Steakhouses are a beloved iteration of restaurant that we've adopted from coast to coast. They are loved for their comforting vibe and distinct style, defined by crisp white linens, wood paneling and, of course, steak.
In the classic American steakhouse “employees hone the art of performance,” writes New York Times reporter Rita Bullwinkel in a recent piece.
We asked LAist 89.3's AirTalk listeners which SoCal steakhouses were their favorites. This is what they said:
Dal Rae in Pico Rivera
Dal Rae in Pico Rivera "is like stepping back in time," said AirTalk host Larry Mantle, who is a fan of this particular steakhouse. "Where else are you going to get oysters Rockefeller so beautifully executed?"
Opening in 1951, the steakhouse has become an L.A. institution and is one of the few that still prepares its Caesar salad and steak tableside. "To me, that is a pinnacle experience," Larry said.
Damon's in Glendale
Damon's in Glendale has a simple offer, "Thick Steaks and Tropical Drinks." What more could you want?
Damon's got not just one, but two shoutouts from AirTalk listeners. Jeremy in Hollywood said "the strongest drink and best Mai Tai's. Plus, the servers and the team know everybody!"
Mark in Silverlake adds the steakhouse is "very old school, with beautiful saltwater fish tanks. It's just terrific."
With its backyard feel and Tiki-bar décor, this might be the steakhouse for you if you're seeking laid back vacation vibes.
Jar on Beverly Blvd
Since 2002, Chef Suzanne Tracht and her family have delivered on its signature pot roast, Kansas City steak, award-winning French fries and so much more. Jar is located in the heart of Los Angeles and is a listener favorite.
"The food is phenomenal, the setting is great, and the menu is beautiful," says AirTalk listener Jay from Hollywood. "It really has that steakhouse feel."
Besides being a critic favorite, Jar has some other claims to fame, like being featured in the 2016 film La La Land.
But at the end of the day, it's not screen time that makes it a special place. According to Larry Mantle, it's the atmosphere. "You really get the sense of community there," he said "You feel like she [Chef Tracht] has so many returning customers."
Also, Larry says "Suzanne's pot roast is incredible."
555 East in Long Beach
Food, service, ambiance...the reviews are in and 555 East in Long Beach rates high on many people's lists. Why?
"It's not just the most amazing steak, but the service is extraordinary. All the servers treat you like Sinatra would have been treated," said listener Don in Redlands.
If you want to be treated like Frank Sinatra would have been, this might be the restaurant for you.
Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse in Orange County
Kimberly in Costa Mesa called us to give her top recommendation for SoCal's best steakhouse: Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse, the oldest in Orange County.
While she hasn't been there in a long time, she recalls how she "would always take family members from out of town." But there's a twist she warned us about. Spoiler alert!
"They cut off your tie!" she warned us. So if you go wearing one, just know you won't leave with one.
Matū in Beverly Hills
"Best steak I've had in a long time was Matū in Beverly Hills," Sharon in Mid-City told us in an email. "They had amazing service that wasn't stuffy."
Matū is a Māori (Indigenous New Zealand) word that means “essence, the gist of the matter, richness," which is what the steakhouse aims to serve with regard to its beef, which is 100% grass-fed from a farm in New Zealand.
The Tam O'Shanter in Atwater Village
What list of L.A.'s best steakhouses would be complete without this longtime mainstay? The historic Scottish steakhouse The Tam O'Shanter in L.A.'s Atwater Village opened in 1922 and, according to its website, is the oldest restaurant in the city that's owned and operated by the same family in the same location as it opened. For side dishes expect classics like mashed Idaho potatoes and gravy, Yorkshire pudding and freshly prepared horseradish.
Special shout out to Robert in West LA for recommending this historic steakhouse.
Listen to the conversation
For more recommendations not in this story, check out the full interview that aired on LAist 89.3's AirTalk:
