re: America's 20 Best Steakhouses

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This list doesn't interest me in the slightest and I like steak a lot.

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I think the same could be said for people who "LOVE" steakhoues. It's one of the least creative cuisines. There is nearly zero variance.

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#2 Bern's in Tampa is legit and worthy of that rank..

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Bern's is notable primarily for the wine list, which is one of the best in the world. I've been there a few times and it's quite an experience, if you can get beyond the decor, which is best characterized as Victorian Brothel. I've found the food to be okay, twice my steak was cooked improperly. Seems to me the hurdle for a steakhouse is low: high quality meat cooked properly. If the room is nice and the wine list good, that's a plus. This is the one "cuisine" that many people can replicate at home.

I think thats a fair assessment of steakhouses in general. As for Bern's I'll agree that the decor is unusual, but it sure stands out against any other steakhouse I've visited. As for the food, their chateaubriand is a fav of mine and has always been cooked to perfection.

Nick and Sam's is awesome, but I need to try Pappas Bros Steakhouse since I'm in Dallas. For some reason I'm opposed to the idea of the pappas restaurants withou ever trying one of them.

That´s some funny shite.

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Try and find me another "high end" food product that's marked up more than a goddamn steak. I'll wait.

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Actually steak in most restaurants usually offers the lowest profit margin as a %. But, I agree with you, I very rarely order steak at a restaurant due to it being able to be so closely replicated at home with ease and limited prep/ingredients.

Sushi on the other hand takes you behind the wood shed on its % markup.
2 ozs of tuna
1 oz of salmon
2 oz fake crab
sliver of avocado
eel sauce
rice
nori

Restaurant's food cost=$2.60
Your cost=$13.50

I agree with some on this board, that there is very little variance between the great steakhouses. you could probably take the top 200 steakhouses, randomize the order, and you would still have a good list. There are probably a half dozen steak houses in New Orleans that people on this board would rather go to than Dickie Brennans.

I think I cook a good steak, but I will go to a high-end steak house, like those on this list, before I go to Outback for a steak. Preferably on an expense account.

It's not the preparation, but the quality of the ingredients. I can't buy the same meat that these restaurants can get. In addition, you are pampered, and the wine lists and desserts are usually fantastic.

Is it over-priced? Yes, but no more so than the $4 bottle of water that you get at most of these places...

Obviously going to a steakhouse is for steak

But it's also for the vibe, mood, pampering and such.

I like Dickie Brennan's a lot. Can I get something close to it at home? Well yeah if I go to the right meat market, hire a trio of people to wait on me and such. But I can't get the freebie taster I get when I sit down, nor the bread nor some of the apps and sides. Nor can I really make any of the desserts. Nor do I live below street level and I don't have tables to get that feeling you get in there or many other steakhouses, always been a fan of Frankie and johnnies in NY as well, not on the list but wouldn't necessarily expect it to be but when in NY I try and go

Love Keen's. Frien of mine works there, always puts me in the bull moose room

Stroud's (R.I.P.) would shite on most of these places.