I have never been a fan of Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, or the other chains stores. When possiable hit up a family run restaurant.

DC Pelicans should go to Ray's The Steaks in Arlington. Great steaks at a pretty reasonable price. No ambiance though -- white walls, exposed ceiling beams, and it's in a little nondescript storefront.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?node=cityguide/profile&id=1071592

I was taken to a Ruth's Chris once. It was OK, but not as good as the cost would have made you think. I can do as good or better on my grill at home.

If you really like meat, want to eat a ton of it, and aren't afraid of a stiff bill, try I was taken there for a working lunch by one of our sales guys once. Holy crap!! Damn, Damn, Damn good food.

Las Vegas
 

I went to their Las Vegas location near the strip and it was quite good. I would go there again.

+1000 for The Metro Grill.
Scott (and any other Seattle Pelicans) -
If you haven't been already, I highly recommend the place. Best steak in Seattle IMO. It's downtown, 2nd Ave & Marion.

SmileWavy

Been to every steak house in Seattle, sans Mortons, and I prefer Ruth's Chris over all of them. I guess I have no taste. ;)

If I want a more spicy steak, I do prefer El Gauchos in Belltown.

Been there and was excellent but much more variety than most steak houses. This is a "all you can eat" place and well worth trying.

I used to work at a place in Jensen Beach Fl named Peters Steakhouse and it has the best steaks i've ever had. The owner worked at Peter Lugers in Brooklyn for like 20yrs and basically copied it. I waited on tons of famous/sports figures and almost all said it was the best steak they've ever had.

cstreit,

+1. Don't forget Capitol Grill, Smith & Wollensky, Chicago Chop House (touristy), Wild Fire, and the Capitol Grill.

souk,

+1 for you too! I really don't order steaks in a restaurant because I know I can do it better at home. And I have a wine cellar with some tasty reds that have been resting for quite a few years.:D

Ate at RC once many years ago and was not that impressed.

Here in New Joisey the trendy place is, Arthurs in New Brunswick.

Overpriced and underfed.

+3 on The Metropolitan and a much more to my taste of atmosphere there also.

Put me in the Second and Marion bunch as well.

All of these chain steakhouses are clip joints, but I feel a little less clipped at The Metropolitan.

If I had to pick a chain, I'll take the Palm... and the best one is the original at 837 Second in NYC.

Same in DFW area (save Brenners) - Nick & Willies and Three Forks are supposed to be tops. The women there are as well as the wine selection but for 1/4 the price Saltgrass is primo carne!

Been there too, VERy good steaks and very cool that the recomend you buy for the table and have it cooked whole and cut at the table.


Berns is still better though. I can be at Peters in 5 minutes but prefer to drive 3 hours to Berns.

I was hired by a certain chain steak house to analyze their service, ambience, food - everything.

I was NOT impressed. Overpriced.

Lived in Tampa 20 years. Best steak I have eaten anywhere...bring your big wallet though.

Got my reservations for Burns during Sun and Fun in Lakeland, FL mid April. it's not just the steak, it's the entire experience, kitchen tour, wine cellar and dessert room.:D

Ahhhhhh Sun and Fun....you must be a flyer. Fun.

I like Ruth Chris, the service is excellent, the place is nice and quiet, best crab cakes I have had so far, meat is good, etc.

I agree on the comment on Mortons, excellent place as well.

When are you going to be at SNF? Was thinking of trying to make it this year...