Alberta beef, done properly. The classic rooms for a big night, a business lunch or the anniversary dinner, plus one worth the drive.
The old-school special-occasion steakhouse: velvet booths, a gleaming cocktail bar and a room that still feels like an event. Business lunches, anniversaries, big news.
Must try: The Cheese Toast, Oysters, Beef Carpaccio, then a steak.
Pro tip: Book The Library private room for a client lunch.
8 Ave at 3 St SW, The Core · Map for Hy's Steakhouse
A Calgary institution with an old-school Roman flair (yes, there's a giant Caesar head in the lobby). Alberta beef done right, and service that remembers you.
Must try: A Caesar cocktail, the Caesar Salad made tableside, Garlic Cheese Toast, Scampi, Filet Mignon or Steak and Lobster.
Pro tip: Book ahead; it fills fast. The downtown room is closed Sundays.
512 4 Ave SW, plus Willow Park · Map for Caesar's Steak House
Alberta beef with a modern edge, a rooftop patio downtown and live music some Saturdays in Southport. Complimentary truffle popcorn and a tray of finishing salts set the tone. Halal steaks available.
Must try: Lobster Bisque, the Brussels Sprouts, Mushrooms on the side, Tomahawk with King Crab if you're celebrating.
Pro tip: Ask about the date night and Sunday supper specials. They're some of the best steakhouse deals in the city.
Stephen Avenue, 100 8 Ave SE, plus Southport · Map for Modern Steak
Vintage by name and by vibe: comfy chairs, live jazz and menus that light up so you can read them in the dim room. A classic, classy steakhouse with a long list of sides.
Must try: Steak Tartare, Oysters, the house Dill Pickle Chips and Dip, a steak done Chicago-style.
Pro tip: Happy hour is a great way in. There's a private dining room for groups.
320 11 Ave SW · Map for Vintage Chophouse & Tavern
Chef Michael Noble's Montgomery staple, reborn as a steakhouse. Bone-in strip loins dry-aged 40 to 45 days and grilled over the fire, oysters cooked right on the coals, and the rotisserie chicken regulars wouldn't let go of. Worth the drive up Bowness Road.
Must try: Embered Oysters, the Cheese Bread, a dry-aged Rib Eye, the Rotisserie Chicken.
4611 Bowness Rd NW · Map for NOtaBLE The Steakhouse
The southeast's big-occasion steakhouse, with a classy room, a touch of rural Alberta in the decor and views over Mahogany lake. They bring a board of premium cuts to the table so you can choose yours.
Must try: Bone Marrow, Prawn Cocktail, Scallops, then your pick from the board.
Pro tip: Date night is great value. Grab a patio table in summer.
2251 Mahogany Blvd SE · Map for Chairman's Steakhouse
Also on other pages: Saint Vincent, the new Marda Loop steakhouse from the Una team, and Charcut for a more modern take, both on Fine(ish) Dining, plus Buchanan's for beef and whiskey. Out of town, Longview Steakhouse is worth the drive, but reservations book up to a year out. It's on Getaways.