The Best Steak in America! Ranking the popular steakhouses.

The Best Steak in America. Ranking the 9 Most Popular Steakhouses in the United States.
Ruth's Chris, Mortons, Outback, Texas Roadhouse, Capital Grille, The Palm, Longhorn, Smith and Wollensky, Flemings!
0:00 Introduction
0:38 Criteria
1:17 Outback Steakhouse
2:28 Texas Roadhouse
3:36 Longhorn Steakhouse
4:50 Mid-range vs. Fine Dining
5:28 Smith & Wollensky
6:39 Morton's Steakhouse
8:14 Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
9:47 The Palm Restaurant
11:33 Ruth's Chris Steak House
13:33 The Capital Grille
15:35 Final Thoughts
In my pursuit of the ultimate steak experience, I embarked on a flavorful odyssey across nine of America's most renowned steakhouses. With a hearty appetite and a discerning palate, I set out to uncover the best steak that this culinary landscape had to offer. From bustling chains to upscale dining establishments, each venue promised a unique interpretation of the perfect cut of meat.
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE: A stalwart of Australian-themed dining with over 300 locations nationwide. Steak was OK at best.
TEXAS ROADHOUSE: A beloved haunt known for its lively atmosphere and generous portions. Though lacking in refinement, this place exudes a rustic charm. Steak was decent... and "OH YES" those hot rolls are amazing!
LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE: Boasting over 550 locations across the United States featured a 9-ounce filet, bathed in rich butter... winner of the "mid-range" steakhouses.
SMITH & WOLLENSKY'S: Timeless elegance and romantic ambiance. White linen tablecloths and excellent service for all. Though my steak was slightly undercooked, it retained its rich flavor and tender texture.
MORTON'S with its storied history and art deco styling, exuded an air of sophistication and refinement. My filet Oscar, adorned with succulent crab and decadent béarnaise sauce, offered a symphony of flavors that danced upon my palate. Despite its hefty price tag, Morton's delivered an unforgettable dining experience that transcended mere sustenance.
FLEMINGS STEAK HOUSE, King of the side-dishes features a tantalizing array choices - I marveled at the creative flair that infused each appetizer and side dish with a burst of flavor. The steak, bathed in savory butter and cooked to near perfection, offered a tantalizing glimpse into the artistry of culinary craftsmanship. Paired with a decadent chocolate lava cake, it was a feast for the senses that left me longing for more. If the meal were always this good, it would rank higher. Consistency is the key!
THE PALM STEAKHOUSE, with its vibrant atmosphere and timeless charm, offered a welcome departure from the ordinary. This is a velvety filet mignon, I was struck by its unparalleled tenderness and succulent flavor. Despite its humble presentation, The Palm's steak exuded a sense of culinary mastery that left me utterly captivated. Paired with a slice of key lime pie, it was a culinary experience that transcended mere sustenance, leaving me yearning for more.
RUTH'S CHRIS, a longtime favorite among steak enthusiasts, beckoned with promises of unparalleled flavor and impeccable service. As I savored each mouthful of the buttery and sizzling steak, I was struck by its rich flavor and succulent texture. Paired with a crisp wedge salad and buttery mashed potatoes, it was a feast fit for royalty, evoking memories of fine dining experiences past. Though Ruth's Chris fell slightly short of the top spot, it left an indelible mark on my journey.
THE CAPITAL GRILLE, with its refined ambiance and excellent cuisine, The Capital Grille emerged narrowly as the champion in my quest for the Best Steak in America. As I savored each velvety bite of the 6-ounce filet, I was struck by its unparalleled tenderness and succulent flavor. Paired with a crisp salad and decadent blue cheese dressing, it was a culinary masterpiece that left me utterly captivated. Visit for lunchtime to capture deliciousness at an affordable price!

[@user-ju1qr1wk6i]

Great video. I have never been fond of Ruth’s Chris. I like Longhorn on a regular basis. I have liked Morton’s best many years ago while also going to Palm, Smith and Wollenski, Del Franco, and Sparks. But when I tried Capital Grille, I was bowled over. DEFINITELY THE BEST PREMIUM STEAKHOUSE.

[@bored7743]

You did such an amazing job with this video. So informative and professional. I'll have to check out Capital Grille sometime for sure.

[@bradball]

Thanks for watching. Enjoy yourself a delicious steak!

[@rrroush2313]

Since the pandemic I’ve notice the quality of the restaurant experience significantly decline at the same time prices have increased. I’ve tried Capital Grill in Houston and can confirm it is an impressive experience. Still my favorite steak experience was in Patagonia. The beef there is amazing and the prices can’t be beat! Filet was a good choice for judging apples to apples. You get significant differences I. Prime beef on NY strip and Ribeyes.

[@bradball]

Thanks for your comment. Generally speaking, I have noticed an increase in price almost everywhere. I will say, the experience and service at virtually all of these restaurants that I reviewed was exceptional - I think the high-end places have done well with their service. I have noticed some "short-cuts" from some mid-tier and lower-end restaurants in recent months. One of the best steaks I have ever had was in an Argentinian restaurant several years ago. They definetely know a thing or two about steaks!

[@BartMan59]

Thanks fir sharing your dining experiences. Throughout your video, you focused on the filet mignon being cooked and lathered in butter and balsamic vinegar. However, throughout all those steaks, I did not hear you mention/critique the beefy taste flavor. To me, the beefy flavor is a major variable worth critiquing.

[@NewEra0G]

Morton's is my standard for how I want my cooked steaks to taste!!

[@bradball]

@@NewEra0G they make a pretty great steak!

[@tonyavila2517]

ENJOYED YOUR FANTASTIC VIDEO,NICE WAY OF FAIR ASSESMENTS . FROM ALAMO,TX ..I HAVE SUBSCRIBED.

[@Tibby1]

Prime and Provisions in Downtown Chicago. Had a steak in there a few years back and was awesome!!

[@robertjason6885]

Nicely done!

[@bradball]

Thanks!

[@JOHNDOEX11]

Im a truck driver and I've been to every state and tried steaks at a plethora of locations. The quality of meat is different based on location and what cattle ranch it comes from. My top three states are New York, Wyoming and Nebraska. Honorable mention, " Utah". My favorite commercial steak with the best consistency across the board was Long Horn. A lot of people think the best steaks should come out of Texas but in my opinion their cattle aren't as healthy as the others and the meat actually has a low beefy flavor. . My opinion.

[@bradball]

You bring up some good points. Thanks for your comment.

[@karimanning9232]

Texas RH was started in Indiana, and is based in Louisville KY

[@Kell4088]

I’ve been to ALL of these places. Rankings are fairly similar to my thoughts, except I would put Capital Grille fourth and add in Del Frisco’s in my Top Spot!

[@mariojohnson4695]

For a value midrange steakhouse I like Longhorn, for high end steak I love Capital Grille, I’ve never been to Ruth’s , Morton’s, Fleming’s but I plan on going. Now Longhorn, Ruth’s, and Capital Grille are owned by Darden.

[@bradball]

Thanks for your comment… sounds like you’ve got great taste in steaks 🥩 Ruth’s is definitely worth a visit… it’s a pretty close call between Ruth’s and Capital Grill IMHO.

[@GenXican84]

THE SIZZLER!!!!

[@fundip43]

Meat qualities factors 1. meat cut ( ribeye, fliet end cut ) 2. beef marbling score / gradeprime a5 etc 3. doneness ( rare medium ) 4. rendered jelly fat ( slow cooked) 5. crust 6. seasoning 7. herbs / compound butter 8. aging / aging method wet/dry 9. additional tenderizing ( mechanical or chemical ) 10. bone in 11. enhancements ( sauces ) 12. cows origin 13. cows feed 14. cows bread wagyu black angus Not all touchable here but could be something you could link or refer to Then you can get into cooking methods like reverse seared pan seared broiled

[@slackymac2756]

Based on your premise (popular steakhouses) a very nice review. Still, that hot sizzly plate that Ruth's Chris always brings is always worth extra points in my book. Outside of your criteria but well within your travels, did you sneak over to Peter Lugar while in NY? It's still on my short list, as is Bern's in Tampa. I've been to Gibson's and Gene & Gorgetti's in Chi-Town several times. All good, albeit inconsistent, but there is something special about that hot sizzly plate. Impressive that such a large chain like Ruth's Chris can hang with the Independents.

[@bradball]

Ruths Chris has always been amazing. Capital Grill is a new favorite that is impressive as well. There are so many good independent Steakhouses... I've heard about Peter Lugar (need to visit next with I'm in NYC). I'm always on the hunt for a good steak.

[@HoodieSource]

@@bradballThere was a Peter Luger behind the scenes video on KZbin I watched several years ago, and that video showed pretty much the entire process, from the dry aging to cutting to cooking etc. That gave me a whole new respect for fine steakhouses, and certainly showed why they are worlds apart from national chains.

[@thethirtythree482]

I feel for the value you can’t beat Texas Roadhouse it’s cheap and the steaks are very decent

[@mikeellis2025]

I just ate at Texas Roadhouse. I ordered a 11 Oz. sirloin. Asked for medium rare. The steak came out and it was way overcooked. No juice what so ever and tough as nails. Brought it home and fed it to my dog. I won't be back.

[@theodoreperkoski1951]

in my area, Outback and Capital Grill, have the same steak supplier .

[@2Wheels_NYC]

First off, I love my lunch days. My "weekend" is Tuesday and Wednesday, so a lunch out is always quite and enjoyable. Living in NYC, S&W is probably my favorite from your list, and The Palm right behind. I feel there's better here, but they're not chains like you did here. (Side note.. Peter Luger is terrible) I've been to every one but Fleming's. From the fast food spots, to the top end, they all have their place. I lived in England for a while, Google "Miller & Carter" Morton's ish, and good. Honestly, the best steakhouse is my own kitchen!

[@bradball]

Thanks for watching... I'll have to check out Miller & Carter next time I'm in the UK. You're very correct... the best steakhouse is often our own kitchen. Cooked up a nice steak myself last Sunday. All the best.

[@d2ceo]

I fully agree with being a Ruth’s fan. 1 and 2 are a coin flip to me. My late father-in-law loved the Capitol Grille’s rack of lamb. Nice work!

[@bradball]

Thanks for sharing!

[@AmazingChinaToday]

Just ate at Ruth's Chris tonight (NY strip steak) , and am 250 bucks poorer. The New York strip steak at Longhorn is a bit better, and a fraction of the price (27 bucks including a fantastic salad and a phenomenal loaded baked potato).

[@jrvbamafan1]

Ill take texas roadhouse. Prefer their sides and bread over Outback and Longhorn, and everytime ive ordered anything from TR, it was seasoned tastefully and the price was good. I like to enjoy my steak in a non dressy, laid back atmosphere. You're paying as much for the name as you are the food at a place like Ruth's Chris. I certainly didn't taste 3 times the quality to match the 3 times more expensive price the last time we ate there compared to my little $23-$25 filet at texas roadhouse...lol.

[@johnhartofilax3041]

Ol Steakhouse Co. in Corpus Christi, Tx is the Best Steakhouse!!!

[@eifnhoj7722]

Them finer joints he stopped telling the price,but printed them😂 for the money I just had a bone in rib-eye in Maine at roadhouse fantastic .😊

[@juliannfriend6226]

I had that yesterday in Indiana. It was great.

[@williamlouis5011]

The only thing I need to dress a steak is salt, pepper and butter!

[@philipraimondo]

This should have been two videos… you cannot compare USDA Prime steakhouse and Choice grade. In fairness there is not really a true PRIME filet since it must be connected to the PRIME strip to be considered prime - Porterhouse. There is not enough fat ribbons in a filet to be graded prime. Also note, Fleming’s was started by Paul Fleming - who was the largest Ruths Chris franchisee… he sold them back to Ruths and then started Fleming’s based exactly on Ruths Chris… Anyway, I could go on. Good video but not a fair comparison.

[@bradball]

Honestly… the goal was to just to order a filet at some of the most popular steakhouses in America and give a high-level review. I don’t think most folks are as sophisticated as you with regards to cuts of meat or the history of each location. As I stated in the video… all of the high-end establishments were excellent in my view. No question… you can’t compare choice vs prime.

[@christopherreynolds5783]

Great review video but I work in a steakhouse, have for a long time, and I’m not sure you know your cook temps. Your longhorn was medium and your smith was perfect medium rare. I’m kind of astounded you went to 9 steakstraunts and nobody explained to you cook temps.

[@bradball]

Perhaps… but you’re assuming my iPhone camera is capturing the perfect contrast and color temperature in low light… and that my editing software is processing it all perfectly. All that being said… I’ve had a few steaks in my day. It’s pretty well known that a cold red center (Smith & Wollensky) is considered rare.

[@anton1949]

The T&T in Aurora Wisconsin.

[@physics2817]

I thought this was serious until I saw outback and roadhouse on your list. Prime. Evaluate cereal next time.

[@bradball]

Popular steakhouses my friend. Looking forward to your video soon!

[@rbyington22]

Are you kidding you're comparing the Capital Grill to the Texas Roadhouse isn't that like comparing a Ford Festiva to Shelby Cobra

[@woodshed_moments]

I noticed Mastro's steakhouse was missing...

[@bradball]

Maestro’s and Saltgrass are two of the more well known steakhouse chains that I missed. If I could go back… I would have certainly included Maestro’s… I think they would have fared well!

[@JohnDoe-se5md]

Capital grille does NOT serve prime steak.. how can that be the best steak?

[@douglasbutterworth8102]

Porterhouse

[@josephlyons3973]

Del fresco?

[@bradball]

Could’ve (should’ve) included them. Smaller chain… only 17 locations… but would’ve been good to include on this list.

[@bobbygreig15]

Zero one is these are in the top 100 in America. Bazaar Meats by Jose Andres in Vegas is the best. The author actually mentioned Outback?

[@bradball]

My friend... please watch the video before you comment. As I clearly explained, these are only POPULAR CHAIN RESTAURANTS that I reviewed in this video.

[@juliannfriend6226]

Outback steaks are ruined with that horrible seasoning.

[@bradball]

Definitely the worst steak on this video.

[@fctthunder10]

I’ll save you time flemings and Ruth Chris hands down..

[@douglasbutterworth8102]

Guess u never went to hunter stake house

[@bradball]

Did my best to hit the most popular and well known chain restaurants (that have at least 20 locations). I’m not familiar with Hunter Steakhouse. Is it in San Diego California area?

[@cynthiamickle1521]

We went to Ruth's Chris in Orlando. Nine of us and the bill was $1,000. My filet mignon had the "chain" still attached. I couldn't chew it, but was encouraged by my team not to send it back. I will not return. I was grateful the meal was on the corporate credit card.

[@bradball]

It’s too bad you had a disappointing experience. I’ve dined at Ruth’s Chris at least 20 times over the years. It’s been excellent almost every time. I’ve had a couple of times where it didn’t quite live up to expectations. Ruth’s Chris, along with most of the other fine dining establishments that I mentioned are pricey. Usually the steak alone will cost $50-$80. Add appetizer. Side dish, dessert… plus any drinks… you’re probably north of $100 most of the time. If something is off… if your steak isn’t cooked right… kindly ask them to fix it. When you’re paying so much for a meal (even if it’s on the corporate card) you should expect excellent quality in both food and service.

[@meatrocket1]

Ribeye only steak to eat

[@markthomson7729]

If you dont want to pay $55-$60 for a USDA prime Fillet or Ribeye, try Longhorn. I have been to EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE, best bang for your buck is Longhorn......HANDS DOWN. I dont give a crap about pretentious surroundings. Capital Grille is nice, but they have the exact same steaks as Longhorn, and LH is a lot less money. Same Darden ownership. And prepared just as well. Ruth's Chris steaks are crap. I would swear they are choice and not prime. I have had at least ten steaks at RC and never been impressed. Actually I ended up pissed when I saw the bill. Morton's was $165 for me and my wife and the steak was "meh". And to just give a slap to all of the others....none of them had mac and cheese or asparagus like Longhorn. both the best I have ever eaten. And just a side note, the best Ribeye That I have ever had in my life was from Charlie's in Orlando.

[@phmc2001]

Hi, nice reviews but you are not including any Argentine restaurants. They specialized in steak and there are severals restaurants in USA. Their country export the best quality meats of the world. Thanks.

[@bradball]

Thanks for watching. We agree… Argentina has some of the best steaks in the world. I even make a brief mention of Argentina near the end of the video. However… for this video, I was reviewing large “chain” restaurants, all of which have dozens or hundreds of restaurants (typically with the same menu). Surely there are terrific Argentinian steakhouses and other independent steakhouses that I didn’t review here… because I was focusing on the best known chain restaurants in the USA.

[@QueenOfTheNorth65]

Like Fogo de Chão?

[@gr8maker]

If your ranking steaks Filet mignon is not the steak to choose

[@jacksonfl]

Filet? Sorry, bad call.

[@vicarious4961]

Peter Lugers? Hello

[@bradball]

I made pretty clear in the video that I was ranking the major “well known” chain restaurants. There are only 2 Peter Luger steakhouses in New York. Well known… but hardly a chain.

[@Knight21030]

… and Luger lost it’s Michelin star a while ago… regarded as a tourist trap these days (I’ve never been there) 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@user-vl2lz9fk9y]

Peter luger

[@bradball]

Not a chain restaurant - those featured were chain restaurants only.

[@toddschultz7477]

How can you not put ketchup on any of those steaks. 🤷‍♂️

[@johnsparks7672]

You didn't go anywhere good except Smith and W! Geez. Texas Roadhouse? Come on man!

[@bradball]

My friend… turn up the volume and settle down just a bit… if you listened to the video all the way through you would know that I clearly stated I was only reviewing nationwide chain restaurants with dozens (or hundreds) of locations.

[@kenfox22]

Definitely not the Outback or Texas Roadhouse. Longhorn has great white cheddar stuffed mushrooms, Brussel sprots and sweet potatoes. Don't like bright pink in my steak 🥩. Not a Vampire

[@bradball]

I like Outback and Texas roadhouse for a more casual (less expensive) meal. Generally when I'm visiting Outback, I'll get their Alice Springs Chicken. Texas Roadhouse has some OK steaks. Longhorn seems like a step up from Outback and Texas Roadhouse... but in reality... none of those three can really compete against the popular fine dining steak houses.

[@Knight21030]

Is there a quality statement from Longhorn? Texas Roadhouse uses USDA Choice… impressive considering the prices…

[@Ben-bs4od]

Why would you order filet mignon at a top steakhouse???? Ribeye should be the only steak people order at these places.

[@boxoffice1358]

Outback is trash

[@adame811]

I don't understand how you can call yourself a steak guy and order a filet. Not nearly as much flavor as some other cuts and, can I say, too soft? That's why they call it the woman's cut.

[@Moises7707]

If you’re broke just say that.

[@boonraypipatchol7295]

... What the babbling.....

[@oldsnwbrdr]

You lost me at filet.

[@mrlaw711]

Brad's chin and ear lobes predict an early demise from eating the wrong foods.

[@rogernishi671]

If you don't order the same steak the same way, how can you compare the different steak houses? This guy has no idea how to rate these steaks, I'm never going to watch this guy again......

[@bradball]

All were filet mignon prepared medium rare. Sorry to have offended you my friend. Maybe create your own video… I’ll happily watch. As Teddy Roosevelt said… credit goes to the doer.

[@doylehurt2014]

Your comparison is very flawed. If you compare Ruth’s Chris and Martin’s to Texas roadhouse that’s just stupid.

[@bradball]

Doyle… please watch the whole video. I compared only the most popular chains… I nor nobody else ever thought Outback or Texas Roadhouse would ever be anywhere as good as Ruth’s Chris or many of the others.