On my recent trip down to Texas, I’ve had a craving for steak as usual, so I sought out to eat some. It’s just one of those things you do when you visit the Lone Star State. In my almost two decades of living there, I’ve had the opportunity to try a number of different restaurants both casual and fancy and determined that these are my top 5 best steakhouses in Dallas Fort Worth (DFW). So if you ever find yourself visiting and staying in DFW , look for these steakhouses and roadhouses and treat yourself to one hearty and beefy meal.
Top 5 Best Steakhouses in Dallas Fort Worth
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
It’s not a secret that this is my favorite overall steakhouse in Dallas . Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is where I go to celebrate special occasions. It’s also where I take my friends who are visiting town and the restaurant atop of my list to reserve during Restaurant Week. I’ve tried just about every type of steak here and I’ve come to the conclusion that their New York strip is perhaps the best one in the area. Perfectly portioned at 12 to 14. oz., it’s dry aged for at least 20 days and seasoned with just sea salt and pepper. The restaurant also boasts an incredible wine list selection. There are over 1,000 bottles available for sale, with prices ranging from low-40s to thousands of dollars for the limited vintage Bordeaux. Finally, what sets Pappa’s Bros. apart for me is its atmosphere. The oak and mahogany interiors give the place a very elegant yet casual feel so there’s always a good mix of people dining there. Whether you come in wearing your Sunday best or just some jeans and a cowboy boot, you’ll be treated like family.
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
10477 Lombardy Ln., Dallas, TX 75220
Bob’s Steak & Chop House
The first Bob’s Steak & Chop House opened in Dallas over two decades ago and has maintained its reputation as one of the top 5 best steakhouses in Dallas Fort Worth since. The house signature steak is its filet, lightly seasoned with sea salt, cracked pepper and parsley. Bob’s also does vegetables very well. I would suggest their creamed spinach and their whole glazed carrot to compliment the gorgeous three-inch filet on your plate. The original location in Dallas’ Lemmon Ave., has since developed siblings in other parts of the metroplex and despite having different owners, the franchise has managed to maintain consistently high quality food and service.
Bob’s Steak & Chop House
Four locations in DFW: Dallas on Lamar, Dallas on Lemmon, Fort Worth, and Grapevine
Al Biernat’s
This famous Oaklawn steakhouse is the place to see and be seen. Al Biernat’s (pronounced Al “Bernaise,” like the sauce) is the steakhouse of choice for many athletes and dignitaries visiting DFW. It serves a fantastic filet mignon (though I still prefer Bob’s) among others, but in my opinion, their signature steak is their cowboy rib eye, a 24 oz., of prime-cut beef oozing with flavors. The other thing I love about Al Biernat’s is their non-steak options. The Al’s Salad, made with hearts of palm, avocado, shrimp, and crab will make a meal on itself while their seafood selection varies from Chilean sea bass to Bay of Fundy salmon. Al’s is also one of the few fine-dining restaurants in the area that offer happy hour specials. Just note that Al Biernat’s is a very popular restaurant and at its busiest, it gets rather loud. If you prefer a quieter, more subdued atmosphere, my suggestion will be to dine on a weeknight or try Pappa’s Bros. instead.
Al Biernat’s
4217 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, TX 75219
Nick & Sam’s
Among the top 5 best steakhouses in Dallas Fort Worth, Nick & Sam’s was the first of the many fine ones I tried over the years and for a long time, it was my favorite. The slices from the porterhouse steak I ate set the standard for what great steaks should taste like. The meat was tender and juicy and had the right balance of smoky and salty. Nick & Sam’s also set the bar for mac and cheese sides. Their lobster mac and cheese version remain on top of my favorite dishes list for Dallas. Chunks of lobster meat claws are embedded into layers of cheesy macaroni that are topped with Parmesan breadcrumbs. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Finally, the restaurant makes outstanding desserts. Their homemade seven-layer cakes are the best way to end an already fantastic meal.
Nick & Sam’s
3008 Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75201
Texas Roadhouse
Seek out one of the many Texas Roadhouse locations in DFW when you’re craving for good quality steaks without the hefty price tag. Their weekday early-bird special made up of a 6 oz., sirloin with two sides is popular among locals and at just $10 per order, a true bargain. In addition to their hand-cut steaks, Texas Roadhouse is also known for their addicting house rolls and appetizers like rattlesnake bites and cactus blossom.
Multiple locations all around DFW