Here in NYC we have a plethora of some of the finest steakhouses in the world- These are the big 7: (Ranked in order from worst to first) Smith and Wollensky Sparks Palm Dylan Prime Gallagher's Old Homestead And my personal fave Peter Luger's My notes- if you go there- there is no menu so don't ask for one, they only serve 1 type of steak porterhouse, and bring your appetite and lots of cash. Also although their sauce is unreal- do not put it on the meat- save it for the onion rolls and the tomato and onion appetizer with a bit of horseraddish. Also do not go to their second location in Long Island as it does not compare.
On the other end of Eric's NYC scale, there's always Tad's Steaks... Old school steam tables and flame broiled cheap cuts. It ain't Luger's, but it's awesome if you've only got $6 in your pocket and you want to hang with old guys who remember Mantle's rookie year.
Got a Smith and Wollensky here in Chicago that is great, but Luger's in NY is awesome. Another great place, but not necessarily consistent with their quality is Sullivans, but the overall experience is great. Go, get a big thick steak, pick out a good red wine to go with, after dinner go to the bar and grab a highball of your favorite scotch and then find a seat in the cigar lounge a sit back and enjoy a fine cigar...and try the house drink before dinner.
The reason I don't rate S&W is that it is super expensive and the food isn't quite up to the costs. Ever since they expanded nationwide, the quality of their meat has lowered.
Sam & Harry's in DC is the best I've had. Atlanta's best is probably Chops (or the downstairs Lobster Bar for more variety). Unlike some, I've always had a pretty decent experience at Ruth Chris.
See, Chico, I'm a big fan of Morton's first in DC. Then Sam and Harry's. I finally got to Bobby Van's and thought it was excellent as well. But the best I think I've ever been to was the Prime Steakhouse at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
smith and wollensky sucks. plain and simple. we had one open here in columbus about a year ago and i have been on 2 seperate occasions, never liked the meal either time and consider how much was spent...it should have been damn good! in columbus try: top steak house old fashioned place that has been around the columbus scene for a long, long time and still serves up a wonderful steak and some great sides to go along with it. old school goodness...
Gibson's in Chicago is the finest steak, and maybe finest in general, restaurant I've ever been to...
Baker's Cafe in Canton, Ohio. The meat is fresh, won't kill your wallet, but the downside is that it is located in Canton, Ohio.
I loves me some Morton's. Best part is, I've never paid, ever. It's always been with my Thanksgiving family or expensed for work.
Luger's has the best steak in NYC. I'm going there for lunch on Thursday (not eating in - but take out, which they generally frown upon, a steakburger and fries costs @ $7.00 - cheap in comparison to dinner) I'm always curious about Sparks, if for no other reason than it's where John Gotti had Paul Castellano whackedacked. Cite, while not a true steakhouse has a great all you can drink wine meal for a very reasonable price and for teh money, it's my favorite place to go. But Lugers is the best
For what's it's worth Old Homestead has just started selling a $41.00 hamburger. I must check this out. (Edit- It's a Kobe Beefburger)
I went to Morton's for the first time a couple of weeks ago, boy that steak sure is juicy. Very pricey though. I also like Ruth Chris. Locally in CT, I like maneros in Greenwich and Chucks in Darien.
In Philly: 1. Smith and Wollensky 2. Ruth's Chris 3. The Saloon 4. The Prime Rib I went to Angelo and Maxie's in Manhattan after the Metros opener last year, and the steak was outstanding.
It's been almost two years since I was last at S & W, but I would rate it the best in NYC. My favorite at S&W is the Ribeye steak with a side of spinach and a baked potato. During the Christmas season they give away a box with (4) steak knifes to regualr customers. Luger lacks variety and the cash only mentality is prehistoric. Sparks is also very good, and yes, eating there you can't put out of your mind the fact that the boys did in one of there own in front of the restaurant. Richard, don't judge S&W by any locations other than the one in NYC. The Old Homestead is okay. Never really a huge fan of it.
Angelo and Maxies is more of a "fad" steakhouse then a traditional one. The food isn't half bad, but the cache of the place has worn off.