Steakhouses to Visit When Someone Else is Picking Up the Check

click to enlarge Steakhouses to Visit When Someone Else is Picking Up the Check
Photo by Jason Risner

Bohanan’s Prime Steak & Seafood It’s hard to imagine a Downtown without Bohanan’s, and hopefully we’ll never have to. The steakhouse is a quintessential part of the Houston Street landscape, that’s been just as much a part of a night out to the area as a stroll along the Riverwalk.

But Bohanan’s extends well past dinnertime steaks and special occasions involving shiny diamond-topped rings. Shake hands during a business lunch and chow down on their Mediterranean salad with seared sashimi grade tuna, olives, cherry tomatoes, hearts of Palm and cucumber or the Kurobata BLT. Or stop in for post-work cocktails if you’re in the mood for a classic Old Fashioned and large format ice. 

With chef-owner Mark Bohanan at the helm, the service is still impeccable, the fare top notch and the ambience a perfect blend of old school charm with a shake of cocktail prowess. It is no surprise Bohanan’s reach now extends to Peggy’s on the Green in Boerne and every January during the San Antonio Cocktail Conference. 219 E. Houston St., (210) 472-2600, bohanans.com

Barn Door A San Antonio institution, the Historic Barn Door offers down-home fare with Texas hospitality. Steaks can be ordered blackened, rolled in black peppercorn or smothered in jalapeños. 8400 N. New Braunfels Ave., (210) 824-0116, thebarndoorrestaurant.com.

Bob’s Steak & Chop House This Dallas-based steakhouse with locations across Texas, Florida, Tennessee, New York, California and Arizona packs in the classics, but expect a few surprises like the onion rings and tenderloin carpaccio with Parmesan cheese, olive oil, sea salt and pepper. 5815 Rim Pass Drive, (210) 222-2627, bobs-steakandchop.com.

Chama Gaucha Locally headquartered, this Brazilian steakhouse has outposts in Atlanta, Chicago and Houston. Head here for big celebrations and make sure to bring your appetite. Choose from 12 meats — bacon-wrapped filet, anyone? — and more than 30 salad bar items. 18318 Sonterra Pl., (210) 564-9400, chamagaucha.com.

Galpao Gaucho Stone Oak holds a delicious secret: a locally owned Brazilian steakhouse with an extensive wine selection, happy hour, and all the meats your heart desires. It’s laidback and great for date night. 2318 N. Loop 1604 W., (210) 497-2500.

Josephine Street Café Since 1979, Josephine’s has always been a downtown gem with its signature steak and whiskey offerings. Stop by Josephine’s for a 16-ounce Texas t-bone and feel enriched in a downtown tradition. 400 E. Josephine St., (210) 224-6169, josephinestcafe.com.

J-Prime Steakhouse Texans love steaks. They also love charcuterie boards, badass brunch buffets complete with made-to-order omelets and a meat carving station, and excellent happy hours, and you can find them all at J-Prime. 1401 N. Loop 1604 W., (210) 764-1604, jprimesteakhouse.com.

Kirby’s Steakhouse This Dallas-based specialty steakhouse originated in 1954 and is known for its aged Midwestern prime beef. The San Antonio location has been a local favorite since opening its doors in 2007. 123 Loop 1604 NE, (210) 404-2221, kirbyssteakhouse.com.

Little Red Barn This little red chophouse isn’t so little, and its iconic red building is visible from the highway. For over 50 years, Little Red Barn has catered to hungry SA diners in a folksy dining hall. Don’t mind the faux-pistol-clad servers, it’s just part of the aesthetic. 1902 S. Hackberry St., (210) 532-4235, littleredbarnsteakhouse.com.

Little Rhein Steakhouse With a wide wine list and rustic charm, Little Rhein impresses in the historic Bombach house from 1847. The dining experience is elevated with a River Walk patio making it ideal for a romantic, dimly lit dinner. 231 S. Alamo St., (210) 225-2111, littlerheinsteakhouse.com.

Myron’s Prime Steak House Steaks take center stage but also memorable is the jalapeño mac and cheese, stuffed tomatoes and bread pudding with Maker’s Mark sauce. Be sure to check out the extensive wine list. 10003 NW Military, Suite 2101, (210) 493-3031, myronsprime.com.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille Texas-bred Perry’s got its start as a small butcher shop in 1979 and has grown with locations in Austin, Dallas, Denver, Chicago and San Antonio. Steaks are butchered in-house and Perry’s famous pork chop is carved tableside for a signature experience. Keep an eye out for Flashback Fridays, when the chain turns back time and serves up that same chop for less than a dollar. Get there early — this is a deal you can’t pass up. 15900 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite 22200, (210) 558-6161.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House With locations at Concord Plaza, La Cantera and Riverwalk Grand Hyatt, you’re never too far away from a Ruth’s Chris steak. Broiled at 1800 degrees for that perfect sear, these steaks win meat-eaters over daily. Get them Oscar style with jumbo lump crab cake, asparagus and homemade béarnaise sauce. Multiple locations, ruthschris.com.

Tejas Rodeo Company Eat in cowboy fashion with a wooden dining room, country dancing and Go Texan top sirloin in the Hill Country. Now under new management — chef Johnny Hernandez and his True Flavors company — the menu retains favorites like KC Steaks but new menu items celebrate Texas cuisine. Saturday through March still means you can catch professional rodeo on Saturday nights. 401 Obst Road, Bulverde, (830) 980-2226.

Texas de Brazil Influenced by the flavors Porto Alegre, Brazil, Texas de Brazil takes the cuisine of Brazil and combines the hospitality of Texas for a meal unique to this churrascaria. Brazilian sausages, picanha, prosciutto and leg of loin are reliable staples. Hit the salad bar for a lighter choice. 313 E. Houston St., (210) 299-1600, texasdebrazil.com.



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