Philly is a steak city, as you probably already know by its holy grail: cheesesteaks.
But what about steakhouses? It almost feels like people don’t pay too much attention to them nowadays, which makes no sense. Sometimes, the mood strikes for tender steak, solid sides, and an atmosphere worth staying a little longer for a drink or two—that’s it.
Some spots in Philly have been doing this forever, and they don’t earn decade-long local followings without being some of the best around.
On the flip side, you’ll find steakhouses that treat dinner like a spectacle, which, let’s be honest, can be fun if you’re in the mood for it. And then, you’ve got everything in between. So, no matter what kind of steak night you’re after, this city has options.
Here’s where to go when you want a steak that’s worth it.
Butcher & Singer
Where: 1500 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
It only makes sense to start with this gem of a Philly steakhouse, as walking into Butcher & Singer feels like stepping into another era.
I say that because this renowned steak joint leans into the atmosphere of classic chophouses: dim lighting, pink velvet lounge chairs, and servers in tuxedos.
As for my recommendations, The Delmonico and the New York strip were, hands-down, my favorites—a solid, rich, flavorful bet. Oh, and if you’re splitting, the bone-in filet is worth the commitment.
But whatever you do, don’t skip the crispy stuffed hash browns—you could even say it’s a side that deserves as much attention as the steak. Pair it all with a dirty martini or a big, bold red, and you’re in business. Sure, it’s pricey, but if you want an old-school steakhouse that delivers, it’s worth every dime.
Barclay Prime
Where: 237 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Barclay Prime isn’t your typical steakhouse in Philadelphia, and that’s exactly the point.
It’s a little flashier, a little more modern, and somehow manages to make tater tots feel upscale––I mean, we’re talking about a menu that comes with a $140 wagyu ribeye cheesesteak that comes with Champagne here.
Steak-wise, the American Wagyu is ridiculously tender, and the porterhouse is just as solid if you’re in the mood to split. But, something has to be said about their mac & cheese––it’s the kind you’ll regret sharing, and yes, they serve tater tots—easily the best I’ve ever had.
When you’re going all out, don’t mind spending a bit extra and fancy a restaurant that leans into a spectacle; there are not many better places to find that in Philly.
Rittenhouse Grill
Where: 1701 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Rittenhouse Grill isn’t the easiest place to find—tucked away on the Locust Street side of The Warwick Hotel—but once you step inside, there’s no mistaking it.
Leopard-print carpets, mirrored walls, gold fixtures, and black leather booths set the scene for a steakhouse that leans more like an “old-school supper club” than a “traditional chophouse.” The prime rib is without question the main attraction on the menu—massive, juicy, and exactly what you want from a steakhouse that does things the old-fashioned way.
But that’s not the only incredible dish on the menu; their coconut shrimp has a cult following, the octopus gets rave reviews, and somehow, pigs in a blanket have earned a permanent spot on the appetizer list. Add in a few too many dirty martinis, and suddenly, the leopard print starts to make perfect sense.
This isn’t the most talked-about steak restaurant in Philadelphia, but it should be––just book a reservation here and try it out for yourself; you’ll get what I mean.
Steak 48
Where: 260 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
A steakhouse in Philadelphia that goes all-in on excess, Steak 48 is about as high-end as it gets as the menu covers all the steakhouse essentials but with plenty of over-the-top extras.
The seafood tower is massive, the chicken-fried lobster tails unexpectedly addictive, and even the appetizers—like braised pork belly and deviled eggs with crispy shrimp—feel like full meals. The steaks here arrive on 500-degree plates, still sizzling when they hit the table.
The 45-day dry-aged ribeye is a solid choice, but the Australian Wagyu filet is even better if you’re going all out. And, who said you had to eat steak at a steakhouse? Nobody, since there’s also bone-in Ibérico pork chops and an unexpectedly good meatloaf that holds its own.
Sides lean rich: truffle twice-baked potatoes, cheesy au gratin potatoes, and Brussels sprouts with bacon. If dessert sounds impossible by the end, do reconsider.
The crispy banana split and cookies and cream popcorn sundae are a perfect ending, but the chances of you wanting one after all that food is slim to none.
Saloon Restaurant
Where: 750 S 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Saloon might not be a full-on steak house in Philadelphia, but it’s been serving some of the city’s most reliable steaks since 1967.
It’s an old-school South Philly Italian spot, but the steak selection holds its own. The filet in creamy cognac sauce is incredible and is definitely the best option, steak-wise. But the rolled medallions stuffed with spinach, pancetta, and parmesan have to be mentioned.
If you’re more inclined towards seafood, though, the lobster Française in a creamy almond sauce is out of this world.
People come here for celebrations and long dinners––it’s that kind of place.
Taste of Brazil
Where: 6222 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149
Taste of Brazil brings the rodízio experience to Northeast Philly, meaning waiters keep carving fire-roasted meats tableside until you tap out.
It’s a different kind of Philadelphia steakhouse, one that’s less about picking a single cut and more about trying a little of everything—picanha, linguiça, and bacon-wrapped chicken all make their way around the dining room.
Beyond the meats, the buffet offers plenty of classic Brazilian sides, like hearts of palm, salpicão (a Brazilian-style chicken salad), avocado salad, and fresh fruits.
There’s even a solid selection of seafood and vegetarian dishes, which isn’t always the case at steakhouses.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
Where: 1428-1432 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Del Frisco’s is where you go when the occasion calls for a serious steak dinner.
Housed in the historic Packard Building, it has the kind of high ceilings and grand décor that make you feel like you should be making a toast. So, as you can imagine, it’s not subtle, but that’s the whole point.
The menu sticks to the classics, but they do them well.
The bone-in ribeye is a safe bet, but if you want to push the boat out, there should be no other option than the 32-ounce tomahawk. On top of that, the seafood here is incredible, and the wine list is stacked with bottles that pair perfectly with a big cut of beef.
Among Philadelphia steakhouses, Del Frisco’s is the one that’s about the show the most. But the price tag is justifiable when you’re in the mood to treat yourself now and again.
Picanha Brazilian Grill
Where: 1111 Locust St & 6501 Castor Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Of course, we’re ending this list with an absolute bang.
The best steakhouse in Philadelphia depends on what you’re looking for, and if that means more unlimited grilled meats carved right onto your plate, Picanha Brazilian Grill is a match made in heaven.
It’s another laid-back, pay-by-weight setup where you load up on cuts like picanha, fraldinha, and linguiça, plus whatever catches your eye at the buffet on the way back to your seat.
Much like Taste of Brazil, the focus here is on variety. So, instead of committing to one steak, you get to try everything, and as long as your card stays flipped to green, the gauchos keep bringing more.
The buffet has a solid lineup of Brazilian sides, and if you somehow have room left, there’s dessert, too.
It’s not your traditional steakhouse, but that makes it worth checking out.
Now Go and Try the Best Steak in Philly
Philly has plenty of great steakhouses—you just have to know where to look.
Some, like Butcher & Singer and Rittenhouse Grill, stick to tradition with classic cuts and an old-school vibe.
Others, like Barclay Prime and Steak 48, are more upscale, serving steak with Champagne and a side of spectacle.
And if you’re looking to eat your weight in grilled meats, the Brazilian rodízios at Taste of Brazil and Picanha will keep carving until you’re done.
Now you know where the best steakhouses in Philly are, which one will you go to first?
