This small chain of steakhouses first caught our attention in Nashville, and we were happily surprised at just how good it was - not as stuffy as some, with a wide open dining area. The menu at Fleming's is typical steakhouse, with all manner of chops and cuts, with a variety of sauces and toppings. We particularly like the wine list, with 100 wines by the glass - something we love, as we can try so many without committing to a full bottle. Sunday is the only day to indulge in the prime rib dinner, which comes with a trio of sauces and a choice of sides.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Fleming's gives diners a consistently good experience, and we adore the Sunday prime rib dinner.
Sally's expert tip: The happy hour menu in the bar is a killer, with $6 burgers and drinks - and a selection of other entrees.
Truth be told, yours truly is not into chain restaurants - at all. But Ruth's Chris is a huge exception to that rule. The small bar area is where your local editor can be found every few weeks, catching up with her bestie over bartender Julie's special cosmos and a center cut filet - totally indulgent Girls Night Out. Ruth's Chris sears their steaks in butter on a 500-degree plate before serving, and in true steakhouse tradition, everything is a la carte; the service is always top-notch, and the menu is now starting to show some seasonal variation with special packages and seasonally-focused offerings. This is indeed the ultimate steakhouse experience, even if it is a chain.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Ruth's may be a chain, but it's a consistent winner for its great food, the see-and-be-seen locals, and its fun bar scene.
Sally's expert tip: Try the happy hour menu in the bar - $7 cocktails and entrees, including a killer burger and tenderloin skewers.
This tiny, family-owned steakhouse in Bartlet opened in 1976, and is known for good steaks at more reasonable prices. The homey feeling of the restaurant and more casual atmosphere than some of the city's other steakhouses makes this a popular neighborhood spot; unlike most of its steakhouse competitors, however, the Side Porch offers sides and salads with its entrees, which start at $12. There's a smattering of inexpensive starters, mostly fried - mushrooms, pickles, zucchini and onions - and the wine list is pretty basic, with just a few options on both the red and white list.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: We love the Side Porch for its no-frills decor, its family ambiance, and its affordable pricing.
Sally's expert tip: This family owned restaurant keeps family hours, closing at 8:30 on weekdays and 9:30 on weekends - so plan accordingly.
The owners have been friends since the 8th grade - and these boys know how to cook up a nice steak. The atmosphere at Buckley's is dark and maybe a bit dated - but no one cares when the food arrives, as it is fresh and perfectly made to order. The menu includes steaks and chops as well as steak burgers; all entrees come with a salad, and sides include cheese grits as well as the usual mashed or baked potatoes. You can add a skewer of shrimp or your choice of sauces to any steak for a modest price.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Buckley's puts a casual twist on steakhouse dining, and the prices are less fearsome than most.
Sally's expert tip: The restaurant isn't open for lunch - but you can grab a Buckley's burger around the corner on Yates, where the Buckley's Lunch Box is located.
Okay, we'll be completely honest here - Interim isn't really a steakhouse. But it's a killer restaurant that serves a damn good steak. That's why it's on this list. We love the steaks, the chops, the burger (best.burger.ever.) and the salads, the hip bar scene, the darling bartender (no, we are NOT naming names), and the general vibe of the place. But the real reason we come to Interim is the mac and cheese. We are addicted, and it makes the perfect side to a steak, chop or burger....or a meal all by itself, with a nice glass of wine. The wine list is top notch and the service is excellent; there's a private room for dining, and the open concept kitchen works very well as a background for the sometimes quiet dining room.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: We've admittedly got a weakness for Interim; it's just one of our fave hangouts in town and serves up an excellent cut of beef.
Sally's expert tip: Reserve a table in the bar for the best people watching - there are only a few, and they are first come, first served otherwise.
Acre is an example of a great restaurant that serves up an awesome signature steak - a grilled angus ribeye served with garlicky rosemary 'crushed' potatoes in a red wine reduction. Y-U-M. The menu changes frequently based on what's available - both in terms of the locally produced foods and the fresh seafood, flown in daily. This is the restaurant where Memphians will find the most unusual combination of ingredients, bar none. For example, the braised short rib entree is paired with aligot potatoes, chanterelle mushrooms and a black garlic glaze. Foodies will delight in perusing the offerings, while those with less adventuresome or less experienced palates will be questioning the servers. A bar menu offers simpler fare and smaller bites, plus fantastic people watching.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: We think the chefs at Acre are genius - and their take on a good cut of beef is always a treat.
Sally's expert tip: A gorgeous dining patio, with candles tucked into recesses of the stone walls, is open when the weather is fine, and is definitely a romantic setting.
Often overlook by it's across-the lobby counterpart Chez Philippe, Capriccio is the other restaurant inside the historic Peabody Hotel, offering breakfast and lunch in addition to steakhouse style dining at night. While the atmosphere is certainly more casual than Chez Philippe, Capriccio is considered an Italian steakhouse, meaning there's a lot of pasta on the menu in addition to prime steaks, chops and seafood. White tablecloths are de riguer, as are high prices; in typical steakhouse style, side dishes do not accompany steaks and chops and must be ordered a la carte. Steaks are on the menu at lunch - but the restaurant changed its lunch focus to Southern comfort food, so do go for dinner for the full steakhouse experience. A variety of toppings and sauces are also available a la carte, and there's an extensive wine list and array of desserts.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Capriccio's classic steakhouse feel and Italian twist is a great combination for a departure from the everyday.
Sally's expert tip: The daily risotto is one of our favorites for a side - an unusual treat at a steakhouse.
The Taras family is keeping the Jim's tradition alive, although there's sadly no longer a location in Memphis proper. But the restaurant is definitely worth the drive from the city - and east-side suburbanites know they've scored with this traditional restaurant that's full of flavorful options. Traditional Greek favorites are offered along with hearty traditional American favorites - souflima and spanakopetakia for starters, along with steaks and chops, salads and seafood. We're a fan of the hangar steak at lunch - it's nicely sized and priced. The atmosphere at Jim's is both upscale and family friendly, casual enough for a relaxed dinner but also nice enough for a first date.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Jim's serves up a mean steak, although you only have your choice of three - a ribeye, filet, or strip. Who needs more choices, really?
Sally's expert tip: Tuesdays is the day to snare vodka or gin martinis for $4.
Char is a much-welcomed addition to the slice of neighborhood that's not really East Memphis, not really Midtown, and is home to the University of Memphis. Part of the recent Highland Row revitalization, Char sits on the ground floor of a residential building and is a more local take on the steakhouse blueprint. Like most steakhouses, Char offers white table cloths, tailored waiters and a lush list of nice wines. Steaks come as singular dishes, with sides and appetizers that are large enough to share ordered a la carte. And that's where the Char take on a steakhouse screams Memphis, with shrimp and grits, oysters, fried green tomatoes, bacon-braised Brussels sprouts and mashed sweet potatoes among the choices. The ambiance is low-key but sophisticated, the large bar is a perfect spot for a lighter dinner and drinks, and the garlic butter and baguette at the top of each meal is hard to resist.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Char is a quintessential steakhouse with Southern flair, the best of both worlds in one seating.
Sally's expert tip: Bourbon lovers will find a lengthy list from which to choose their favorite libation.
Recognized year after year as the best steakhouse in Memphis, Folk's Folly guarantees a flawless American feast from start to finish. With its very own butcher shop next door, the restaurant asserts that steak is clearly the specialty. However, the menu also boasts an array of other delicious main courses, including grilled duck breast and Alaskan king crab legs. In typical steakhouse fashion, sides are large and meant to be shared - and are not included with entrees. The restaurant is large and old fashioned, with five dining rooms and multiple private booths. While you're there, stop by the Cellar to enjoy live piano music nightly, along with cocktails and the trademark - and complimentary - fried pickles.
Recommended for Steakhouses because: Folk's Folly is the original steakhouse in Memphis, and is as old-school as they come.
Sally's expert tip: When reserving a table at Folk's Folly, be sure to ask for a spot in one of the smaller dining rooms. The largest room, while certainly comfortable, lacks intimacy and is best for business-style get-togethers.