7 Virginia Steakhouse Chains Serving Familiar Favorites & 7 That Locals Say Are Truly Exceptional
Virginia’s steakhouse scene offers something for every meat lover, from casual family-friendly chains to upscale dining experiences. Whether you’re craving a simple sirloin or a perfectly-aged prime cut, the Old Dominion has options that won’t disappoint.
Ready to discover where to find your next memorable steak dinner? Here’s a roundup of 14 steakhouses across Virginia – half offering reliable favorites and half that locals swear by for special occasions.
1. Outback Steakhouse: Australia-Themed Classics Throughout Virginia
Steak lovers across Virginia know the reliable comfort of Outback’s familiar menu. The Bloomin’ Onion might get folks in the door, but it’s the consistently prepared sirloins and ribeyes that keep tables filled.
With dozens of locations from Alexandria to Chesapeake, you’re never far from their signature seasonings and laid-back atmosphere.
The online waitlist system makes busy weekend dining manageable, even when craving their famous chocolate thunder from down under dessert.
2. Texas Roadhouse: Hand-Cut Steaks and Legendary Rolls
The aroma of fresh-baked rolls hits you before you even sit down at Texas Roadhouse. Their Glen Allen location buzzes with energy as servers navigate between tables carrying sizzling plates of hand-cut steaks.
I still remember my first visit – watching the butcher in their glass-enclosed meat room carefully preparing each cut to order.
The cinnamon butter alone is worth the trip, melting perfectly over those warm rolls while you wait for your perfectly-cooked sirloin or fall-off-the-bone ribs.
3. LongHorn Steakhouse: Western-Themed Reliability
LongHorn’s rustic Western atmosphere provides a comfortable backdrop for their straight-to-the-point steak offerings. The Renegade Sirloin remains a crowd favorite for good reason – consistently prepared to your exact temperature preference.
Their Falls Church location, like others across Virginia, maintains the brand’s commitment to quality at mid-range prices.
The loaded baked potatoes arrive piping hot, practically a meal themselves, while Flo’s Filet continues to impress even the pickiest steak connoisseurs with its tender perfection.
4. Logan’s Roadhouse: Mesquite-Grilled Goodness
Logan’s Roadhouse captures that authentic roadside steakhouse vibe that’s increasingly hard to find. Their Fredericksburg location became my go-to spot during college road trips – those warm house rolls arriving at the table in buckets still haunt my dreams.
The mesquite-grilled steaks deliver a smoky flavor profile you won’t find at many chain restaurants.
Classic ribeyes and New York strips remain menu staples across their Virginia locations in Lynchburg, Manassas, and Bristol (Roanoke has closed), satisfying carnivores with hearty portions and reasonable prices.
5. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Polished Casual Excellence
Firebirds elevates the chain steakhouse experience with its sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere. The wood-fire grill isn’t just for show – it imparts a distinctive char and flavor to their center-cut filets and aged ribeyes that keeps regulars coming back.
Their Woodbridge and Franconia locations showcase the brand’s commitment to scratch kitchen principles.
The Chile-Rubbed Delmonico deserves special mention, perfectly complemented by their seasonal vegetable sides and crafted cocktail program that rivals standalone bars in quality and creativity.
6. Ted’s Montana Grill: Bison Steaks in Northern Virginia
Ted’s Montana Grill brings something unique to Northern Virginia’s steakhouse scene – bison. Their Alexandria and Arlington locations maintain the brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability while serving up tender, flavorful cuts you won’t find everywhere.
The restaurant’s warm, turn-of-the-century inspired decor creates a welcoming atmosphere for enjoying their hand-cut steaks.
Whether you opt for traditional beef or venture into bison territory, their classic sides like squash casserole and salt-and-pepper onion rings round out a satisfying meal worth the slightly premium price point.
7. Ponderosa/Bonanza Steakhouse: Buffet Nostalgia Lives On
The Lebanon, Virginia Bonanza Steakhouse stands as a testament to steakhouse history, maintaining the buffet-plus-steak format that was once ubiquitous across America. There’s something charmingly retro about selecting your sirloin, then hitting the expansive buffet for sides.
My grandparents first took me here when I was eight, and the format hasn’t changed much since. Family gatherings still happen around their tables, with budget-friendly steaks accompanied by comfort food classics from the hot bar.
Their dessert section, featuring puddings and soft-serve ice cream, completes the nostalgic experience.
8. Byrd & Baldwin Bros. Steakhouse: Historic Norfolk Gem
Housed in a meticulously restored 1906 building, Byrd & Baldwin Bros. represents Norfolk’s premier steakhouse experience. The moment you step inside, the rich mahogany paneling and white tablecloths signal this isn’t your average meat-and-potatoes joint.
Their dry-aged prime cuts achieve a flavor intensity chain restaurants simply can’t match. Norfolk locals speak in hushed tones about their perfectly executed tableside martini service and knowledgeable staff who can guide you through their impressive wine collection.
For special occasions, nothing in downtown Norfolk compares to their bone-in ribeye experience.
9. Aberdeen Barn: Charlottesville’s Timeless Steakhouse Icon
Since 1965, Aberdeen Barn has served as Charlottesville’s answer to the question: “Where should we celebrate tonight?” The dimly lit interior with its distinctive red leather booths has hosted countless UVA graduation dinners and anniversary celebrations.
The signature salad bar remains a beloved starting point before diving into their perfectly prepared certified-quality steaks. My parents celebrated their 25th anniversary here, insisting nothing had changed since their first date at the same table.
Their loaded baked potatoes arrive wrapped in foil, keeping them piping hot throughout your leisurely dining experience.
10. Schlesinger’s Steaks: Newport News’ Premier Chophouse
The clubby atmosphere at Schlesinger’s in Port Warwick sets the stage for what many Peninsula residents consider the area’s finest steakhouse experience. Their cowboy-cut ribeye arrives with a spectacular presentation that matches its flavor profile.
The restaurant’s warm woods and leather seating create an environment where business deals and milestone celebrations happen naturally. Newport News locals particularly praise their attentive but never intrusive service style.
The wine selection impresses even the most discerning oenophiles, with perfect pairings suggested for their porterhouse and filet mignon offerings.
11. River Stone Chophouse: Suffolk’s Hidden Treasure
Suffolk’s Harbour View area might seem an unlikely location for a standout steakhouse, but River Stone Chophouse defies expectations.
Their in-house aging program for Hereford beef results in steaks with complexity and tenderness that rival any in Hampton Roads.
The lounge has developed its own following, with locals treating it as a second living room for enjoying their curated bourbon selection. Raw bar offerings provide perfect starters, with fresh oysters complementing their robust meat program.
Their seasonal vegetable preparations elevate side dishes from afterthought to essential components of a memorable meal.
12. Buckhead’s Chop House: Richmond Tradition Since 1994
Richmond’s West End has seen restaurants come and go, but Buckhead’s has maintained its sterling reputation for nearly three decades. Their Braveheart beef program sources exceptional cuts that their skilled kitchen team prepares with surgical precision.
Wine enthusiasts marvel at their 700+ bottle collection, carefully curated to complement their steaks. The understated elegance of the dining room makes it a favorite for both business dinners and romantic evenings.
Their tableside preparations add theatrical flair to the dining experience, with bananas foster creating a dramatic finish to meals that begin with their signature crab cakes.
13. Oak Steakhouse: Modern Elegance in Old Town Alexandria
Oak Steakhouse brings contemporary flair to the classic steakhouse formula in its stunning Old Town North Alexandria location. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light during day service, while evening transforms the atmosphere into something more intimate and sophisticated.
Their Prime Certified Angus Beef program forms the foundation of their menu, with seasonal sides showcasing local Virginia produce when possible. Regulars rave about their bone marrow bread pudding – a rich, indulgent side that pairs perfectly with their expertly prepared ribeyes and strips.
Their sommelier-selected wine program focuses on small producers with unique stories.
14. The Butcher’s Son: Virginia Beach’s Bold Steakhouse Innovation
The Butcher’s Son brings theatrical presentation to Virginia Beach’s Hilltop area, with steaks that make an entrance before they make an impression on your palate. Their signature thick-cut ribeyes arrive at the table with dramatic flair that matches their intense flavor profiles.
The bar scene pulses with energy on weekends, attracting a see-and-be-seen crowd drawn to their creative cocktail program.
Last summer, I watched a server deliver their famous 32-ounce tomahawk to a neighboring table – the collective gasp from nearby diners was audible.
Their shareable apps make this a perfect spot for groups wanting to sample multiple menu highlights.