At the Chicago Steak Company, we believe that some of the best steak dinners are had from the comfort and convenience of your own kitchen table. Whether prepared indoors over a cast iron skillet or over hot coals on a BBQ while enjoying your back yard, supplying USDA Prime, gourmet steaks around the country for people to cook up on their own is our singular passion. Even we have to admit, though, that sometimes we just don’t feel like cooking but still have a craving for a juicy, tender steak for dinner.
If you’re a resident of Raleigh in North Carolina and you find yourself in this predicament, you’re in luck. Our beef eating experts scoured the city to find the top ten Raleigh steakhouse restaurants perfect for the occasional substitute to a Chicago Steak Company dinner in. We’ve sleuthed in the Research Triangle, studied the Universities and climbed atop the capitol to put together a list of some of the worthiest steakhouses to quench your red meat loving appetite. All that’s left is for our Raleigh fans to dig in!
Methodology
When preparing our list of top ten Raleigh steakhouse restaurants we applied our own high standards, first and foremost, weighting the scores heavily in favor in those who source only the finest quality beef. Selection of available cuts and variety of sides and accompaniments, bonus points for distinctly North Carolina themes here, were our next highest factors. Finally, we took into consideration the fine details such as ambience, reputation and service. To break the inevitable close call between these fine establishments we applied the subjective yet all important “Would We Take a First Date Here” test; a time-honored method for evaluating any potential gourmet dinner meal. What we came up with was a list of 10 of the best Raleigh steakhouses, with five more that were so good they deserved a nod to their meat-tastic qualities on our honorable mentions list.
The Raleigh area may be small but her cuisine is mighty. The depth and breadth of quality steakhouses means that residents have plenty of options when choosing where to enjoy their next gourmet steak outing. While we ranked our specific preferences, you certainly can’t go wrong with a night out at any of the fine establishments on our list.
The Top Ten Raleigh Steakhouse Restaurants
Photo by Angus Barn
1. Angus Barn
Address: 9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617
Dry-Aged Beef: Yes
What to Order: The Rib-Eye
The Breakdown: The word barn probably conjures up certain images for most people that aren’t exactly conducive to a gourmet steak dinner, well, unless you’re thinking of the place the beef came from before ending up on your plate. Judging a book by its cover in this instance, however, would be a culinary mistake. The Angus Barn is one of Raleigh’s top restaurants and tops the list of Chicago Steak Company’s top ten Raleigh steakhouses, hands down. The décor is an eclectic yet fitting mix of patterned tablecloths, literal barn atmosphere and gleaming china dishes and crystal decanters; all of which makes the perfect setting for the gourmet feast you’ll soon be eating when you sit down to a meal at this popular spot.
The food at the Angus Barn comes courtesy of the genius of a former Iron Chef America winning culinary genius. There’s a distinct focus on locally sourcing as many of the ingredients on the menu as possible and the freshness in the sides and vegetables shines through. For the star of the show, beefy wonders are grilled up to perfection with each cut on the menu being only USDA Prime grade meat, dry-aged in house of course, in Angus Barn’s private aging room. The wine selection is one of the best in Raleigh as well so pull up a chair for a sip and dig into our pick for the best gourmet steak dinner experience in town.
Photo by Sullivan’s Steakhouse licensed ©2019. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
2. Sullivans
Address: 410 Glenwood Ave #100, Raleigh, NC 27603
Dry-Aged Beef: Yes
What to Order: Dry-Aged Long Bone Ribeye
The Breakdown: It was a tough choice among our top spots for Raleigh’s best steakhouse restaurants and Sullivan’s certainly doesn’t disappoint in any of our major categories. Classic leather and wood tones greet guests looking to wine and dine on some of the finest meaty fare Raleigh has to offer. Depending on the evening, you may even be greeted by the sound of live music to set the scene for a gourmet dinner and show. Speaking of nightlife, those with a taste for craft cocktails will find lots to love with the distinctly prohibition era theme, including potent libations.
It’s the meat on offer that really sets Sullivan’s apart from the crowd. The seafood game is on point with sea bass, seared ahi tuna and a rotational clam and oyster offering making strong contenders for both appetizers and dinner. The beef, the star of our steakhouse throw-down, comes in a variety of cuts and sizes sure to appease everyone’s taste and hunger level. Feeling extravagant? Try the Oscar treatment where steak is topped with crab, asparagus and a tasty butter sauce. Your taste buds can thank us later.
3. Bin 54 Steak & Cellar
Address: 1201-M Raleigh Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Dry-Aged Beef: Yes
What to Order: Bin 54 Dry Aged Hamburger
The Breakdown: If modern, trendy surrounds with top notch quality steaks and a wine-centric theme sound right up your alley then head on over to Chapel Hill’s Bin 54 Steak & Cellar. Bin 54 is a well-known neighborhood staple, known for being as approachable in ambience as it is tasty. Whether grabbing a quick bite at the bar or lingering over dinner, be sure to try out their reimagined cocktails or a signature glass of wine to compliment the amazing food.
Speaking of the food, at Chicago Steak Company we’re a big fan of family style dining. Shareable-sized accompaniments are a huge hit and Bin 54 doesn’t disappoint. Be sure to try out the brussels sprouts, which come accompanied by Bin 54’s cured-in house bacon. The individual cuts of USDA Prime, dry-aged steak are plentiful. From filet to porterhouse, diners will find just about any cut to satisfy their beefy desires. In the mood for something a touch less formal but no less delicious? Try out the Dry Aged Hamburger, a unique preparation that shows there should be a place for burgers on all gourmet steak restaurant menus.
4. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Address: 4325 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612
Dry-Aged Beef: Yes
What to Order: Rib-Eye
The Breakdown: They say variety is the spice of life, but sometimes you need a spot where you can sit down to a gourmet steak dinner in familiar settings and with menu items that are tried are true. Raleigh residents in search of such a spot are in luck. Acclaimed national chain steakhouse Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar’s regional location maintains the same exceptions standards in quality, service and understated elegance that have diner’s flocking to their leather backed booths across the globe.
What you’ll find when you pull up a chair as this luxe establishment is USDA Prime, corn-fed, gourmet steaks, aged to perfection and in a variety of cuts. Fleming’s is known for its exceptional crusts, a feat achieved by searing the steaks under ridiculous temperatures. The end result is a juicy, medium rare center with a crisp, well-seasoned snap of a crust that sets Fleming’s apart from the crowd when it comes to high end steaks. Be sure to leave room for the molten lava cake, a Fleming’s signature desert.
5. Vinnie’s Steakhouse
Address: 7440 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
Dry-Aged Beef: Yes
What to Order: Bone-In Filet Mignon
The Breakdown: If you’re looking for a true Raleigh original for your next gourmet steak dinner experience, look no further than Vinnie’s Steakhouse. The privately owned, upscale steakhouse restaurant has been in continuous operation since 1987. The lasting power is a true testament to the attention given to every detail. All the staples of a high-end, traditional steakhouse are present, from the cherry wood paneling and intricate chandeliers to the leather-clad chairs. An outdoors, year-round heated patio also allows for those romantic evenings al fresco, regardless of the season.
The food and beverage at Vinnie’s aren’t anything to scoff at, either. A yearly contender for the Triangle’s best martini, Vinnie’s also features a formal on-display wine cellar that is truly a work of beauty. The steaks on offer are all certified Angus beef and come with a variety of optional toppings (we say go for the jumbo lump crab). For those looking for the same quality food in a more casual setting, the bar offers a paired down tavern menu that refuses to scimp on the quality.
Photo by Ruth’s Chris Steak House licensed ©2019 Ruth’s Hospitality Group
6. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Address: 4381 Lassiter at North Hills Ave, Raleigh, NC 27609
Dry-Aged Beef: Yes
What to Order: USDA Prime, 10oz Rib-Eye
The Breakdown: Sometimes you want new and different. Other times you want the comfort of a tried and true classic. If you’re craving the latter in the form of a gourmet steak dinner, you’ll find few better places to relax and partake of culinary delicacies in Raleigh than at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. With its white linen tablecloth ambience, leather bedecked booths and impeccable service, the Ruth’s Chris chain of steakhouses is known for producing an impeccable dining experience regardless of region, state or city. From the service to the high-quality food, diners flock to this popular nationwide name for assurance that they’ll be partaking of a truly memorable meal.
When it comes to the meat, Ruth’s Chris is well known for its commitment to serving up only the highest quality cuts available. USDA Prime beef is a menu staple as well as a wide-variety of cuts to satisfy the tastes of just about any meat eater in your party. What sets the chain apart is its signature preparation, allowing a pad of butter to slowly melt across the top of every steak while it rests after cooking, earning rave reviews from diners and the Chicago Steak company seal of approval when it comes to preparation of a gourmet steak dinner.
Photo by The Peddler Steak House
7. The Peddler Steak House
Address: 6005 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612
Dry-Aged Beef: Yes
What to Order: Peddler’s Porter House
The Breakdown: When it comes to a quality, no nonsense gourmet dinner in the Carolina’s, few places are as iconic as the Peddler Steakhouse. One of three locations, and the only one in North Carolina, the Raleigh edition of this small, family owned chain is well-known in the Raleigh area for providing quality beef with little fuss in a gorgeous setting. At the Chicago Steak Company, we appreciate a commitment to serving up the best quality ingredients to deliver consistent gourmet meal experiences. From the fried cheese appetizer to the classic crème brulee, each of the dishese on Peddler’s extensive menu speak of simplistic preparation perfected.
It’s the steak, though, that rightfully takes center stage at this beef-centric establishment. Each of the menu’s available cuts are aged a minimum of 28 days, giving the meat that distinctive rich, deep, beefy flavor. Steaks are then treated to simple preparations, grilled to medium rare, and served and sliced tableside by expert staff. In short, a night out at Peddler Steakhouse will guarantee you consistent quality without breaking the bank.
Photo by Rey’s licensed under Compulse Integrated Marketing
8. Rey’s
Address: 1130 Buck Jones Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606
Dry-Aged Beef: No
What to Order: Grilled Center Cut Cord Fed Filet
The Breakdown: While we’re big fans of the traditional steakhouse restaurant experience at the Chicago Steak Company, even we realize there’s the occasional room for a cultural or regional twist on the tried and true favorite. Enter Raleigh, North Carolina’s Rey’s restaurant. This Louisiana transplant may seem better suited to the swamps or bayou’s, but the upscale charm and southern drawls present in the expert serving staff will leave no mistaking the fact that you’re in solid southern country when it comes to your dining experience. For those looking for an evening that is a bit more low key, be sure to try out the voodoo lounge for a full menu and fanciful libations.
The cuts on the menu are limited, but its quality over quantity at this Cajun influenced establishment. The beef is unapologetically corn-fed and USDA Prime, providing a distinctive flavor and fat profile that pairs well with French inspired Cajun spice and seasoning. The classic steakhouse sides such as green beans with almonds or sautéed mushrooms will almost convince diners they’ve landed in a run of the mill steakhouse. If there are any misconceptions, however, a quick bite of the bananas foster as a follow up to a gourmet steak meal will set you decidedly straight that you’ve landed one of the best spots in Raleigh.
Photo by The Capital Grille licensed ©2019 RHMI All Rights Reserved
9. The Capital Grille
Address: 4242 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
Dry-Aged Beef: Yes
What to Order: Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged NY Strip with Shallot Butter
The Breakdown: The Capital Grille’s motto invites restaurant goers to be wined, dined and pampered and the Raleigh location of this nationwide, upscale chain certainly doesn’t disappoint. The location can’t be beat for convenient access whether stopping in for an office lunch or taking the quick commute from the residential area of the triangle. Once you arrive you’re greeted with the signature Capital Grille experience. Modern, clean and crisp lines dot the décor and service, as always is absolutely impeccable.
You can’t describe the Capital Grille experience, however, without giving a solid nod to the always consistent and impeccably prepared food. If you’ve got an appetite on hand, try out the prosciutto wrapped mozzarella as a starter; two classic flavors that are a classic Chicago Steak Company favorite for pairing with a gourmet steak dinner. When it comes to the beef, Capital Grille in Raleigh meets and exceeds its reputation. Each steak starts with USDA Prime grade of cuts, followed up by a impeccable 28 day minimum dry aging process before being grilled, seared and served to a sizzling perfection at your white linen draped table. Overall, few places can top the quality experience, time after time, of dining on gourmet steak as Capital Grille.
10. Firebird’s Wood Fired Grill
Address: 4350 Lassiter at North Hills Ave, Raleigh, NC 27609
Dry-Aged Beef: Yes
What to Order: Chili Rubbed Delmonico
The Breakdown: Sometimes you want a quality gourmet steak dinner without a ton of fuss or a laidback style of menu options. If you’re in the Raleigh area and in the mood for such an experience you need to hit up Firebird’s Wood-Fired Grill. Another rare chain addition to the Chicago Steak Company list of top 10 steakhouse restaurants, North Carolina’s contribution lives up to the hype and is consistently named by fans as one of the best steak experiences in Raleigh.
For an idea of what makes this spot so popular among local beef lovers, all one needs to do is take a quick glance at the menu. Upscale starters such as seared ahi tuna are peppered next to entries such as lobster spinach queso or jalapeno deviled eggs (one of our personal favorites on the menu). And while we’re certainly a fan of all kinds of dining options, it’s the beef we’re after when we hit up a fine establishment such as Firebird’s. All of their menu’s varied selection of steaks are dry aged and hand cut daily, ensuring the tastiest, juiciest and highest quality possible for every patron. We’re especial fans of the smokiness and heat that make up the chili rubbed Delmonico steak, a menu staple. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, save room for the big daddy chocolate cake for desert and enjoy as your senses fall into an overload of tastes and textures.
Honorable Mentions
Ted’s Montana Grill
The Beefy Basics: Located just outside Raleigh in the sprawling neighboring town of Durham, Ted’s Montana Grill is one of our staple favorites for a steak dinner experience that’s just slightly off of the beaten path. Sure, they have traditional cattle cuts on the menu, but it’s the bison steaks that long time diners, us included, flock to Ted’s Montana Grill to sample. The lean, gamey qualities of a traditionally prepared bison steak should definitely be sampled by anyone who dares to give themselves the title of meat connoisseur.
Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse
The Meaty Low-Down: So, we’ll admit that we’re generally not fans of buffet style dining but at the Chicago Steak Company we make an unreserved exception for a place that serves up skewer after unrelenting skewer of high quality, juicy, grilled beef. Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse is the triangle’s only true Brazilian Steakhouse restaurant. Don’t worry though, this place is so indulgent, you won’t feel the need to stop anywhere else.
Capital City Chop House
Carnivorous Contemplations: While the chop house may be a classic offering to the steakhouse scene, it still takes quite a bit of dedication to the art of quality meat preparation, ambience and service to pull off right, night after night. Raleigh’s Capital City Chophouse certainly gets it done, serving up center cut Angus beef steaks that are aged to a perfect, meaty, flavor for one of the best steak dinners you’ll find in the area. If you’re feeling hungry, try starting your meal with the baked brie appetizer for a meat and cheese pairing that can’t go wrong.
Fujisan Japanese Steakhouse
Just the Beefy Facts: Sometimes you want a simple dinner in a laid back setting. Sometimes you want a dinner accompanied by an extravagant show, rambunctious neighbors and hearty libations. Throw in some optional sushi accompaniment and you have Raleigh’s Fujisan Japanese steakhouse. A refreshing break from the typical gourmet dining experience, don’t let the ambience and extras fool you. Sitting down at the hibachi grill at Fujisan will still get you a quality, gourmet steak meal, just with a few Asian inspired accompaniments thrown in.
Jimmy V’s Steakhouse and Tavern
Meatastic Meanderings: Located just outside of our target map area in Cary, NC, this quality, upscale and tasty establishment still made our list of honorable mentions due to its commitment, consistency and quality of steak, appetizers, libations and more. Don’t skip the She-Crab starter, a delectable mix of lump crab, cream and sherry, that makes an exceptional pairing with any of the many beefy wonders on the menu. As far as the meat goes, try out the elk short loin for a hard to find break from the traditional steak dinner experience.
The Raleigh Wrap Up
While there are certainly some tried and true traditional steakhouse experiences in our list of top ten steakhouses, Raleigh is also the place to go for less fuss without sacrificing flavor or quality during your dining experience. From formal to clubby to tavern style, you certainly can’t go wrong with hitting up any of the joints on our list of top ten Raleigh steak restaurants. Have a favorite you think we missed? Drop us a line and maybe your neighborhood go-to will make the next Chicago Steak Company top ten update.