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.

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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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

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

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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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

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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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

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

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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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

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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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

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

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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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

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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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

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

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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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

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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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

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

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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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

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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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

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

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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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

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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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

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

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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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

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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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

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

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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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

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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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

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

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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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

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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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

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

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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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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