We Ranked 6 Of Southern Maine’s Best Steakhouses And One Stood Above The Rest

One steakhouse on this list melts blue cheese garlic butter right over the top of its steaks. I read that once and could not stop thinking about it.

Butter and blue cheese, together, on beef? Somebody deserves a medal. The surprises keep coming. One spot cooks over wood fire with an Argentinian spirit. Another turns its milkshakes into giant, shareable desserts made with artisan gelato.

Southern Maine is famous for lobster, so a steak hunt here feels a little rebellious. I love that. The range runs from upscale dining rooms to family-friendly roadhouses with Texas flair.

So which one earned the top spot? The winner sits at the very top, and it’s been a surf ‘n’ turf standby for a long time. The rest still deserve your dinner plans. I ranked them for you, so let’s find out which one deserves your next special night out.

1. The Steakhouse

The Steakhouse
© The Steakhouse

A restaurant brave enough to call itself simply The Steakhouse had better back it up. Good news, it does, and that’s why it lands at number one.

You’ll find this longtime surf ‘n’ turf standby on Post Road in Wells. Its focus is traditional steak dinners with sides included, so you won’t need to build a plate piece by piece.

Now, about that blue cheese garlic butter. It comes melted on top of the steaks, and it pairs nicely with crab cakes too.

The beef is hand-cut and cooked under a broiler. You can go big with a 7 oz filet mignon or a 10 oz ribeye.

A petite filet mignon is there for lighter appetites.

Not in a steak mood? The menu stretches into seafood, chicken, veal, pasta, and combo feasts.

Lobster stew and seafood pie give the Maine coast its moment.

The Steakhouse Shepherds Pie is a clever twist worth knowing about. It mixes ground steak, mushroom gravy, corn, and onions under whipped au gratin house potato.

Starters include baked stuffed mushrooms with shrimp and crabmeat stuffing. French onion soup and onion rings are also on the lineup.

Here’s your practical tip. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, and there’s usually a wait, especially Friday evenings and Saturdays.

It’s closed Sundays and Mondays, so plan around that.

Address: 1205 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090

2. The Lost Fire

The Lost Fire
© The Lost Fire

Grandmothers teach all kinds of useful things. At this Kennebunkport grill, a grandmother taught the chef the art of char-grilling, and the menu shows it.

The Lost Fire Patagonian Grill is an upscale Argentinian-style steakhouse. The chef grew up in Argentina and cooks with wood fire, which gives the place its whole personality.

You’ll want to look at the Long Short Rib first. It’s a long bone, center-cut black Angus short rib, and it sounds like a meal with real ambition.

Wood-fired steaks fill out the rest of the lineup. Options include filet mignon, skirt steak, rib eye, and porterhouse.

Appetizers lean authentic, with beef empanadas and grilled provolone. Grilled ground lamb kebab with garlic is another fun pick if you like trying new things.

The dining room mixes distressed and reclaimed wood with copper, tin, cast iron, and crystal. From the bar, you can see the kitchen flames, so grab a seat there for dinner and a show.

Planning a bigger celebration? The Lighthouse Room offers private dining with views of Cape Porpoise.

There’s also a fireplace, which makes chilly coastal nights a lot friendlier.

For dessert, Italian walnut gelato and bread pudding both make strong cases. Garlic mashed potatoes are a worthy side, and a full vegetarian menu is available too.

Reservations are recommended for dinner. The restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so aim for later in the week.

Address: 62 Mills Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

3. Chophouse Grille Ogunquit

Chophouse Grille Ogunquit
© Chophouse Grille Ogunquit

Most steakhouses end the meal with cheesecake. This Ogunquit spot ends it with an Epic Shake big enough to share, and honestly, that’s a power move.

Chophouse Grille sits at 50 Shore Road, right in the heart of town. The menu calls itself elevated comfort food, with bold flavors and house-made favorites.

Hand-cut steaks lead the way. Fresh seafood and craft burgers round out the menu, so mixed groups won’t have to argue.

Speaking of burgers, the Chophouse burger is a serious contender. It comes topped with cremini mushrooms, truffle aioli, Swiss cheese, and the house steakhouse sauce.

That steakhouse sauce matters. It’s a clue that this kitchen takes its steak game personally, even when the beef comes on a bun.

Then there are the shakes. They’re made with artisan gelato from Caffè Prego, a local name, and they’re described as indulgent and over-the-top.

Split one, unless you’re feeling heroic.

Timing helps here, so check the schedule. The grille is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and it opens at 5 PM on most other days.

Weekends are friendlier for daytime cravings. Saturday and Sunday service starts at 11:30 AM, which means lunch is on the table.

Ogunquit gets plenty of beach visitors in summer. A hearty steak dinner here also sounds like a smart plan for a quieter winter night along the coast.

There’s a free parking lot on site, which is a small gift in a busy beach town. Takeout is available too.

Address: 50 Shore Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907

4. Rustlers Steak House

Rustlers Steak House
© Rustlers Steak House

With a name like Rustlers, you half expect cowboys at the door. In Windham, you get something even better, a family-friendly steakhouse with a neighborhood feel.

This spot serves a range of steaks and seafood, and it’s the kind of place you can visit for lunch or dinner. Doors open at 11 AM on most days.

Start with the steak tips, the menu’s clear crowd favorite. They come smothered in onions and mushrooms with a sweet glaze, which sounds like comfort food at its best.

Craving a bigger cut? The Delmonico steak is on the menu for anyone who wants a classic steak experience.

Seafood fans won’t feel left out. Bacon-wrapped scallops and baked scallops both show up, giving you a little taste of the Maine coast inland.

The menu also wanders into cozy territory with a turkey dinner, a French dip, and onion soup. Nachos and sweet potato fries work well for sharing.

Here’s a nice surprise for budget planners. Rustlers is one of the more affordable picks on this list, so a family steak night won’t feel scary.

Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu. Sports fans will also find it a good spot to catch a game.

Unlike several places on this list, Rustlers accepts reservations. That’s handy on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, the busiest times.

Just skip Tuesdays, when it’s closed.

Address: 61 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062

5. Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse
© Texas Roadhouse

Texas is about 2,000 miles from Scarborough. Somehow, this lively chain steakhouse brings the Lone Star State right up to southern Maine anyway.

You’ll spot Texas-themed decor and American food with a Southwestern spin. The mood is casual, upbeat, and made for groups.

The Ft. Worth Ribeye is a natural place to start.

Tender ribeye with garlic mashed potatoes is a pairing this location is known for.

Prime rib is also on the menu, for anyone who likes their beef slow and classic. Country fried steak arrives in big portions, so come ready to share or pack leftovers.

The sides deserve attention too. Buttered corn, steamed broccoli, cheese fries, and a house salad give you plenty of choices.

Want something bold before the steak? Fried pickles and Texas Red Chili both add a little Southern attitude to your table.

Families will feel right at home. High chairs, changing tables, and a kids’ menu make outings with little ones easier.

Reservations aren’t accepted, and there’s usually a wait. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings are the busiest, so earlier visits can save time.

Curbside pickup helps if you’d rather eat at home. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area, which is a nice bonus for pet owners.

Hours run late too, until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. That’s helpful when a steak craving shows up after a movie or shopping trip.

Address: 600 Gallery Blvd, Scarborough, ME 04074

6. LongHorn Steakhouse

LongHorn Steakhouse
© LongHorn Steakhouse

Shopping bags in one hand, steak knife in the other. That’s the easy combo you get at this ranch-style steakhouse right on Maine Mall Road.

LongHorn Steakhouse is a casual chain known for grilled beef and other American dishes. Inside, the Western theme comes with comfy booths and country music.

The Outlaw Ribeye with asparagus is the big headliner. Sirloin fans also have reason to cheer, since this location earns praise for affordable sirloin steaks.

Don’t overlook the baked potatoes. They’re generous and hot, with fluffy insides and crunchy outsides, which is exactly how a baked potato should behave.

Wild West Shrimp makes a fun starter. Half-rack baby back ribs and French onion soup give you more paths to a full belly.

Got a sweet tooth? The Molten Lava Cake is a chocolate finale that’s hard to argue with.

The location works well for lunch too, since it opens at 11 AM every day. Late hours on weekends make it a reliable backup plan.

Families are covered with a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. Free Wi-Fi is available if someone in your group needs to stay connected.

LongHorn doesn’t take reservations, and waits are common. Friday evenings and Saturdays fill up fastest, so curbside pickup is a handy option.

It’s a solid, wallet-friendly way to end a busy day in Maine. Sometimes the best steak is the one that’s right next to the mall.

Address: 300 Maine Mall Rd, South Portland, ME 04106