When you think Texan cuisine, what likely comes to mind is barbecue, Tex Mex and steak. Lots and lots of steak. The bigger, the better. After all, everything is bigger in Texas, right? But not all steakhouses are the same. If you’re planning a getaway to Houston, here are the best spots to find a mouthwatering steak.
Carnivores will be right at home in Houston’s beef-loving dining scene (Photo: Tom Wieden)
There is steak, and then there is Texan steak. Every country in the world has its own version and preferences, but only Texas specializes in larger-than-life cuts that could be standalone meals all on their own. Whether you take your beef rare or well done, with a side of fries or a baked potato, plain or with a dash of A-1 sauce, a good steak comes down to a few key elements — namely, the chef and his or her cooking methods. Thankfully, Houston’s cowboy heritage has made way for a group of men and women who know how to honor the hallowed tradition of cooking the perfect cut of beef just right. Here’s where you can find them.
Brenners on the Bayou
One thing you’ll never find at Brenners? A dry bite of beef (Photo: Visit Houston, Julie Soefer)
The original Brenners was founded in 1936 as Brenner’s Cafe. When road construction required the steakhouse to move, it relocated to its current spot, which features beautiful gardens inspired by the founder’s home in Germany. There are several cuts and sizes of steaks to choose from, but you won’t go wrong with the Texas all-natural Angus beef, 14-oz. ribeye sourced from 44 Farms. Pair your steak with truffle fries and creamed spinach for a truly decadent meal.
One Birdsall St.
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Catering to the testosterone-driven need to feed on prime beef and then enjoy a cigar in style, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is the place to win over a work associate or impress your friends. Boasting a “once in a lifetime dining experience,” Pappas Bros. takes special care with every menu item, like the lobster deviled egg appetizers, turtle gumbo, gooey pecan pie and, of course, the expansive steak selection.
5839 Westheimer Rd.
Vic & Anthony’s
Local press calls Vic & Anthony’s the city’s best (Photo: Visit Houston)
There is a certain classic steakhouse experience that many restaurants try to emulate, though few get it right. Vic & Anthony’s is one of the few who do so, and do it well. The sophisticated interior, with leather and dark wood accents, matches the ideal of what a “fancy” steakhouse should be, without seeming over the top or cliché. The ambiance, along with the enviable fare, has not gone unnoticed: the restaurant has been honored with myriad awards, from Zagat, Gayot, Wine Spectator and OpenTable.
1510 Texas Ave.
Taste of Texas
If you’re looking for a true taste of Texas, head to the restaurant whose name alone guarantees that promise. The Taste of Texas opened in 1977 and quickly became a local landmark, both for its spectacular steaks and Southern hospitality. The award-winning wine list doesn’t hurt either. Pay a visit to the on-site butcher shop to order a steak cut to whatever thickness you prefer. Can’t get to Houston any time soon? Luckily, Taste of Texas offers its sumptuous steaks for sale right on its website.
10505 Katy Freeway
B&B Butchers
While the interior and atmosphere are not exactly “classic steakhouse,” the food at B&B Butchers is far above what you’d find at most steakhouses that aim for elegance (Photo: Visit Houston, Julie Soefer)
B&B Butchers provides a steakhouse dining experience unlike any other on this list, with standout items such as Wagyu Carpaccio and the Carpet Bagger steak. The selection is huge, ranging from classic steakhouse entrees to specialty cuts. If you’re looking to give your taste buds the ride of their life, try the 28-day, dry-aged A5 Japanese Wagyu ribeye. These 12 ounces of pleasure cost a pretty penny, and are worth every single one.
1813 Washington Ave.
Killen’s
Killen’s exterior belies the fine dining experience awaiting within. The casual yet classy vibe masks an extravagant dining experience, the likes of Mishima center-cut filets and dry-aged Wagyu. Beyond the steak, which is enough of a draw, the restaurant is lauded for other dishes, including the crème brûlée bread pudding, finished off with an apple brandy sauce and blueberries and apricot.
6425 Broadway St.
III Forks
III Forks offers fine dining in an intimate setting, serving the top .005% of beef alongside fresh seafood, all prepared to order. The expansive restaurant bespeaks elegance with its mahogany finishes, chandeliers and high ceilings. An OpenTable Diner’s Choice for 2018, III Forks begins dinner with a list of more than 1,500 fine wines, before diners tackle the almost impossible choice between steak cut and seafood options.
1201 Fannin Suite 129