10 Arizona Steakhouses Travelers Swear By
Arizona might be known for its breathtaking desert landscapes and Grand Canyon views, but its steakhouse scene deserves just as much attention. I’ve crisscrossed the Grand Canyon State sampling the juiciest cuts and most mouthwatering sides to bring you this carnivore’s guide to paradise. From historic chophouses in Phoenix to upscale dining in Scottsdale, these are the 10 steakhouses that have travelers raving and locals making reservations weeks in advance.
1. Durant’s
Walking through Durant’s back door (yes, the back door; regulars know the drill) feels like stepping into a 1950s film noir set. Red leather booths, dim lighting, and waiters in tuxedos set the stage for what’s about to happen on your plate.
The bone-in ribeye here has converted more vegetarians than I care to count. Perfectly aged and seared with a peppery crust that would make angels weep. Jack Durant opened this joint in 1950, and rumor has it his ghost still roams the dining room making sure the martinis are properly chilled.
2. Stockyards Steakhouse
They don’t call it ‘Arizona’s Original Steakhouse’ for nothing! Housed in what was once the largest feedlot in the world, Stockyards has been serving up slabs of beef since 1947. The place practically oozes Western heritage from every wooden beam.
My go-to order? The Cattle Baron’s Cut with their signature whiskey peppercorn sauce. Each bite tells a story of Arizona’s cattle-driving past. The mounted longhorn heads watching over the dining room aren’t just decoration; they’re witnesses to decades of carnivorous delight that’s kept this Phoenix landmark thriving for 75+ years.
3. Fleming’s
“But isn’t Fleming’s a chain?” I hear you asking. Trust me, this Scottsdale location stands head and shoulders above its corporate siblings. The moment you slide into one of their plush booths, you realize this isn’t your average steakhouse experience.
Their Prime Bone-In Ribeye has haunted my dreams since my first visit. What truly sets Fleming’s apart, though, is their wine program; 100 wines by the glass! I once spent three hours here with friends, pairing different vintages with each course. The staff’s wine knowledge is so impressive, I’ve seen sommeliers from other restaurants dining here on their days off.
4. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar
Perched with stunning views of the Santa Catalina Mountains, The Keg’s Tucson location serves up atmosphere alongside perfectly cooked beef. Sunset dinners on their patio have been known to cause spontaneous marriage proposals; I’ve witnessed three!
Their Baseball Top Sirloin deserves its own fan club. Thick-cut, juicy, and with just the right amount of char. While waiting for your steak, their Mushrooms Neptune appetizer; mushroom caps stuffed with crab, cream cheese, and shrimp; might make you temporarily forget why you came. The service strikes that perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive, like a stealthy beef ninja anticipating your every need.
5. Steak 44
Remember the first time you heard your favorite song? That’s the feeling I get every time I walk into Steak 44. This sleek, contemporary steakhouse manages to feel both special-occasion worthy and comfortable at the same time.
Their Domestic Wagyu Filet will ruin you for all other steaks: buttery, tender, and cooked with surgical precision. The tableside bone marrow preparation is pure theater. Fun fact: the restaurant sits on the original site of Arcadia Farms at 44th Street (hence the name). Their seafood tower makes for an impressive starter, though I’ve seen it cause neighboring tables to develop immediate menu envy.
6. Mastro’s
If walls could talk, Mastro’s would spill secrets about the celebrities, athletes, and politicians who’ve devoured steaks within its dimly lit confines. The piano bar creates an atmosphere that makes every dinner feel like a special occasion, even on a random Tuesday.
Their 40oz Tomahawk Chop looks like something Fred Flintstone would order; it literally hangs off the plate! Don’t you dare leave without trying their signature warm butter cake. I once brought my vegetarian sister here, and after sampling their sides and seafood, she declared, “I get it now.” The cocktail program deserves special mention; their Mastro’s Signature Smoking Cocktail arrives at the table under a glass dome filled with hickory smoke.
7. Dominick’s Steakhouse
Picture this: dining poolside on a rooftop in Scottsdale as the desert sunset paints the sky, while cutting into a perfectly cooked steak. That’s not heaven; it’s just Thursday night at Dominick’s.
The Steak Farina; a bone-in ribeye crusted with parmigiano reggiano, should be illegal in at least 38 states. Simply transcendent! Owned by the same restaurant group as Steak 44, Dominick’s brings equal quality with its own unique flair. The mashed potatoes here are so creamy and decadent, I once contemplated skipping the steak altogether (a thought that lasted approximately 2.7 seconds before I came to my senses).
8. STK Steakhouse
STK isn’t your grandfather’s steakhouse; unless your grandfather was extremely cool. This is where the beautiful people of Scottsdale come to see and be seen while devouring prime cuts to a DJ soundtrack.
Their Dry-Aged Delmonico makes me want to write poetry. Seriously, I’ve composed sonnets between bites. The vibe here shifts throughout the evening from upscale dining to borderline nightclub, but the steak quality never wavers. Their Lil’ Brgs (wagyu sliders) make for perfect happy hour fare. Pro tip: request a booth along the wall for the perfect balance of people-watching and conversation-friendly acoustics.
9. Maple & Ash
When a restaurant offers a tasting menu called “I Don’t Give a F*@k,” you know you’re in for something different. Maple & Ash combines irreverent attitude with serious culinary credentials, creating the most fun I’ve ever had while wearing business casual.
Their Fire-Roasted Seafood Tower arrives literally ablaze, setting the tone for theatrical dining. The Maple Glazed Bone-In Ribeye changed my understanding of what steak could be. The sommelier here once spent 20 minutes helping me find the perfect wine pairing; for my dessert! Their coal-fired preparation method gives everything a subtle smokiness that’s utterly addictive.
10. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Sometimes the classics endure for good reason. Ruth’s Chris may have locations nationwide, but the Phoenix outpost delivers with such consistency that I’ve never had a disappointing bite. The sizzling butter sound as your steak arrives is basically my love language.
Their Petite Filet & Shrimp combo satisfies both land and sea cravings in one fell swoop. The sweet potato casserole side dish; topped with a pecan crust, should be classified as both a side and a dessert. I once brought a first date here who was so impressed by my “steak knowledge” (really just tidbits I’d learned from the staff on previous visits) that we ended up dating for two years. The service is always impeccable; formal without being stuffy.
