Without question......Peter Luger's. And, not on the menu, but ask for the bacon (yes, bacon) for an appetizer. Amazing.

Plaza III (in Kansas City, MO); there is also one in Boston.<BR><BR>Peter Luger's is neck & neck.

Dierdorf and Harts in MO and Mortons of Chicago.

Morton's Chicago, bar none. 2nd Runner up Capitol Grill in Boston for perfect steaks and incredible ambiance. I was not impressed wit Dickie Brennans in NOLA

Funny how this works. I love Dickie Brennan's but don't care for Morton's of Chicago! Of course, I'm talking about the Morton's in New Orleans so maybe the actual Chicago store is better.

Bone's @ Atlanta...(As aguilty pleasure though, I really love the Hawaiian steak at Houston's)

As long as you aren't a Mafia Don, Sparks in NYC has never disappointed. Prime at Bellagio in Vegas is always a must when I'm there.

Dickie Brennan's is overrated - we walked out of there with a bill for $98 for two. Try Carrabba's Italian Grill for a wonderful filet!

Spark's--hands down. Perfect evening and perfect service. Was there in May of 2003! :)

In Atlanta, I have to second Bones. My husband absolutely loves this place and even though I am not a huge steak fan, I even really like their steak.

Peter Lugers is overrated. I would like to try Sparks next.

Another vote for Mortons in Chicago-can't vouch for the other locations.

Way out west in Abilene, Texas is Lytle's Land and Cattle Company. The steaks are divine, and the wait for a table is well worth it!

In Buffalo Gap, Texas is the Perini Ranch Steakhouse. This is an extremely casual restaurant that is literally out in the pasture of the ranch. Be sure and make a reservation for an INSIDE table.

I agree that Peter Lugers is overrated - we hated it.

Ben Benson in NY and River Palm Terrace in Edgewater, NJ are outstanding.

Plaza III in Kansas city and Byrnes Steak House (I think I spelled that right) in Tampa.

Several favorites, but I'd love to be paid to do more research.

NY -- Smith &amp; Wollensky's
LA -- Ruth's Chris is Beverley hills
Phoenix -- Stockyard
Toronto -- Barbarien's, Ruth's Chris, Hy's
Vancouver -- Hy's
Calgary -- Hy's

Never tried, but i want to -- In Regina, Saskatchewan, there's a man who runs a steak on a pitchform operation. he's got a pickup truck that tows a giant vat of specially blended oils, and he heats up the oil like a fondue, puts prime steaks on pitchforks, and sticks the forks in the hot oil.

Amsterdam -- L'entrocote.

BAK

Oh my favourite is Mancy's in Toledo, Ohio. I really enjoyed this restaurant and the steak was delicious.

Really interesting thread, I was reading away and suddently surprised to see one post was mine, over a year old.
Opinions about steaks (like other things are varied).

Simpson: In Tampa it's Berns -- which left me rather cold, including the telephone book sized wine list. What is the point of that?

Steaks in a vat of oil on pitchforks? Now that's interesting.

Peter Luger's: remains illusive, since I called on May first asking for a reservation any time that month and was told I could only come one day at 3 PM. Still must try it sometime.

I read that Frankie and Johnnie's in New York, was the true thing. Had a mediocre steak and horrible sides -- made them put the cold spinach in the microwave, but was still totally bland. The onion rings were downright disgusting.

I love really aged steaks -- but a lot of people don't. Hate the buttery flavor of Ruth Chris, which some people think is wonderful.
Let's face it, it's all a matter of personal taste. And with steakhouses, half the final effect is the atmosphere, the service, and the mood you're in at the time.

Houston, Tx-A Taste Of Texas

For Peter Lugers, late afternoon or late night is your best bet. Went there a couple years ago, granted, it was a party of 7. Called a couple months in advance for a Saturday and was able to choose from 4:45 and 10:30. I've had other friends who had to go late at night (smaller party).

Patrick, I think you kind of nailed it with you last sentence. Perhaps I just don't have good enough taste buds, but I have never really been blown away by steak. I've eaten at a fair amount of steakhouses from Outback on up to Peter Luger and Smith and Wollensky. While I usually enjoy the meal, I have never come out saying &quot;Taht's the best steak I've ever had in my life.&quot; Maybe my expectations are unrealistic... I don't know.