Dallas has the highest concentration of steakhouses in America. And that’s no bull.
When Dale “Mr. Steak” Wamstad opened Del Frisco’s at Spring Valley and the Dallas North Tollway in 1994, it was, for a brief moment, a one-cow part of town. But it didn’t take long for the stampede to follow in his tracks. Big chains, little chains, and independent, chef-run chophouses have turned the stretch of the Tollway from LBJ to Legacy Road into a veritable meat market. n “The density of North Dallas steakhouses that serve Prime beef is insane,” says Rick Hamilton, the national account manager for Allen Brothers in Chicago, which is the country’s only independently owned purveyor of fine meat. “Without a doubt, no city compares to Dallas.” n According to Hamilton’s rough calculations, along this 11-mile stretch, just over 115 cows are consumed daily by people celebrating anniversaries, making business deals, or simply enjoying their spot at the top of the food chain.
1 Stone Trail Restaurant
Stone Trail has been at home on this range for eight years. Miss Kitty would have loved to hit the dance floor here after a sizzling sirloin. 14833 Midway Rd., Ste 105, Addison. 972-701-9600.
2 Morton’s of Chicago
Our favorite meat-and-potatoes-for-dummies place. The polished service does a great show-and-tell with steaks and vegetables before you order. 14831 Midway Rd., Addison. 972-233-5858.
They serve five cuts, but they do prime rib like no one else. Leave your boots outside but watch your toes—those $18,000 silver trolleys are heavy. 14655 Dallas Pkwy. 972-503-6688.
4 Del Frisco’s
Dee Lincoln took the reins from Dale Wamstad and kicked up the charm. Dark and sexy, this is the perfect place to pop the question over a porterhouse. 5251 Spring Valley Rd. 972-490-9000.
5 Chamberlain’s Steak and Chop House
Where the foodies flock to feast. Owner Richard Chamberlain isn’t just turning steaks in the kitchen; he’s a bona fide chef. His ahi tuna rivals his Kobe beef. 5330 Belt Line Rd. 972-934-2467.
6 III Forks
Under the brass dome of this Temple to Tenderloin, Reverend Gene Street works the celebrity-packed dining room and extends a glad hand to every customer. Sometimes they let founder Deacon Dale Wamstad out of the kitchen. 17776 Dallas Pkwy. 972-267-1776.
7 Ruth’s Chris Steak House
This outpost of the New Orleans-based chain opened here with guns blazing in 1996. Still a popular hangout for outlaws from out of town in search of vittles they’ve had before. 17840 Dallas Pkwy. 972-250-2244.
8 Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Fleming’s is a steakhouse with a strong feminine side—they offer 100 wines by the glass. 18020 Dallas Pkwy. 972-267-3050.
9 Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Certified Angus Beef is showcased in a cozy dining room nestled between a happening bar and a swinging jazz club. 17795 Dallas Pkwy. 972-267-9393.
10 Smith & Wollensky
We’ve yet to get a rope ready for these New York folks and their fancy dry-aged beef. Early returns report that their steaks are better than their picante sauce. 18438 Dallas North Tollway. 972-930-9200.
11 Bob’s Steak & Chop House
Bob’s is all Prime beef, all the time. Owner Bob Sambol has created a clubby atmosphere, and his regulars don’t stray too far from his perfectly done filet. 5760 Legacy Dr., Plano. 972-608-2627.
12 Eddie Merlot’s
The newest kid to ride into town from—of all places—Indiana. Whether he can make it here will be decided after the smoke clears from the shootout. 8650 Hwy. 121, Frisco. 214-618-6335.
