But as great and as prolific as major chains can be nowadays, don’t overlook the indie icons.

Fromold-fashioned recipesto time-honored hospitality, these timeworn temples transcend the genre entirely.

Yes, they serve steak, and yes, those steaks are superlative.

A luxurious dinner, a piece of steak in a restaurant setting, immerses viewers in the cozy ambiance of a bustling luxury restaurant.

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But these are places with something more, something deeper.

We’re talking about steakhouses that are tourist destinations in their own right and venerable institutions treasured by locals.

Be sure to try the lamb fries, a Cattlemen’s specialty of fried lamb testicles.

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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Camden is the oldest inland town in the state, dating back to 1732.

The omnipresent rainbow decor lends a little camp, and friendly servers echo Annie’s non-pretentious ambience.

Brown and Sons, the snazzy steakhouse has the distinction of being in a space directly impacted by Prohibition.

Maury’s Tine Cove Steakhouse — Cincinnati, Ohio

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Like USDA Prime ribeye, Australian Wagyu filet, and Japanese A5 Wagyu strip steak.

The rest of the menu reads like a greatest hits selection of steakhouse essentials, but elevated.

Gene and Georgetti: Chicago

Perhaps no major city has the steakhouse chopspun intendedlike Chicago.

B. Colson’s Steak, Seafood & Bourbon — Camden, South Carolina

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Today, the Midwest metropolis boasts a dizzying array of steakhouses, from old-school classics to new-school stunners.

But for steak with Windy City history,Gene and Georgettibelongs at the top of your beefy bucket list.

Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse — Washington, D.C.

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Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse — Louisville, Kentucky

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The Cowboy Grill — Moab, Utah

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London Chop House — Detroit, Michigan

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Silver Fox — Fort Worth, Texas

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Gene and Georgetti — Chicago, Illinois

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