The Positive Signs Chefs Seek When Dining at Steakhouses

Dining out for steak is often a fantastic experience — yet choosing the wrong restaurant can lead to an expensive blunder. If you’re looking to step away from the usual steakhouse chains and discover a new venue, how can you be sure it’s a good choice? To find out, Food Republic consulted a chef for some professional insights.

Sean Thompson, executive chef at Porter House Bar and Grill in New York City, reveals that he approaches every dining experience “like a chef,” paying close attention to every detail. This includes thoroughly examining the menu for both food and beverages. “A clear indication of quality is a menu that features all prime meats, an exceptional dry-aging process, and a superb wine list,” states Thompson.

To determine if a restaurant dry-ages its steaks, check the menu for mentions of the process and look for physical signs, like an aging chamber. The dry-aging method enhances the flavor, leading to richer beef that is also more tender due to moisture redistribution. The ideal aging period typically ranges from 30 to 45 days, so inquire with your server if this information isn’t available on the menu.

Regarding the wine selection, it should reflect high quality. Look for suggested pairings or ask the sommelier or your server for recommendations, as some wines enhance the flavor of specific cuts.

While examining a steakhouse menu, chef Sean Thompson advises considering more than just the list of beef cuts, even if that initially grabs your attention. “When a menu is refreshed based on the season, it indicates that the steakhouse values more than just meat and potatoes,” Thompson explained to Food Republic. Explore the ingredients in appetizers and side dishes, and look for any specials that may be available.

Incorporating fresh seasonal produce like asparagus, green beans, peas, or summer squash suggests that the ingredients used are fresh rather than frozen. Although some vegetables, like kale or mushrooms, can be found year-round, sides featuring freshly grilled corn will be tastier when in season during the summer or fall. Don’t overlook the dessert menu, either—seasonal offerings featuring fruits like cherries, apricots, or rhubarb can be a delightful conclusion to your meal.

As a final tip, observe the dining area to see if you can spot the chef, recommends Thompson. “A chef’s presence in the dining room usually signifies passion and dedication,” he notes. Following this insider advice guarantees a flavorful steak dinner. Ultimately, regardless of how dimly lit a steakhouse is, the overall experience should always be bright and enjoyable.