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Dino's Grotto
Dino's Grotto
Photo: R. Lopez

Where to Order a Steak (That Isn't a Steakhouse)

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Dino's Grotto
| Photo: R. Lopez

Who says you need to hit up a traditional steakhouse to curb a carnivorous craving? Eater has been on the lookout for solid steaks at unconventional locations. They can be found everywhere from American wine bars to Italian restaurants — and in the suburbs as well. Here are 10 that made the cut.
—Tierney Plumb

Have another favorite non-steakhouse steak? Share in the comments.

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Cashion's Eat Place

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This inventive Adams Morgan date spot switches up its menu quicker than one can down a nearby 2 a.m. Jumbo Slice, but one thing's for sure: The steak order always rocks. (A recent option: New Frontier Bison Sirloin with Rutabaga Puree, Rainbow Chard, Garlic Oil, Sauce Bearnaise.)

Acqua Al 2

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Teleporting from Eastern Market to Florence and biting into a great steak never sounded so good. The original Acqua Al 2, which opened in 1978 steps from the bustling Piazza della Signoria, would be proud of its young DC sister, where buono entrees include Controfiletto al Pepe Verde (hand-carved New York strip steak sautéed and topped with a green peppercorn, brandy, dijon mustard and cream sauce). There's also the signature blueberry sauce to consider.

Simple and seasonal is the mantra at this Shaw gem, and the sole steak on the menu is a standout. Milton Local's Rib Eye will set you back $41, but its marriage withbordelaise sauce, abalone mushroom, vol-au-vent with creamed swiss chard is worth the splurge.

Grapeseed

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Just a few months old at this 14-year-old American bistro and wine bar is a steakhouse specialties menu, cooked in a cast iron pan. Pick from a 28-Day Dry Aged New York Strip (12oz.), 8 oz. beef tenderloin., and 12 oz. Bistro Steak Teres Major. Sauce it up with the house steak sauce or horseradish cream. Tack on green peppercorn, oxtail ragout, or chipotle demi for a little extra.

Dino's Grotto

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Owner Dean Gold recently instituted his much loved “Dino’s Steakhouse” menu choices at Dino’s Grotto. Create an original carnivore concoction in three easy steps: Pick a Steak (ex. the chewier-but-flavorful Skirt Steak). Pick a Sauce (ex. Tuscan mole). Pick a Side (ex. soft shell crab). Its Fiorentina (shenandoah valley coop), a 36 oz. dry aged T-bone, for $59 is easily shared by four.

Daily Grill - Georgetown

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This longtime D.C. area staple keeps locals coming back for its USDA certified angus (corn fed) beef, aged up to 28 days for flavor and texture then hand cut daily and broiled to your liking. The house specialty? Its charbroiled skirt steak, marinated in citrus, soy sauce and seasonings.

Fuego Cocina y Tequileria

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Yelpers are going bonkers for the well-seasoned carne asada at this Passion Food Hospitality post, with one going as far as calling it the best they've had in the states. The grilled skirt steak comes with nopales salad, blistered jalapeños and a side. Tequila shots optional.

Artie's

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This NoVa classic is worth the trek to suburbia-ville, and you'll have to wait 'til the end of the week to order its killer blackened prime rib (only available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday), served on the bone with loaded baked potato.

Food Wine & Co.

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Bethesda residents love the vintage Angus flat iron steak at this upscale neighborhood bistro, which arrives as the centerpiece to herb roasted fingerlings, spring greens, broccolini, and red beet-orange emulsion.

Osteria Morini

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Bologna is home to Ferrari, so it's no wonder the restaurant inspired by the region can also perfect a steak. Its huge wood burning grill spits out some stellar meats, and the 12 oz. New York Strip is no exception. The $37 Tagliata dish comes with cherry tomato, panzanella, and gorgonzola.

Cashion's Eat Place

This inventive Adams Morgan date spot switches up its menu quicker than one can down a nearby 2 a.m. Jumbo Slice, but one thing's for sure: The steak order always rocks. (A recent option: New Frontier Bison Sirloin with Rutabaga Puree, Rainbow Chard, Garlic Oil, Sauce Bearnaise.)

Acqua Al 2

Teleporting from Eastern Market to Florence and biting into a great steak never sounded so good. The original Acqua Al 2, which opened in 1978 steps from the bustling Piazza della Signoria, would be proud of its young DC sister, where buono entrees include Controfiletto al Pepe Verde (hand-carved New York strip steak sautéed and topped with a green peppercorn, brandy, dijon mustard and cream sauce). There's also the signature blueberry sauce to consider.

Table

Simple and seasonal is the mantra at this Shaw gem, and the sole steak on the menu is a standout. Milton Local's Rib Eye will set you back $41, but its marriage withbordelaise sauce, abalone mushroom, vol-au-vent with creamed swiss chard is worth the splurge.

Grapeseed

Just a few months old at this 14-year-old American bistro and wine bar is a steakhouse specialties menu, cooked in a cast iron pan. Pick from a 28-Day Dry Aged New York Strip (12oz.), 8 oz. beef tenderloin., and 12 oz. Bistro Steak Teres Major. Sauce it up with the house steak sauce or horseradish cream. Tack on green peppercorn, oxtail ragout, or chipotle demi for a little extra.

Dino's Grotto

Owner Dean Gold recently instituted his much loved “Dino’s Steakhouse” menu choices at Dino’s Grotto. Create an original carnivore concoction in three easy steps: Pick a Steak (ex. the chewier-but-flavorful Skirt Steak). Pick a Sauce (ex. Tuscan mole). Pick a Side (ex. soft shell crab). Its Fiorentina (shenandoah valley coop), a 36 oz. dry aged T-bone, for $59 is easily shared by four.

Daily Grill - Georgetown

This longtime D.C. area staple keeps locals coming back for its USDA certified angus (corn fed) beef, aged up to 28 days for flavor and texture then hand cut daily and broiled to your liking. The house specialty? Its charbroiled skirt steak, marinated in citrus, soy sauce and seasonings.

Fuego Cocina y Tequileria

Yelpers are going bonkers for the well-seasoned carne asada at this Passion Food Hospitality post, with one going as far as calling it the best they've had in the states. The grilled skirt steak comes with nopales salad, blistered jalapeños and a side. Tequila shots optional.

Artie's

This NoVa classic is worth the trek to suburbia-ville, and you'll have to wait 'til the end of the week to order its killer blackened prime rib (only available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday), served on the bone with loaded baked potato.

Food Wine & Co.

Bethesda residents love the vintage Angus flat iron steak at this upscale neighborhood bistro, which arrives as the centerpiece to herb roasted fingerlings, spring greens, broccolini, and red beet-orange emulsion.

Osteria Morini

Bologna is home to Ferrari, so it's no wonder the restaurant inspired by the region can also perfect a steak. Its huge wood burning grill spits out some stellar meats, and the 12 oz. New York Strip is no exception. The $37 Tagliata dish comes with cherry tomato, panzanella, and gorgonzola.

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