15 Steakhouses You Must Visit In Houston

Home to more than 12 million cattle (via Texas Agriculture), Texas is the largest beef producer in the United States. According to the Texas Historical Commission, more than 130 million acres of land are dedicated to farms and ranches for cow production. It comes as no surprise, then, that the Lone Star State is known for not only its brisket barbecue but also its delicious, mouthwatering steak.

For those craving beef, a trip might be in order to the city of Houston, which has a variety of steakhouses with diverse, distinctive offerings. With each eatery, dishes range from having big, bold flavors to more subtle, unique marinades — and even the cuts offered are unique in and of themselves. 

So, which restaurants truly raise the stakes (pun intended)? Whether the preference is a Prime dining experience or high-quality protein, here's a list of the best, most highly-rated steakhouses that are worth a mouth-watering visit in Space City.

Georgia James prides itself on being a steakhouse that offers high-quality meals, including steak. It's perfectly cooked, seared on cast iron, and incredibly well-seasoned, making for a delicious dinner. But its real secret? The restaurant dry ages its beef in-house, resulting in tender, flavorful protein that can't be found elsewhere. Of all the cuts available, the long bone ribeye is perhaps the best.

The establishment sources its meat from the largest Angus cattle producer in the state, 44 Farms — known for its ethically-raised, all-natural selections — while its American Wagyu comes from Snake River Farms in Boise, Idaho.

There is an extensive list of wines to browse while searching for a beverage to pair with that steak, from new and old-world reds and whites to sparking, rosé, and even orange. Georgia James also offers delicious sides to complement the meal; it obtains its produce from local farms (try the delicious Brussels sprouts), and the offerings rotate seasonally. The restaurant's dining hours begin at 5 p.m. daily, so it's a good spot for a fancy, intimate dinner.

Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse offers visitors an upscale, cozy dining atmosphere. Although this restaurant is one of the most expensive steakhouses in town, it's worth trying at least once just for the experience. Although, after trying the steak once, it might be hard not to return.

The beef has great flavor and is extremely tender. In fact, some customers claim cutting into it is like slicing butter. For those who prefer more texture, the outside of each cut has a light sear that provides a nice crunch. It's hard to go wrong with the imported Wagyu beef or filet mignon, as the quality in both is evident in every bite. Patrons can choose from a full list of complements to pair with their steak, ranging from roasted bone marrow to blue cheese bacon butter.

Beyond the main course, customers recommend the jumbo lump crab cake appetizer to start, with the duck fat potatoes as an accompanying side dish. Additionally, if looking for the perfect wine to pair with the meal, the servers here are usually pretty spot-on with their suggestions. Note that Vic & Anthony's requires a business casual dress code (shorts are not permitted) and is only open for dinner daily, except on Fridays when dining starts at 11 a.m.

Another high-end steakhouse, Steak 48 has been a popular Houston destination for fine dining for almost a decade. It's currently owned by two James Beard Award-nominated restauranteurs, Jeffrey and Michael Mastro, along with their father Dennis, and business partner Scott Troilo. The establishment is known for its warm, elegant atmosphere. As such, it is only open for dinner and requires a business casual dress code that prohibits athletic wear, T-shirts, and hats.

Even with the outfit and operating hour restrictions, it's hard to deny that the beef offerings make it worthwhile. The restaurant has various USDA Prime grass-fed steak menu items, with the bone-in ribeye residing at the top of the heap. The New York strip is also a good selection but has less fat than expected. Depending on the cut, the meat from the establishment is either dry or wet-aged. (The latter method ensures the beef's natural flavors come out more strongly when prepared, though the former option is the way to go if you prefer an earthier taste.) 

The protein comes with enhancements; the truffle butter is a safe bet, though the sautéed blue cheese or burrata is worthy of trying some experimentation. For sides, go with the corn crème brûlée, as customers swear by it.

Though Pappas Bros. Steakhouse has multiple locations and is part of a larger family-owned restaurant group, the meat is no less high-quality. Pappas only uses 100% USDA Prime, corn-fed beef, butchered and dry-aged in-house to guarantee a tender, juicy, nutty taste. When the protein is prepared, the chefs sear it on a Montague broiler to seal in its natural flavor. The seasoning is simple, consisting of kosher salt, pepper, and a butter finish. Start with the lobster deviled eggs, followed by the Prime New York strip or the bone-in ribeye for the main course.

Patrons rave about Pappas Bros.' extensive wine list, comprising over 3,900 world-class options. If that sounds overwhelming, don't worry; the on-site sommeliers can help find the perfect beverage for any meal. Customers looking for a new favorite to pair with their steak are welcome to visit the restaurant for one of its hosted tastings, which regularly rotates selections from different regions and offers seasonal hors d'oeuvres.

Serving Space City for nearly five decades, Taste of Texas strives to bring the heart of the Lone Star State directly to the table, and it's among the best restaurants in Houston.

Although part of the appeal of this establishment is its expansive salad bar, there's a lot to say about its steak, too. Taste of Texas hand-picks every pound of protein it prepares, making sure to only select portions of Certified Angus Beef with plenty of marbling. Additionally, it dry-ages the meat for a minimum of 40 days, resulting in a flavorful, tender dish every time. There are also strict trim specifications, so patrons only receive the best of what each slab offers. If that isn't enough to put their pride in quality on display, customers can visit the on-site butcher shop to select their own cut before it's prepared.

The steak comes with a choice of lemon pepper or herb garlic, blue cheese, or truffle butter. If ordering the center-cut filet (a go-to menu item), there is the option of adding thick-sliced hickory-smoked bacon, which is wrapped around the beef.

Open from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday for dinner, Doris Metropolitan is a fine dining establishment perfect for those with adventurous taste buds. Its menu has Middle Eastern influences, so expect some unique flavors.

The steak is prepared from high-quality meat that is butchered and dry-aged in-house for a minimum of 25 days, with more time dedicated to certain cuts like the bone-in rib eye, porterhouse, and New York strip (a favorite).

As an accompaniment, Doris Metropolitan has a very extensive wine list (13 pages long, to be exact), so whether you're in the mood for a simple pinot noir from the valley or feel adventurous enough to try some New World options, this place has it all. For the appetizer, patrons love the beetroot, which comes with cheese and pistachio filling and goat cheese créme fraiche. There's also a regular rotation of seasonal sides from which to select.

Brenner's Steakhouse has a long history. The original location debuted in Houston in 1936, but it wasn't until 1950 that the restaurant started serving Prime beef. The filets were sold for a remarkable $3.50 back in those days; times have changed, but although the cost of steak has considerably increased, the slabs served at this restaurant continue to have unmistakable flavor.

The restaurant's standard steak options are good, but the specialty beef cuts are better. The Texas Akaushi ribeye, in particular, is juicy and tender (pair it with the truffle butter) — well worth the higher price point. However, the Snake River filet mignon is a solid, cheaper alternative.

Brenner's offers a unique dining experience worth savoring; when hoping to escape the Texas heat, the interior has a beautiful, elegant, rustic charm. But, on a nice spring or fall day, head to the outdoor patio and garden, which has gorgeous greenery and a waterfall, gazebo, and fireplace  perfect for a date night — but be sure to dress business or dressy casual, the suggested attire.

This list wouldn't be complete unless a Brazilian steakhouse was included; enter Chama Gaúcha, a restaurant that offers 12 types of meat with unique flavors from south Brazil. From the beef selections, the ribeye is a customer favorite, and it's easy to see why. Not only is the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender, but the establishment keeps it simple. Only a sprinkle of sea salt is added after it's cooked; the special marinade the protein soaks in is what really sings.

If looking for a break from the steak, hit up the salad bar, which comes complete with a variety of cheese, cold cuts, and fresh veggies. There's also an excellent lobster bisque here; patrons swear by it.

Chama Gaúcha is open for lunch and dinner and has reasonable prices for kids and adults of all ages. The restaurant also hosts Happy Hour all day on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Killen's Barbecue is among the most popular BBQ restaurants in Houston, so it's no surprise that its sister location is also worth visiting. The establishment is led by the illustrious Executive Chef Ronnie Killen, who was a former professional cook at Brenner's Steakhouse before being chosen as a finalist to serve as Executive Chef at the White House. He launched Killen's Steakhouse almost a year later, followed by Killen's STQ, which blends fire steakhouse cooking with barbecuing techniques.

With such an impressive culinary career, it's no wonder the Killen offerings are so delicious. The family-owned restaurant prides itself on serving the highest quality protein, including its USDA Prime beef and Japanese Wagyu. It offers wet and dry-aged steak, but many customers say the 16-ounce ribeye cut is the way to go, regardless of preference.

It's worth noting that the establishment enforces a strict business casual dress code. Both the Pearland and Woodlands locations are closed on Sundays and host Happy Hour all day on Mondays and from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Another Brazilian steakhouse entry Gaúchos Do Sul has three locations across Houston. It nevertheless maintains a unique, high-quality dining experience across them all, employing only the highest quality Prime meat across restaurants. The steak is prepared churrasco-style, which involves slowly barbecuing the protein over an open flame. This, combined with the establishment's spice blend, results in unmistakable flavor across the 15 cuts it offers. However, the Texas Kobe beef is a great option for those who prefer something more simple.

Along with the main course, Gaúchos' has a terrific gourmet salad bar, featuring a variety of salads, cheeses, meats, vegetables, and fruit. For those craving a healthy, sweet treat, claim a few slices of grilled pineapple,  sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, when it circles to the table. After dinner — assuming you still have room after the unlimited meat — order a piece of Brazilian flan, topped with caramel sauce and complete with whipped cream and berries.

Open for nearly four decades, Lynn's offers an exquisite, intimate dining experience like none other. This is where to go when looking to celebrate anniversaries, host small holiday parties, or hold important business meetings in the City With No Limits.

Of course, beyond the celebration, customers come here to enjoy the delicious, melt-in-your-mouth Prime ribeye, which is aged to perfection. Although its beef is best consumed on-location, Lynn's does offer customers an option to order delivery and takeout. 

The restaurant's wine menu is every bit as impressive as its competitors, and Lynn's hosts an in-house cellar that is home to over 11,000 bottles from around the world, making it very easy to find a vintage that pairs perfectly with any meal. In the eyes of their loyal patrons, it's the starters that set Lynn's Steakhouse apart; popular picks include the jumbo lump crab cakes, lobster bisque, and French onion soup.

The steak from B&B Butchers & Restaurant is on the list of the best steakhouses in America, so clearly it's something special. But what ranks it among the best? 

For starters, the establishment uses high-quality USDA Prime meat, and is one of only 38 eateries certified in serving 100% A5 Kobe beef. All this protein is cut and dry-aged in-house to maintain its unbeatable flavor. Of the menu items available, it's hard to go wrong with the beef Wellington, served medium rare by default and wrapped with a flaky pastry crust. The Wagyu ribeye is also a delicious, juicy favorite.

It's easy to appreciate an eatery that provides an intimate experience for small parties and couples, but what might be even better about B&B is that it is family-friendly and offers a solid kids' menu — something rarely seen with upscale steakhouses. If you want to give the kiddos a unique fine dining experience, order the Wagyu hot dog.

Casa do Brasil, like rival Brazilian steakhouse entries, offers dishes and unlimited protein that highlight the traditional flavors of Brazil. The meat served at the restaurant is USDA Prime aged beef, cooked over an open flame and lightly seasoned with a sprinkle of sea salt so the natural taste can shine. The bacon-wrapped bottom sirloin is a solid option, but ribs are a great alternative for those looking to go beyond traditional steak. The full meal comes with a selection of side dishes — including mashed potatoes, polenta, and caramelized bananas — served family-style.

Casa do Brasil is easy top love for its approachable, kid-friendly menu. Additionally, the restaurant regularly offers lunch and holiday specials, so it's a great destination for a fancy midday meal or celebrating a special occasion–without the hefty cost typically associated with steakhouses. The establishment also has an extensive carry-out menu for those who don't have time to dine in.

The Capital Grille has multiple locations, spanning from Arizona to Wisconsin. However, it's still worth mentioning here because the Houston restaurants remain popular destinations for no-frills steak served in an unforgettable atmosphere.

Its beef is dry-aged from 18 to 24 days and hand-carved by on-site butchers. Once prepared, the meat is paired with menu items that only use the freshest ingredients. Patrons love the bone-in ribeye, which is one of the eatery's signature cuts. The filet mignon is a popular alternative for those looking for a more standard option. Though the wine selection isn't as elaborate as Lynn's Steakhouse, a few decent picks are on the list.

The Capital Grille is only open for dinner throughout the week, and business casual dress is required to dine in. For those preferring to pick up a meal, the restaurant has dedicated takeout hours from 5 to 8 p.m.

Although Eddie V's Prime Seafood specializes mostly in ocean-based fare, it deserves an honorable mention since patrons have a lot of good things to say about its beef. The establishment uses USDA Prime meat hand-cut and aged for a minimum of 28 days to draw out the flavor — and the taste attests to that. The filet mignon is a fan favorite and is best paired with a side of truffled macaroni and cheese. Like The Capital Grille, the eatery has multiple locations, and despite each of the chain's restaurants being unique, the quality of the steak is consistent.

Beyond this, Eddie V's offers a world-class wine selection. Guests can also enjoy the restaurant's live music and patio seating during those beautiful Houston evenings. There isn't a strictly-enforced dress code, but it is highly encouraged that guests avoid casual attire when dining at Eddie V's, where the seafood and the steak are both worth a visit.