Special Report

The Most Expensive Steakhouse in Every State

Ethan Miller / Getty Images

For meat-eaters, steak is the ultimate meat — and good steak goes for big bucks. Sure, there are franchise operations — like Outback, for instance, whose thousand-plus U.S. locations make it practically the Starbucks of beef — that offer ribeyes, filet mignons, and such at comparatively reasonable prices. When you’re feeling seriously carnivorous and/or extravagantly celebratory, though, you’ll want to head for a top-flight independent steakhouse, or, at the very least, an outpost of some high-end chain.

And today there are ever more options to choose from. It may seem counterintuitive, but in recent years, as we’ve become more health-conscious and many of us have turned increasingly towards vegetable-focused if not outright vegetarian (or even vegan) diets, the number of steakhouses around the country, chains and otherwise, has grown faster than a hormone-fed steer.

Even some of the nation’s most famous chefs — big names like Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Tom Colicchio, and José Andrés — have tackled the steakhouse genre, rewriting the classic steakhouse menus of old, with their shrimp cocktails, iceberg wedges, T-bones, and cottage fries, with their own culinary flair.

Why are steakhouses so popular? One explanation might be that precisely because so many people are consciously reducing their consumption of red meat, when they do eat it, they want it to be really, really good — and cooked by somebody else. Or it could just be a reflection of the booming economy. Either way, diners don’t seem to be shunning steakhouses that serve up big tabs along with meat and potatoes.

That’s lucky, because it used to be that if we wanted a great hunk of meat, all we had to do was order steak that had been graded “prime” by the USDA. It’s not that simple anymore. Now we can choose dry-aged, organic, grass-fed, wagyu (from Japanese breeds, now raised in the U.S., Australia, and Canada), and even, in at least a handful of places around America, genuine Kobe — the most prized variety of wagyu, direct from Japan. And every special designation seems to add more bucks to the tab.

Throw in an appetizer, some potatoes, maybe a green vegetable (even if it’s only creamed spinach), and a bottle of good red wine and you’re talking a serious investment.

Our ranking of America’s most expensive steakhouses state-by-state includes high-end chains — The Capital Grille appears three times, Fleming’s Steakhouse four — as well as celebrated independents, like the Tru Blu Social Club in Fargo, North Dakota, and Carnevor Steakhouse Moderne in Milwaukee. There’s even a foreign import, Nusr-Et in Miami, the domain of Nusret Gökçe, the Turkish butcher-chef who became famous on the internet as “Salt Bae.” The list also reveals that there are vast differences in the cost of a top-of-the-line steakhouse dinner from state to state — it’ll cost you literally four times as much in California as it will in Wyoming. In addition to being the most expensive, though, these are some of each state’s finest steakhouses, so whatever the price, chances are pretty good that the meal will be worth it.

Click here to see the most expensive steakhouse in every state.

To identify the most expensive steakhouse in every state, 24/7 Wall St. calculated the average price of a meal, consisting of a first course (appetizer, salad, and soup), main course, and side, from a universe of restaurant menus provided by OpenTable and Yelp at their highest price levels. Steakhouses that do not provide menu prices, or were not provided by OpenTable or Yelp, were not included in the ranking. Average meal price was calculated based on price per person, therefore all items on a menu intended for sharing were converted to cost per person, depending on how many people the item is intended to serve. The most expensive steak and appetizer were considered only if they are intended to be consumed by a single person. Caviar was removed from consideration for the first course category, as prices tended to skew averages beyond what one could be reasonably expected to pay.

Photo by Karin B. via Yelp

1. Alabama: The Wash House Restaurant
> Avg. meal price: $41.03
> Most expensive steak: 8 oz. filet ($36.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Shrimp stack ($12.00)
> Location: Point Clear

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Photo by Steven E. via Yelp

2. Alaska: JADE Steak & Seafood
> Avg. meal price: $69.60
> Most expensive steak: Filet mignon ($48.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Bristol Bay Chowder ($9.00)
> Location: Anchorage

Photo by Dominick's Steakhouse via Yelp

3. Arizona: Dominick’s Steakhouse
> Avg. meal price: $80.23
> Most expensive steak: Bone-in filet mignon ($69.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Sautéed shrimp ($23.00)
> Location: Scottsdale

Photo by Ray D. via Yelp

4. Arkansas: Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse
> Avg. meal price: $52.53
> Most expensive steak: Alley’s Bone-In Filet ($49.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Lander’s Alaskan King Crab Legs ($32.00)
> Location: Little Rock

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Alexander's Steakhouse / Facebook

5. California: Alexander’s Steakhouse San Francisco
> Avg. meal price: $143.55
> Most expensive steak: Olive fed beef from Shodoshima Island ($225.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Wagyu tartare ($60.00)
> Location: San Francisco

Photo by Alex P. via Yelp

6. Colorado: Shanahan’s Steakhouse
> Avg. meal price: $129.44
> Most expensive steak: 36 oz. Wagyu ribeye tomahawk ($109.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Wagyu ribeye satay ($26.00)
> Location: Denver

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Photo by David Burke Prime via Yelp

7. Connecticut: David Burke Prime
> Avg. meal price: $91.56
> Most expensive steak: Grade A Japanese wagyu filet mignon ($135.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Surf & turf tartare ($30.00)
> Location: Mashantucket

Photo by Joe C. via Yelp

8. Delaware: Sullivan’s Steakhouse
> Avg. meal price: $68.67
> Most expensive steak: Wagyu bone-in strip ($69.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Lump crab cake ($17.00)
> Location: Wilmington

Photo by Matt M. via Yelp

9. Florida: Nusr-Et Steakhouse Miami
> Avg. meal price: $125.34
> Most expensive steak: Saltbae Tomahawk ($275.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Market oysters (dozen) ($48.00)
> Location: Miami

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Photo by Laura A. via Yelp

10. Georgia: American Cut Steakhouse
> Avg. meal price: $74.86
> Most expensive steak: Bone-in filet ($82.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Maryland Crab Cake ($19.00)
> Location: Atlanta

Photo by Bridgett W. via Yelp

11. Hawaii: Bali Steak & Seafood
> Avg. meal price: $142.00
> Most expensive steak: Domestic Wagyu New York strip ($99.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Traditional lump crab cake ($27.00)
> Location: Honolulu

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Photo by John S. via Yelp

12. Idaho: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
> Avg. meal price: $80.39
> Most expensive steak: Cowboy ribeye ($56.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Spicy shrimp ($20.00)
> Location: Boise

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13. Illinois: RPM Steak
> Avg. meal price: $111.86
> Most expensive steak: Kobe beef ($165.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Foie gras torchon ($23.00)
> Location: Chicago

Photo by Prime 47 Indy’s Steakhouse via Yelp

14. Indiana: Prime 47
> Avg. meal price: $81.17
> Most expensive steak: Wagyu filet ($111.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Sea scallops ($21.00)
> Location: Indianapolis

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Photo by Jordan O. via Yelp

15. Iowa: 801 Chophouse Des Moines
> Avg. meal price: $77.24
> Most expensive steak: 24 oz. bone-in delmonico ($64.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Roasted marrow bones ($19.00)
> Location: Des Moines

Photo by Nick D. via Yelp

16. Kansas: 801 Chophouse Leawood
> Avg. meal price: $75.70
> Most expensive steak: 24 oz. porterhouse ($69.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Roasted marrow bones ($19.00)
> Location: Leawood

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Photo by Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Louisville via Yelp

17. Kentucky: Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Louisville
> Avg. meal price: $83.45
> Most expensive steak: Porterhouse ($77.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Jumbo lump crab cake ($20.00)
> Location: Louisville

Photo by Ember Grille & Wine Bar via Yelp

18. Louisiana: Ember Grille & Wine Bar
> Avg. meal price: $72.81
> Most expensive steak: 22 oz. porterhouse ($72.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Lamb lollichops ($25.00)
> Location: Lake Charles

Photo by Paul C. via Yelp

19. Maine: Timber Steakhouse
> Avg. meal price: $66.24
> Most expensive steak: N.Y. sirloin au poivre 16 oz. ($49.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Cold smoked duck & cheese board ($21.00)
> Location: Portland

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Photo by The Capital Grille via Yelp

20. Maryland: The Capital Grille Baltimore
> Avg. meal price: $73.55
> Most expensive steak: Porcini rubbed bone-in ribeye ($55.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Lobster and crab cakes ($21.00)
> Location: Baltimore

Photo by Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House via Yelp

21. Massachusetts: Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
> Avg. meal price: $89.64
> Most expensive steak: Bone-in filet 16 oz. ($69.50)
> Most expensive appetizer: Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras ($25.00)
> Location: Boston

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Photo by Ruth's Chris Steak House via Yelp

22. Michigan: Ruth’s Chris Steak House Grand Rapids
> Avg. meal price: $75.57
> Most expensive steak: Bone-in filet ($65.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Sizzling blue crab cakes ($19.00)
> Location: Grand Rapids

Photo by Sohpie C. via Yelp

23. Minnesota: The Capital Grille Minneapolis
> Avg. meal price: $74.74
> Most expensive steak: Veal tomahawk chop ($58.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Lobster and crab cakes ($21.00)
> Location: Minneapolis

Photo by Reagan L. via Yelp

24. Mississippi: BR Prime
> Avg. meal price: $80.01
> Most expensive steak: Bone-in tomahawk ribeye 28 oz. ($95.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Chilled gulf shrimp ($20.00)
> Location: Biloxi

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Photo by Kimmy S. via Yelp

25. Missouri: 801 Chophouse St. Louis
> Avg. meal price: $79.08
> Most expensive steak: 24 oz. porterhouse ($69.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Roasted marrow bones ($19.00)
> Location: St. Louis

Photo by Matt K. via Yelp

26. Montana: The Windmill & Bar 51
> Avg. meal price: $49.67
> Most expensive steak: Filet mignon 8 oz. ($30.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Steamers ($16.00)
> Location: Billings

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Photo by Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar via Yelp

27. Nebraska: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Omaha
> Avg. meal price: $82.24
> Most expensive steak: Prime dry-aged ribeye 16 oz. ($63.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Crab cakes ($20.00)
> Location: Omaha

Ethan Miller / Getty Images for Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit

28. Nevada: Gordon Ramsay Steak
> Avg. meal price: $129.88
> Most expensive steak: American Filet 8 oz. ($79.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Maine Lobster ($28.00)
> Location: Las Vegas

Photo by M.N. via Yelp

29. New Hampshire: Hanover Street Chophouse
> Avg. meal price: $65.60
> Most expensive steak: Bone-in filet ($58.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Oysters on the half shell ($30.00)
> Location: Manchester

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Photo by Kim S. via Yelp

30. New Jersey: Nero’s Italian Steakhouse
> Avg. meal price: $85.25
> Most expensive steak: 14 oz. Prime New York strip ($75.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Alaskan king crab legs (lb.) ($85.00)
> Location: Atlantic City

Photo by Sirron B. via Yelp

31. New Mexico: Vernon’s Speakeasy
> Avg. meal price: $66.20
> Most expensive steak: Dry-aged ribeye ($72.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Seared diver scallops ($22.00)
> Location: Los Ranchos

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Photo by Charlie Palmer Steak via Yelp

32. New York: Charlie Palmer Steak
> Avg. meal price: $96.29
> Most expensive steak: A5 kobe strip loin ($162.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: 1/2 lb. chilled Maine lobster ($22.00)
> Location: New York

Photo by Bibi N. via Yelp

33. North Carolina: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Raleigh
> Avg. meal price: $81.62
> Most expensive steak: Prime dry-aged ribeye 16 oz. ($63.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Crab cakes ($20.00)
> Location: Raleigh

Photo by Tru Blu Social Club via Yelp

34. North Dakota: Tru Blu Social Club
> Avg. meal price: $44.18
> Most expensive steak: Filet 12 oz. ($39.99)
> Most expensive appetizer: Colossal shrimp cocktail ($14.99)
> Location: Fargo

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Photo by Reese C. via Yelp

35. Ohio: Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Cincinnati
> Avg. meal price: $87.55
> Most expensive steak: Jeff Ruby’s Gem ($77.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Seared scallops ($25.00)
> Location: Cincinnati

Photo by Jon C. via Yelp

36. Oklahoma: St. Mark’s Chop Room
> Avg. meal price: $79.74
> Most expensive steak: 12 oz. tenderloin ($73.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Whole Maine lobster ($42.00)
> Location: Nichols Hills

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Photo by El Gaucho via Yelp

37. Oregon: El Gaucho Portland
> Avg. meal price: $90.66
> Most expensive steak: Seak El Gaucho ($77.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Seared foie gras ($25.00)
> Location: Portland

Photo by Barclay Prime via Yelp

38. Pennsylvania: Barclay Prime
> Avg. meal price: $108.28
> Most expensive steak: Ribeye 18 oz. ($195.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Royal Ossetra ($125.00)
> Location: Philadelphia

Photo by Brian S. via Yelp

39. Rhode Island: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Providence
> Avg. meal price: $82.90
> Most expensive steak: Prime dry-aged ribeye 16 oz. ($64.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Shrimp cocktail ($22.00)
> Location: Providence

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Photo by Oliver F. via Yelp

40. South Carolina: The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary
> Avg. meal price: $76.00
> Most expensive steak: Dry aged bone-in ribeye ($75.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: La Paz North Carolina Osetra Caviar ($125.00)
> Location: Kiawah Island

Photo by Morries Steakhouse via Yelp

41. South Dakota: Morries Steakhouse
> Avg. meal price: $70.61
> Most expensive steak: Bone in tenderloin ($59.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Jumbo shrimp cocktail (10) ($36.00)
> Location: Sioux Falls

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Photo by Jesse Q. via Yelp

42. Tennessee: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
> Avg. meal price: $86.83
> Most expensive steak: Bone-in filet mignon ($64.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Shrimp cocktail ($22.00)
> Location: Nashville

Photo by Weon L. via Yelp

43. Texas: Killen’s Steakhouse
> Avg. meal price: $92.29
> Most expensive steak: New York strip 6 oz. (Japanese A5 wagyu) ($125.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Jumbo lump crab cake ($20.00)
> Location: Pearland

Photo by Brian S. via Yelp

44. Utah: Prime Steak House and Piano Bar
> Avg. meal price: $82.61
> Most expensive steak: Prime’s Signature Filet 10 oz. ($77.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Seared ahi tuna ($19.00)
> Location: Park City

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Photo by Kevin S. via Yelp

45. Vermont: The Chop House
> Avg. meal price: $65.10
> Most expensive steak: Prime ribeye ($55.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Colossal shrimp cocktail ($18.00)
> Location: Manchester

Photo by Shula's Steak House via Yelp

46. Virginia: Shula’s Steak House
> Avg. meal price: $60.31
> Most expensive steak: Cowboy ribeye ($50.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Shellfish trio ($29.00)
> Location: Richmond

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Photo by Lori R. via Yelp

47. Washington: El Gaucho Bellevue
> Avg. meal price: $91.37
> Most expensive steak: Filet medallions oscar ($77.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Steak tartare ($23.00)
> Location: Seattle

Photo by Sadegh M. via Yelp

48. West Virginia: Laury’s Restaurant
> Avg. meal price: $54.23
> Most expensive steak: Bone-in ribeye ($43.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Soft shell crab ($17.00)
> Location: Charlestown

Photo by Carnevor Steakhouse Moderne via Yelp

49. Wisconsin: Carnevor
> Avg. meal price: $89.35
> Most expensive steak: Japanese wagyu “A-5” filet mignon ($161.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Tuna tartare ($19.00)
> Location: Milwaukee

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Photo by Gonzalo B. via Yelp

50. Wyoming: Cavalryman Steakhouse
> Avg. meal price: $35.67
> Most expensive steak: Filet mignon (11 oz.) ($38.00)
> Most expensive appetizer: Jumbo shrimp cocktail ($12.00)
> Location: Laramie

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