The Best Steakhouse Restaurants in Washington DC

Polished ebony tables, dark suede upholstery, and unobtrusive lighting create an upbeat yet still intimate atmosphere at BLT Steak DC. Located in the same neighborhood as the White House, this restaurant sits in Dupont Circle, just a block away from Lafayette Square. The menu serves classic cuts like the 28-day dry aged NY strip or porterhouse. American Wagyu beef is also on the menu, and BLT Steak offers a truly flavorful and tender mouthful of some of the best cuts available.

Bobby Van's is a name synonymous with quality and eclectic cuisine. The Bobby Van's Grill on New York Avenue is a 400-seat example of a classic steakhouse that offers a more family-friendly ambiance just a short walk from the DC Convention Center. Chargrilled cuts like the Cajun ribeye, filet mignon, or a surf and turf that includes a crab cake, are all rich menu options. The sides dishes serve two, so an order of garlic mashed potatoes or brussels sprouts is something for the table to enjoy.

The Palm Restaurant is a trendy, classic steakhouse that regularly hosts celebrities, politicians, and journalists, without serving politics along with the food. This location in Dupont Circle serves bipartisan plates that keep diners as return customers. From the peppery beef carpaccio starter to the creamy lobster bisque, the entree accompaniments are a great way to kick off a decadent meal. Italian specialties offer an alternative to the 35-day dry aged beef that makes up the prime section of the menu. Each stake comes with optional sauces like a lobster truffle butter, brandy peppercorn, or classic chimichurri.

Bobby Van's Steakhouse on 15th Street is right in the heart of everything, with the White House a block away and the National Mall and Smithsonian on the doorstep. The decor at this location takes classic elements like white tablecloths and antique chandeliers and combines them with brown leather booths and plenty of wood paneling for an elegant atmosphere. The menu is egalitarian with everything from shrimp and grits to escargot, but it is the steak that has diners coming back, time and again. Choose a bottle from the award-winning wine list to go with the meal.

The Capital Grille serves one of the best steaks in Washington DC. This capital restaurant is right by the National Gallery of Art, just off Pennsylvania Avenue. Dry aged, hand-cut steaks prepared on-site bring diners in to enjoy tender mouthfuls of steak, night after night. The wine list is another draw, offering 350 labels to choose from. With an appetizer menu that focuses on the bounty from the sea and a selection of suggestions straight from the chef, the menu is sure to satisfy. Try the coffee-rubbed NY strip for a bold punch of flavor, or dig into a hefty, 20-ounce portion of American Wagyu.

Lots of natural wood, dark red carpeting, and brown leather upholstery all come together under indirect lighting at DC Prime Steakhouse for an intimate dining experience. Every dish coming out of the kitchen adheres to a high-quality standard, with only the top 1% of beef making it onto one of these carefully composed plates. The menu starts with a luscious seafood selection that includes Maine lobster from the source or sea bass overnighted directly from Hawaii. Try a trio of filets, served with different finishes or a richly marbled ribeye served boneless or bone-in.

At home in the historic Gaylord Hotel at National Harbor is Old Hickory Steakhouse. This sophisticated eatery sits on the lobby level of the hotel, overlooking the river for a romantic and unforgettable atmosphere. The menu features the finest cuts of Black Angus beef, all seared off for a beautifully caramelized crust and tender and juicy center.

1789 Restaurant, a Washington DC staple, offers a seasonal menu of locally sourced ingredients. This fine-dining restaurant serves up a variety of options, often with unexpected items like the tournedos Rossini or duo of Berkshire pork. Check the menu frequently to see what meats are in season and enjoy the beef tenderloin or Colorado rack of lamb for more than a mouthful of rich flavors. The large fireplace, exposed beams, and rich wood tones all create an elegant atmosphere in a room that looks more like a home than a restaurant.

Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse brings all-you-can-eat options to the menu. Steaks and meats form the foundation of the offerings, all prepared with attention to detail using traditional churrasco methods. Steaks include top and bottom sirloin, ribs, filet, and ribeye, all carved tableside. Seafood also has a prominent place on the menu with chilled lobster and shrimp, Chilean sea bass, or pan-seared salmon just a few of the tender and flaky options.

Clyde's of Georgetown is an approachable and family-friendly restaurant that also happens to serve up delicious steak and burgers. The steak frites use a locally sourced Cedar River Farms 8-ounce hanger steak, served alongside parmesan-truffle fries, topped with garlic aioli. If that doesn't whet the palate, some other options like the jumbo lump crab cake platter or Long Island duck might be more the thing. Affordable pricing, an excellent menu for adults and children, and friendly service are all ingredients for a fun night out.

Planned and executed as an homage to legendary Kansas City restaurateur, Joe Gilbert, J. Gilbert's Wood Fired Steaks & Seafood keeps to the themes of friendly hospitality and exceptional food. This McLean, Virginia establishment has been a local favorite for decades, and the menu offers an instant explanation. From the overflowing charcuterie and cheese plate to the variety of seafood options, the menu has a little something for anyone. And, that's before looking at the steaks. A 12-ounce Kansas City strip, 24-ounce porterhouse, or 8-ounce filet are just a few of the meatier options.

Classy, yet casual, the ambiance at Essy's Carriage House encourages unpretentious fun. Comfortable booths and high-backed chairs mean an evening relaxing at a neighborhood favorite. The approachable menu includes everything from soups and sandwiches to thick cuts of prime beef. Prime rib, filet, short ribs, London broil, or New York strip are just a few of the options. Add in the crab imperial, Maryland-style crab cakes, stuffed shrimp, or calves liver and the menu is as welcoming as the staff.

Dangling crystal chandeliers, rich red carpeting, framed artwork, leather upholstery. and plenty of polished, aged wood create an atmosphere of old-world elegance at Rare Steakhouse. The simple and focused menu has everything expected of a place that sears one of the best steaks in Washington DC. Classic beef cuts like a Delmonico, KC strip, or porterhouse are dry-aged for maximum flavor and tenderness. Japanese Wagyu also has a prominent place, alongside some unexpected options like a buffalo ribeye or veal chop. Unctuous starters like the roasted bone marrow or ham and cheese curds lead right into a decadent array of mains, all with sides like seven roasted mushrooms or mashed butternut squash.

First established in 1856, the Old Ebbitt Grill is a neighborhood staple, serving up classic American cuisine right next door to the White House. The restaurant has moved a few times, but the rich history and quality food traveled with it. Its current home in a historic Beaux Arts building features a marble facade, lots of historic details, and reclaimed finishings. Enjoy the antique gas chandeliers that shed a little light on the main dining room, illuminating an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. From the clams casino to the unparalleled selection of fresh oysters, this restaurant serves up a decadent variety of updated traditional dishes that includes everything from double-decker sandwiches to filet mignon.

The warm, elegant atmosphere at Mastro's Steakhouse starts with soft lighting, white tablecloths, and antique chandeliers. The strictly enforced dress code means an evening at this establishment is one to remember as diners dress up to the nines. The menu includes everything from crab-stuffed mushrooms to escargot and a small selection of sushi. The steaks and chops are the centerpiece of the menu, with a tempting double cut porterhouse, New York pepper steak, or bone-in ribeye, all waiting to tempt the palate. The sharable sides feature tender Alaskan king crab black truffle gnocchi, twice baked potato, and lobster mashed potatoes.

Offering one of the best views of the Capitol, Charlie Palmer Steak is also the place to get one of the best steaks in Washington DC. The bright, open windows and white walls all create a feeling of openness and opulent elegance. The business casual dress code means a relaxed evening or special occasion are equally fun at this eatery. The options are extensive, with everything from a raw bar to all of the traditional beef cuts. Both American and Japanese Wagyu are on the menu, along with pasta options, seafood, chicken, and lamb.