There’s something undeniably primal and satisfying about a steak cooked over an open flame. The crackle of live-fire, the sear that locks in juices, and the aroma of charred fat all signal a meal worth remembering. Across the U.S., select steakhouses have mastered the art of flame-seared perfection. From dry-aged ribeyes to tomahawk chops, here are 10 premier destinations for steak lovers seeking the ultimate fire-kissed experience.

1. Cote – New York, NY
   A Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse, Cote blends the tradition of tabletop grilling with dry-aged USDA Prime beef. It’s where precision meets flames—and the marinated galbi is a must.
2. Knife – Dallas, TX
   Chef John Tesar’s modern steakhouse in Dallas features house-aged cuts cooked over high heat to perfection. Their 240-day dry-aged ribeye is flame-seared and rich with umami.
3. Bazaar Meat by José Andrés – Las Vegas, NV
   Flamboyant yet refined, Bazaar Meat boasts a wood-fired grill and a dramatic presentation of prime meats. The wagyu beef and suckling pig are standout dishes in this carnivore’s paradise.
4. RPM Steak – Chicago, IL
   With custom charcoal grills and a high-end wine list, RPM Steak elevates the dining experience. Their grass-fed steaks and Japanese wagyu are grilled to smoky, flavorful excellence.
5. Bern’s Steak House – Tampa, FL
   A legendary institution, Bern’s ages its beef in-house and grills it over natural charcoal. Don’t skip their famous dessert room and expansive wine cellar, one of the largest in the world.
6. Metropolitan Grill – Seattle, WA
   This Seattle landmark specializes in mesquite-grilled steaks, delivering that deep smoky flavor diners crave. Their filet mignon and porterhouse cuts are grilled to flawless tenderness.
7. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse – Houston, TX
   Known for its live-fire broiling and top-tier meat sourcing, Pappas Bros. offers one of the most consistent steak experiences in Texas. Dry-aged ribeyes and thick-cut New York strips steal the show.
8. St. Elmo Steak House – Indianapolis, IN
   Famous for its spicy shrimp cocktail and open-flame steaks, St. Elmo has been a Midwest icon since 1902. Their bone-in ribeye is seared over high heat for the perfect crust.
9. Alexander’s Steakhouse – San Francisco, CA
   Blending Japanese and American steakhouse traditions, Alexander’s uses binchotan charcoal to cook wagyu and USDA Prime cuts. Expect innovation and fire-driven flavor.
10. Gallaghers Steakhouse – New York, NY
    A Theater District staple since 1927, Gallaghers dry-ages its steaks onsite and sears them over hickory coal. The old-school charm and smoky char are timeless.

To explore more top-rated steakhouses or book a reservation, visit OpenTable’s Best Steakhouses.

From Dallas to New York, these steakhouses redefine what it means to cook with fire. Whether you’re after dry-aged perfection or Japanese wagyu grilled over binchotan, these destinations deliver unforgettable flame-seared meals. For steak lovers, this list is both a bucket list and a testament to the enduring appeal of live-fire cooking.