BLT Steak This Camelback Inn restaurant is one of chef Laurent Tourondel’s few eateries in the Southwest. While the steak takes first place here, the incredible views (as seen through the lovely floor-to-ceiling windows) and the to-die-for popovers are both close seconds. 5402 E. Lincoln Dr., Scottsdale, 480.905.7979, www.bltscottsdale.com.
J&G Steakhouse As the replacement for Mary Elaine’s at The Phoenician, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s J&G Steakhouse has some big shoes to fill–and fill ’em it did. I adore J&G’s masculine-yet-glam atmosphere–almost as much as I adore its steaks and finger-licking sauces. The béarnaise, in fact, might be my favorite in the Valley. Don’t leave without trying the cheesecake. Heavenly. 6000 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, 480.214.8000, http://jgsteakhouse.com/.
Bourbon Steak For a pretty penny, you can order up some A5 waygu at this Michael Mina restaurant at Fairmont Scottsdale. (It’ll melt in your mouth. A true treat.) I’m also a big fan of the cowboy rib eye and the tempting trio duck fat fries. They’ll make you question every fry you’ve ever eaten. 7575 E. Princess Dr., Scottsdale, 480.513.6002, http://www.michaelmina.net/mm_bourbonsteak_scottsdale/.
Red’s Steakhouse Yes, Red’s Steakhouse is located at the Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa. Which is located in Litchfield Park. Which can be a bit of a trek. However, it’s worth a drive for Red’s family-style servings and impeccable corn-fed meats. And dad’ll dig the super manly interiors of copper, distressed wood and leather. 300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, 623.742.7337, http://www.wigwamresort.com/.
The Capital Grille This steakhouse’s dry-aged selections are delicious and the proportions will surely satisfy big appetites. Get the calamari and lobster macaroni and cheese. Various Valley locations. http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar If your pops loves wine as much as he loves a good steak, try Fleming’s this Father’s Day–the restaurant offers 100 different wines by the glass. Plus, the steakhouse will be hosting a $10 grilling seminar on June 27 (Scottsdale, Chandler and Peoria locations only). Various Valley locations. http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/.
Morton’s, The Steakhouse This Valley favorite is always bustling–a good sign that the beef is tops. Morton’s even has a selection of “slightly smaller” steaks, if you’re planning to save room for dessert. Various Valley locations. http://mortons.com/.
Steakhouses aren’t my favorite places to eat since I don’t eat steak…but those fries look awesome!
I had the great honor of eating at Mastro’s when I first moved to Arizona and till this day it stands as the best steakhouse I’ve ever eaten at.
I hate to admit I have never been to J&G and had no idea what it looked like. What a unique atmosphere! I wonder if they’ll still have openings on Father’s Day?
Also – I have never been able to get over how chain-ish Flemming’s is, but the grilling lesson is a cute idea and a great way to open up to the neighborhood.
Now we’re talking. Steak, steak and steak. I will be visiting each of these sites in the near and distant future.
Dissappointment is not the word for it. Flemming Peoria has so so food and so so service. They only charge like Ruth Chris.