Photos courtesy of each establishment
The carnivores among us love a good steak. But there are eateries out there that elevate humble cuts of beef to sublime gourmet experiences. Restaurants have the ability to do things that you can't at home, like dry age the steak for 18 months and cook it in a 1,000-degree broiler. One of the other great things about going to a classic steakhouse is the vibe. You want that old school kitsch kind of look. Here are five great old school steakhouses worth the trip.
Keen's Steakhouse - New York City
Keen's was founded in 1885 and until 1905 was a steakhouse and pipe house for gentleman only. The roster of frequent visitors included the likes of Teddy Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, Will Rogers, Billy Rose, Grace Moore, Albert Einstein, George M. Cohan, J.P. Morgan and more. Famous for their mutton chops, they offer a wide variety of steaks and other fare. Sides are served a la carte in a warm and cozy environment with walls that tell the story of not only the business but also a city that was sustained by meat and potatoes.
Golden Steer Steakhouse - Las Vegas
Founded in 1958, the Golden Steer was party central back in the heyday of old Las Vegas. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. were just some of the many famous regulars that hung out there. They hold the trademark of "The Best Steaks On Earth" and many locals and visitors alike would agree. Although the place has grown quite a bit over the last 60 years, the charm that you would find back in the day is still alive and well.
Gene & Georgetti - Chicago
Founded by Gene Michelotti and his partner Alfredo "Georgetti" Federighi, Gene & Georgetti has been serving up world-class steaks since 1941. Still family-owned after seven decades, G&G specializes in Italian hospitality while serving prime cuts of beef and classic Italian dishes to the masses. Get a broiled fillet, veal scaloppini or even a liver with bacon and onions plate for dinner then have tiramisu or a cannoli.
Cattlemen's Steakhouse - Oklahoma City
Cattlemen's Cafe originally opened way back in 1910 and though it has changed hands a couple of times, the ideals are still the same: serve up perfectly aged steaks, legendary breakfasts, and the best cup of coffee that Seattle couldn't touch. Everyone from The Duke to Ronald Reagan has showed up at this place for a steak, and you should, too. This is not the fanciest steakhouse on the list, but that doesn't mean it isn't the best either. Plan to spend less, get more food and have more fun at Cattlemen's.
Arlington Steak House - Arlington, Texas
The Arlington Steak House is the oldest continually operating restaurant in the city of Arlington and has been serving up some of the best Texas comfort food since 1931. Originally the "Triangle Inn," the restaurant started by selling hot food to Top o' Hill Terrace Casino patrons needing a break and a bite to eat. Though the casino is now a Baptist church, the steak house hasn't changed a bit. With some steakhouses charging an arm and a leg, no item on this menu goes above $22.95. After that meal, I'll need a nap.
There are other restaurants of this type that stand out as treasures - Peter Lugers Steakhouse in New York, Morton's Original Steakhouse in Chicago, or Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Houston. Where else do you like to go for that classic old school vibe and a good cut of meat? Let me know in the comments below.
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