A visit to a classic steakhouse isn’t just about the perfectly seared steaks or impeccable service. It’s also an opportunity to step back in time and savor iconic dishes that have stood the test of culinary trends. These old-fashioned delights offer a glimpse into the past, harkening back to an era when dining out was an event in itself. Here’s our list of the best old-fashioned dishes to order at a steakhouse, providing a delightful blast from the past.
1. Oscar-Style Everything
While a classic filet mignon is a staple, the steakhouse experience offers something more—Oscar-style preparations. Named after King Oscar II of Sweden and Norway, these dishes elevate your steak or seafood by topping them with jumbo lump crabmeat and asparagus in a rich Béarnaise sauce. It’s a regal combination that’s equally luxurious and indulgent. You can savor Oscar-style offerings at various steakhouses, including renowned spots like Ruth’s Chris and budget-friendly establishments like Saltgrass.
2. Surf and Turf
The timeless surf and turf combination is a testament to the steakhouse’s ability to marry steak and seafood with finesse. The tradition began in 1962 and continues to be a beloved choice for diners. Enjoy succulent lobster paired with your favorite cut of steak in a classic prix fixe menu, allowing you to customize your dining experience with a perfect blend of land and sea. Steakhouses like Ruth’s Chris still celebrate this sumptuous pairing.
3. French Onion Soup
Bubbling cheese and rich broth adorned with caramelized onions—French onion soup embodies the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. With modest origins in French markets, it has found a prestigious place on steakhouse menus. The divine combination of cheese and onions transcends the casual, making it an ideal prelude to your favorite steak cut. Delight in the perfect French onion soup at renowned steakhouses such as Morton’s, The Capital Grille, and many others.
4. Béarnaise and Bordelaise Sauces
Steakhouses wouldn’t be the same without these classic French sauces gracing their menus. Béarnaise is an exquisite emulsified butter sauce, akin to Hollandaise, comprising white wine, white vinegar, shallots, tarragon, chervil, and copious amounts of clarified butter. Bordelaise, on the other hand, is a rich red wine sauce, typically crafted from reduced Bordeaux and beef stock, infused with thyme. These flavorful sauces elevate the steak-eating experience. Savor the richness of Béarnaise and Bordelaise at beloved steakhouses like Smith & Wollensky and Ruth’s Chris.
5. Tableside Steak Tartar
One of the delights of dining at steakhouses is the exceptional tableside service, including live preparations. At Smith and Wollensky, you can watch your server expertly craft a steak tartar from finely chopped raw beef, usually filet mignon, along with various accompaniments. It’s an immersive culinary experience that brings a touch of theater to your meal.
6. Gougères
Gougères, the French equivalent of cheese puffs, are a delectable pre-dinner snack. These airy dough puffs are filled with cheese, making them a perfect accompaniment to cocktails or as a precursor to your main course. Indulge in gougères as an appetizer at Shula’s Steakhouse locations.
7. Fondue with a Twist
Black Rock Grill, a steakhouse chain with locations in several states, offers a fun twist on the classic fondue. Their version combines garlic cream cheese and nacho cheese, served with hot pretzels or sliced bread for dipping. It’s a shared appetizer served on their iconic black rock platter, ensuring a unique and flavorful experience.
8. Seafood Tower
While indulgent, a seafood tower is a delightful appetizer meant for sharing with your fellow diners. Laden with oysters, clams, shrimp, and crab, it provides a fresh and luxurious start to your steakhouse meal. Charlie Palmer Steak offers three tiers of seafood towers, catering to various preferences and budgets.