A steakhouse is a restaurant that specializes in serving steaks and other grilled meats. Walk into a steakhouse and you'll usually find thick cuts of beef cooked exactly how customers want them: rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done. The menu centers on different cuts like ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip, often accompanied by sides like baked potatoes, creamed spinach, or Caesar salad.

Steakhouses became popular in America in the late 1800s and early 1900s, especially in cities like New York and Chicago, where the meatpacking industry was a major business. They developed a reputation for quality and careful preparation. A good steakhouse ages its beef properly, uses high-temperature grills or broilers, and employs skilled cooks who know exactly how long to cook each cut.

Many steakhouses have a traditional atmosphere with dark wood, leather booths, and white tablecloths. They're often places where families celebrate special occasions like birthdays or graduations, or where business people meet for important dinners. While steakhouses can be expensive, the focus is on serving high-quality meat prepared simply but expertly, letting the flavor of the beef shine through.