Based on quality, service, and value, we need a recommendation on the best steakhouse in DC. I've read about Mortons, Shulas, Capitol Grille, etc.., and need some input on where to make reservations. Thanks!!

We like the Prime Rib (bargain for lunch). Good food excellent service and ambiance. Ruth's Chris in Dupont Circle for dinner. Good food and atmosphere.

Well..... there are SO many great ones

Here the top steakhouse picks by the food editors of the Washington Post. These are ALL great and you'll be very happy at any of them.

Charlie Palmer Steak
101 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC
202-547-8100

District ChopHouse & Brewery (casual dress OK)
509 Seventh St. NW
Washington, DC
202-347-3434

Les Halles
1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC
202-347-6848

Morton's of Chicago - Downtown
1050 Connecticut Ave. NW.
Washington, DC
202-955-5997

Morton's of Chicago - Georgetown
3251 Prospect St. NW
Washington, DC

M & S Grill
600 13th St. NW
Washington, DC
202-347-1500

Nick & Stef's Steakhouse
601 F St. NW
Washington, DC
202-661-5040

Palm (probably THE best, IMO)
1225 19th St. NW
Washington, DC
202-293-9091

Prime Rib (#3, IMO)
2020 K St. NW
Washington, DC
202-466-8811

Signatures
801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC
202-628-5900

The Capital Grille (#2, IMO)
601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC
202-737-6200

The Caucus Room
401 Ninth St. NW
Washington, DC
202-393-1300

I second Ruth's Chris on Connecticut Avenue (Dupont Circle). While some may sniff at recommending a franchise name, I've found that particular restaurant to be excellent on every visit.

I recently had a business dinner at the Prime Rib - it was excellent! Definitely a "fancy" place - there were some women wearing big hats, and jackets were required for men. Excellent food, monstrous portions. The creamed spinach was downright addictive.

The Prime Rib is very good. Actually all that are mentioned are good AND they're very expensive!!

For a decent steak and prime rib I still like Tom Sarris' Orleans House.

But if you really wanted to have good steaks AND see Washington at work glad-handing there was nothing like Duke Zeibert's. I'll really catch it on this one for picking Duke's and for dating myself.

The Palm comes to my mind, first. But wow, they are all expensive. Ruth's Chris is very consistent everywhere...Dupont Circle is my old stomping grounds and I enjoy the neighborhood. (Talk about dating yourself, I remember when the Palm opened...)

I would not go to Les Halles for steak. My colleague had a steak there recently while I was dining w/him, and it was not good, very tough. I wouldn't go to M&S Grill either, it's a place w/a varied menu, and there are so many good places that just specialize in steak. I would second the recommendations for the Palm and the Prime Rib. I haven't been to Capitol Grill, bardo's #2 favorite, but I'll put it on my list to try.

LN, dating yourself?? I always remember Blackie's as having a great steak -- High School Senior Prom dinner.

I've eaten at Ruth's Chris a couple of times. The last time was at their Crystal City site a couple years ago. I was a little disappointed with both the food & service. Could have been an off day.

The Palm and Caucus Room if you want to see DC movers and shakers, IMO.

We've eaten at a few Ruth Chris', although not the DC one, and have been disappointed everytime. Neither the food or service have been up to par. Stick with Morton's or the Capital Grille, you can't go wrong with either in DC. I would put Morton's a slight notch ahead, but not by much. The District Chop House is very good also, but not in the same league as Morton's or Capital Grille. I wouldn't consider any of these places, or any of the ones on bardo's list, to be a "value" meal.

For a somewhat different experience, and more value, I would consider John Mandis' Market Inn. Excellent quality food and very good service. Also, in addition to steaks, one of the better seafood menus in DC in my view. Not nearly as expensive as Mortons or the Capital Grille.

Where is Market Inn? (oops, I should probably just search the Post, but I'm here right now...) I'm always looking for a good seafood menu downtown.

The Market Inn is located at the end of E Street (I think it is 200 E St - off of 4th.). The area is primarily businesses. They have a valet parking lot you can use or you can park on the street. If you've never been there, you will take one look at the outside and think about heading elsewhere. Don't. The food is why you are there. The place has been around since 1959, I think. Don't go on Friday night for dinner unless you go late....many people go there for happy hour and it is noisy. Go on Saturday nights they have a 2 piece band (piano and standing bass)

The Market Inn is located at the end of E Street (I think it is 200 E St - off of 4th.). The area is primarily businesses. They have a valet parking lot you can use or you can park on the street. If you've never been there, you will take one look at the outside and think about heading elsewhere...I know we did the first time we went. But don't leave. The food is why you are there. The place has been around since 1959, I think. Don't go on Friday night for dinner unless you go late....many people go there for happy hour and it is noisy until at least 7:30 or 8 PM. Go on Saturday night when they have a 2 piece band (piano and standing bass) playing some smooth jazz and the place is much quieter. I recommend a table or booth in the bar area where the musicians are.

Mrs. MileKing and I have been going there almost once a month for close to two years. We haven't had a bad experience yet and the food, whether it be steak or seafood, has always been excellent.

Sorry for the double post. I accidentally hit the Post button before I was finished.

I've never been to the Ruth's Chris in Crystal City. I can tell you that I've taken crowds of Texans to the one on Dupont Circle for business dinners (and they loved it) and to the Prime Rib for lunch (because it's very expensive otherwise. If it was a special dinner for two I'd go to the Prime Rib for dinner.)

I've been to the Capitol Grille and was unimpressed. Don't really care about possible "sightings" of mainly unattractive politicians. This "ain't" Hollywood ya know. (please I'm trying to eat) ; ) Same for Mortons in Tyson's Corners. It was way overhyped IMO. I agree with the general opinion of the District Chop House.

So there you have it japw82. To each his own. ; )

Kaklena

Ruth's Chris at about 1800 Connecticut is well-liked. Morton's has a location in Georgetown, M Street, I believe, and at Connecticut and L. Blackie's at, what 21st or 22nd and M is well-liked.

You're right about the Market Inn Mileking but I think we need to add that it's located at 200 E ST SW. (remember Washington's done in grids)

It's propbably been around as long as Duke Zeiberts and Tom Sarris's Orleans House.

Duke Zeibert's closed almost 10 years ago. Prior to that, however, it had been quite the institution.

Of course Bardo, we mentioned that two days ago. That and Blackie's used (past tense) to be great places.