11 Tennessee Steakhouse Chains Where The Ribeye Earns All The Praise
Few meals hit the spot like a ribeye seared just right – tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Tennessee has no shortage of steakhouses that know exactly how to treat this cut like royalty.
Think sizzling platters, mouthwatering aromas, and seasoning blends that keep diners coming back again and again.
If a great ribeye is calling your name, these are the spots in the Volunteer State that have earned serious bragging rights.
1. Texas Roadhouse
Carnivores flock to Texas Roadhouse locations across Tennessee for their legendary Bone-In Ribeye. The 20-ounce beauty arrives with impressive marbling that melts into the meat as it cooks.
Each steak is hand-cut daily by in-house butchers, then grilled with a distinctive roadhouse char that seals in the juices.
Locations in Hendersonville, Knoxville, and Pigeon Forge consistently deliver that perfect balance of tenderness and bold flavor that keeps ribeye enthusiasts coming back.
2. LongHorn Steakhouse
The Outlaw Ribeye at LongHorn Steakhouse commands attention from the moment it arrives at your table.
This 20-ounce bone-in beauty undergoes a meticulous flame-grilling process that creates a perfect crust while preserving the juicy interior.
The secret lies in their proprietary seasoning blend that enhances the steak’s natural flavors without overwhelming them.
Nashville’s Charlotte Pike location exemplifies why LongHorn has become synonymous with consistent ribeye excellence throughout Tennessee.
3. Outback Steakhouse
Outback’s Bone-In Ribeye deserves its reputation as a standout in Tennessee’s steak scene. The 18-ounce cut boasts extra marbling that transforms into rich, buttery flavor pockets during cooking.
I still remember my first bite at the North Peters Road location in Knoxville – that perfect combination of seasoned crust giving way to tender, pink center.
The relaxed Aussie-themed atmosphere complements the robust steak experience, making it ideal for both special occasions and casual dinners.
4. Logan’s Roadhouse
Steak purists appreciate Logan’s Roadhouse for letting quality beef speak for itself. Their hand-cut ribeyes, available in 12-ounce or heartier 16-ounce portions, arrive with a smoky char that complements the steak’s natural richness.
The classic roadhouse seasoning enhances without masking the beef’s intrinsic flavor. Nashville’s Thompson Lane location maintains the chain’s reputation for delivering satisfying ribeyes at reasonable price points, paired perfectly with their famous yeast rolls.
5. Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill
Stoney River elevates the ribeye experience with their impressive 22-ounce Bone-In “Cowboy Cut” option. The kitchen team achieves that elusive perfect sear while maintaining a precise temperature gradient from edge to center.
My anniversary dinner at their Franklin location featured a ribeye so tender it practically dissolved on the fork. The upscale yet comfortable atmosphere makes their steaks taste even better, especially when paired with their legendary au gratin potatoes or creamed spinach.
6. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris has perfected the art of the sizzle. Their 16-ounce USDA Prime Ribeye undergoes an intense transformation in a 1,800°F broiler before arriving at your table on a 500°F plate.
The signature sizzle isn’t just showmanship – it’s a crucial finishing touch that continues cooking the exterior while sealing in juices.
The West End Nashville and Knoxville Volunteer Landing locations maintain exacting standards, ensuring each Prime-grade ribeye delivers that distinctive buttery finish and perfect marbling.
7. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Steak connoisseurs seeking the pinnacle of ribeye perfection often find themselves at Fleming’s on Nashville’s West End Avenue. Their Prime Bone-In Ribeye delivers 20 ounces of expertly aged, intensely marbled beef.
For those exploring different dimensions of flavor, the 16-ounce Prime Dry-Aged Ribeye offers a concentrated, almost nutty profile that distinguishes it from wet-aged counterparts.
I’ve watched friends who normally order filet convert to ribeye devotees after experiencing Fleming’s precision temperature control and polished service.
8. Morton’s The Steakhouse
Morton’s Nashville location on Church Street maintains the storied tradition of classic American steakhouse excellence. Their 16-ounce Prime Ribeye arrives with that quintessential charred exterior that gives way to a tender, perfectly cooked interior.
For serious steak enthusiasts, the 22-ounce Prime Bone-In version offers enhanced flavor from the bone marrow.
The attentive service and sophisticated atmosphere complement these exceptional cuts, making Morton’s a reliable destination for ribeye aficionados seeking consistency alongside luxury.
9. The Chop House
The Chop House has built a loyal following across Tennessee with locations in Hendersonville, Kingsport, Knoxville, Kodak, Murfreesboro, and Sevierville. Their 14-ounce ribeye strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and indulgence.
What makes these steaks stand out is their consistent quality-to-value ratio. Each ribeye arrives with beautiful marbling that renders during cooking into rich flavor pockets.
The medium-upscale service approach makes special occasions feel special without intimidating casual diners seeking a reliable steak experience.
10. Connors Steak & Seafood
Connors brings creative flair to the traditional ribeye experience. Their Knoxville Turkey Creek and Franklin Cool Springs locations offer both classic and Espresso-Rubbed variations that demonstrate their culinary imagination.
The wood-fired grilling method imparts a subtle smokiness that complements the steak’s natural richness. During my last visit, the server explained how they age their beef to enhance tenderness before applying their signature preparation techniques.
Their thoughtful side dishes, particularly the creamed spinach, provide perfect accompaniments to these exceptional ribeyes.
11. Saltgrass Steak House
Nashville’s Opry Mills Saltgrass location brings bold Texas flavor to Tennessee’s ribeye scene. Their Cajun Ribeye arrives with an assertive spice rub that creates a flavorful crust without overpowering the beef’s natural character.
For traditionalists, Pat’s Ribeye offers a more classic approach that lets the quality beef shine. The Texas-style setting completes the experience with rustic charm and generous portions.
Their steak seasoning has such a following that they now sell it separately for home cooks trying to recreate the magic.