D.C.’s Best Steakhouses

1 Written by Marisa Miyasaki on March 5, 2013 – 5:00 am

Photo by jayweston@sbcglobal.net

Menuism recently set out on a mission of epic proportions: to find the best steakhouses in the nation’s capital. For such a task, we consulted popular food bloggers in Washington D.C. With their expertise, we were able to compile a diverse list of steakhouses suitable for a wide range of tastes. Whether you’re on the hunt for a casual steak dinner, or looking to try out an Obama-approved steakhouse, you’ll find a steakhouse for every occasion. Today’s post features Micky of What Micky Eats, Lauren DeSantis of Capital Cooking, B and J of Two DC, and Kim of DC Wrapped Dates.

Ray’s the Steaks – 3905 Dix St. NE and 2300 Wilson Blvd, Arlington

“Ray’s the Steaks is an increasingly popular ‘poor man’s’ steakhouse located in the busy Clarendon/Courthouse area of Arlington. The chateaubriand cut [is] tender and a very large portion – more than enough for two to share, so you will have leftovers to take home. It also came with two different béarnaise sauces – a traditional and mushroom version. All in all, the food at Ray’s is much higher quality and a great price compared to other top-level steakhouses. I would recommend this place to all meat lovers.” –Micky

“Ray’s The Steaks takes the traditional steakhouse concept and turns it upside down.  The low prices and casual interior make it stand out from the rest of the pack. The low prices don’t mean lower quality, however. We’ve found the food we’ve ordered at Ray’s to be comparable to steaks double the price at other places.” –B and J

BLT Steak – 1625 Eye St. NW

“Just the epitome of high-end steakhouse, BLT Steak is the sort of place that gives you endless amount of personalization and freedom into your meal, and the sort of service and attention that makes each dinner an enjoyable night. It offers a variety of cuts and sides, all cooked to a buttery, tender finish.” –Kim

J&G Steakhouse – 515 15^th St. NW

“Great selection of steak as well as other dishes. Everything from the food to the service is amazing.“ –Lauren

Charlie Palmer Steak – 101 Constitution Ave NW

“Charlie Palmer Steak is a modern take on the steakhouse concept. A bright wall of windows with a stellar view of the Capitol dome and a sleek white interior make it much more inviting than the traditional dark wood steakhouse. The menu features a wide range of impressive creations but the signature item, the steak, is top notch.” –B and J

Capital Grille – 601 Pennsylvania Avenue

“Imagine having the freedom to enjoy world-class and limited-vintage varietals all while savoring signature appetizers, dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood and house-made desserts. My husband ordered the Bone-In Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin topped with a tasty shallot butter. He really enjoyed his steak that was dry aged for 14 days. He was pleasantly surprised that there was not a strong coffee taste from the rub, rather a complex earthiness that added to the overall flavor of the meat. It was unexpectedly tender and my husband remarked he would return to the Capital Grille specifically for this steak.” –Micky

Bond 45 – 145 Waterfront St.

“Bond 45 is located at the National Harbor. I love that restaurant because you can get steak with Italian sides.  The pasta is so good!” –Lauren

Medium Rare – 3500 Connecticut Ave NW

“One of the best bang-for-your-buck restaurants in the District, Medium Rare presents a simple but flavorful steak frites prix fixe that is both delicious and wallet-friendly. At only $20 a head, one of the best ways to enjoy a delicious steak in a relaxed setting, without feeling like you have to mortgage a home.” -Kim

Bourbon Steak – 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW

“A chic and contemporary DC steakhouse restaurant featuring the exquisite culinary delights of James Beard award-winning chef and internationally renowned restaurateur Michael Mina. Bourbon Steak is an extraordinary steak and seafood restaurant that showcases corn-fed, all-natural meats and line-caught seafood available both locally and worldwide. The low amber lighting and brown woods on the walls and tables created a modern, masculine, and comfortable feeling. I recommend this restaurant for special occasions and its classy atmosphere to spend a leisurely night out near Georgetown. In fact, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle chose this steakhouse to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in October 2012.” –Micky