For years, Chesapeake’s steak scene was content to be Virginia’s quiet neighbor. No longer. Today, you’ll find prime cuts worthy of celebration, from dry-aged beauties that melt on the tongue to sizzling plates perfect for a weeknight treat. We put our cholesterol worries aside to carve out the very best for every appetite.
Outback Steakhouse
$$ | (757) 523-4832 | WEBSITE
Outback Steakhouse has been serving Chesapeake longer than many of the newer spots popping up around town, and the dining room remains as welcoming as ever. They’ve kept the TV seating area, but otherwise, the comfortable booths and central layout are pretty much the same as they’ve been. So is the food. The fried Mac & cheese bites are so crispy and cheesy you’ll forget they’re just an appetizer.
Then there’s the steak, cooked with care and served with attentive monitoring that’s some of the better service we’ve experienced.
Byrd & Baldwin Bros Steakhouse
$$$$ | (757) 222-9191 | WEBSITE
Byrd & Baldwin Bros Steakhouse is a Chesapeake classic. The steak menu is easily one of the most impressive in the city, with highlights like the perfectly cooked ribeye and filet mignon, tender lobster tails, and crab cakes that some claim are the best they’ve ever had. And the she crab soup remains an unbeatable starter, packed with large chunks of crab. Even if you upgrade to a fancier entrée like the salmon or pork chops, it’s still around $50.
The sides are equally shareable and delicious, from the garlic mash to the creamed spinach and mac and cheese. The expansive dessert menu features tempting options, like the huge and fluffy cheesecake. The staff is attentive and friendly, offering great suggestions and answering questions, with a personal touch like a signed card for special occasions. The atmosphere is intimate and classy, though it can get a bit noisy from large parties.
Overall, it’s a top-tier steakhouse worth every penny for celebrations, with steaks cooked to the requested temperature and fantastic wine recommendations to enhance the meal. Customers are sure to leave satisfied and eager to return.
Aberdeen Barn Steakhouse
$$$ | (757) 464-1580 | WEBSITE
Aberdeen Barn is the steakhouse that Chesapeake has been waiting for. This timeless establishment hits that sweet spot between classic and contemporary, while being almost suspiciously reasonable for the quality you’re getting. While Aberdeen Barn is definitely for special occasions, the $45 price point for their signature dry aged steaks makes it accessible enough that you’ll want to go more often than not—if only getting a reservation wasn’t so difficult during peak times.
Sitting in the perfectly warm and inviting dining room, you’ll be rewarded with an onslaught of oyster Rockefeller, creamy she crab soup, beautifully seasoned asparagus, and bone marrow with fresh bread. A complete steakhouse experience, to be precise. Although you’ll wish the meal would never end.
Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
$$ | (757) 420-0950 | WEBSITE
Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar is all about hibachi and the lively tableside entertainment. Go to watch the skilled chefs perform their comedic cooking shows, and to step outside of your typical dinner routine. The hibachi-style seating makes conversations a bit awkward as you hear other tables clearly, but it’s perfect for meeting new people and sharing a fun dining experience.
They do a really good sushi selection that we always talk about long after we leave, with orders coming out perfect even for large groups. While the timing of appetizers can sometimes be off, the chefs are always amazing and the wait staff is great, going the extra mile to make celebrations memorable. It’s highly recommended for date nights, family gatherings, or first-time hibachi visitors.
The Butcher’s Son
$$$ | (757) 410-5466 | WEBSITE
Whenever you’re in Chesapeake for a special occasion you can’t quite justify, swing by The Butcher’s Son to pair some she crab soup with that new outfit. We usually go for the spring rolls and the fillet mignon, with tender steak, fresh greens, and a rich sauce. The latter is one of the best steaks in the city, and a great order when you’re sitting in the cozy dining area with some $12 early bird specials during dinner.
Texas Roadhouse
$$ | (757) 382-7427 | WEBSITE
Texas Roadhouse doesn’t have much in the way of quiet dining. The place is often packed, with more families celebrating birthdays rather than seeking a serene meal. But that’s everyone else’s gain: the steak actually feels generous, with a tender cut among the hearty sides and a duo of sauces on the table. There’s also an appropriate lively energy fueled by country music that you can’t access by phoning in your order.
Outside of steak, we love the plentiful portions filled with flavor and topped with attentive service from servers like Connor and Dana.
Admiral’s Steak & Seafood
$$$ | (757) 840-2171 | WEBSITE
The steak and seafood at this spot in the casino is worth the higher-end price tag if you’re celebrating something special. Admiral’s does exist in other locations, though we don’t love the Virginia Beach branch and Richmond’s iteration is just alright. The Chesapeake version works due to the simple preparations of meat and the attentive and professional service.
You’ll sit at a beautiful table and eat dishes like lollipop lamb chops seasoned to perfection and lobster mac & cheese that’s absolutely delicious. They’re serious about their ingredients—most of it comes from quality sources, along with some seafood that’s fresh and beef that’s cooked just right. The complimentary bread basket with jalapeno cheddar cheese bread and maple butter spread is a must-try, though the Brussels sprouts could have used more seasoning.
Whether it’s for an anniversary or a birthday, Admiral’s Steak & Seafood is a great choice for a fancy dinner.
Dennis Spaghetti & Steak House
$ | (757) 483-9038 | WEBSITE
Dennis Spaghetti & Steak House has been a local favorite for years. They’ve kept things consistent since opening (about a decade ago, to be exact) and the place has managed to stay just as welcoming, so families still come out on any night of the week. You’ll find parents and kids digging into huge plates of spaghetti under warm lighting, and everyone seems to be enjoying bottomless sodas and kid-friendly milkshakes.
When it comes time to order, get the spaghetti and sausage plate that’s loaded with hearty sauce, generous sausage, and pasta, and topped with a sprinkle of parmesan. Throw in the spaghetti and meatballs, a classic dish that looks like something from a family cookbook, showing off portions made for sharing.
