Beef ’N Bottle Steakhouse

Every town has at least one classic steakhouse, and Beef ‘N Bottle is Charlotte’s. You know the type: dark wood paneling, white tablecloths, and a seared beef smell so pungent, you couldn’t get it out of the burgundy carpeted floors no matter how hard you try. It’s the kind of place you go for an anniversary, because you can eat by candlelight and the restaurant has been making top-notch steaks for longer than you’ve been married. Start with a round of martinis, dirty, with blue cheese-stuffed olives, then move to the filet mignon, cooked no more than medium-rare, please. Non-negotiable sides include a build-your-own house salad, onion rings, and creamed spinach served in those classic, stainless steel au gratin dishes.