If there's one thing Texas is known for, it's beef. There's something about a good steak that no other dish can replicate, and Austin's steakhouse scene has grown well beyond the old-school chophouse formula — the best steakhouses in Austin now span dry-aged classics, Brazilian churrascarias, and even a Mediterranean-inflected newcomer or two. Whether you're marking a special occasion or just craving a proper ribeye, here's where to go.

Jeffrey's

Classic special occasion steakhouse
Jeffrey’s is well-known for being one of the fanciest steakhouses in town. As befits something of this caliber, their wine list is renowned, the steaks are incredible and the service is old school perfection. This is absolutely the place to take a date or a client to impress them.

A spread of steak and other side dishes sitting on a table at Aris.
Aris. Credit to Bethany Ellen Ochs.

Aris

The newest name in the steakhouse conversation
Aris put a modern spin on the steakhouse formula when it opened in Clarksville, pairing dry-aged, wood-grilled cuts with Mediterranean small plates. The dry-aging room is visible right at the entrance, but don't fill up on steak alone — the harissa-spiced beef "cigars" and the roasted beet stuffed with five cheeses are the dishes regulars talk about. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dinners.

Perry's / Carve American Grille

Best for a crowd-pleasing standby
CARVE American Grille and Perry’s are the same family but while the latter is better known for its pork chop, CARVE is a bastion of beef. Try saying “bacon-wrapped cherry-smoked filet mignon” three times fast. They are also committed to wine on draft (cuts back on glass waste), excellent cocktails and locally grown ingredients when possible. The Prime Rib Thursday Dinner is a can’t-miss standout—a mesquite-fired prime rib caramelized and crusted.

J Prime Steakhouse

Best for the full production
J Prime brings a South American accent to the traditional steakhouse, downtown near the Convention Center. It's a good pick when you want tableside presentations, an extensive wine list, and a lively bar scene. The surf and turf and lobster bisque are the most-ordered dishes, and the vibe skews more "special occasion" than "quick business dinner."

Austin Land and Cattle

The old-school local institution
One of our favorites is Austin Land and Cattle. It’s an Austin institution, and as things come and go, it continues to stand the test of time. The steaks are top-notch even though the atmosphere is Austin casual. This is the spot to order an ice-cold martini, some escargot to start and a beautiful ribeye. They also offer “enhancements” like making your steak Oscar-style (lump crab) or ALC style (peppercorn and blue cheese).

Eddie V's Steak and Seafood

Best for splitting the difference on surf and turf
Eddie V’s Steak and Seafood is one of our go-tos, and not just because they have an incredible happy hour. Centered in the hustle and bustle of Austin's downtown, Eddie Vs feels like a world away. They serve hand-cut prime steaks accompanied by amazing seafood at both of their locations. Insider tip: always add the South African lobster tail to your center-cut filet.

Lonesome Dove

For something wilder than beef
Tim Love’s Lonesome Dove takes the steak game to, well, game. This establishment is nothing less than a tribute to a variety of beautiful wild game. Of course, they’ve got beef on the menu—tenderloins, a wagyu tomahawk, New York strip—but they add a buffalo ribeye and elk loin in the mix along with wild boar and kangaroo carpaccio. You read that right.

J. Carvers / Red Ash Italia / The Kimberley

Best for exploring one team's whole steakhouse universe
What if we told you that there are three places with gorgeous wood-grilled steaks, dry-aged to 50 days and hand-cut in-house? Red Ash Italia, J.Carvers Oyster Bar and Chop House, and newcomer The Kimberly are all from the same team — chef John Carver and partners Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles. Red Ash leans more toward handmade pasta and Italian specialties, J. Carvers is a more traditional steakhouse with a seafood twist, and The Kimberly (the newest of the three, opened in 2025) goes glossier still — think beef Wellington and Parker House rolls alongside the same dry-aged cuts. All three have extensive wine lists, creative cocktails and upscale appeal — if you can't get into one, try another.

Estancia

Best all-you-can-eat option
Though technically not a steakhouse, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Estancia. Austin-owned and Brazilian-born, this is that epic meat experience you’ve come to expect from a churrascaria. After gorging yourself on the salad bar, sit back as uniformed servers bring ten different cuts of meat from the grill to your table. Among them are picanha, filet mignon, contra filé and fraldinha, prime bottom sirloin.

Bartlett's

Best low-key neighborhood pick
Bartlett’s has stood the test of time, providing upscale dining in North Austin for over 20 years. Known not only for their savory steaks, Bartlett’s passion for creating superb wine pairings has earned them the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence two years in a row.

Steiner Ranch Steakhouse

Best worth-the-drive views
Head for a day in West Austin and enjoy an exquisite steak dinner overlooking the mighty Colorado River at Steiner Ranch Steakhouse. Born out of the storied past of the Steiner Ranch and Rodeo Company beginning in the early 20th century, today the Steiner name is known for top-shelf steaks. Try menu favorites like the “Cowboy” ribeye, a 22oz bone-in ribeye, paired with decadent lobster mac and cheese.

Does all this fancy food talk have you feeling romantic? Check out some of our top date night spots for more inspiration. 

Contributed by Kelly Stocker.