Seattle is on the menu: A city of varied flavors, innovative techniques and a great spot for grilling. While seafood brings the real flavor of the city, with fresh Dungeness crab, wild salmon and clam chowder, Seattle also enjoys a thriving and beefy steakhouse scene. Whether you’re a die-hard meat lover or a foodie looking for the highest quality cuts of beef, Seattle has steakhouses for every palate and every special occasion. Old-school, traditional establishments side by side with trendy, high-end dining, here’s what makes the cut for the top steak houses in Seattle:
Canlis
Although Canlis is technically more than a steakhouse, its steaks are an entirely special case. Situated on the shores of Lake Union, this classic fine dining establishment has been an institution in Seattle for longer than most anyone cares to remember-so over 65 years. Elegant mid-century modern design blends with modern culinary techniques in a place with unparalleled service.
It is the combination of an aesthetic use of such beautiful, locally sourced ingredients and world-class preparation that makes Canlis truly exceptional. Steaks in Canlis range from a bone-in ribeye to the filet mignon prepared with such attention to detail that each bite is a luxury.
Canlis does even serve a “Canlis Cut,” which is, in fact, a Wagyu beef ribeye-a tasty, soft, and mouthwatering good enough piece of meat to distinguish it as exceptional. Pair steak with one of their expertly chosen wines from the extensive list, and you’ll see why Canlis is regularly ranked among the best restaurants in the country.
El Gaucho
In Seattle since 1953, the iconic El Gaucho can’t be matched when it comes to deluxe, old-world steakhouse experience. Classy and full of mid-century dining glamour, it’s dark wood-panelled with candle-lit tables and impeccable service. El Gaucho does everything-from its signature “tableside service” for a Caesar salad, all the way to the classic 24-ounce bone-in rib-eye-with precision and care.
El Gaucho is unique with its perfect attention to detail and quality of the meats; they are known to focus on dry-aged steaks, which are perfectly grilled straight on a wood-fired grill. With all the flavors locked right inside, one can choose between several cuts: filet mignon, New York strip, and decadent 40-ounce porterhouse. With a great wine list and classic cocktails, El Gaucho presents itself to serve the needed occasions, if only for a date night or an especial celebration.
Howie Steak
The venue is located in the heart of downtown Bellevue, just outside of Seattle. Here, John Howie Steak brings a high-end steakhouse experience that will serve up the finest of American beef. Best known for impeccable service, quality steaks, and an extensive wine list, this restaurant is known for dry-aged USDA Prime steaks and exceptional seafood options. Elegant, yet relaxed is the vibe for this place.
Signatures include tender and flavorful steaks cut up in the Seattle area, including its 32-ounce bone-in ribeye or its 8-ounce filet mignon. In addition, there are several sauces and sides to pair with the steak. Whether you crave a perfectly cooked steak or a well-crafted cocktail, John Howie Steak is a good choice for any occasion.
Smith Tower Steakhouse
On the 35th floor of Seattle’s historic Smith Tower stands the Smith Tower Steakhouse, offering not just beautiful steaks but also outstanding views of this lovely city. The restaurant features an innovative menu with the traditional American staples found at a classic steakhouse, USDA Prime cuts, seafood options, and sides that will complement perfectly for the main event. It is an upscale yet approachable place with marvelous views from floor-to-ceiling windows across Seattle’s skyline.
The steaks are grilled to perfection, and the dry aging in the restaurant ensures that the meat pops with flavor. Top options include the bone-in 16-ounce ribeye and the filet mignon weighing at 8 ounces. Other menu options abound for those looking to sample as much of the menu as possible. If you are ever in town for business or to celebrate a special event, you need to go to Smith Tower Steakhouse for great food and unbeatable views.
The Butcher’s Table
For people wishing for a more contemporary take on a steakhouse experience, The Butcher’s Table gives an old idea a refreshing turn. Centered in the middle of Seattle’s Pioneer Square, this modern take on a steakhouse focuses on a farm-to-table approach and quality ingredients sourced locally.
The Butcher’s Table boasts a huge supply of steaks; it carries grass-fed options but not fails to carry premium cuts like dry-aged bone-in ribeye or the Wagyu striploin. In addition, the chefs at The Butcher’s Table employ new techniques, like reverse-searing, to ensure each steak will be cooked to your desire. Dining out is great at this place since the open kitchen lets the guest have an open view into the kitchen where they may actually see their chefs working. From the classic New York strip to the hanger steak, which is a little more exotic, each dish will be presented in a brilliant manner.
Metropolitan Grill
Known as one of Seattle’s best steakhouses, the Metropolitan Grill is a place that rises steak experiences to new heights, attracting locals and garnering a faithful afterкус. Classic American food appears on the menu in well-cooked pieces from the USDA Prime beef, famous for their tenderness and flavor. Here, fans of steaks will find something familiar and extraordinary: fabulous options, like the 48-ounce porterhouse cut for two or the 14-ounce bone-in filet mignon.
The Metropolitan Grill stands apart with an insistence on quality-its beef sourced at the very top, combined with a far-reaching variety of sides and sauces to complement the steaks. The ambiance, luxurious but warm, speaks well of an open kitchen, dark wood furnishings, and attentive staff, making it ideal for family dinners, business get-togethers, or that perfect night out.
Conclusion
Home to a wide range of options, Seattle has been considered a mecca for those who are truly discerning when it comes to steak. Combing through an old-school, high-end experience like El Gaucho or a more refined experience at Canlis, or for the more experimental, interpreting the modern view at The Butcher’s Table, Seattle has it all. Combining quality, innovation, and impeccable service, Seattle’s steakhouses promise excitement.
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