When you walk into a steakhouse, the sizzle of searing meat, the rich scent of butter, and the warm clink of glasses all hint at something special. The ambiance promises indulgence. The menu reads like a love letter to carnivores. But as any seasoned chef will tell you, not everything is as mouthwatering as it sounds.
Behind those white tablecloths and dry-aged dreams lies a lineup of dishes that range from truly sublime to seriously skippable. Some are timeless showstoppers that deserve your full attention (hello, bone-in ribeye and house-made sauces). Others? Overhyped, overpriced, and better left untouched (looking at you, lobster mac & cheese).
This isn’t just about meat—it’s about how a great steakhouse experience is built, one plate at a time. From starters and sides to sauces and sweets, this guide breaks down what chefs actually order when they dine out—and what they quietly avoid. You’ll learn how to spot the hidden gems, dodge the culinary clichés, and dine like an insider.
1. Order: Ribeye Steak
The ribeye steak is a true celebration of beefy indulgence, favored by chefs for its rich marbling and succulent flavor. Unlike other cuts, the ribeye shines in its ability to deliver a satisfying taste that’s hard to replicate at home. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to savor every buttery bite, leaving an impression long after the meal is over.
Perfectly cooked on a professional grill, it captures the essence of a steakhouse experience, making it worth every penny.
2. Order: Seafood Tower (for Sharing)
A seafood tower at a steakhouse isn’t just a meal; it’s an event. Imagine layers of fresh oysters, succulent crab legs, juicy shrimp, and tender lobster, all carefully arranged on a bed of crushed ice. The visual splendor is matched only by the freshness of the seafood, often sourced directly from the ocean to your plate.
3. Order: Seasonal or House-Made Desserts
When a steakhouse offers house-made desserts, it’s a testament to their dedication to culinary excellence.
Imagine ending your meal with a perfectly executed crème brûlée or a fluffy chocolate soufflé. These desserts aren’t just sweet treats; they’re crafted experiences that elevate your dining journey.
Chefs who take pride in their craft understand the importance of dessert, offering creations that are as satisfying to the eyes as they are to the palate. Whether it’s a boozy bread pudding or a seasonal special, these desserts are a delightful conclusion to any steakhouse meal.
4. Order: House-Made Sauces (Béarnaise, Chimichurri, Peppercorn)
A great steak deserves nothing but the best accompaniments, and house-made sauces are the unsung heroes of a memorable meal.
Chefs express their creativity and expertise through sauces like Béarnaise, Chimichurri, and Peppercorn, each offering a unique twist to the flavor profile of the steak. When expertly crafted, they transform an already exquisite steak into a masterpiece.
It’s an experience that beckons to be savored, bite after delightful bite.
5. Order: Roasted Bone-In Veal Chop or Pork Chop
For those craving something beyond beef, a roasted bone-in veal or pork chop offers a tantalizing alternative. These cuts bring a depth of flavor that’s often missing in home-cooked meals. Expertly grilled or roasted, they emerge juicy and tender, a testament to the chef’s skill.
The satisfaction of cutting into a perfectly cooked chop, the juices releasing with each slice, is a culinary delight not to be missed.
6. Order: Duck Fat Fries or Hand-Cut Fries
In the world of sides, duck fat fries reign supreme. These golden, crispy delights are more than just potatoes; they’re an indulgent experience that caters to the senses.
Fried to perfection in duck fat, they offer a rich, savory flavor that’s unparalleled. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, followed by a melt-in-your-mouth interior, making them a cherished accompaniment to any steakhouse meal.
Chefs who appreciate the finer details understand that the perfect fry can elevate a meal, turning something simple into a luxurious treat worth savoring.
7. Skip: Chicken Dishes
When you visit a steakhouse, the allure of beef, pork, or seafood beckons, leaving chicken dishes to pale in comparison. Often included as an afterthought, chicken at a steakhouse lacks the excitement and culinary flair that other proteins bring to the table.
For culinary adventurers, chicken simply doesn’t deliver the steakhouse experience you’re seeking. Skip it in favor of something more daring and delightful.
You’re there to indulge, so choose a dish that truly captures the essence of the occasion.
8. Skip: Lobster Mac & Cheese
While lobster mac & cheese might sound decadent, it often falls short of expectations. The allure of lobster is overshadowed by a heavy cheese sauce, which tends to overwhelm the delicate seafood.
This dish, more often than not, results in overcooked lobster, losing its natural sweetness and texture. Paired with an already rich steakhouse meal, it becomes an excessive indulgence.
It’s a classic trap that promises luxury but often delivers something less memorable.
9. Skip: Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms have become a staple of banquet-style dining, but in the refined world of steakhouses, they often underwhelm. Typically prepared in advance, they can end up soggy, salty, or bland. Their presence is more about filling the menu than elevating the dining experience.
For those who seek culinary excellence, these mushrooms are more likely to disappoint than delight.
10. Skip: Anything with Truffle Oil
Truffle oil might promise an air of sophistication, but it’s often more illusion than reality. Most truffle oils lack authentic truffle essence, resulting in a synthetic flavor that overwhelms rather than complements.
Whether drizzled on fries, mac and cheese, or mashed potatoes, it serves as a red flag for those seeking genuine taste experiences. Chefs who value integrity in their dishes avoid using it, preferring natural flavors that speak for themselves.
11. Skip: Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
Parmesan-crusted tilapia is a common find in chain steakhouses, yet it rarely satisfies. The delicate nature of tilapia is often lost beneath a heavy crust, resulting in a dish that’s more about masking than enhancing.
Overcooked and lacking the finesse of true steakhouse fare, it fails to deliver the culinary excitement diners seek. Bypass this predictable offering for a dish that stands out, ensuring your meal is memorable for its flavor and creativity.
Leave a comment