In large metropolitan areas, a great steak is not hard to find. Dozens of outstanding restaurants dot the landscape in LA, Chicago, Kansas City, New York, Miami and Boston. The high-end national chains like Fleming’s, Morton’s, Ruth’s Chris and Palm usually have a presence. Most cities also have mid-range chains like Outback, Longhorn’s and Texas Roadhouse, plus their local favorites giving meat eaters plenty of choices when it comes to indulging their need for beef. But Worcester? Or Central Mass or MetroWest even? Well the list may be a bit shorter but that doesn’t mean a carnivore can’t be satisfied.
For this article let’s leave out the national chains, all fine establishments and all with a good steak, but our focus will be on locally-owned restaurants, so let’s answer the question…. “where can you find a good steak in Central Mass…?”
Well to start, you don’t have to be in a “steak restaurant” to have a good steak. Chioda’s Trattoria in Worcester has a decadent Gorgonzola Almond Crusted Sirloin on the menu every day. Murphy’s NY Sirloin and Butler’s Grilled Filet at O’Conner’s are both solid choices when the craving hits you and the Ribeye or Flat Iron steaks at Oak Barrel Tavern will also do the trick! In MetroWest try the Oregon Club, an old-time hidden gem in Ashland which was a legendary speakeasy back in the day now serving an outstanding steak in a very unique atmosphere! For upscale dining with great steak options, nothing beats The Fireplace Room at The International in Bolton. Choose from a variety including a 24oz, deconstructed Porterhouse which is truly outstanding! Finally for a down and dirty (metaphorically speaking) steak fix, Pete’s Bluebird in Bellingham will knock your socks off!
Here are a few more of our favorite places enjoy a meat masterpiece in and around Central Massachusetts:
One Eleven Chop House
Central Massachusetts’ best-known steak house, the Chop House dining experience rivals some of the great steakhouses in the US. The décor, service and quality all come together creating a truly memorable meal. All cuts at the Chop House are hand-selected Certified Prime grade, prepared expertly and served with incredible a la carte sides. A favorite of many at the Chop House is the Grilled Black Pepper Encrusted New York Sirloin. Great steaks taste better paired with a great wine, and as you would expect, the Chop House offers an award-winning wine list, having earned Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence” every year since 2001.
NE Steak & Seafood
A casual atmosphere, affordable prices, great quality food and a commitment to the local community have kept NE Steak & Seafood serving outstanding meals for over 60 years! This family-owned steak joint in Mendon, MA has it all but is best known for their slow roasted King or Queen Cut of Prime Rib. They also have incredible seafood and steak combinations to mix and match as Surf & Turf, but what might really bring you back are the made fresh daily cinnamon rolls they serve with every meal!
Wildwood Steakhouse
The Wildwood in Marlborough is an exceptional dining experience with a big menu and lots of choices including fresh seafood, a raw bar and other house specialties but they are definitely best known for their steaks. Choose from a 14oz “BlackJack” Sirloin with bourbon blackjack pepper sauce, an 18oz Grand Cut Bone-In Kansas City Strip or a 26oz Cowboy Bone-In Rib Eye. End your meal with an amazing piece of their famous Mile High Chocolate Cake!
Ken’s Steakhouse
Metro West’s most famous and endearing restaurant has been serving generations of satisfied customers since 1941. Founded on a formula for success that includes “good quality food at reasonable prices, an honest drink and a good cup of coffee”, Ken’s grew from humble beginnings to take its place atop the Metro West restaurant scene. Families, friends, local legends and international superstars have all dined at Ken’s. Signature dishes include a Prime USDA Center Cut Sirloin that is as flavorful as any steak around. Each meal starts with a fresh salad made with Ken’s Famous salad dressings and to really make it special, add a Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail to complete your meal!
Willy’s Steakhouse
Willy’s Steakhouse Grill & Sushi Bar located in downtown Shrewsbury offers an upscale, white tablecloth dining experience in an intimate and warm atmosphere. All of the steaks at Willy’s are selected from the finest Midwestern cattle, aged 28 days to ensure flavorful and tender meat, then pan-seared in antique French skillets.
The menu is vast and includes a long list of steak and seafood but one of the signature dishes is the 14oz Prime Cut New York Sirloin which showcases the top 1% of all the steaks raised in the United States! Add some sushi to make the meal even more memorable!