10 Texas Steakhouses That Cost A Fortune But Locals Swear Are Worth Every Penny
Everything really is bigger in Texas—especially the steaks, the atmosphere, and yes, the price tags.
Step inside one of the Lone Star State’s legendary steakhouses and you’ll quickly realize this isn’t just dinner, it’s an event.
From dry-aged ribeyes that practically melt on your tongue to sides that deserve their own fan clubs, these temples of beef turn a splurge into an unforgettable experience.
Sure, you can grab a decent cut at a chain, but when Texans say a $100 steak is worth every penny, you know you’re in for something extraordinary.
1. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse – Houston & Dallas
Walking into Pappas Bros. feels like stepping into a vault where beef is treated like precious treasure. The dry-aged steaks here aren’t just cooked—they’re crafted with the kind of precision usually reserved for Swiss watches. My first visit left me speechless when the waiter rolled out a cart displaying various cuts like crown jewels.
Expect to shell out upwards of $70 for a prime ribeye, and that’s before sides, which run about $15 each. The drink list reads like a novel, with bottles reaching stratospheric prices that could fund a small vacation. But locals keep returning because the quality never wavers.
The service makes you feel like royalty without the stuffiness. Every server knows their cuts backward and forward, guiding you through the menu with genuine enthusiasm that’s infectious and never pushy.
2. Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse – Houston
Tucked in downtown Houston, Vic & Anthony’s has mastered the art of making carnivores weak in the knees. The moment you bite into their butter-soft filet mignon, you understand why locals mortgage their homes for special occasions here. Their signature bone-in ribeye could make a vegetarian question their life choices.
Dinner for two easily climbs past $300 when you factor in appetizers, sides, and dessert. The lobster mac and cheese alone costs around $22, but it’s basically edible heaven in a ramekin. Their seafood towers are architectural marvels that belong in museums.
What sets this place apart is the theatrical presentation—steaks arrive sizzling on 500-degree plates. The sommelier doesn’t just recommend drink; they tell stories about vineyards that make every sip more meaningful and memorable.
3. Nick & Sam’s – Dallas
Nick & Sam’s proves that Dallas knows how to do beef with serious swagger. This Uptown hotspot attracts everyone from business moguls to celebrities who appreciate steaks that practically melt on your tongue. I once watched a table of eight order nothing but tomahawks—now that’s commitment.
A typical meal here runs about $150 per person before drinks, and their cocktail program deserves its own standing ovation. The 55-day dry-aged bone-in strip steak costs around $85 but delivers flavor so intense it haunts your dreams. Their truffle creamed corn is $16 of pure indulgence.
The atmosphere blends sophistication with approachability, making first-timers and regulars equally comfortable. Live music on weekends adds energy without overwhelming conversation, creating the perfect backdrop for celebrating life’s victories both big and small.
4. Al Biernat’s – Dallas
Al Biernat’s has been a Dallas institution since 1998, serving steaks that locals guard like state secrets. The restaurant’s founder created a recipe for success that’s simple: source the best beef, cook it perfectly, and treat guests like family. Their signature prime ribeye achieves a crust so perfect it should be patented.
Budget around $120 per person for the full experience, including their famous jumbo lump crab cake appetizer at $32. The 16-ounce bone-in filet runs about $78, but one bite explains why power brokers conduct million-dollar deals over these plates. Even the Caesar salad, prepared tableside, feels like an event.
What keeps people coming back isn’t just the food—it’s the consistency. Whether you visit on a Tuesday or Saturday, the quality never dips, and the staff remembers your preferences like old friends.
5. Bob’s Steak & Chop House – Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth
Bob’s built its reputation on two things: massive steaks and those legendary glazed carrots that people literally dream about. With locations across Texas’s major cities, this mini-empire delivers consistency that’s rarer than a perfectly cooked medium-rare ribeye. I’ve converted at least five friends into carrot believers here.
Dinner typically costs $100-$140 per person, with their signature bone-in ribeye clocking in around $68. The portions are Texas-sized—even the sides could feed small villages. Their creamed spinach has achieved cult status among regulars who order extra portions to take home.
The atmosphere strikes that sweet spot between fancy and comfortable, where you can celebrate anniversaries or close business deals without feeling overdressed or underdressed. Service is attentive without hovering, and servers genuinely care about your experience beyond just earning tips.
6. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Multiple Locations
Perry’s famous pork chop Friday lunch has achieved almost mythical status in Texas dining circles. Sure, it’s a steakhouse, but that seven-finger-high pork chop carved tableside steals the spotlight like a rockstar at a karaoke bar. Their steaks still hold their own, though—the ribeye delivers richness that lingers long after the check arrives.
Plan on spending $80-$120 per person across their Houston, Austin, and Dallas locations. The 20-ounce bone-in ribeye runs about $64, while that legendary pork chop costs around $42 during Friday lunch. Their desserts, especially the flaming tableside bananas foster, provide Instagram-worthy entertainment.
Each location maintains the same high standards, so you’re guaranteed excellence whether dining in River Oaks or Uptown Dallas. The energy feels upbeat and modern compared to more traditional steakhouses, attracting a younger crowd alongside seasoned steak enthusiasts.
7. Killen’s Steakhouse – Pearland
Chef Ronnie Killen runs his Pearland steakhouse like a maestro conducting a beefy symphony. This Houston-area gem requires reservations weeks in advance because word spread faster than butter on hot bread about his phenomenal steaks. The 55-day dry-aged cuts develop flavors so complex they deserve their own TED talks.
Dinner averages $150 per person, with the tomahawk ribeye starting around $145 and easily feeding two hungry humans. The creamed corn here rivals any in Texas, and that’s saying something in a state obsessed with its sides. Their bread pudding finale is worth saving room for, no matter how stuffed you feel.
The atmosphere leans more casual than other high-end spots, but the food quality matches or exceeds fancier competitors. Killen himself often works the dining room, chatting with guests and ensuring everything meets his exacting standards.
8. Knife – Dallas
Celebrity chef John Tesar’s Knife reimagines the steakhouse experience with cutting-edge techniques and creative flair. Located in the Highland Park area, this spot attracts adventurous eaters who appreciate traditional steakhouse excellence with unexpected twists. Tesar’s dry-aging program produces steaks with flavor profiles that challenge everything you thought you knew about beef.
Budget approximately $120-$150 per person for the full experience, including drink pairings that actually enhance rather than just accompany your meal. The 240-day dry-aged ribeye costs around $200 but offers a once-in-a-lifetime taste adventure. Even standard cuts receive treatments that elevate them beyond typical steakhouse fare.
The vibe here skews more modern and experimental than traditional steakhouses, appealing to diners who want innovation alongside their beef. Service staff are genuine food enthusiasts who can explain the science behind every preparation method.
9. B&B Butchers & Restaurant – Houston
B&B Butchers combines a high-end butcher shop with a world-class restaurant, creating a beef lover’s paradise in the Montrose area. Watching butchers break down whole primals while you sip cocktails adds theater to the dining experience that’s uniquely satisfying. Their in-house dry-aging program ensures every steak reaches peak flavor before hitting your plate.
Expect to invest $130-$180 per person for dinner, with premium cuts like the 45-day dry-aged porterhouse running about $95. The bone marrow appetizer at $18 converts skeptics into believers with its rich, silky decadence. Their selection of house-made sauces and butters provides customization options that steakhouse purists might initially resist but ultimately embrace.
The industrial-chic design feels fresh and contemporary while maintaining the warmth necessary for special occasions. You can even purchase raw cuts to take home, extending the B&B experience into your own kitchen.
10. The Capital Grille – Dallas & Houston
While technically a national chain, The Capital Grille’s Texas locations maintain standards that rival homegrown establishments. Their dry-aged steaks undergo a 14-day minimum aging process that develops the tender texture and concentrated flavor locals crave. I initially dismissed this place as “just another chain” until the first bite humbled me completely.
Dinner runs about $100-$130 per person, with the signature dry-aged Delmonico steak priced around $58. Their lobster and crab cakes appetizer at $24 could serve as a meal itself. The drink list features over 350 selections, with knowledgeable sommeliers who match bottles to your preferences rather than your budget.
The atmosphere exudes corporate elegance without feeling cold or impersonal, making it popular for business dinners and celebrations alike. Consistency across visits is remarkable—you’ll never encounter an off night that leaves you questioning your investment.