DCGuide
The 5 Best Steakhouses In DC
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
In a city known for its power lunches, naturally we have plenty of steakhouses. On most nights, you’ll find political bigwigs strategizing over sirloins, and dates diplomatically calling it quits with a side of breakup brisket. In other words, important life decisions are almost always handled best over a textbook-sized slab of meat. So whether you’re into luxury or classic chophouses, prefer cowboy cuts or tomahawks, these are our top picks for satisfying your craving for that perfect, juicy steak.
THE SPOTS
Like crafting a piece of legislation, making great steak is an art. And while we don’t speak legalese, we do know that The Monocle deserves unanimous approval. The menu at this old-school chophouse in Capitol Hill is short and sweet. That’s probably because with over 60 years under their belt, it's safe to say experience is the secret sauce. Their sirloin steaks are lightly salted, flawlessly seared, and the best in the city.
Escape the DC chaos and venture into the wild west at St. Anselm. The Union Market's steakhouse is a mix of hunting lodge and dining room with wood paneling, comfy leather booths, and lighting that’s best described as kerosene-eque. Cowboy aesthetics aside, start with the velvety blue crab deviled eggs, before heading straight for the axe handle ribeye. The tender steak, which starts at 45 ounces, is perfect for sharing. Just don't be surprised if after you take a flavorfully juicy bite, that you wish you had kept it all to yourself.
Bourbon is where you want to be for an upscale steak night in Georgetown. The dimly lit dining room inside the Four Seasons welcomes a mix of business folks and hotel guests. As you walk into the restaurant you're welcomed by a cascade of lavender flowers, and plush chocolate brown leather seats ready to cradle both you and your stress. If that’s not enough, the menu features excellent wine, fresh oysters, and immaculate garlic cream-stuffed crab beignets. Get the $134 Colorado ribeye that’s best enjoyed with someone special, even if that someone happens to be your boss.
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
Not many restaurants serve both the best steak and the best sushi in DC, but Shōtō, a Japanese steakhouse, isn’t most restaurants. The absolute best way to enjoy the downtown spot is to go straight for the grill, where you can share charred shishito peppers and yellowtail sashimi before cutting into a perfectly cooked wagyu sirloin. Our go-tos are the fork-tender short rib braised in a chili-soy glaze and the beautifully caramelized wagyu tomahawk steak that's roughly the size of your head.
photo credit: Nina Palazzolo
When the craving hits for a prime sirloin steak in your sweatpants, Annie’s Paramount is your spot. The iconic family-owned steakhouse in Dupont Circle has been around since the ‘40s, and is full of diners who come here so often they don’t even need a menu anymore. Seat yourself at the wooden pegged tables, great for big friend dinners, or the black leather booth, which we love for dining solo. Get the ribeye with a tangy cajun spice rub, a side of crispy golden fries, and a sweet-sour key lime pie for dessert.
