15 of Utah's Steakhouses and Unique Specialties
Navigating Locally-Loved Restaurants
Written By Catherine Tarbet-Webb, feature writer for My Local Utah
While Utah may not be the immediate destination for steak enthusiasts, the state has quietly fostered a robust steakhouse scene that can easily stand with some of the nation’s best. Exploring these 15 steakhouses promises a delicious journey through the heart of Utah’s vibrant food scene that stretches from Logan to Park City and down to St. George, Utah, boasting a diverse array of steakhouses offering tantalizing cuts of meat and memorable dining experiences. The rugged mountains and expansive red rock deserts that define Utah’s topography are mirrored in the ambiance of these steakhouses. Many of them incorporate natural elements and local materials into their decor, creating an atmosphere that pays homage to the state’s breathtaking scenery. From log-cabin-inspired interiors to outdoor seating areas with panoramic views, each establishment provides a dining experience that is a feast for both the palate and the eyes. When savoring a hearty and mouthwatering steak dinner in Utah, some of the most noteworthy culinary treasures often lie within family-owned, local steakhouses. These establishments go beyond serving delicious food; they create a warm, inviting atmosphere and foster a sense of community that distinguishes them from chain restaurants.
Elements Restaurant (Logan)
Specialty: Wild Forest Mushroom New York Striploin
Elements in Logan stands out for its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and its innovative approach to classic dishes. The Wild Forest Mushroom New York Striploin is a prime example of their culinary prowess. This impressive cut, rubbed with their house wild forest mushroom seasoning and served with flavorful whipped mushroom butter, elevates the dining experience to new heights, showcasing the restaurant’s dedication to creating memorable meals.
Maddox Ranch House (Perry)
Specialty: Maddox Sirloin
For over 70 years, Maddox Ranch House has been an iconic establishment in Brigham City, delighting diners with its rustic charm and hearty fare. The Maddox Sirloin, a house specialty, is a thick and juicy cut that showcases the restaurant’s dedication to providing a classic steakhouse experience. To be noticed tho is their Bison: four different cuts to try. What will you do?
Prairie Schooner (Ogden)
Specialty: 20 oz. Porterhouse
Harkening back to the days of the Old West, Prairie Schooner in Ogden offers a unique dining experience in a covered wagon setting—the 20 oz. Porterhouse, grilled to perfection, pays homage to the pioneer spirit while delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal. Across from the Ogden River and down the road from the famous Ogden Arch sign, you will find it to be cozy, quirky and delicious!
Timbermine Steakhouse (Ogden)
Specialty: The Double Strike
With its mining-themed décor and commitment to high-quality steaks, Timbermine Steakhouse is a local gem in Ogden. The Double Strike, either a New York or Tenderloin with seafood aside it. (lobster/shrimp/crab), is expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection, providing a delightful combination of tenderness and flavor.
Taggart’s Grill (Morgan)
Specialty: Taggart’s Tenderloin
Up Weber Canyon, in Morgan Valley, Taggart’s Grill is a rustic yet refined steakhouse known for its warm ambiance and delicious cuisine. The Taggart’s Tenderloin, featuring an 8 oz flame-broiled beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon topped with grilled mushrooms and then drizzled with hollandaise sauce, is an irresistible specialty that perfectly complements the rosemary rolls. The restaurant’s quirky yet cozy atmosphere is a must-visit (peacocks!). P.S. Don’t you dare leave without a dessert in your hand!
Midway Mercantile (Midway)
Specialty: Daily Chef’s-Choice Cut
Embracing Midway’s scenic beauty and taking in this building’s long history (140 years), Midway Mercantile combines farm-to-table principles with innovative culinary techniques. The Daily Chef’s-Choice Cut could be any of these mouthwatering steaks: New York, Ribeye, Zabutan, or Wagyu Sirloin, and is served with the chef’s flavorful compound butter. Adding depth and complexity to this delicious dish, Enjoying a beautiful meal in such a storied building is a treat for all the senses.
Firewood (Park City)
Specialty: Elk Loin Au Poivre
Situated at nearly the top of Main Street in Park City, Firewood, a locally-owned steakhouse, has gained acclaim for its innovative approach to cooking, showcasing an open-flame kitchen that imparts a distinct and savory flavor to its dishes. The Elk Loin Au Poivre with a Huckleberry demi-glace is a must-have! The immersive experience of watching the flames dance around the kitchen while savoring the rich, smoky notes of the quality food cooking makes dining at this establishment a memorable journey for steak enthusiasts and those seeking a unique culinary adventure in Park City.
Butcher’s Chop House & Bar (Park City)
Specialty: Bone-In Cowboy Ribeye
Locally owned, Butcher’s features a family-friendly dining room, a broad selection of steaks, an extensive wine list, and fantastic mountain-view patio dining. It is located at the base of the Town Lift in the Caledonian Hotel in Historic Old Town. A great place for people watching and cocktail sipping. The Bone-in Cowboy is a hearty ribeye cut with a nod to Utah’s cowboy heritage. Grilled to perfection and topped with garlic herb butter.
Cafe Madrid (Holladay)
Specialty: Solomillo De Buey Al Queso Picón De Tresviso
Cafe Madrid in Salt Lake City presents the Solomillo De Buey Al Queso Picón De Tresviso, blending Spanish and Utah flavors. Grilled beef tenderloin filets generously topped with an authentic Roquefort cheese sauce. This dish is a celebration of culinary diversity.
Market Street Grill & Oyster Bar (Salt Lake City)
Specialty: Alaskan King Crab Legs & Filet Mignon
Market Street Grill, a Salt Lake City institution since 1980, combines the best of land and sea in its culinary offerings. The Alaskan King Crab Legs & Filet Mignon is a signature dish that perfectly represents the restaurant’s commitment to serving the freshest seafood alongside top-tier cuts of beef. The succulent crab legs and a perfectly cooked filet create a symphony of flavors that delight seafood and steak enthusiasts alike. Take your time and ogle all the beautiful tile and detail work in this chic restaurant that boasts a Cape Cod look and feel.
Tuscany (Salt Lake City)
Specialty: Dry Aged 22oz Bone-In Ribeye
Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, Tuscany exudes Italian elegance and culinary excellence. This Tuscan-style ribeye, wet-aged for 21 days and 14 days dry-aged, is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. Everything they do showcases the restaurant’s commitment to traditional Italian cooking techniques.
Log Haven (Salt Lake City)
Specialty: Coffee And Cocoa Rubbed Elk Striploin
Tucked away in the pristine mountains of Millcreek Canyon, Log Haven offers a unique twist on the traditional steakhouse menu. Their Coffee And Cocoa Rubbed Elk Striploin with a Cherry-Port gastrique, sourced locally, is a gamey delight that captures the essence of Utah’s wild landscapes. Log Haven, long synonymous with wildflowers, waterfalls and fine canyon dining. Situated in a historic log mansion in the Wasatch National Forest, minutes from downtown SLC. Named ‘Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in the U.S.’ by USA Today, awww!
Magleby’s (Provo)
Specialty: Steak & Blue Salad
In Provo and Lindon, Magleby’s has been a culinary staple since its inception in 1979. The Steak & Blue Salad, a Magleby’s signature dish. Features a succulent sirloin and romaine tossed in blue cheese dressing. Top it with roasted red peppers, blue cheese crumbles, bacon, and crispy onion rings.
Anasazi Steakhouse (St. George)
Specialty: Hot Stone
Surrounded by the red rocks of St. George, Anasazi Steakhouse prides itself on serving top-quality steaks, with its volcanic rocks taking center stage. The volcanic stones are heated in a special oven for 6-8 hours and then placed onto specialty-designed stoneware to withstand the intense heat. They’re delivered to your table with your entree selection. Soon, you hear the sizzle and smell the aroma of your meal cooking right at your table, creating a memorable dining experience.
Cliffside Restaurant (St. George)
Specialty: Grilled Ribeye Steak
Perched on the edge of the stunning red cliffs of St. George, Cliffside Restaurant offers a dining experience with a view to remember. The Grilled Ribeye Steak, a hearty ribeye cut, nods to Utah’s cowboy heritage. Grilled to perfection and seasoned with a blend of spices that capture the essence of the Southwest, this specialty dish embodies the rugged charm of the region.
Each steakhouse in Utah takes pride in offering a unique specialty, showcasing the culinary expertise of its chefs. From perfectly grilled steaks seasoned with locally-sourced herbs to innovative side dishes that celebrate Utah’s agricultural bounty, these establishments go beyond the ordinary to deliver a memorable dining experience. The commitment to quality extends to the sourcing of ingredients, often emphasizing locally-raised beef and fresh produce to support the state’s agricultural communities. For both locals and visitors, exploring Utah’s steakhouses promises a delightful journey through the heart of the state’s vibrant food scene. It’s not just about savoring a perfectly cooked steak; it’s about immersing oneself in the flavors, textures, and stories that make each establishment a unique reflection of Utah’s culinary landscape. Whether you find yourself in a quaint mountain town or a bustling city, the steakhouses of Utah invite you to indulge in a delicious celebration of the state’s diverse culture and natural beauty.