A steakhouse dinner is meant to feel like a treat, whether it’s for a celebration or just a night out you’ve been craving. But the way you order can make or break that experience. From how you choose your cut to what you drink with it, small decisions shape how flavorful and memorable the meal will be. Maybe you always pick the same steak or skip the sides to keep it simple, but those decisions and others hold you back from enjoying the best experience possible at a pricey steakhouse. If you’re going to spend the money, you might as well do it right!
Ordering Well-Done Steak
Requesting a steak cooked well-done is a guaranteed way to miss out on the tenderness and natural juiciness that make high-quality beef worth the price. Longer cooking forces the moisture out of the meat and leaves the texture firm and dry. If you prefer a more done steak, aim for medium or medium-well to preserve more of the flavor and keep each bite moist and satisfying.
Skipping the Sides
The sides on a steakhouse menu are carefully crafted to balance the richness of the main course. Creamy potatoes, roasted vegetables, or seasonal salads highlight the meat rather than compete with it. Passing them over (maybe to save a few bucks) means you miss the layers of flavor and texture that make the meal complete. Sharing a few sides can also turn the dinner into a more memorable, communal experience.
Dousing Steak in Sauce
A well-prepared steak needs little more than seasoning and a touch of finishing butter. Pouring on heavy steak sauce or worse, ketchup, masks the beef’s natural taste and the work of the kitchen. If you enjoy extra flavor, consider a light drizzle of house-made jus or a spoonful of compound butter that complements rather than overwhelms the cut.
Not Letting the Steak Rest
Steak continues to cook for a few minutes after it leaves the grill. Slicing into it right away causes the juices to escape onto the plate instead of staying inside the meat. Waiting just a few minutes before the first cut helps the juices redistribute so every bite stays tender and flavorful. Use the time to enjoy a sip of wine or conversation.
Ordering the Cheapest Steak
Less expensive steaks like sirloin or flank can be enjoyable, but they often lack the marbling and buttery texture found in premium cuts. Choosing a ribeye or filet mignon once in a while showcases the deep flavor and melt-in-your-mouth feel that define a great steakhouse experience. If price is a concern, look for daily specials that highlight prime cuts at better value.
Ignoring the Chef’s Recommendations
Chefs and servers know their menu and how each cut is best enjoyed. When they suggest a particular doneness or a specific side to pair with your steak, it’s based on experience with how the flavors work together. Listening to their recommendations can introduce you to a better preparation or a pairing you might not have considered.
Ordering Steak and Lobster
Surf and turf may sound appealing, but in many steakhouses the seafood is not the focus of the kitchen. Splitting attention between steak and lobster can leave you with a plate where neither shines as brightly as it could. If you’re there for the steakhouse experience, putting your order toward the best beef on the menu usually delivers a more memorable meal.
Dismissing the Wine Pairing
A thoughtfully chosen wine brings out the flavors of a good steak and makes the meal feel special. Bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec balance the richness of marbled cuts, while lighter reds can complement leaner steaks. Even if you’re not a wine expert, asking for a pairing suggestion can help you find something that enhances each bite without overpowering it.
Overlooking the Chef’s Special
Chef specials are often built around seasonal ingredients or unique cuts that are at their peak. These dishes can showcase flavors or combinations not found on the standard menu and often provide exceptional value. Ordering one is an easy way to enjoy something distinctive while trusting the kitchen’s creativity.
Skipping Dessert
The final course is more than just an extra treat. Desserts like crème brûlée, house-made pies, or rich chocolate cakes are designed to round out a hearty steak dinner and leave you with a balanced finish. Sharing a dessert or ordering coffee with something sweet can turn a good meal into a complete and memorable night out.
The Steak-Cooking Secret You’ve Been Missing All Along
If you think you’ve mastered the art of cooking steak, think again. There’s a secret method that most people don’t know about, and it’s a total game-changer. Imagine biting into a perfectly cooked, juicy steak that’s bursting with flavor. Curious? Here’s the hidden technique that will change your perspective on the grill entirely.
Read it Here: The Steak-Cooking Secret You’ve Been Missing All Along
12 Restaurant Foods That Always Sound Better Than They Taste
Some restaurant dishes sound impressive on paper, but when they finally arrive, they don’t always live up to expectations. Whether it’s due to poor execution, over-complicated ingredients, or just hype that can’t be matched, some meals end up being more of a letdown than a delight. You go in expecting something unforgettable, and what you get is a dish that’s just not worth the fuss. Here are some of the worst offenders so you can skip the disappointment next time.
Read it Here: 12 Restaurant Foods That Always Sound Better Than They Taste
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
