Philadelphia Steak Restaurants
- Philiadelphia: The City of Brotherly Lovecathedral in philadelphia image by Ritu Jethani from Fotolia.com
Philadelphia's history dates back to colonial times: the city was the geographical center of the original 13 colonies and is considered is the capital of American democracy. Currently, "the city of brotherly love" is the fifth-largest city in the country and is a cultural hot-spot on the East Coast, known for popular cuisine fixed in Americana. The "Philly cheesesteak" and traditional American steak dinners are two of the staples of Philadelphia culture. - Dry-Aged Steakraw t-bone steak image by Kathy Burns from Fotolia.com
The Capital Grille, located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, is famous for its dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood. In addition to steak, the menu features classics such as lobster bisque, New England clam chowder, a Waygu beef carpaccio, a cold shellfish platter, oysters on the half shell (in season) and a variety of fresh salads.
The restaurant has a wine list with over 350 selections from Europe and United States, and a "captain's list" featuring "sought-after wines from all over the world." The staff is specifically trained to help customers pair the perfect wine with their meal. For returning customers there are private wine lockers available for annual lease, where private collections may be housed.
The restaurant has been positively reviewed by the Boston Globe, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Gourmet and Philadelphia magazine. It was also granted the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator magazine.
The atmosphere at the Capital Grille is likened to an "exclusive club-house." The Miami Herald says, "[The Capital Grille is a] culinary theme park full of dark wood, stuffed game heads, cigars, high-end drinks, wines and dry aged steaks."
The menu is considered expensive ($50 and above per person).
The restaurant is open for lunch, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and for dinner Sunday from 4:00 until 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday dinner hours start at 5:00 p.m. and end at 10:00 p.m.; on Friday and Saturday they are extended until 11:00 p.m. Additional Capital Grille locations exist in New York and in urban centers across the country.
The Capital Grille
1338 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-545-9588
thecapitalgrille.com - Classic chophouse, classic disheslobster image by Natalya Korolevskaya from Fotolia.com
Butcher and Singer, owned by renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr, is a classic steak and chop house. In addition to producing "perfectly charred steaks," they also serve classic dishes such as Lobster Thermidor, Steak Diane and Crab Louie.
The lunch menu hosts a raw bar featuring oysters on the half shell, a shellfish platter and lump crab cocktail. There is also traditional onion au gratin soup and a variety of salads and sandwiches, in addition to steaks. Lunch hours are Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
The dinner menu is an expanded version of the lunch menu. Dinner service additionally features entrees with lamb, veal and pork chops, several chicken and seafood options and a Baked Alaska dessert. The restaurant is noted for preparing classic cocktails such as martinis and Manhattans. Butcher and Singer is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays until 11:00 p.m.
Butcher and Singer is a classic American steakhouse with a stated intention to "pay homage to old Hollywood . . . where women donned red lipstick and men wore suits and post-Prohibition liquor flowed freely."
Butcher and Singer
1500 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-732-4444
butcherandsinger.com - Steak prepared "the Gaucho Way"flag of brazil image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
Fogo de Chao has been preparing steak "The Gaucho Way" since 1979. An authentic Brazilian steakhouse located in the heart of Philadelphia, Fogo de Chao has held the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2002 and is rated one of the Zagat Guide "top restaurants." Meals are fixed price.
Fogo de Chao boasts a comprehensive wine cellar with a variety of labels from South America, Napa, Sonoma and Colombia Valley. It also has a wide selection of European wines, including some from the famous houses of Margaux and Rothschild, as well as French and domestic champagne/sparkling wine selections.
"The Gaucho Way" of steak preparation consists of marinated, fire-grilled steaks (15 different cuts), served tableside and cut into thin slices to be paired with vegetables and pita bread. There is also a gourmet self-service bar featuring salads and sides, and dessert such as South American flan and papaya cream.
The restaurant is open for lunch from Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner hours are 5:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fridays, 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Fogo de Chao
1337 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-636-9700
fogo.com - Everyone should try an authentic Philly Cheesesteak once.steak image by berean from Fotolia.com
Ask anyone hailing from Philadelphia where to get the best cheesesteak and you're always going to get a different answer. What constitutes "the best" Philly cheesesteak is quite a subjective topic.
Tony Luke's Original is a popular destination for those wanting to try an authentic Philly cheesesteak. The restaurant was featured on the Travel Channel show, Man vs. Food, in 2009.
the restaurant prepares traditional Philly cheesesteaks with thin grilled steak, provolone, American and Cheese Wiz, grilled onions and peppers on a hoagie roll. The menu also hosts a plethora of other sandwich options, including chicken, rib-eye steak sandwiches, Italian hoagies, pork/veal cutlet sandwiches and hot dogs. The restarant even has a few sandwiches for vegetarians and some breakfast options available.
Tony Luke's is open from 6 a.m. until late night every day except Sunday, when it is closed.
Tony Luke's
39 E Oregon Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19148
215-551-5725
tonylukes.com
