15 Things To Consideer Next Time You’re at a Steakhouse

When visiting a steakhouse, the star of the show is usually the steak. However, many menus offer a wide range of options, from seafood to salads, that might not always live up to the restaurant’s specialty. 

While it can be tempting to explore these other offerings, not all dishes are created equal in a place that prides itself on perfecting steak. To help you make the most of your steakhouse experience, here are 15 dishes you might want to avoid ordering the next time you visit.

Overcooked or Undercooked Steak

While the steak is the main attraction, it’s important to order it cooked to your preference. If you order it too rare or too well-done, you might not enjoy the texture or flavor. Many steak lovers recommend medium-rare for the best balance of juiciness and tenderness. 

However, going too far in either direction can result in a chewy or overly dry piece of meat. Always communicate clearly with your server about your desired level of doneness to avoid disappointment.

Fish or Seafood

While some steakhouses offer fish or seafood as an option, these dishes may not be their specialty. Steakhouses typically focus on grilling and preparing cuts of beef, which means that seafood may not be as fresh or expertly prepared. 

In many cases, you’ll find that the seafood options are more expensive than the steak but don’t deliver the same quality. If you’re in the mood for fish, it might be better to visit a seafood restaurant instead of a steakhouse. Stick to what the restaurant does best—steak.

Chicken Dishes

Though some steakhouses offer chicken as an alternative to steak, it’s often not the best choice. Chicken can be bland or overcooked in comparison to the flavorful and juicy cuts of beef on the menu. 

Many people opt for chicken in an attempt to choose a healthier or lighter option, but it might leave you underwhelmed in a steakhouse setting. If you’re watching your diet, consider ordering a lean cut of steak instead, like filet mignon. At least you’ll get the steakhouse experience with a healthier twist.

Pasta Dishes

Pasta is another dish that can fall flat at a steakhouse. While pasta is delicious when done right, steakhouses usually don’t specialize in Italian cuisine, which can result in an overcooked or under-seasoned plate of noodles. 

The sauces might also lack the complexity and depth you’d expect from a restaurant focused on pasta dishes. If you’re craving carbs, opt for a side of mashed potatoes or a baked potato instead. These sides are more likely to complement your steak and enhance your overall dining experience.

Vegetarian Entrées

Many steakhouses offer a token vegetarian dish, but it’s often uninspired and not given the same attention as the meat-focused options. If you don’t eat meat, you might find the vegetarian entrée to be bland or overpriced for what you get. 

Steakhouses are not typically known for their plant-based offerings, so it’s a good idea to manage your expectations. If you’re dining with meat-eaters and need a vegetarian option, consider ordering a variety of sides to create a more satisfying meal.

Lobster Tail

Lobster tail is often offered as an upscale option at steakhouses, but it can be a risky choice. If the steakhouse isn’t known for its seafood, the lobster might be overcooked, rubbery, or lacking in flavor. 

Lobster tail tends to be one of the most expensive items on the menu, and it may not be worth the price if it’s not prepared perfectly. If you’re craving lobster, it’s best to save it for a seafood restaurant where it’s likely to be fresher and better executed.

Salads with Heavy Dressings

While salads can be a refreshing start to your meal, beware of those loaded with creamy or heavy dressings. These dressings can turn what seems like a healthy choice into a calorie-laden dish. Salads drenched in ranch, blue cheese, or Caesar dressing might leave you feeling too full before your main course even arrives. 

If you want a lighter start, opt for a simple salad with a vinaigrette or ask for the dressing on the side. This way, you can control how much you’re adding.

French Fries

Though they’re a classic side dish, the French fries at a steakhouse are often not the star. Many steakhouses don’t specialize in fries, and you might find them soggy, over-salted, or lacking in flavor.

If you’re looking for a delicious side to pair with your steak, consider baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables instead. These sides are more likely to complement your steak and are often given more attention in the kitchen.

Overly Sauced Steaks

Some steakhouses offer steaks covered in rich, heavy sauces like béarnaise or peppercorn sauce. While these can add flavor, they can also mask the natural taste of the steak. A good steak doesn’t need much more than salt, pepper, and perhaps a little butter. 

When too much sauce is added, you might lose the appreciation for the quality of the meat. If you enjoy sauces, ask for them on the side so you can add them sparingly without overwhelming your palate.

Desserts

Steakhouse desserts, while often tempting, can be hit or miss. Many times, they’re overpriced and overly indulgent, leaving you feeling stuffed after an already heavy meal. 

From molten chocolate cakes to towering cheesecakes, these desserts are often large enough to share but might not be worth the price. If you’re craving something sweet, consider sharing a dessert with the table or opting for a lighter after-dinner treat like a scoop of sorbet.

Surf and Turf Combos

Surf and turf—typically a combination of steak and lobster or shrimp—sounds luxurious, but it can be a disappointment. The steak might be perfectly cooked, but the seafood is often overcooked or lacks the same level of quality. 

The price of a surf and turf dish is usually much higher than ordering just steak or seafood on its own. If you want both, consider ordering them separately to ensure each element is prepared to perfection.

Appetizers with Breaded or Fried Options

Appetizers like fried calamari or onion rings may be tempting, but they can leave you feeling too full before your steak arrives. These heavy, fried options are often greasy and can detract from the main course. 

If you’re looking for a starter, opt for something lighter, like a shrimp cocktail or a simple salad. This way, you’ll save room for the steak and avoid feeling sluggish during your meal.

Soups with Creamy Bases

Creamy soups, like clam chowder or lobster bisque, are often offered as starters, but they can be overly rich and filling. While delicious, these soups can sit heavily in your stomach, making it harder to enjoy your steak. 

If you’re in the mood for soup, try a broth-based option like French onion or a light vegetable soup instead. These will warm you up without weighing you down.

Overly Complicated Steak Cuts

Some steakhouses offer specialty cuts or dry-aged steaks that come with a hefty price tag. While these can be delicious, they’re not always worth the extra cost, especially if the difference in flavor is subtle. 

If you’re not a steak connoisseur, you might be just as satisfied with a standard cut like ribeye or filet mignon. Save the complicated cuts for a special occasion or a restaurant known specifically for its dry-aged steaks.

Exotic Meats

Some steakhouses offer exotic meats like bison, ostrich, or venison as a novelty item. While these can be exciting to try, they might not be prepared with the same expertise as traditional steak cuts. 

Exotic meats can also be more expensive and may not deliver the flavor or tenderness you’re hoping for. If you’re curious, try these meats at a restaurant that specializes in them, rather than at a steakhouse where beef is the main focus.

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