When you’re in Texas, you eat as the Texans do. While that often means hunting down the best taco shops or BBQ joints in the area, sometimes special occasions call for special dinners. Finding the perfect steakhouse can be intimidating, so I wrote this to share some of my favorite places to find the perfect steak in the Dallas-Ft Worth metroplex.
If you are new to the DFW steakhouse scene (or are just passing through as a visitor), you can expect most establishments to have a posted dress code. “Business casual” is the general term you will see required by most steakhouses, though I have found enforcement to be rather lax in my experience (children especially). I think a visit to a steakhouse is a special occasion, so I always recommend being presentable; just because you may be seated in a t-shirt & jeans doesn’t mean you should.
Nick & Sam’s
Uptown Dallas
This trendy steakhouse is the place to be seen in Uptown Dallas. Nick & Sam’s exudes lavishness from the moment you step through its doors.
The dimly lit entrance & bar area opens up into a packed dining room that features tables & booths along with a piano in the corner. The staff presents various raw cuts of meat as part of a tableside steak show so patrons can see exactly what they’re ordering beforehand.
Beyond the traditional steak cuts, the menu features an impressive sushi menu & a number of by-the-ounce wagyu cuts sourced from around the world.
You can expect an over-the-top dining experience at Nick & Sam’s that features Instagram-worthy desserts like sparkler-covered unicorn cake or stormcloud cotton candy.
Al Biernat’s
multiple locations
If you’re looking for a timeless experience with top-notch service, Al Biernat’s is hard to beat. This Dallas staple first opened its doors in the nineties and has built a loyal following over the years.
The menu has something for everyone (and the seafood options are fantastic), but the filet mignon & prime ribeye are impeccable. The wine list at Al Biernat’s is solid, and you can’t go wrong with the mushroom risotto for your side.
While I haven’t been to Al Biernat’s North location, the original Oak Lawn establishment can feel crowded during peak hours. Unless you score a booth on the edge of the dining room, you should prepare for a rather loud evening.
Bob’s Steak & Chop House
multiple locations
Bob’s has been a staple in the DFW scene since 1993. They have enjoyed success over the years & expanded to multiple locations across the country (including 4 in the DFW area), but the original Oak Lawn steakhouse still stands strong.
Bob’s offers the quintessential steakhouse experience: dark wood paneling & classic cuts of steak greet you as soon as you walk through the door. The prime ribeye & bone-in Kansas City strip are my favorite options on the menu, and the seafood lovers will love the rich crab cakes.
I have always found Bob’s staff to be kind & knowledgeable, and the service is impeccable. First-time diners should know that the complimentary sides that come with most entrees (including Bob’s famous glazed carrot) is enough to satisfy most appetites.
Winewood Grill
Grapevine
If stuffy steakhouses aren’t your cup of tea, Winewood Grill offers a more casual take on the modern steakhouse at their Grapevine location.
The service here is top-notch with a personable & knowledgeable staff. The dining room isn’t as crowded as some of their competitors, and the open kitchen makes the place feel bigger than it is. There are also a couple private dining rooms along with a covered patio.
Winewood prides themself in offering fantastic seafood options to match their excellent steak cuts. I quite enjoy their New Zealand rack of lamb, but the surf-and-turf specialties are the highlight of a Winewood experience.
Dino’s Steak & Claw House
Grapevine
Dino’s sits in an old bank building right in the heart of Grapevine’s Main Street. The charming location gives patrons the impression of a timeless steakhouse (even though Dino’s first opened in 2007). Stepping inside will transport you back in time as Dino’s has retained the old-world charm with dark wood paneling & moody lighting.
The menu is simple & straightforward; no exotic cuts of steak here. Dino’s NY Strip, which arrives with an Asiago cheese crust on top, is a personal favorite of mine. As the name suggests, there is no shortage of seafood on the menu. I recommend the crab cubes which feature a tangy & rich sauce.
Dakota’s Steakhouse
Downtown Dallas
Legend has it that Dakota’s underground dining room exists because the deed of the land prevented alcohol sales, so the owners built their restaurant two stories below the street to get around that legality.
The subterranean dining area is laden with impressive features like the waterfall wall & black granite bar. If you want to impress people with a unique restaurant, this is the place.
The steak menu features beef sourced from Allen Brothers. The filet mignon is a great option, but Dakota offers Wagyu & dry-aged cuts if you’re willing to spend a bit more.
If you want to experience the underground dining without the hefty bill, check out Dakota’s lunch menu featuring lighter fare like steak frites & various sandwiches.
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