Methodology

To assemble our ranking of the best steakhouses in America, we started by compiling a list of more than 200 of America’s leading steakhouses. We excluded chains with more than a handful of locations, like Capital Grille, Fleming's and Ruth’s Chris, as those deserve their own ranking (along with less-expensive steakhouse chains).

We then judged them according to strict criteria: Is the meat sourced reputably and USDA Choice or Prime? Is it dry-aged, and if not, is it as high-quality as can be? Is it served at the proper doneness without fail and with a touch of ceremony? Is it revered by locals and out-of-towners alike? We also considered the overall steakhouse experience. No matter the setting, the service must be top-notch, the attention to detail should be spot-on, and diners should feel compelled to sit back in their chairs after their meal, pleasantly stuffed and content in the knowledge that they just ate one heck of a steak.