Celebrating a raise, an anniversary, or making a big impression, the way to get wined and dined in Dallas always leads to steak. There’s a lot of ’em, here are 5 not to miss!
When people come to Dallas one of the first questions they always ask is “where do I get a good steak?”
Followed by “where do I get a good margarita?” and “Where do I get good Mexican food (which of course leads to a big discussion on the difference between Mexican food and Tex-Mex.)
But a good steakhouse? We have tons of them to choose from.
And while many of them will get you a good steak, potato and salad, the distinction of a good steakhouse has a lot more to do with how good is the steak and even more so, how good is the service.
Funny enough, no matter when the economy is up or down, studies show, we still eat steak here in Dallas no matter what.
(Remember, “beef, it’s what’s for dinner.)
One other factor is how dressed you wanna get. Some of these you can get away in with a nice pair of jeans and collared shirt. However, a few of these you’ll need to throw out a little extra effort. And while you’re getting things out, make sure to make allocations for your budget because you’ll be paying some moolah to eat that steak. Thankfully, you can’t miss which ever one you choose. They’re all that good.
Besides, isn’t that part of the fun?
5 Best Dallas Steakhouses
Al Biernat’s
4217 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
You know that moment in the movies where the rich guy is called by name immediately when he walks into a restaurant and they place them in his “table?” That’s how everyone feels at Al Biernat’s. Anyone and everyone has been here and not necessarily for the steak, either. But the service is impeccable in a sophisticated, laid-back way that doesn’t seemed pushed and just at the right time. They have a way to make you feel like a celebrity (that’s because a lot of them also frequent the spot), but more so because you always feel special even on the busiest of Friday nights. A local legend within itself, don’t miss a chance to eat at (and possibly meet) Al Biernat.
Don’t worry, you’ll know him when you see him as he walks around to say hello and remember that your anniversary is coming up (even when you forgot.)
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
10477 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, TX 75220
When people talk about having “that’ experience of having a staff watch your every move and anticipate your every need (even if you didn’t know you needed it), that’s Pappas Bros. Looking to make that big impression that you’ve hit the big time and can spring for the $200+ bottles of vino? That’s Pappas Bros. This menu is everything you expect it to be with shrimp cocktail, filet mignons and one of Dallas’ few food finds for foie gras. But don’t fill up on the first, second or even fourth course. With a beyond dessert menu, you at least need to make room for a bite (or four.)
III Forks
17776 Dallas Parkway Dallas, Texas 75287
When you see that moment a guy gets on his knee to ask a gal to marry him in an uber romantic eatery that’s exactly what it looks like when walk into III Forks. Except that small, exclusive restaurant is actually 14 different beautiful dining rooms within the 25,000 sq. ft. building. More than 900 people can be in dining at one time, but you’ll never feel like there’s more than you and your dining partner. Recipient of several Wine Spectator awards and any more, you can enjoy that Texas steak with a twist of French cuisine that makes it an unforgettable dinner experience.
Chamberlain’s Steak & Chop House
5330 Belt Line Rd, Dallas, TX 75254
It’s hard not to be bias about Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House. When Chef Proprietor Richard Chamberlain isn’t saying hello to the everyone in the room at the steak house or grill (his other eatery in Addison), he’s on TV and in the community doing things. He has all the respect of the local chefs (I’ve seen many of them eating here on their day off), sports stars (they love it here) and certainly of the national ones too, appearing several times on Good Morning America and being named One of the Best Steakhouses in the Country by a little publication called Bon Appetit. And the man you see on camera, is the same one that you meet, but if possible, even nicer. He food is impeccable and all of his other chefs are too. Prime Rib is ridiculously good. The bisque is ridiculously good. You can’t go wrong unless you just don’t go. And go to Richard hi when you’re there.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
N. The Legacy Tower, 7250 Dallas Pkwy, Plano, TX 75024
The youngest of the steakhouses on the list to join Dallas’ elite list, Fleming’s gives North Dallas another reason to stay close to home and everyone else to head northbound on Dallas Parkway. When the restaurant opened, everyone in town made the trek and it was well worth the traffic. With a bar scene that’s great for a Tuesday night in your flats or walk in with your fur and pearls and no one will flinch except to gesture hello and make you feel at home. A huge favorite of many guests are the small plates that are just the right portion size and just the right taste with a little bit of steak, seafood and a little bit of Asian flavor to boot. Being the new guy, the interiors are new and upscale and so is the technology with the iPad wine list and a smartphone valet claim.
(Photo Credit: Flemings)
Bob’s Steak & Chop House
Various locations in Dallas, Fort Worth & Grapevine
If you’re looking for going BIG, then Bob’s Steak & Chop House is where you’ll find it. Not only will you get that big piece of meat you’ve always wanted and dreamed of, but the trademark carrot (yes, just one) will get your table talking for hours. Really. But whatever you do, don’t forget to order the mushrooms! If you’re a fun guy (appreciate that little pun), then you’ll love the sides of mushrooms that I’ve made a stop to pick up a few times to just eat as a meal. Mind blowing. The menu is straight-forward, but it’s because why would you have a large menu if you know that things you make are so good that no one is going to order them anyway. Your expected dark room, white tablecloth, big red wine experience, you’ll be surprised when you walk out finally and see that you’ve spent three hours eating…and you’re still talking about how big that carrot was.