We Tried 28 National Steakhouse Chains, 1 Left Us Speechless

Ever wondered what it’s like to embark on a cross-country quest to taste the best beef America’s chains can grill?

Armed with a bottomless appetite and elastic-waist pants, I set out to try 28 of the nation’s most popular steakhouses.

The journey was delicious, a little absurd, and occasionally life-changing—one spot in particular left me absolutely speechless.

Grab your steak knives and let’s savor every bite of this meaty adventure.

1. Harry’s Grill & Steakhouse

Harry's Grill & Steakhouse
© Wheree

Harry’s is the kind of place where your steak comes with a side of nostalgia. The wood paneling and old-school booths reminded me of Sunday suppers with family when bell-bottoms were cool.

The New York strip was tender enough to cut with a butter knife, which I almost did by accident. Every bite tasted like comfort and the ghost of 1976.

You don’t come here for molecular gastronomy or avant-garde sauces. Harry’s is for anyone who prefers their beef classic, their potatoes mashed, and their dessert flaming (the cherries jubilee nearly set my eyebrows ablaze).

2. Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse
© Denver Insider

Yeehaw, Texas Roadhouse is a rodeo for your senses—and your arteries. The moment you step in, you’re handed a warm roll with cinnamon butter, which counts as a hug in carb form.

Line-dancing servers twirl around tables like steak-bearing tornadoes. I tried to keep up, but my T-bone distracted me with its juicy bravado.

If you’re afraid of flavor, stay far away. Every steak is seasoned like it’s running for office in the state of Spice. Bonus: you’ll leave with half a cow in a to-go box and a newfound appreciation for country music.

3. Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse
© The Business Journals

G’day from the land of boomerangs and Bloomin’ Onions! Outback greets you with a wallaby-sized welcome and a menu that takes no prisoners.

The Victoria’s Filet here is tender, juicy, and practically hops onto your fork. Don’t even get me started on the Bloomin’ Onion—crispy, golden, and more addictive than reality TV.

This place isn’t subtle with flavors or portions. If you’re looking to wrestle a steak like a true Aussie, Outback is your outpost. I left saying, “Crikey, mate!”—and I don’t even have an accent.

4. LongHorn Steakhouse

LongHorn Steakhouse
© Tripadvisor

Ever seen a steakhouse that could double as a cowboy saloon? LongHorn’s got the boots, the horns, and the beef to match.

The Flo’s Filet was so tender, I suspect it attended finishing school. Sides like loaded potatoes and crispy Brussels sprouts had me singing a country ballad in my seat.

Service is fast, friendly, and borderline psychic—my water glass never dipped below half full. If you want hearty flavors and Western flair, saddle up and hit LongHorn.

5. The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille
© glutenfreedtx

Opulence, thy name is Capital Grille. Walking in feels like being cast as the mysterious billionaire in a spy movie—minus the secret identity.

The dry-aged steak was so flavorful I briefly considered proposing to it. Sides are just as refined, particularly the truffle fries that basically winked at me.

Here, service is an art form and the wine list reads like a novel. Even the napkins are starched with confidence. Treat yourself if you want to feel like steak royalty for a night.

6. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Ruth's Chris Steak House
© OpenTable

When your steak arrives sizzling so loudly you can hear it over the jazz, you know you’re at Ruth’s Chris. The aroma alone deserves its own Yelp review.

I ordered the classic ribeye—each bite is like a fireworks display on your palate, thanks to their signature butter finish. It’s steak, but with a little extra swagger.

The elegance is matched only by the attentive staff, who glide through the dining room like culinary ninjas. Ruth’s Chris is pure, unadulterated steak joy, best enjoyed with a glass of red and a white tablecloth.

7. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
© Plano Magazine

Modern, sleek, and a tad mysterious—Fleming’s is the Bond villain’s lair of steakhouses. The wine wall alone is worth a pilgrimage.

My filet was expertly cooked and topped with a peppercorn sauce that made my taste buds salute. Every element was balanced, clever, and just a bit daring.

Fleming’s isn’t for the bashful. Order something bold, pick an adventurous wine, and soak in the ambiance. Dangerously good, with an air of refined mischief.

8. Black Angus Steakhouse

Black Angus Steakhouse
© Rockin Mama™

Black Angus is the steakhouse equivalent of a trusty old pickup—rugged, reliable, and built to last. I felt like a ranch hand on my lunch break.

The Campfire Feast lived up to its name—smoky, satisfying, and generously portioned. Sides are pure comfort fare, exactly the way Grandma would approve.

Here, the dress code is ‘come hungry, leave happy.’ You won’t find pretentious plating, but you will find a steak cooked just right and a vibe that’s as easygoing as your favorite flannel shirt.

9. Morton’s The Steakhouse

Morton's The Steakhouse
© mortonssteak

Morton’s is the James Bond of steakhouses—dapper, smooth, and packs a punch. The moment I sat down, I half-expected a shaken martini to appear.

The porterhouse was the star of the evening, tender enough to make me reconsider all my life choices before this meal. Even the bread basket whispered luxury.

If you’re ready to channel your inner secret agent (or just want a memorable steak), Morton’s delivers with style, class, and a dash of intrigue.

10. Smith & Wollensky

Smith & Wollensky
© smithwollensky

Smith & Wollensky feels like an old-money club where secrets are traded over rare porterhouse and cabernet. I half-expected to find a monocle in my salad.

The steak is the main character—flavorful, expertly grilled, and always up for a close-up. The sides are like well-cast supporting actors.

Want to impress your date or negotiate a merger? This is your spot. The service? Impeccable, with just enough flair to keep things interesting.

11. Saltgrass Steak House

Saltgrass Steak House
© Tripadvisor

Saltgrass wrangles the spirit of Texas and lassos it onto your plate. Cowboy hats and rope decor make you feel like you’re at a frontier feast.

The Pat’s Ribeye is juicy, bold, and proud of its marbling. Even the salad tastes like it wandered off the prairie.

You won’t leave hungry, and you might just start talking with a Southern twang. Saltgrass is unpretentious, hearty, and every bite is a square dance in your mouth.

12. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
© Say ‘Hey’ San Diego!

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle is where high rollers and steak lovers unite for an epic showdown. The ambiance screams ‘big deal,’ but with a wink.

The bone-in ribeye made me question whether I’d ever truly eaten steak before. It’s indulgent, rich, and pairs perfectly with the truffle mac and cheese.

Service is crisp and confident. If you want a taste of the high life, Double Eagle is ready to roll out the red carpet.

13. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
© Southern Savvy

Perry’s isn’t just about steak—it’s about spectacle. If you’ve never seen a tableside pork chop carving, you haven’t lived.

The steak here is sublime, but the real showstopper is that thick, smoky pork chop. I nearly stood up and applauded.

There’s a hush of sophistication, but the vibe is friendly enough for a relaxed gathering. Perry’s is refined, but ready to party.

14. STK Steakhouse

STK Steakhouse
© Axios

STK is where steak meets nightclub and nobody has to choose between dancing and dinner. The DJ booth actually spins while you chew.

The filet is as Instagrammable as it is delicious, with sauces that could moonlight as cocktails. The crowd is fashionable, loud, and utterly unbothered.

If you want steak with a side of nightlife, STK is your runway. Arrive hungry and with your best party shoes.

15. Chart House

Chart House
© charthouserestaurants

Chart House is the steakhouse for those who like their beef with a side of sea breeze. Floor-to-ceiling windows turn dinner into dinner theater.

I ordered the prime rib and caught myself daydreaming between bites. The seafood options are equally tempting—surf and turf never looked so chic.

Bring a friend who likes sunsets, or just eat alone and pretend you’re in a romance novel. Either way, the view is as memorable as the steak.

16. Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea

Hoss's Family Steak & Sea
© Tripadvisor

Hoss’s nails the nostalgia factor. It’s buffet-style comfort with enough salad bar options to make you forget about vegetables.

The sirloin was straightforward but satisfying, and the dessert station was a throwback to my sugar-crazed childhood days. You’ll probably see at least one birthday party every visit.

Perfect for families or anyone who wants to eat steak in stretchy pants. Hoss’s is the sweatpants of steakhouses—and I mean that lovingly.

17. Fogo de Chão

Fogo de Chão
© The Columbus Foodletter – Substack

Fogo de Chão is a protein-powered carnival where the meat keeps coming until you wave the white napkin of surrender. Gaucho servers parade around with skewers like meat superheroes.

Every cut is juicy and seasoned just right. The salad bar? A treasure trove of colors and flavors.

I lost count of how many types of steak I tried, but left with a deep respect for Brazilian hospitality—and a newfound appreciation for stretchy jeans.

18. Benihana

Benihana
© benihana_id

Benihana takes dinner and turns it into a front-row seat at a culinary magic show. The chef’s flying spatula routine had me cheering like a kid at a circus.

The hibachi steak is seared to perfection right in front of you, with bonus acrobatics and a side of fried rice. Even the onions get a starring role.

It’s not just food—it’s prime-time entertainment. Bring a group and prepare to be dazzled (and very, very full).

19. Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse
© Yelp

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse combines cowboy swagger with Brazilian hospitality. Imagine a meat rodeo with gauchos instead of bulls.

The picanha was so juicy it could’ve lassoed me in. Servers swoop by with endless skewers, each bite bolder than the last.

You’ll leave with a full belly and a newfound desire to buy a cowboy hat. It’s a carnivore’s paradise—boots optional, appetite required.

20. Mastro’s Steakhouse

Mastro's Steakhouse
© OpenTable

Mastro’s delivers luxury with a high-decibel twist—think Sinatra, but with more butter. Live piano music provides the vibe for your filet and lobster duet.

The steak is decadent, the seafood sides lavish. The butter cake for dessert deserves its own standing ovation.

If you want to impress, celebrate, or just eat like a rock star, Mastro’s is ready to set the stage. Bring your appetite—and maybe earplugs for the piano.

21. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
© Tripadvisor

Hyde Park Prime is where business meets pleasure—perfect for closing deals or celebrating touchdowns. The mahogany interior means serious steak business.

My filet was cooked so precisely, it could’ve passed a geometry test. Sides like creamed spinach and garlic mashed potatoes rounded out the meal with aplomb.

It’s refined without being stuffy. You’ll walk out feeling like you could run for mayor—or at least host a board meeting.

22. Alien Grill & Steakhouse

Alien Grill & Steakhouse
© Eater Las Vegas

Alien Grill & Steakhouse is out of this world—literally. UFO decor, green neon, and steak that’s anything but extraterrestrial in taste.

The menu features ‘Galactic Ribeye’ and ‘Mars Mashers’—I couldn’t resist the cosmic pun. It’s a blast for families and sci-fi fans alike.

You’ll leave with a full stomach, a photo with a cardboard alien, and an appreciation for steak that’s universal. Beam me up (for seconds).

23. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar
© Tripadvisor

The Keg is Canada’s answer to steak night perfection. The vibe is relaxed, but the kitchen means business.

Prime rib is the star, arriving tender and rosy, with sides that know their supporting role. The bar bustles, offering up classic cocktails with a northern twist.

It’s a go-to spot for celebrations, date nights, or just escaping the cold with a warm plate. O, Canada, you do steak proud.

24. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
© Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Firebirds puts the ‘fire’ in fired grill—literally. You see the flames, you smell the smoke, and you know your steak is getting the VIP treatment.

The Delmonico is rich and smoky, with a flavor that lingers in the best way. Even the veggie sides are grilled to perfection.

The whole place buzzes with warmth, both culinary and atmospheric. Come for the steaks, stay for the sizzle (and maybe dessert).

25. Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse

Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
© Chama Gaucha

Chama Gaucha brings Brazilian flavor with a flair for celebration. Servers in traditional attire circulate with a parade of meats.

The top sirloin was a revelation—succulent, bold, and perfectly seasoned. The salad bar was so fresh, it nearly upstaged the steak.

This is the spot for feasting with friends. You’ll leave with a big smile, a bigger belly, and new respect for Brazilian barbecue.

26. Prime 112

Prime 112
© OpenTable

Prime 112 is Miami’s playground for steak connoisseurs and celebrity-spotters. The energy is electric, the waitlist legendary.

My strip steak was topped with truffle butter—so decadent I almost wore sunglasses at the table. Sides are crafted with flair.

Prime 112 is a people-watching paradise. Bring your appetite and your autograph book—you never know who will be at the next table.

27. Peter Luger Steak House

Peter Luger Steak House
© Being John Curtas —

Peter Luger is the OG of steakhouses—since 1887, they’ve been serving Brooklyn’s finest. The atmosphere is old-school, no-nonsense.

The porterhouse arrives with a fanfare, sliced tableside by staff who have steak in their DNA. The creamed spinach deserves a medal.

Don’t expect frills, expect flavor. It’s tradition on a plate, and every bite tastes like history (with extra salt).

28. Prime Steakhouse

Prime Steakhouse
© gatsby.prime.steakhouse

Prime Steakhouse is what steak dreams are made of—think candlelight, rich reds, and plates that whisper “luxury.” Every meal feels like an occasion.

The filet was cooked to a shade of pink that would make a florist jealous. Even the bread basket arrived like a gift.

Service is impeccable, but never stuffy. If you want steak with a touch of romance, Prime Steakhouse is your reservation.