These Are the 5 Best Steakhouses in the U.S. — According to 5 Reasons to Visit® Readers

usatravellatestnew

Oct 22

These are the best steakhouses in the U.S. according to 5 Reasons to Visit® readers

There's something timeless and unapologetically indulgent about the American steakhouse. These bastions of beef remain a cornerstone of culinary travel, drawing carnivores from across the globe for their masterful dry-aging techniques, historic vibes, and sides that could stand alone as meals. We've zeroed in on five reader-favorite steakhouses that consistently top "best of" polls for their exceptional quality and memorable experiences.

These Are the 5 Best Steakhouses in the U.S. — According to 5 Reasons to Visit® Readers — These Are the 5 Best Steakhouses in the U.S. According to 5 Reasons to Visit® Readers

These aren't just places to eat—they're destinations that blend gastronomy with local lore, making them perfect excuses for a cross-country road trip. These five steakhouses aren't just about the meat—they're gateways to America's diverse soul, from urban grit to frontier folklore. Pack your stretchy pants, sharpen your knife skills, and hit the road. Your next great story starts with a sizzle.

1. Keens Steakhouse, New York City: Where History Meets Heritage Beef

Situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan since 1885, Keens Steakhouse isn't just a restaurant—it's a living museum of New York's theatrical past. Founded by the Lambs Club, a fraternity of actors and creatives, the walls are adorned with over 90,000 clay churchwarden pipes once smoked by luminaries like J.P. Morgan, Teddy Roosevelt, and Babe Ruth. In 2025, as the city buzzes with post-pandemic energy, Keens remains a reader favorite on Yelp's top lists for its unpretentious yet elegant vibe, where bow-tied servers navigate a labyrinth of dining rooms under gaslight chandeliers.

The star, of course, is the mutton chop—a colossal, herb-crusted saddle of lamb that's more like a double rib chop than anything else, seared to juicy perfection and served family-style. Pair it with the restaurant's signature creamed spinach or a baked potato as big as your fist, washed down with a pour from their 400-strong wine list. But the real reason to visit? It's a portal to old New York glamour amid the skyscrapers. Stroll in after a Broadway matinee, and you'll feel the ghosts of vaudeville stirring as you slice into that heritage cut. Pro tip: Reserve the Pipe Room for a private nod to the past. In a city of fleeting trends, Keens is your anchor for a meal that tastes like legacy.

2. St. Elmo Steak House, Indianapolis: Bold Flavors in the Crossroads of America

Indianapolis might not scream "steak mecca" at first glance, but St. Elmo Steak House, open since 1902, has earned its spot as a perennial top U.S. steakhouse for a reason—it's where Midwestern heartiness meets unyielding intensity. Readers rave about it on platforms like Tasting Table for its clubby atmosphere, where leather booths and dark wood paneling host everyone from politicians to pro athletes. In the fall of 2025, with the Indy 500's echoes still fresh, this spot becomes a pilgrimage for foodies seeking respite from the city's motorsport frenzy.

What sets St. Elmo apart is the shrimp cocktail: six jumbo gulf shrimp plunged into a fiery house cocktail sauce that's equal parts horseradish inferno and sinus-clearing elixir—it's been called "the world's hottest" and has converted skeptics into devotees. Follow it with the USDA Prime bone-in rib-eye, aged 28 days and grilled over an open flame for a crust that's caramelized poetry. Sides like the legendary devilish crab cakes or au gratin potatoes add layers of comfort. Visiting here means tapping into Indiana's under-the-radar charm: Pair your dinner with a pre-meal wander through the nearby Canal Walk, where urban trails wind past murals and breweries. It's proof that the best travel surprises hide in the heartland, delivering a punchy, no-nonsense steak experience that lingers like that sauce's burn.

3. Bern's Steak House, Tampa: A Sensory Overload in Florida's Steak Paradise

Tampa's Bern's Steak House, established in 1947, is less a restaurant and more an immersive adventure—one that's landed it on Robb Report's elite list of America's best for its obsessive attention to detail. As Florida's Gulf Coast draws eco-tourists and sun-seekers, Bern's stands out for readers who crave excess: an on-site cattle pen (yes, really), a 100,000-bottle wine cellar (the largest in the Western Hemisphere), and a dessert room where post-dinner sweets are savored in velvet booths with custom soundtracks. It's a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, all under one gloriously eccentric roof.

The steaks? USDA Prime cuts dry-aged in-house for up to 60 days, resulting in flavors so concentrated they border on umami overload. Try the 14-ounce filet topped with a jumbo lump crab cake and béarnaise foam. Veggie sides like hash browns baked in a cast-iron skillet or fresh asparagus elevate the meal without stealing the show. The journey doesn't end at dinner; tours of the wine cellar reveal vintages from Napoleon's era, and the adjacent Epicurean Hotel offers luxe stays for those extending their Tampa escape. Head here to blend steakhouse indulgence with Florida's vibrant scene—think morning kayaking in mangroves followed by evening opulence. It's a reminder that great travel is about depth, and Bern's delivers layers upon layers.

4. Buckhorn Exchange, Denver: Wild West Roots and Rocky Mountain Highs

Colorado's oldest restaurant, the Buckhorn Exchange in Denver, opened its doors in 1893 and holds the rare honor of being a National Historic Landmark—making it a must-visit for history buffs and steak purists alike. Topping Tasting Table's reader-voted lists in 2025, it's beloved for channeling the rugged spirit of the Old West, with taxidermy mounts, antique firearms, and a dining room that's hosted presidents from Teddy Roosevelt to Eisenhower. Amid Denver's booming craft beer scene and mile-high hikes, Buckhorn offers a grounding ritual: massive, shareable steaks carved tableside to preserve every drop of juice.

Opt for the 22-ounce buffalo rib-eye, sourced sustainably from local ranches—it's leaner than beef but packs a gamey punch that's quintessentially Rocky Mountain. Or go classic with the prime New York strip, accompanied by Rocky Mountain oysters (if you're brave) and Jake's Crawly Bake, a cheesy casserole of crawfish and mushrooms. The vibe is rowdy yet refined, with live bluegrass on weekends and a 130-whiskey bar to toast your adventures. Time your visit for fall foliage drives through the nearby Rockies, then unwind here—it's travel as time travel, where a meal evokes buffalo hunts and gold rushes. In a world of fast-casual everything, Buckhorn's deliberate pace is a breath of fresh, high-altitude air.

5. CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Las Vegas: Vegas Excess Meets Michelin-Level Precision

On the glittering Strip, CUT by Wolfgang Puck at the Palazzo Resort in Las Vegas has redefined the steakhouse as high-roller theater, earning chef endorsements and spots on Eat This Not That's 2025 favorites for its seamless fusion of California cool and Vegas bombast. Opened in 2008, it's a reader magnet for its sleek design—think onyx tables, backlit wine walls, and a patio overlooking the fountains—perfect for those chasing the city's neon pulse without the kitsch.

Puck's touch shines in the Japanese Wagyu striploin, buttery-tender and marbled like fine art, or the dry-aged tomahawk rib-eye for two, presented with theatrical flair. Sides such as truffled fries or heirloom tomato salad cut through the richness, while the cocktail list innovates with smoked old fashioneds. What makes CUT a travel essential? It's the ultimate Vegas chaser: Slot in after a Cirque du Soleil show or poolside lounging, where the meal feels like an extension of the spectacle. With easy access to the High Roller observation wheel or Bellagio galleries, it's steak as entertainment. In Sin City's ever-evolving landscape, CUT proves that indulgence, when executed flawlessly, is worth every sinful bite.

Advertiser disclosure + editorial note