Where is the Best Steak in Columbus, Ohio?
We live 2 miles from Cates. They “coupon” us all the time. We never remember to go when the coupons are still good…but it doesn’t matter. This place is not expensive for a steak place and it’s just plain good.Cate’s is a small, local place. The dining room’s not much bigger than the average family room. 20 people in there is a crowd! The wait staff easily handles this room. We’ve never waited. We’ve always been quickly and pleasantly served. We’ve always gotten free soup just for stopping in and ordering anything. The food is cooked to order and – if it’s not to your liking – it’s wisked right back to the kitchen. That’s not to say that we’ve had that problem much…one over cooked cowboy steak one time in many trips. The staff accomodates substitutions and special requests very willingly. They are accomodating in other ways too: One hot summer night, when stopping in for a steak (because they were grilling outside and attracting a crowd with the smell) we decided we were in a “
The SceneThe curvy cocktail bar is all wood, glass and subtle lighting, and velvet drapings swoosh down from an ornate ceiling about 20 feet high. Original oil paintings with big art deco images provide some levity to contrast with the visual drama. The menu has a special note about the “pace” of service that says “an easy manner is our forte.” Translation: There’s lots of downtime between courses. This is nice if you’re in the mood to linger, but they will speed it up upon request.The FoodLavish and classic. Fill up on bread before the meal– it’s hot and crusty with a moist inside. Salads are tossed with made-from-scratch dressings full of garlic and herbs. Steak is done eight different ways, including a classic surf and turf plate. Grilled lamb and fish, roasted veal and chicken and crab cakes complete the menu. Don’t miss the jumbo lump crabmeat cocktail.
The thought of eating at a steak joint never appealed to me, but I willingly do it for my carnivorous husband. I was very impressed by this establishment for several reasons: The ambience and decor is very rich and sophisticated – I love their ingenious wine coolers – reminiscent of old world style, the hostesses and staff are wonderfully accomodating (they go out of their way to address you by surname) and the steaks, dishes are well (and generously) prepared. Thank you, Jason, for advising us!I, obviously, encounter difficulty finding nicely prepared non-steak dishes at steak restaurants, but the menu consisted of several options – my grilled portobella mushroom dish was excellent. My husband was impressed by the steak: cut, preparation, perfect consistency (they could ease up on the butter, though). Overall, I think Ruth’s Chris is an excellent restaurant; certainly worth the price. Pros + Well prepped steak, Great veg options, Excellent serviceCons – , More reds, pl
It’s a place to visit to say you’ve been there, but otherwise it is a food factory that sells you more on their big city image than their overpriced menu. I’m convinced the seating and service are based on your appearence. I went there in a designer suit and was seated in a romantic area with hardwood walls and fireplace and received the best service ever. I went there in jeans and was seated in a room with the ambience of an Outback, next to children, and the service was so bad the manager actually took over for our waiter. The steak was some of the better steak in the area, but the sides were things like an $8.00 stick of steamed broccolli or a 1/4 head of lettuce. There are other places with equally good steak and much more originality than this chain restaurant.
The Clarmont is another LONG-standing fine dining establishment in Columbus offering a traditional menu with comfortable yet elegant surroundings. The small nookish bar area is always full, but comfortable. The pianist offers more to the ambiance. The food is always good, and wine list is traditional quality.
