8 Steakhouses Serving Up Prime Experiences in Dallas

Dallas has bragging rights for excellence in a variety of endeavors, from professional sports and shopping to culture and cuisine. In the latter category, Tex-Mex and BBQ often get top billing, but for one of the truest "Dallas" experiences, few things can top a fantastic steak - not counting lump crab or bearnaise sauce, of course. Whether you're looking for traditional, wonderfully old-school steakhouses or more contemporary settings, we have eight can't-miss options from A to (almost) Z.

Al Biernat's

With locations in Oak Lawn and North Dallas, Al Biernat's has been a go-to place since 1998 for special occasions, as well as business lunches and dinners that truly impress. Known for steaks and seafood procured from top-quality purveyors, an impressive wine list filled with rare bottles and a sophisticated cocktail program, this steakhouse never fails to amaze in both service and sustenance.

Must-order: Chilled Seafood Tower; Texas Wagyu Filet Mignon; Lobster Risotto.

Bob's Steak & Chop House

Born in Dallas, Bob's Steak & Chop House has grown to five North Texas locations, including the original on Lemmon Avenue. Their signature glazed carrot has accompanied every steak since 1993, and it's one of those quirky traditions that people love to this day. Multiple private dining rooms at each location make this a go-to spot for groups of friends, family or work colleagues.

Must-order: Onion Rings; Chophouse Salad; Veal Porterhouse Chop; Half Roasted Duck.

Dakota's Steakhouse

This steakhouse has been a Dallas institution for nearly four decades, not only for its superb steaks and chops but its location - beneath downtown. The underground location takes you "down under" without that day-long flight to Australia. Take the elevator down for a one-of-a-kind dining experience, whether you're in the dimly lit dining room or near a window overlooking the tranquil subterranean courtyard.

Must-order: A5 Wagyu Tartare; Dakota's Beef Wellington; Lobster Corn Elote.

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House

One of Dallas' oldest steakhouses, Del Frisco's dates back to 1981 when the city was making a big splash internationally. Get dressed up and head to the spectacular Uptown Dallas location, where the staff in the front and back of the house will impeccably curate every moment.. All steaks and chops are hand-cut in-house with 45-day dry-aged steaks a specialty.

Must-order: Shanghai-Style Fried Calamari; Petit Lobster Tail Trio; 45-Day Dry-Aged Prime Ribeye; Truffle Twice Baked Potato.

Nusr-Et Dallas

From the moment you enter this Klyde Warren Park-adjacent restaurant at the edge of downtown, it's clear you're not walking into any ordinary steakhouse. Nusr-Et is the creation of the famous Turkish butcher, chef and entertainer Nusret Gökçe, "a.k.a. Salt Bae." Even the website gets right to the point with its proclamation of "A Crazy Menu." Among the boundary-pushing options, you'd be cuckoo to miss the signature 24-Karat Gold-encrusted steaks or the eye-popping $1,100 Golden Tomahawk - guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Must-order: Saltbae Crab Cake; Istanbul Steak; Herb Crusted Fries; Authentic Pistachio Baklava.

SER Steak + Spirits

Located high atop the Hilton Anatole on the 27th floor, SER Steak + Spirits offers its guests some of the most breathtaking views of downtown Dallas. Make a reservation 30 minutes before sunset to truly appreciate the day-to-night transition from an unparalleled perspective. The accompanying lounge makes for a great after-dinner stop with live music and dancing often on the agenda.

Must-order: Raw & Chilled Appetizer Platter; SER Green Pozole; The Cadillac (Tomahawk and Foie Gras); French Blue Prawns.

STK Steakhouse

Only open since November 2, STK Steakhouse Dallas is the newest steakhouse destination in the city and the most recent addition to the brand's international portfolio of locations. Modern sensibility merges classic dishes with innovative presentations in a lavish, of-the-moment space. Contemporary music from on-location DJs sets the stage for a meal that's as entertaining as it is impressively delicious.

Must-order: Jalapeño Pickled Shrimp Cocktail; Dry-Aged Delmonico; Mushroom & Truffle Tagliatelle; Sweet Corn Pudding.

Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse

This West End staple has an impressive variety of beef options and wild game on its menu, drawing inspiration from the animals that roam on the actual Y.O. Ranch in the Texas Hill Country. The result is a carnivore's paradise and a haven for all varieties of food aficionados thanks to the creative dishes from the first course to the last.

Must-order: Wild Game Platter; Buffalo Filet Mignon; Ancho Chile Rubbed King Salmon; Tabasco Goat Cheese Grits.