Features

The best steak in Las Vegas

The world’s most revered beef served in spectacular surroundings … prepare to make meal memories

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Choose your own Spanish-style beef rib steak at the beautifully over-the-top Bazaar Meat.
Photo: Christopher DeVargas

Weekend partier. Business-minded conventioneer. International visitor. Doesn’t matter. The one meal they’re all thinking of when they come to Las Vegas is a great steak dinner, and we’ve got more than enough sensational restaurants ready to serve it up and blow minds in the process. The only question is: Where to make that reservation? That’s where we come in. Novice eaters assume all steakhouses are the same. The opposite is true. From vintage Vegas palaces to stylish beef depots fueled by famous chefs, each of our top steakhouses has its own vibe, character, specialties and side dishes. Don’t forget the side dishes. We’ve spent years eating our way through these restaurants so you can conveniently choose from the very best Las Vegas has to offer. This is the dinner you’ve been dreaming about.

PERSONAL FAVORITES

Bazaar Meat Innovator José Andrés’ latest culinary wonderland fast became known as the steakhouse where you didn’t have to order a steak, thanks to its wild assortment of Spanish small plates and raw and cured meat dishes that satisfy as they dazzle. But saunter past that fire pit on your way in and it’s impossible to deny yourself the pure prehistoric bliss of sharing a beautifully charred rib steak, priced by the pound. Class it up with Chateaubriand with Perigord sauce and potato souffle, or go Japanese with a Kobe ribeye from Hyogo. The vegetable sides are peerless. SLS, 702-761-7610. BR

Carnevino By now you’re aware of Carnevino’s legendary riserva, the 240-day dry-aged beef that sets new standards for rich flavor. But that’s a super-special occasion steak, not for everyone’s tastes, and Carnevino doesn’t need it to qualify as one of the best steakhouses—and Italian restaurants—on the Strip. Just as memorably scrumptious: steak tartare alla Piemontese, dry-aged beef tortellini, the Florentine-style porterhouse and a shareable bone-in ribeye rubbed with sea salt, black pepper and fresh rosemary. Palazzo, 702-789-4141. BR

A juicy porterhouse at Carnevino.

A juicy porterhouse at Carnevino.

Jean Georges Steakhouse Dark and enchanting, Jean Georges is everything you could want in a modern steakhouse, perfect since the day it opened. Chef de cuisine Sean Griffin handles the open-fire grill masterfully, optimizing every cut of creatively sourced beef. Who knew it was possible to coax such luxurious, beefy flavor from a lean filet mignon? Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s trademark Asian-inspired touches come into play with house-made sauces, and we highly recommend you go overboard and augment your steak with broiled bone marrow or black truffle mac and cheese. Aria, 877-230-2742. BR

Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse Andiamo brings the best of Detroit to Downtown Las Vegas, with a cool, old-school vibe—the perfect ambiance for a steakhouse, and the reason this place turns into a hotbed for local celebs on the weekends. Every cut is butchered in-house, a rare circumstance anywhere in Vegas. What to order with your tomahawk? How about one of the best Caesar salads in the city, prepared tableside? Zesty complementary pasta options prove much more than the average side dish. Anyone who knocks Downtown dining clearly hasn’t been to Andiamo. The D, 702-388-2220. DC

Old Homestead Give me a no-nonsense New York chophouse, you say. Give me the best beef, a chilled seafood tower that’ll wow the table, and a peppercorn sauce that’ll make me moan, you say. Go to Old Homestead, I’ll tell you, where the staff and kitchen magically know exactly what you like and how you like it. And get whatever you want, of course, but consider the Kitchen Sink salad, the classic Dover sole Meunière and the prime New York strip on the bone. Caesars Palace, 702-731-7558. BR

SW Steakhouse It’s no surprise the ever-superior Wynn resort is on our list, and the signature SW Steakhouse maintains its exceptional reputation, from the chili-rubbed meats to the stunning presentations. Plus, where else does a large frog in a man-made lake “sing” Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places”? Before you hop up to make a reservation: SW is closed for renovation through August 14 (we can’t wait to see the upgrade). Meanwhile, menu favorites are available across the floor at Lakeside, also run by executive chef David Walzog. Wynn, 702-770-3325. DC

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The food and ambiance at The Steak House at Circus Circus remain favorites for locals and tourists.

The Steak House at Circus Circus If Andiamo is the new kid in town, this Circus Circus stalwart is old faithful. Why mess with a good thing, from the straightforward menu to the mesquite-grilled steaks to the red leather seats? The servers are charming and knowledgeable (and fully clothed), and they’re ready with some of the best prime rib in the city. And don’t let the north Strip location fool you—you’ll need a reservation, even on weeknights. Locals and frequent Vegas visitors can’t get enough. Circus Circus, 702-794-3767. DC

MODERN MASTERPIECES

Andiron Steak & Sea The latest creation of restaurateur Elizabeth Blau might be this year’s most stunning new dining room, transporting you to a relaxing Hamptons weekend complete with fresh seafood and beefy brilliance. Share the tomahawk chop with red wine Bordelaise. Downtown Summerlin, 702-685-8002. BR

Cut You never forget your first, and Wolfgang Puck’s elegant, modern take on the steakhouse was one of my inaugural dining experiences when I arrived in 2008. It was also the first time I was presented with different cuts of meat at the table for maximum beef exposure before ordering. This first will always remain a favorite. Palazzo, 702-607-6300. DC

The atmosphere at Andiron Steak & Sea is one of a kind.

Echo & Rig A mix of “affordable fine dining” (as described by chef/owner Sam Marvin) and fresh steakhouse style with an eye-popping butcher shop on the first floor, this neighborhood newbie is a true off-Strip star. Sink your teeth into tri-tip with garlic and lemon or hanger steak with fresh herbs, or maybe the European bavette in a sauce of charred onion. All steaks are cooked over red oak, but if you fancy other proteins, the rainbow goes from butterfish to “vertical chicken.” Tivoli Village, 702-489-3525. DC

Gordon Ramsay Steak The feisty Scottish chef and TV star’s best Las Vegas restaurant is a two-level, boisterously British, modern showcase of style. The steaks, sides and desserts—don’t skip the sticky toffee pudding—are consistently wonderful, creating a luxury experience worth the price. Paris Las Vegas, 877-346-4642. DC

The Royal Longbone Ribeye Chop at Gordon Ramsay Steak.

Heritage Steak Woodfiring is the name of the game at Heritage, and that means you’re in for rustic flavors that set familiar dishes apart from the competition and spark notes of creativity in others. Try the soy-chili-glazed skirt steak skewers, a perfect fit for the tropical garden environs. Mirage, 866-339-4566. BR

STK At first, I wasn’t sold on the idea of a restaurant that becomes a nightclub during dinner. But the food wins out regardless of how you feel about STK’s lively see-and-be-seen environment. Plus, a recent menu expansion (crispy lobster, glazed beef shortrib and more) is promising and done well. Cosmopolitan, 702-698-7990. DC

Stripsteak Superchef Michael Mina’s steakhouse has a futuristic design accented with glass and stone, a supreme whiskey collection and a creative star in the kitchen in Gerald Chin, who happily colors outside the traditional steakhouse lines—much to your benefit. Mandalay Bay, 702-632-7200. BR

VEGAS INSTITUTIONS

Charlie Palmer Steak This secluded steakhouse isn’t hip and doesn’t aim to be—it actually reminds me of a restaurant in Miami à la The Golden Girls. But like those reruns, it has stood the test of time. Consistently great food in a serene setting helps. Four Seasons, 702-632-5120. DC

The Country Club Many don’t think of the popular lunch, brunch and dinner spot overlooking the 18th hole of Wynn’s golf course as a steakhouse, but that’s its core. Feast on chef Carlos Guia’s Creole-spiced bison ribeye with a side of goat cheese grits and you won’t care what kind of restaurant you thought it was. Wynn, 702-770-3315. BR

Craftsteak Perhaps a bit overlooked since food icon Tom Colicchio opened the newer Heritage Steak farther up the Strip, Craftsteak remains a simple, pure homage to this favorite American restaurant model with a dedicated focus on fresh-from-the-farm goodness. It’s a true classic that never goes out of style. MGM Grand, 702-891-7318. BR

Delmonico Steakhouse Bam! One of Emeril Lagasse’s quintessential offerings in Las Vegas, Delmonico is exactly what you’d expect from the celebrated chef: slightly Southern, sassy and satisfying. Chef de cuisine Ronnie Rainwater skillfully handles all aspects of this top-notch operation, including the in-house dry-aging. Venetian, 702-414-3737. DC

Golden Steer Another pure Vegas classic, this venerable establishment barely off the Strip is an old-school steakhouse to a T, steeped in local lore. Guess who was eating in the Mario Andretti booth when I dined there? Mario Andretti. 308 W. Sahara Ave., 702-384-4470. DC

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You may not consider The Country Club at Wynn a steakhouse, but it is ... and one of the most beautiful steakhouses on the Strip.

N9NE Steakhouse Chef Barry Dakake and this always lively spot are industry institutions; few restaurants have been loved so much for so long. The recently renovated, sexy and chic atmosphere matches up with the flavorful menu, as perfect a pairing as its lobster Thermidor with a juicy, charred steak. Palms, 702-933-9900. DC

Prime Bellagio changed the Vegas restaurant game when it arrived 17 years ago, and Prime did the same for the steakhouse, reinterpreting the old standard with unprecedented luxury and service. With perfect fountain views and precisely prepared, beautifully presented food, it remains one of the best examples of how eating Las Vegas can be so sublime. Bellagio, 702-693-7223. BR

Vic & Anthony's I finally visited Vic & Anthony’s recently and discovered exactly what I’ve been missing. Everything is exceptional, from steaks and salads to appetizers and desserts to wine and cocktails to truly charming ambiance. This stands as one of my top five meals in seven years in this town. Golden Nugget, 702-386-8399. DC

QUIET GREATNESS

BLT Steak Most associate the former Bally’s Steakhouse with the ultra-lux Sterling Brunch, but you’re missing out on huge flavors (how about a lobster cobb salad and a porterhouse for two?) in a refreshed room if you don’t do dinner at BLT. Bally’s, 702-967-7528. BR

Charcoal Room This was one of the best, least-celebrated neighborhood restaurants in town at Santa Fe Station. Now that there’s a fresh second location at Palace Station, that goes double. Order the signature marinated, pan-seared ribeye, a juicy masterpiece. Santa Fe Station, 702-515-4370; Palace Station, 702-221-6678. BR

You haven't dined at the best new steakhouses in Las Vegas until you make a trip to BLT Steak.

Hank's Fine Steaks This elegant Henderson steakhouse named for Hank Greenspun is a gem that could compete with any Strip venue, and not just because of the stunning chandeliers. Steak and lobster? Yes, please. Green Valley Ranch Resort, 702-617-7075. DC

McCall's Heartland Grill The Stratosphere is better known for its Top of the World restaurant, but don’t discount what’s under the radar. McCall’s is solid through and through, high-quality cuisine with creative flavors at affordable prices. Plus, it’s away from the hustle and bustle at the end of the Strip. Stratosphere, 702-380-7777. DC

Strip House It’s a provocative name with even more provocative decor (you’ll have to see for yourself), not to mention a great option before and after shows at Planet Hollywood’s theater. One of the best hidden gems on the Strip. Planet Hollywood, 702-737-5200. DC

T-Bones Chophouse You’ll forget you’re in the ’burbs and not some fancy Strip casino restaurant in this cool room. After jumbo lump crab cakes, a shrimp-avocado Caesar and a 28-day aged Niman Ranch filet, you might not want to go to the Strip. Red Rock Resort, 702-797-7576. BR

Tender Luxor’s steakhouse is after this Montana boy’s heart with its adventurous arsenal of game meats like elk, venison and boar—yes to all three. Tender has one of the city’s most diverse steakhouse menus and handles each dish with care. Luxor, 702-262-4852. DC

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Brock Radke

Brock Radke is an award-winning writer and columnist who currently occupies the role of editor-at-large at Las Vegas Weekly magazine. ...

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