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Salt Lake City has several identities, but we all know it is best known as the epicenter of the Mormon culture and faith. So many other things help to define this beautiful city that sits between the westernmost slope of the Rocky Mountains to its east and the Great Salt Lake to the west.
The 2002 Winter Olympics were hosted in Salt Lake City where the city and its local population welcomed and entertained close to a million visitors within a two-week period, it was at the time, the largest crowd for a winter Olympics venue.
We have one purpose and objective for Salt Lake City today. Today, we are hyper-focusing on food in Salt Lake City. Specifically, the best steak in town.
Who makes the best steaks in the capital of the Beehive state?
What Makes A Great Steak House?
The criteria for what makes a great steak house is going to vary from one person to another. As someone who loves a good steak, and has had my fair share at some of the best restaurants around the world, today’s post will be based on that.
Flavor, cut, the right balance of fat and lean meat, and of course, seasoning. Just sitting here writing about it is making my mouth water for a juicy filet.
Some people can’t imagine eating steak with some kind of grocery store condiment slathered all over it like A1, ketchup, or barbeque sauce. We are not here to judge, but that is not the kind of steak we are looking for here in Salt Lake City.
We are on the hunt for a steak that is going to give us an epicure of dining pleasure. A memory and experience that sets a particular steak apart from the rest.
Salt Lake City is a great place to go for that quest. Known for its exquisite and world-class cuisine, many restaurants in and around Salt Lake City lay claim to serving the best steak in the Beehive State.
We are going to put some of those claims to the test.
Who Made The List For Beat Steak House In Salt Lake City?
When searching for the Best Steak House in Salt Lake City, we are looking for a restaurant that puts its reputation on the line with the chefs they have hired.
We are only going to focus on locally-owned restaurants. We have all tasted the chain restaurants’ flavors, formulas, and corporate recipes. If you have had a steak at Outback in Green Bay, Wisconsin, then you know what the same steak at Outback Steakhouse in Dallas, Texas is going to taste like.
So, without further ado, here are the best steak houses in Salt Lake City, Utah in no particular order.
1. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar is located 200 S 400 W in downtown Salt Lake City. Slightly off the beaten path, but still close enough to catch slime live music or dancing at a nearby bar or tavern.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse’s signature piece of beef is their filet. Nothing pretentious. Simply a juicy and well-seasoned steak.
The aged prime beef with lobster tail is a classic that is spot on here. The perfect balance of marbled beef partnered with a delicately white buttery lobster tail.
2. Ruby River Steakhouse
Ruby River Steakhouse has a rustic environment that makes you feel warm and welcome. Their steaks are perfectly seasoned and tender.
The best steak on their menu is by far the Bison Steak. If you have never tried bison steak, this is the place to try it. One of the most succulent cuts of meat ever. While it is a slightly different flavor than beef, this bison steak is one of the best I have ever eaten.
For dessert, arguably the best bread pudding with bourbon sauce in all of Utah. Even if you don’t think you are a fan of bread pudding, this one you need to try!
3. Spencer’s For Steaks and Chops
Located at 255 West Temple Street in downtown Salt Lake City, this restaurant is conveniently located and within walking distance of lots of shopping, taverns, and events.
Spencers For Steaks and Chops creates an old-fashioned, dark, and warm atmosphere. They offer an assortment of prime beef selections, expertly prepared and cooked seafood, and a selection of wines that would impress the finest wine connoisseurs.
The 8oz WAGYU ribeye is nothing less than a work of culinary art. The meat will literally melt in your mouth. This is the steak that as soon as it hits your tongue, you involuntarily smile due to the delicious flavors dancing in your mouth.
4. Christopher’s Prime Tavern and Grille
Located near the northern end of downtown, you can find Christopher’s Prime Tavern and Grille at 110 W Broadway St.
The A4 Wagyu Tomahawk Prime Steak is an experience of its own. Chef Eric Westover is a culinary craftsman who cooks like a savant. There is no other item on their menu to rival this steak.
It could easily be argued that it is the best steak in all of Salt Lake City. Pair your steak with their signature roasted asparagus and ginger soy mushrooms. You will think you are in heaven.
5. Harbor Seafood and Steak Co.
Harbor Seafood and Steak Co. lets you know right off the bat that seafood and steak are what makes this restaurant special. Located at 2302 E. Parleys Way, you are dining right at the base of the Western most Rocky Mountains.
The prices are a little on the high side and the menu is nothing fancy at all. The food though is delicious and you will be hard-pressed to find a better rib-eye in Salt Lake City, even at $50.
6. Rodizio Grille Brazilian Steakhouse
Rodizio Grille is located in the historic trolley Square at 600 700 East on the 2nd floor.
The wait staff greets and serves you in traditional Brazilian Gaucho outfits. There is no limit to the amount of meat you can eat here if you have the fortitude for it.
With unlimited Brazilian sides, gourmet salads, and homemade desserts, this place will satisfy anyone’s appetite.
Do not leave without trying the Parmesan Steak with Grilled Pineapple. It is a “fan-favorite” for anyone who is fortunate enough to book a reservation and walk away full and happy.
7. Market Street Grille & Oyster Bar
Market Street Grille and Oyster Bar is a local favorite for everyone in and around Salt Lake City.
More of an upscale diner at high-end restaurant prices, the food is worth the price and experience. The filet mignon with crab stuffed shrimp is one of the best surf and turn combinations I have ever had the delight of eating.
For an appetizer, you can not go wrong with either the crab-stuffed mushrooms or the hot crab, spinach and artichoke dip. The drinks are well made as the bartender always gives more alcohol than called for.
When it comes to desserts, there isn’t a better selection and satisfaction of deserts in all of Utah. The Market Street Sabayon or the Creme’ Brulee are two of the best confections I have ever had the pleasure of tasting.
8. Tucanos Brazilian Grille
This is another Brazilian steakhouse in Salt Lake City that goes far and beyond the typical Brazilian Grille reputation. Tucanos Brazilian Grille is located at 162 S 400 West. in The Gateway, a shopping and restaurant mecca of downtown Salt Lake City.
Most certainly try the Taste of Brazil. A tapas of traditional Brazilian served with zesty house sauce.
The menu is typical of a Brazilian steak house, but the meats, unlimited salad, and sides make Tucanos Brazilian Grille a meat lover’s paradise and experience.
9. Kimi’s Chop & Oyster Bar
Kimi’s Chop & Oyster Bar is located on the east side of Salt Lake City in the famous Commons at Sugar House shopping district.
If the restaurant has the word “Chop” in it, you can bet it is going to be upscale. Kimi’s Chop & Oyster Bar will not disappoint. Best described as a chic, upscale dining experience with a modern motif.
The menu is anything but typical or boring. Select menu items allow you just enough choices without becoming overwhelmed.
The Grilled Prime Grade Ribeye is a mouth-watering experience you will want to relive over and over. Sun-dried tomatoes and thyme compound butter sautéed squash and zucchini with another adequate serving of roasted fingerling potatoes, and peppercorn demi-glace sauce.
Do not forget to try the Homemade Crisp Du Jour for dessert. The flavor or selection differs from night to night.
10. Bambara
Bambara is a unique restaurant that serves seasonal favorite entrees with original sides, tapas, and desserts. Located at 202 South Main Street in the Hotel Monaco.
Their signature Grilled Filet of Beef is the perfect balance of flavor, marbling, and tenderness. It is served with duck fat potatoes, crimini mushrooms, leek soubise, truffle aioli, Madeira gastrique.
The ambiance, knowledgeable staff, and attentive servers make Bambara not only a must-do experience for visitors of Salt Lake City but a favorite of locals as well.
11. Sakura Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi
Normally, we would not be inclined to include a restaurant located in a strip mall. Sakura Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi breaks any stereotype that goes along with its location.
You can find this restaurant at 3370 State St just a few blocks east of Interstate 15.
Their menu is simple, yet delicious. While it may seem you are ordering off of a Chinese restaurant menu, the flavors and quality of the food will make you feel like you are partaking of a 5-star gourmet bistro.
Upgrade your steak and seafood selection with scallops and filet mignon for the ultimate modestly priced steak in Salt Lake City.
Honorable Mention – Lucky H Bar & Grille
The Lucky H Bar & Grille is such a great dining experience we had to find a way to include it in the list. So, although we are offering it an honorable mention, don’t let that dissuade you. Really, it is as good a steakhouse experience as we have ever enjoyed anywhere.
If you have never tried bison, then you need to try it for the first time here. All of their entrees come with a side of ice cream, which is a nice and unexpected treat.
It is located in the heart of Salt Lake City on Main Street. They offer a full menu of American favorites, each with its own special recipe and style.
Where can you stay when in Salt Lake City?
Who Did We Not Include On This List?
There are some great, and we do mean great restaurants to get a steak in Salt Lake City that we have not mentioned here. A few of those places were not included on purpose.
We intentionally eliminated the following restaurants from our list of Best Steak in Salt Lake City simply due to the fact that they are chain and nationally recognized chain restaurants.
- Ruth Chris Steakhouse
- Sizzler
- The Melting Pot
- Benihana
Not that anything is wrong with that. Each of these steakhouses makes a delicious, tender, and memorable steak. It’s just that the steaks are prepared according to their proprietary recipe, cut, and preparation.
For our readers, we prefer to direct you to where you can taste, enjoy, and experience a steak that is prepared and cooked more like a piece of art, than an item to choose from on a menu.
I can get the same steak, experience the same taste, and have the same memory of that dining experience anywhere in the United States at any of those brands.
With that being said, great food, a great atmosphere, and great dining experiences, but we can get the same thing anywhere else.
Wrap Up To Where To Get The Best Steak In Salt Lake City
If you are planning a trip to Salt Lake City or the surrounding area, be sure to try one of the restaurants we have recommended. If you try one not on our list, we love to know what your experience was.
Finding the best steak in Salt Lake City is not rocket science. It’s simply a matter of getting a table at the right restaurant on the right night. Good company, a good atmosphere, great appetizers, and cocktails will make any steak a little bit better.
You see, it’s not just about the best steak. The whole experience goes into how much you enjoy that piece of American beef.
Salt Lake City, you did not disappoint. We look forward to our next visit here and our never-ending quest to find the best steak in Salt Lake City.
