Steak has long enjoyed its reign as the king of meals. Whether it’s a slab of beef being tossed on the grill in the heart of summer when it’s too hot to cook inside, or a night out on the town when temperatures have hit their coldest depths in the middle of January, steak just has that common appeal that seems to light up faces with a voracious grin the moment the plate is placed on the table. In our guide to steaks, you’ll find casual meals, like steak sandwiches, the finest dry-aged cuts, and even a few international takes on the meat-lover’s meal, like the maminha, a seasoned tri-tip sirloin at Rodizio Grill, the Brazilian steakhouse that just opened in town this past November.
Mushroom Risotto with Steak Medallions
The Maple Tavern has classic steak preparations, but every season the kitchen comes up with some mouthwatering dishes that keep regular customers coming back to try new things. This winter, it’s the mushroom-infused risotto, topped with three 3-ounce steak medallions and a robust mushroom ragu sauce that will keep you coming back for more ($22.95). You’d be hard-pressed to find something heartier and more fitting for a cold January night. Another popular steak dish is the grilled 12-oz New York strip steak topped with a red wine and shallot butter, served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables ($22.95). Up to 14 new items were introduced in the late fall, in addition to the risotto, like stuffed meatload and Cajun shrimp. 9375 Deerwood Ln. N.; 763.425.2700
Charlie’s Steak Sandwich
Just because Rush Creek Golf Course has closed for the season, don’t rule out Highlander Pub as a destination – with its stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings in the dining room, and quaint pub area, it offers a welcoming winter ambiance. The Charlie’s steak sandwich ($14) is a classic at the Highlander, served open-faced on Texas-cut sourdough toast, with two onion rings and horseradish sauce. The sandwich comes with one side: sautéed asparagus, fries, chips, fresh fruit or the featured daily side, which might be twice-baked potato or jalapeno mac’ and cheese. Thursday nights are steak night, with a special that changes weekly but includes cuts like the New York strip, filet, porterhouse and Kansas City strip, running anywhere from $15-$24, with one side included. Winter hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 4 –9 p.m. 7801 Troy Ln. N.; 763.255.2939
Horseradish-Crusted Filet
All the beef is certified premium gold Angus and hand-cut to specification at Pittsburgh Blue, meaning you’re always getting the freshest of cuts, says executive chef Miguel Urrutia. The filet mignon comes in many preparations, and it’s always tender and flavorful, from the horseradish-crusted filet ($36.95) to a filet American topped with Tillamook sharp cheddar and smoked bacon ($36.95) or a filet “Oskar” topped with lump crab cake and asparagus with béarnaise. The 1600-degree broiler ovens in Urrutia’s kitchen ensure that every steak is charred on the outside and pink on the inside by searing the meat and keeping the juices in. If you’re not in the mood for filet, the bone-in New York strip ($38.95) is another crowd-pleaser. The famously gargantuan sides include asparagus, loaded mashed potatoes, hash browns, broccoli, creamed spinach and green beans. 11900 Main St. N.; 763.416.2663
16-ounce Ribeye
When the weather gets colder, the menu choices get heftier at The Lookout Bar and Grill, and summery salads go on hiatus to make room for more steaks and pastas. The featured choice for steaks is the 14-ounce ribeye ($22.99), a sterling silver grade that is grilled and comes with sides, choice of potato, soup and salad bar. The 8-ounce rancher’s steak is another option; a cheaper cut that includes the same accoutrements and sells for $13.99. Be sure to check the menu for other new winter dishes that had not been finalized at the time of publication. With the patio out of commission this time of year at The Lookout, the focus turns to indoor festivities like karaoke and games. 8672 Pineview Ln. N.; 763.424.4365
Hibachi-style Filet
Mt. Fuji offers a little something to please everyone with a full menu of sushi and rolls (including a wide variety of discounted rolls during the weekday happy hour), tempura and teriyaki dishes, and a hibachi bar, offering shrimp, scallops, chicken and beef. The 10-ounce sirloin is a popular choice, cooked to your specification and cut at the table in front of you ($18.95). All the hibachi meals include soup, salad, a shrimp appetizer with rice and a vegetable. This destination is especially popular in the winter, for lunch, happy hour and special dinners. Diners can order off the sushi and hibachi menu from anywhere in the restaurant. 7904 Main St., Osseo; 763.315.5885
Teriyaki Sirloin
Are you on the lookout for a steak on the cheap? Try out Malone’s Bar and Grill on Tuesday. The sirloin, prepared with or without teriyaki marinade, is just $10.95 (regularly $17.95), and that includes soup or salad and a side. We suggest the creamy herb mashed potatoes, which are made fresh every day. You’ll also find a grilled New York strip, filet and ribeye on the dinner menu. 12635 Elm Creek Blvd. N.; 763.447.6500
Asiago Peppercorn Steak
Believe it or not, a nice, juicy steak doesn’t need to sabotage your diet. The asiago peppercorn steak ($11.49) on the “under 550” calorie menu at Applebee’s is a sensible choice, but won’t leave you feeling like you’re missing out on flavor. This 7-ounce cut of sirloin is grilled and topped with black peppercorns and melted asiago, with steamed herb potatoes and seasonal vegetables. A surf-and-turf-lover’s favorite is the shrimp and parmesan sirloin ($15.49), a 9-ounce cut that’s topped with grilled shrimp and a melted cheese sauce, served with garlic mashers or baked potato. If you enjoy the 2 for $20 deal at Applebee’s (choose one appetizer and two entrees from a select menu), you’ll also find a 7-ounce sirloin served with potatoes among your options. 14400 Weaver Lake Rd.; 763.494.3289
