Steakhouse dining remains a popular choice among restaurant-goers, with about 71% of adults reporting having gone to a steakhouse in the last six months. Additionally, over 23% visited four or more times in the last 30 days, according to the Restaurant Market Potential 2024 report, prepared by Esri.
Despite the growth in steakhouse restaurant sales and sustained demand, diners frequently make avoidable mistakes that can diminish their enjoyment and culinary experience. Understanding these missteps can help elevate a steakhouse visit to a truly memorable occasion.
Not specifying how you want your steak cooked
Forgetting to specify your preferred steak doneness can be a critical error. A study published in the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports revealed that 41% of consumers favor medium-rare steaks, while 23% opt for medium. Knowing your preference ensures your steak is cooked just the way you like it.
Leaving it to the chef’s discretion means you might get a well-done steak when you wanted medium-rare. Always be clear about your preference when ordering. If you’re unsure, medium-rare is a safe bet; it balances juiciness and tenderness. You can always ask for it to be cooked a little longer, but you can’t make an overcooked steak rarer.
Using too much steak sauce
A high-quality steak is aged and prepared to highlight its natural, beefy flavor. Dousing it in a bottled sauce like A.1. can be seen as an insult to the chef and will mask the very taste you’re paying for. Fine dining steakhouses often craft their own sauces, like béarnaise or chimichurri, which are designed to complement, not overpower, the meat.
Before reaching for any sauce, take a bite of the steak on its own to appreciate its quality. If you do want a sauce, ask your server for a recommendation on a house-made pairing that will enhance the flavor profile rather than hide it.
Cutting up the entire steak at once
While it might seem efficient, cutting your entire steak into bite-sized pieces as soon as it arrives is a major faux pas. This rookie mistake causes the meat to cool down rapidly, and all the flavorful juices that keep it tender and delicious will run out onto the plate.
Beyond the impact on taste, it’s also considered poor table manners. The Takeout recommends that the proper etiquette is to cut one piece at a time. This not only keeps your steak warmer for longer but also allows you to savor each bite and enjoy the meal at a more relaxed pace.
Immediately adding salt and pepper
Chefs at reputable steakhouses are masters of their craft, and that includes seasoning. They meticulously salt and prepare steaks before they even hit the grill. Reaching for the salt and pepper shakers before you’ve even tasted your meal can be seen as disrespectful to their expertise.
“As a chef, I season my food well,” former chef Aleka Shunk told Business Insider. “When customers receive their food, I always notice if they reach for the salt and pepper without tasting it first.” Trust the chef and taste the steak first; chances are, it’s already seasoned to perfection.
Ordering too many side dishes
Steakhouse sides are undeniably tempting, from creamed spinach to decadent mac and cheese. However, ordering too many can detract from the star of the show: the steak. Overloading the table with a wide variety of flavors can create a chaotic palate and prevent you from fully appreciating the expensive main course.
Instead of ordering five or six different sides, limit your selection to two or three complementary options. Classic pairings like roasted potatoes, asparagus, or a simple wedge salad are designed to enhance the steak, not compete with it.
Not dressing appropriately
Many upscale steakhouses have a dress code, typically business casual or semi-formal. Showing up in shorts, a t-shirt, or sneakers can be awkward and may even get you turned away.
Not adhering to the dress code can make you feel out of place and detract from the special occasion atmosphere the restaurant cultivates. A quick visit to the restaurant’s website or a phone call beforehand can clarify the expected attire and save you from any discomfort.
Ignoring your server’s expertise
Your server is more than just an order-taker; they are your guide to the menu. They have in-depth knowledge of the different cuts of meat, the chef’s cooking style, and the best sauce or wine pairings. Not asking for recommendations or ignoring their suggestions is a missed opportunity.
Think of them as your “personal culinary concierge,” as expert Scott Weiner puts it. They can help you navigate the menu to ensure you get a meal that perfectly suits your tastes.
Ordering a well-done steak unnecessarily
While personal preference is king, ordering a high-quality cut of meat well-done is often frowned upon by chefs and connoisseurs. The intense cooking process can leave the steak dry, tough, and lacking the nuanced flavor that makes it special.
Despite its reputation, a YouGov study indicates that nearly a quarter of Americans (24%) prefer their steak cooked well-done. If you’re keen to avoid any redness but want to preserve some juiciness and flavor, a medium or medium-well preparation offers a thoroughly cooked center without the dry texture often associated with well-done.
Failing to make a reservation
Top-tier steakhouses, especially on weekends, are often booked weeks in advance. Walking in without a reservation is a gamble that can lead to long wait times or being turned away entirely.
To avoid disappointment, always book a table ahead of time. This is particularly crucial for popular establishments or if you’re dining with a larger group.
Ignoring red flags about the steakhouse
Not all steakhouses are created equal. Be aware of warning signs that might indicate a less-than-stellar experience. Red flags include a sparse wine list, servers who are unfamiliar with the menu, and inconsistent quality from one visit to the next.
In fact, 45% of consumers identified inconsistency as a top factor that ruins a steakhouse meal. Trust your instincts; if the atmosphere feels off or the menu seems underwhelming, it might be better to dine elsewhere.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
12 laws and rules about food in other countries
12 Laws And Rules About Food In Other Countries
Food is more than just nourishment; it’s a reflection of culture, tradition, and, in many cases, the law. Around the world, various countries have established distinct food regulations that may surprise travelers and food enthusiasts alike.
These laws reveal how deeply societies value what ends up on their plates. Here are 12 fascinating food laws and rules from around the globe that show just how diverse and sometimes unexpected our relationship with food can be.
6 gas station chains with food so good it’s worth driving out of your way for
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hot dogs of indeterminate age and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it ends up being part of a regular routine or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food info you need.
Let’s look at 6 gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat.
