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Say goodbye to your grandfather’s steakhouse, and say hello to see-and-be-seen buzz, Russian novel–sized wine lists, and molecular mixology. These sizzlin’ steakhouses also deliver prime cuts in a thousand permutations of meaty perfection—from grass-fed and dry-aged to adobo-rubbed and pepper-crusted. Chophouses have never paired porterhouses and panache so well.
The Draw: This beloved Italian restaurant has been moonlighting as an A-list steak place for more than 40 years. Although it’s relaxed enough to have a TV above the tiny bar and Jerry West’s Lakers jersey on the wall, make no mistake, this is Hollywood central. The Scene: Red leather booths, checkered tablecloths, and suspended Chianti bottles are the backdrop for a crowd of goodfellas planted on bar stools, and a maître d’ named Jimmy. None of the Tom Jones–era regulars will laugh at you for ordering pasta instead of cow. Not to your face, at least. Daily 5pm–1am. $$$$ Hot Tip: There’s one steak on the menu—the New York strip. You just have to decide whether it’ll be the 12- or 16-ounce.
Musso & Frank Grill 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323-467-7788 mussoandfrankgrill.com
The Draw: Hollywood’s oldest restaurant doesn’t look a day over 87. The moment you walk in, you’ll see that you haven’t come here just for the steak—which is still pretty good. The Scene: Red leather, mahogany, chandeliers, and inebriated ghosts hover everywhere. If The Shining had been set in a Hollywood restaurant, this would’ve been the location. Tue–Sat 11am–11pm. $$ Hot Tip: Vegetarians can come for breakfast (flannel cakes) or lunch (Bloody Marys). If you’re in Hollywood, this is also a great bar for martinis.
STK
755 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-659-3535 stkhouse.com
The Draw: This scene-driven steakhouse is a clone of its NYC counterpart (and that’s a good thing), offering grade-A “talent” along with Grade-A beef. The Scene: STK breaks down the clichés associated with your “daddy’s steakhouse,” maintaining choice cuts while transforming the masculine ambience and clientele of yore. Lucky for the paparazzi outside, the female-friendly vibe attracts a nightly parade of celebrity carnivores, leaving you with quite a dilemma: What to keep an eye on—Rihanna or the buttery tender New York strip cooked to perfection? No contest. Dig in. Daily 6pm–2am. $$$ Hot Tip: One thing the NYC version doesn’t have is the Southern Cali weather. Take advantage of it by reserving a table in the intimate garden area, which can also be sectioned off for private gatherings.
