Growing up in in a lower middle-class household in the 1960s and 70s, ribeye was the one cut of steak my parents let me order because it was the smallest and the least expensive. Boy, have times changed! These days ribeyes sold in Savannah restaurants can be as large as 18 ounces and cost nearly $100.
I’m not knocking the chain steakhouses. After all, they’ve grown as big as they have because a lot of people like their food, but you can go to Ruth’s Chris in just about any big city in the country, and you can go to Outback Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse in any suburb. So this post focuses on local restaurants.
In no particular order, here’s my short list of the best places to buy ribeye steak:
The Local on 17. This place may be tucked away in suburban Richmond Hill, but it has been discovered by the Savannah metro area. Its 18-ounce ribeyes are “hand cut daily by our butcher” and served with two sides for $45. One enthusiastic patron said the ribeyes are so tender you can cut them with a fork. Maybe not, but you get the picture. 4040 US 17.
Toni Steakhouse. This long-time favorite of Savannahians dry ages 14-ounce ribeyes a minimum of 28 days for $46.99. “It melts in your mouth — every time,” one fan said. 110 Eisenhower Drive.
45 Bistro. Right smack in the middle of tourist central in downtown Savannah, 45 Bistro offers “wet aged ribeye, espresso dusted and grilled with roasted fingerling potatoes, sauteed asparagus, herbed demi glace” for $52. 123 E. Broughton Street.
Belford’s. This favorite of tourists and locals alike sells an 18-ounce ribeye that has been wet aged for 40 days for $98. Pricey, yes, but special-occasion restaurants in Savannah — Common Thread for one — have been charging this much for a ribeye for a few years now. 315 W. Saint Julian Street, City Market.