Dining out at a steakhouse is one of those special experiences that really can't be beaten. However, the difference between a good steakhouse experience and a great one often depends on what you order. To some degree, what you order is a matter of preference. But there are also a few key mistakes you'll want to avoid.
Mistake #1: Ordering the filet without a second thought
Filet mignon is often the most expensive steak on the menu, per ounce. As such, people who are treating themselves to a nice meal will often just order the filet without a second thought. If you really love filet, then there is nothing wrong with this. But while filet is really tender and lean, it does not have a lot of flavor. If you are hoping for a really beefy steak with a bit of fat to chew, a filet is not it. You may be happier with a ribeye, which has some nice marbling and a deeper flavor. A strip steak has less marbling and a firmer texture, but plenty of flavor, too. Order the cut most suited to your taste — not just the most expensive filet.
Mistake #2: Ordering too large a cut
Steak is really filling, and as such, most people cannot eat nearly as much as they think they can. As such, people often order a bigger steak than they can really eat in one sitting. It's tempting to say "Maybe the 12-ounce won't be enough; I'll order the 16-ounce."
If you over-order, you can take the leftovers home, but steak is never as good reheated the next day. So, unless you really know you can eat the 20-ounce Porterhouse, stick with a more realistic, 12 or 14-ounce steak.
Mistake #3: Ordering your steak medium-rare if you don't like it that way
Chefs and other food experts will often tell you that steaks are best cooked medium-rare. This is when most cuts are the juiciest and most flavorful. But if you don't like your steak medium-rare, don't order it that way just for looks. Steaks can come with a pretty high price tag, so you want to make sure you order it how you like it. If that's rare, it's rare. If that's medium-well, then it's medium-well.
Hopefully, the next time you visit a steakhouse, you will be able to avoid these common ordering mistakes. Doing so will help ensure you have a nicer meal. Contact a local steakhouse restaurant to learn more about the menu.
