Meat-lovers guide: Where to get the best steaks in Lexington

Despite the proliferation of ethnic and specialty restaurants that have been added to its flavor palette in recent years, Lexington is still very much a meat and potatoes town.

That explains why a city its size can enthusiastically support so many steakhouses – both of the local and chain variety.

While many of them have re-opened for dining in with limited indoor capacity and with seating outside, most are continuing takeout, which has been a popular option during the coronavirus pandemic shutdown. Plus the places listed here still offer curbside pick-up as an option.

Columbia Steak House

275 Richmond Rd., 201 N. Limestone and 125 Southland Dr. (Columbia Steak Express); columbiassteakhouse.com; 268-1666 (Richmond Road), 253-3135 (N. Limestone) and 313-5300 (Southland Drive)

Lexington’s oldest steakhouse, in operation since 1948, Columbia’s is considered the godfather of the local steak emporiums – in more ways than one. Legend has it that the Limestone location was once a front for gambling and other vices. Even if it’s just that – a legend – you know you’re something special when you get a recommendation from Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

Best known for its Nighthawk Special, an 8-ounce tenderloin drizzled with garlic butter and accompanied by a choice of a side and their famous Diego salad ($17.99), Columbia’s is proof that you don’t have to shell out the big bucks for a good steak.

It has three locations – on Limestone and Richmond Road and Columbia Express for takeout and delivery in the Southland Shopping Center.

Malone’s

3735 Palomar Centre Dr., 3347 Tates Creek Rd. and 1920 Pleasant Ridge Dr.; bluegrasshospitality.com/malones; 977-2620 (Palomar), 335-6500 (Lansdowne) and 264-8023 (Hamburg)

This locally owned restaurant has been named one of the Great Steakhouses of North America, offering a wide selection of fresh, hand-cut USDA prime steaks, with all beef aged a minimum of 21 days. You can go small (center cut sirloin, $24.99) or large (filet mignon, $49.99).

Malone’s is also famous for its “Celebrity Cuts” named for University of Kentucky coaches and athletes. They range in price from $50 (the Anthony Davis prime center cut New York strip) to $100 (Tim and Heather Couch prime Porterhouse for two.) Three locations (Palomar, Landsdowne and Hamburg.)

Tony’s of Lexington

401 W Main St.; tonysoflexington.com; 955-8669

One of Lexington’s poshest restaurants, Tony’s offers seven different cuts of beef, all cut and trimmed in-house, and prepared with their special seasoning of paprika, sea salts and peppers.

The menu also features two classic steak dishes. Steak Oscar is a center cut filet mignon on a mushroom demi glace, topped with Alaskan King crab, asparagus and house Bearnaise, and Steak Au Poivre is a center cut filet mignon seared and crusted in fresh peppercorn and paired with a brandy peppercorn demi glace.

Tony’s isn’t inexpensive – steak prices range from $45 to $68, and the signature toppings are priced separately ($3 to $12). However, portions are so large you can take some home for another meal.

Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse

101 W Vine St.; jeffruby.com/lexington; 554-7000

Tony’s equally posh neighbor, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse is Lexington’s most glamorous restaurant, easily on a par design-wise with establishments in Las Vegas or Manhattan. Despite plush seating, sparkling chandeliers and themed private dining nooks, it’s the quality of the steaks that have won Jeff Ruby’s accolades from the likes of USA Today and Travel + Leisure.

Whether you want a 14-oz. center cut New York strip for $49 or a premium hand-crafted filet mignon paired with a cold water lobster tail for $93, the quality of Jeff Ruby’s beef can’t be surpassed.

Blue Heron Steakhouse

185 Jefferson St.; blueheronsteakhouse.com; 254-2491

This Jefferson Street favorite has five different steak options. The filet of beef tenderloin, New York strip, cowboy ribeye and flat iron, priced from $29 to $49, come with two sides, while the porterhouse steak for two ($88) might be the star of the show and comes with four sides.

J. Alexander’s

4081 Finn Way; jalexanders.com; 687-0099

While not strictly a steakhouse, J. Alexander’s in the Summit at Fritz Farm has a large enough selection to entice anyone craving a steak, and at considerably lower prices than Tony’s or Jeff Ruby’s since their steaks all come with included sides and sauces.

The five steak offerings range from Steak ‘N’ Fries for $24 to Filet Mignon with Bearnaise for $36.

LongHorn Steakhouse

2217 Harrodsburg Rd.; longhornsteakhouse.com; 313-5420

It’s stated goal is to be “America’s Favorite Steakhouse.” While that may be a bit lofty considering the competition, Long Horn’s consistency in food and service along with modest prices is a big plus. Steak options available at both lunch and dinner.

Texas Roadhouse

3030 Lakecrest Circle and 3029 Richmond Rd.; texasroadhouse.com; 296-0028 (Lakecrest), 268-2507 (Richmond Road)

Another steakhouse paying homage to the Lone Star State, it has two Lexington locations – on Richmond Road and in the Beaumont area. Hand cut steaks boast names such as the Dallas filet and Fort Worth ribeye, and come with a choice of two sides. While not avant garde, their reliability makes the Roadhouse a popular choice.

Outback Steakhouse

3395 Nicholasville Rd. and 1957 Bryant Rd.; outback.com; 287-2900 (Nicholasville Road), 242-5300 (Bryant Road)

If Texas Roadhouse and Long Horn pay tribute to Texas, Outback is all about beef Australian style at the two Lexington locations, one at Fayette Mall and the other in Hamburg. Its nine steak selections include the popular Ayers Rock Strip. Pair it with their signature Bloomin’ Onion and you’re in for a G’day, mate.

Ted’s Montana Grill

2304 Sir Barton Way #170; tedsmontanagrill.com/tmg016.html; 263-5228

This Hamburg location’s steaks are aged and hand-cut in their on-site butcher shop, then seasoned and finished with lemon butter. They also have bison for a healthier option.

This story was originally published June 11, 2020 at 12:12 PM.