Washington state is a meat lover’s paradise with steakhouses that serve some of the most mouthwatering cuts you’ll ever taste. From Seattle’s bustling downtown to quiet corners of Eastern Washington, skilled chefs are grilling, searing, and broiling premium beef to perfection. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a fantastic steak dinner, these 15 steakhouses offer unforgettable dining experiences that will satisfy your carnivorous cravings.
1. The Melrose Grill, Renton
Housed in a historic 1901 building, The Melrose Grill brings old-world charm and modern culinary expertise together. Their USDA Prime and Choice steaks are aged for maximum tenderness and flavor, then grilled over high heat to lock in those savory juices.
The cozy brick interior creates a warm atmosphere perfect for date nights or family celebrations.
Locals rave about their ribeye, which comes with a perfectly caramelized crust and butter-soft center. For a complete experience, save room for their legendary crème brûlée – the ideal sweet finish after a robust steak dinner.
2. Metropolitan Grill, Seattle
Known simply as ‘The Met’ by Seattle locals, this downtown institution has been serving power lunches and celebratory dinners since 1983. Mahogany paneling and brass accents create an atmosphere of classic steakhouse luxury that feels both impressive and comfortable.
Their dry-aged prime beef is the star of the show. Each cut is broiled at 1800 degrees to create that signature charred exterior while maintaining a juicy, flavorful center. The tableside carving of their Chateaubriand for two is pure dinner theater.
3. John Howie Steak, Bellevue
Celebrity chef John Howie has created a steakhouse experience that rivals any in the country. Located in the heart of Bellevue, this upscale restaurant sources beef from four countries, including American USDA Prime, Australian Wagyu, and true Japanese A5 Wagyu.
The custom-designed broilers cook steaks at scorching temperatures, creating a perfect crust while maintaining that red or pink center you specify. Their tempura fried bacon is a must-try appetizer – thick-cut bacon in a light, crispy batter that simply melts in your mouth.
Piano music fills the air most evenings, adding to the sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance that makes special occasions here truly memorable.
4. Old World Chophouse, Leavenworth
Nestled in Leavenworth’s Bavarian-themed village, Old World Chophouse combines Alpine charm with serious steak credentials. The rustic timber interior, complete with stone fireplace, creates a mountain lodge atmosphere that perfectly complements their hearty menu.
Their steaks are hand-cut daily and seasoned with a proprietary blend that enhances the natural flavors of the beef. The 32-ounce Tomahawk ribeye is their showstopper – a magnificent cut that extends beyond the plate with its long bone intact.
After a day exploring Leavenworth’s shops or hiking nearby trails, their German-inspired sides like spätzle and red cabbage offer a unique twist on the traditional steakhouse experience.
5. The Windmill Restaurant, Wenatchee
A local landmark since 1931, The Windmill combines small-town hospitality with seriously good steaks. The restaurant’s namesake windmill structure makes it impossible to miss as you drive through Wenatchee.
Their steaks are sourced from Northwest ranchers who raise their cattle without hormones or antibiotics. The signature prime rib is slow-roasted for hours, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that barely needs a knife. Generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry.
Family-owned for generations, the staff treats everyone like regulars. Their homemade dinner rolls and apple pie (made with local Wenatchee Valley apples) bookend your meal with delicious comfort food that honors the agricultural heritage of the region.
6. Yakima Steak Company, Yakima
Celebrating the agricultural bounty of Central Washington, Yakima Steak Company pairs locally-raised beef with the valley’s famous produce and wines. The modern interior features reclaimed wood and vineyard-inspired décor that tells the story of the region.
Their steaks are corn-finished for exceptional marbling and flavor, then grilled over apple and cherry wood from local orchards. This unique smoking process infuses the meat with subtle fruity notes that complement its natural richness. Don’t miss their seasonal vegetable sides featuring whatever is freshest from nearby farms.
The restaurant’s relationship with local Yakima Valley wineries means you’ll find perfect pairings for your meal, often from vineyards just minutes away.
7. Budd’s Broiler, Richland
Overlooking the Columbia River, Budd’s Broiler combines stunning water views with exceptional steaks. Their specialty is custom-aged, corn-fed Midwest beef, broiled at intensely high temperatures to create a caramelized exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. The bone-in ribeye develops extraordinary flavor from this process, making it a favorite among regulars.
Uniquely, Budd’s offers a selection of radioactive-themed cocktails – a playful nod to Richland’s Manhattan Project history. The “Reactor Core” Manhattan features bourbon aged with charred oak staves, mirroring the restaurant’s commitment to developing complex flavors through careful aging techniques.
8. Churchill’s Steakhouse, Spokane
Tucked into a historic building in downtown Spokane, Churchill’s exudes old-school steakhouse glamour with its leather booths and low lighting. Their USDA Prime steaks are wet-aged for 28 days, developing exceptional tenderness and flavor depth.
Each cut is seared at 1800 degrees in an infrared broiler that locks in juices while creating the perfect crust. The tableside preparation of steak Diane offers dinner theater along with amazing flavors.
Churchill’s impressive scotch and whiskey collection features rare bottles from around the world. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through a tasting flight that complements the robust flavors of your perfectly cooked steak.
9. Rusty Moose, Spokane
Don’t let the casual name fool you – Rusty Moose serves some of Eastern Washington’s most satisfying steaks in a relaxed, cabin-like setting.
Mounted antlers and vintage fishing gear create a North Woods atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. Their hand-cut steaks come from Northwest-raised cattle and are seasoned simply to let the natural beef flavor shine. The signature Moose Steak – a massive 24-ounce porterhouse – challenges even the heartiest appetites. Blackened seasoning is a popular option that adds spicy depth without overwhelming the meat.
Unlike fancier steakhouses, Rusty Moose welcomes families with a kid-friendly menu and casual vibe. Their homemade huckleberry sauce, available as a steak topping, showcases a beloved regional flavor that perfectly complements the beef.
10. Whitstran Steaks & Spirits, Prosser
Located in Washington’s wine country, Whitstran Steaks & Spirits pairs locally raised beef with the outstanding wines of the Yakima Valley. The renovated historic building features exposed brick walls and original timber beams that speak to the region’s agricultural heritage.
Their steaks are sourced from ranches within 100 miles of the restaurant, supporting local farmers while ensuring peak freshness. The bone-in New York strip develops exceptional flavor from their open-flame grilling technique. During summer months, herbs from their kitchen garden find their way into compound butters that melt luxuriously over the hot steaks.
Wine lovers appreciate their list featuring bottles from neighboring vineyards, many available by the glass. The knowledgeable staff can suggest perfect pairings for whatever cut you choose.
11. Smoke & Cedar Steakhouse, Auburn
Smoke & Cedar brings Pacific Northwest flavors to the traditional steakhouse experience. The modern lodge-inspired interior features stone, timber, and leather that create a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere.
Their steaks are aged 28 days and cooked in a special broiler that reaches 1,600 degrees, creating a fantastic sear while keeping the center perfectly tender. The signature preparation involves a quick cedar-plank finish that imparts subtle smoky notes to the meat. Local mushrooms feature prominently as side dishes and steak toppings, showcasing the bounty of Washington’s forests.
Their craft cocktail program highlights spirits from regional distilleries, including a cedar-infused bourbon that echoes the flavors in their cooking methods.
12. El Gaucho Tacoma, Tacoma
Overlooking Commencement Bay, El Gaucho brings theatrical tableside service and exceptional steaks to Tacoma’s waterfront. The sophisticated dining room features live piano music, dim lighting, and an atmosphere of old-Hollywood glamour.
Their 28-day dry-aged steaks develop intense flavor and tenderness before being grilled over hot mesquite charcoal. The dramatic tableside preparation of Steak El Gaucho – flambéed with cognac and finished with a garlic herb butter – creates memorable dining moments.
Service here is impeccable, with career waitstaff who know regular guests by name and preferences. The restaurant’s famous Wicked Shrimp appetizer has developed a cult following for good reason – the perfect prelude to their exceptional steaks.
13. Vue Prime Mexican Steakhouse, Kent
Fusion cuisine reaches new heights at Vue Prime, where traditional steakhouse fare meets authentic Mexican flavors. Their steaks come with unexpected but delicious accompaniments like chimichurri, mole sauce, or tequila-lime butter that create flavor profiles you won’t find elsewhere.
The carne asada ribeye – marinated in citrus and spices before grilling – offers a south-of-the-border twist on a steakhouse classic. Tableside guacamole preparation starts your meal with fresh flavors and a bit of showmanship.
Their extensive tequila collection includes rare añejos that pair surprisingly well with their premium aged beef, creating a cross-cultural dining experience that’s uniquely delicious.
14. Ables Steakhouse, Burien
Family-owned since 1988, Ables has built a loyal following by serving consistently excellent steaks without pretension. The comfortable dining room feels like visiting someone’s home, with warm lighting and photos of local sports teams covering the walls.
Their steaks are hand-cut daily and cooked on a well-seasoned grill that’s been in continuous use for decades. This seasoned cooking surface adds subtle complexity to their already flavorful beef. The house specialty – a pepper-crusted New York strip with bourbon cream sauce – perfectly balances heat and richness.
Regulars know to save room for Mrs. Able’s homemade cheesecake, still made using the original family recipe. The restaurant’s multigenerational staff includes children and grandchildren of the founders, ensuring traditions continue.
15. Zesty Steakhouse, Lakewood
Military families from nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord have made Zesty Steakhouse their celebration destination for decades. The unpretentious exterior gives way to a surprisingly elegant dining room where service members’ challenge coins are proudly displayed alongside vintage military photos.
Their steaks are renowned for generous portions and consistent quality. The signature ‘Commander’s Cut’ – a thick-cut ribeye seasoned with their secret spice blend – has satisfied hungry service members since the restaurant opened in 1972.
Unlike many high-end steakhouses, Zesty maintains affordable pricing while never compromising on quality. Their early-bird special from 4-6pm offers exceptional value. Military discount nights on Thursdays have become community gatherings where stories flow as freely as the restaurant’s famous horseradish sauce.
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