For true steak lovers, sometimes the best cuts aren’t found at the well-known steakhouses but in lesser-known spots that deliver exceptional quality and experience. Whether you’re planning a steak pilgrimage or looking for a hidden gem on your next road trip, here are ten steakhouses off the beaten path that serve some of the best steaks in America.
Prime + Proper – Detroit, Michigan
Nestled in Detroit’s Capitol Park Loft building, Prime + Proper offers a blend of modern luxury and historic charm. With Himalayan rock salt walls and an onsite dry-aging room, this spot is dedicated to high-quality meats sourced from small farms across the U.S. Their menu features Butcher’s Select cuts, making it a haven for steak connoisseurs looking for perfectly aged beef.
Herbs & Rye – Las Vegas, Nevada
Often overshadowed by the more famous steakhouses on the Strip, Herbs & Rye is a hidden gem known for its award-winning cocktail program and a robust steak menu. The restaurant offers seven different cooking styles for its steaks, including a perfectly executed medium-rare. If you’re venturing off the Strip, this spot offers a unique steakhouse experience with a retro, speakeasy vibe.
The Hitching Post II – Buellton, California
Located in California’s wine country, The Hitching Post II specializes in Santa Maria-style barbecue. Steaks like the top sirloin and rib-eye are grilled over red oak, giving them a distinct smoky flavor. The restaurant has been perfecting this style of cooking for decades and offers a taste of California’s lesser-known barbecue tradition.
Jeff Ruby’s Precinct – Cincinnati, Ohio
Housed in a historic police patrol house from 1901, Jeff Ruby’s Precinct is the first of many steakhouses opened by the Jeff Ruby brand. Known for its opulent atmosphere and the tender barrel-cut filet mignon, this Cincinnati institution is a blend of history and culinary excellence that is well worth a visit.
Killen’s Steakhouse – Pearland, Texas
Located just outside Houston, Killen’s is famous for its indulgent, perfectly cooked steaks. The restaurant’s New York Strip Flight features domestic and international Wagyu cuts, while the chicken-fried steak is a local favorite. If you’re in Texas, Killen’s is a must-visit for both traditional and unique takes on steak.
Duane’s Prime Steak & Seafood – Riverside, California
Hidden inside the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Duane’s Prime Steak & Seafood has been serving wet-aged USDA Prime steaks since 1996. With a sophisticated atmosphere and offerings like the châteaubriand for two, this is a romantic destination for steak lovers. Be sure to try their tableside-carved steaks for a memorable dining experience.
Bowdie’s Chophouse – Lansing, Michigan
With just three locations across Michigan, Bowdie’s Chophouse offers a small-town steakhouse feel with big-city quality. Their prime filet mignon and tomahawk ribeye are beloved by locals. It’s a no-nonsense steakhouse focused solely on the meat, making it perfect for those who take their steak seriously.
Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge – Scottsdale, Arizona
This hidden gem inside Scottsdale’s Casino Arizona is easy to miss but offers a solid selection of classic steaks, such as filet mignon and ribeye. With a laid-back atmosphere and consistently high-quality steaks, Cholla Prime is a surprising find in a city known more for its luxury restaurants than its steakhouse scene.
Fire and Smoke Gastropub – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
This farm-to-table gastropub offers more than just steaks. With innovative dishes like five-hour-braised prime short rib and free-range elk chops, Fire and Smoke is redefining what a steakhouse can be. Their cozy, rustic atmosphere and creative menu make this a top pick for adventurous steak lovers.
Bos Taurus – Bend, Oregon
Named after the scientific classification for cattle, Bos Taurus is a boutique steakhouse that offers diverse cuts from across the U.S., including Arizona ranches and Chicago’s famed stockyards. They also feature exotic options like Wagyu beef and a unique selection of sides and accompaniments. It’s a meat-centric experience in the Pacific Northwest you won’t want to miss.
These hidden gems provide a perfect mix of history, unique cuts, and local flavors that make for a truly memorable steak experience. Enjoy your journey and savor the best steaks that America has to offer, one bite at a time.