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Readers' Choice Dining Guide: Steaks

The top 10 steakhouses as voted by our readers

Metromix
November 11, 2009

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The Precinct

311 Delta Ave. - Cincinnati

513-321-5454

This steakhouse, Jeff Ruby's original restaurant, was where the coolest people used to hang out during the disco era. No longer a dance mecca, it's still a killer steakhouse that is the first place to think of when you need a big meat fix. If you want to celebrate a great new job or take your boyfriend out, or someone else is footing the bill, The Precinct has long been the place to choose. Housed in a historic police station, it's got steakhouse atmosphere and top-notch service. There's fettucine for two, great salads and appetizers like crab cakes, sides to share and steaks named for Bronson Arroyo, Oscar Robertson and Cris Collinsworth.

Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse

700 Walnut St. - Cincinnati

513-784-1200

This schmantzy downtown steakhouse is one of Jeff Ruby's small chain of high-end, high-price and high-service restaurants. They all serve delicious steaks accompanied by equally edible side dishes, the biggest shrimp, the most luxurious appetizers, with almost-too-attentive servers. This one is distinguished by its glitzy, comfortable setting, its location across the street from the Aronoff, and the window where you can see that the Ruby kitchen serves steaks that have been dry-aged on the premises. Start with an Aronoff salad, try the chubby crab cake and, unless you want steak, order imported Dover sole or a whole beer can chicken. Potatoes Anna must be tried. Smoke cigars outside on the sidewalk tables afterwards.

Carlo & Johnny

9769 Montgomery Road - Montgomery

513-936-8600

A mansion with a history of gambling and mafia connections is transformed into a Jeff Ruby restaurant with completely over-the-top dcor. There are three separate dining rooms each with its own decor and feel, from an old-style Chicago backroom to a swanky Hollywood-inspired room for a romantic date. It all makes for an extravagantly fun evening, especially because theres also a sushi chef and live entertainment. The largest selection of Jeff Ruby steaks is here; including kobe filet, a bison strip steak and a tomahawk rib. You're always in for a treat at a Ruby establishment, with first-class food and service.

Morton's The Steakhouse

441 Vine St. - Cincinnati

513-621-3111

Sometimes you just like to know what to expect in a restaurant. Mortons delivers consistency way up at the high-end of the restaurant scale. You can expect Mortons brand of quality and prestige, and a close adherence to all the steakhouse conventions. In their new location in Carew Tower, you can also look over Fountain Square at the mere mortals below. The beef is prime, the steaks are slabs, the baked potatoes are superspuds and the broccoli is treelike. Its where you go for luxury straight-up, but it's not flashy.

Jag's Steak and Seafood

5980 West Chester Road - West Chester

513-860-5353

Jag’s embraces all that is classy not only in the menu selection and superb drink list, but perhaps most of all in atmosphere. The cuisine is divine, with choices such as chili with kobe beef, roasted corn and jalapeno crab cakes and black truffle filet mignon. Its six dining rooms are spectacular, with a marble and mahogany piano bar in one of the cocktail lounges. The highlight of Jag’s is most certainly the outdoor bar with a trellis of canopy lights intertwined with vines and firepit tables. It's perfect for a romantic evening or a great setting to meet a new love. By 10 p.m., this place turns into a nightclub, so get your groove on every Friday and Saturday night with live music.

Maury's Tiny Cove Steak House

3908 Harrison Ave. - Cincinnati

513-662-2683

Maury's is a venerable old-school steakhouse operating since 1949 in the heart of Cheviot. Vintage decor and red vinyl booths are intact, as are the friendly servers and the reasonable prices for a quality meal.

The Waterfront

14 Pete Rose Pier - Covington

859-581-1414

Another of Jeff Ruby’s fine dining locations in the Cincinnati area, The Waterfront specializes in steak, seafood, and sushi. Local celebrities flock to this scenic spot for the Pulp Fiction Kobe beef hamburger, charcoal-grilled Hawaiian swordfish and Jeff Ruby’s Jewel, a 24 ounce bone-in ribeye. The Waterfront offers a spectacular view of the Cincinnati skyline from Covington - romantic date spot, anyone? Show your friends how you roll with a private party at The Waterfront.

J. Alexander's Restaurant

2629 Edmondson Road - Cincinnati

513-531-7495

This elegantly designed steakhouse is located inside the Rookwood Commons shopping center in Hyde Park. It prides itself on being an upscale, casual dining experience and has an air of professionalism spread throughout. It's contemporary in design and cuisine, which makes for a nice evening after a long day of shopping. Make sure to sit on the patio if it's a nice day.

Eddie Merlot's Prime Aged Beef and Seafood

10808 Montgomery Road - Cincinnati

513-489-1212

As the name may indicate, Eddie Merlot’s is most certainly one of the finest restaurants for a fabulous glass of wine in the Cincinnati area. The namesake is a friend of the owner known for his love of a good glass of wine and a great steak. The most popular steak is the 8 ounce filet Oscar style – that is, served with fresh lump crab meat, asparagus, and Bearnaise sauce. Eddie Merlot’s is also ideal for a private gathering, where you can select your group’s meal by the type of wine that you desire and the best food pairings. Finish off any meal with the flaming vanilla cognac brownie for a spectacular and appropriate end to your dining experience.

Buckhead Mountain Grill

35 Fairfield Ave. - Bellevue

859-491-7333

Nothing beats a good steak and conversation while watching boats glide along the Ohio River. At Buckhead Mountain Grill, enjoy river and city views on the outdoor deck, or grab a seat next to the huge windows in the log cabin-inspired restaurant. Wood interior and chandeliers of antlers add a warm and rustic feel as if in a mountain lodge. The restaurant serves American cuisine: Montana Meat Loaf, chicken pot pie, bourbon barbeque ribs and pork chops. You can hear live music on the deck Monday and Tuesday from 6-10 p.m., and Friday 8 p.m. to midnight.