glove service. Reserve weeks ahead – this Seattle institution books up fast.
12. Ascend (Bellevue)
Steak meets sushi at this luxurious Bellevue hotspot, where floor-to-ceiling windows showcase breathtaking Cascade Mountain views. Miyazaki A5 Wagyu, the pinnacle of marbled beef, practically dissolves on your tongue.
The fusion approach means your porterhouse might come with unexpected Asian-inspired sides. Their smoke-infused Old Fashioned makes the perfect prelude to a serious steak splurge.
Dress to impress – this is Bellevue’s see-and-be-seen steakhouse.
13. The Shambles (Maple Leaf)
This cozy neighborhood spot combines butcher shop expertise with gastropub charm. Hanging meat hooks and a chalkboard specials menu signal their serious steak credentials despite the casual vibe. Off-menu cuts often prove the most exciting – ask what the butcher recommends that day.
Their house-made charcuterie boards make perfect steak preludes. I stumbled in after a Maple Leaf garage sale and discovered my new favorite hidden gem steakhouse.
14. Meet Korean BBQ (Capitol Hill)
Korean BBQ elevates to fine-dining status at this Capitol Hill hotspot. Premium beef cuts arrive raw at your table before being expertly grilled by attentive servers. The tabletop grilling creates an interactive experience unlike traditional steakhouses.
Banchan (small side dishes) provide palate-cleansing contrasts between beefy bites. The soju cocktails pack a sneaky punch that perfectly complements the richly marbled meats.
15. John Howie Steak (Bellevue)
Eastside luxury reaches its peak at this Bellevue steakhouse, where custom-aged beef stars in a sophisticated setting. Their steak program features multiple aging periods, from 28 to 42 to 64 days, creating increasingly complex flavor profiles.
The tableside steak tartare preparation demonstrates their raw beef confidence. Wine enthusiasts appreciate their 60-page list with surprising values hidden among trophy bottles.
16. FlintCreek Cattle Co. (Greenwood)
This locally-owned restaurant focuses on lesser-known, sustainable meats alongside traditional beef cuts. Bison ribeye and venison loin frequently appear alongside grass-fed beef options in their bright, modern spaces.
The open kitchen provides dinner theater as chefs work the wood-fired grill. Their commitment to smaller, sustainable ranches means unique flavor profiles you won’t find at chain steakhouses.
The craft cocktail program features unexpected herbal infusions that complement game meats beautifully.
17. Salty’s on Alki Beach (West Seattle)
Spectacular Seattle skyline views compete with spectacular steaks at this waterfront institution. While famous for seafood, their prime steaks and surf-and-turf combinations deserve equal billing. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Elliott Bay while you savor their bone-in ribeye.
When my parents visit from the Midwest, this is always their first request – both for the filet mignon and the postcard-perfect city views. Their weekend brunch includes steak options for morning meat lovers.