DOWNTOWN. Dedicated to old-school elegance and service, the Chop House features stone accent walls, a voluminous space, and ancient artifacts. Premium steaks are aged and cut in-house, ensuring quality and flavor, whether you choose a porterhouse, filet mignon, or New York strip. Rack of Colorado lamb, double-cut pork chops, and fresh seafood also take their rightful place on the menu. An extensive wine list ensures that every meal has an appropriate vintage, and an upstairs bar provides well-mixed drinks and after-dinner dancing.

DOWNTOWN. Balcony dining, upscale atmosphere, fabulous steaks, and a lively, classy bar scene all come together at this popular steak house. While you pore over the menu, sip a smokin' martini, so named for its addition of dry ice. Cuts of beef include a bone-in rib-eye, a porterhouse, and several weights of prime rib; for added kick, try your steak with roquefort butter or a cracked pepper, dijon, and horseradish crust. Other options include sesame-seared ahi, cioppino, and Kurobota pork short ribs.

DOWNTOWN. Regularly lauded as one of the desert's best steakhouses, LG's gets kudos for its excellent beef and attentive service. Many patrons start off with the homemade caesar salad for two, prepared tableside. Then, steaks come into play, and they're solely USDA Prime. Try a petite filet, or go with a 24-ounce porterhouse, which they refer to as the "jewel in the crown." Both are served with a sizzle of butter and can be accompanied by béarnaise or peppercorn sauce. If red meat isn't for you, consider fresh fish, shrimp, or chicken.

PALM DESERT. Morton's is an upscale chain that serves a lot more than American Angus. The decor is masculine; the atmosphere, classy. Yes, praise has been showered on Morton's, but that doesn't mean it's content to hide behind a sterling reputation. Expect to be treated like royalty by the friendly waitstaff, who present dinner selections by bringing out a cart of options and giving you the low-down on choices that range from a double-cut filet mignon to a 24-ounce porterhouse, from lamb chops to fresh Maine lobster. Well worth the price tag.

PALM DESERT. This beloved chain of steakhouses bills itself as the "Home of Serious Steaks," and one visit will tell you that's more than a marketing slogan. Steaks are known for their sizzle, achieved by a dollop of butter dropped on hot-from-the-oven cuts; your choice will still be sputtering when it's placed in front of you. Ruth's Chris isn't intended for calorie-counters; it's a true steak lover's haven. The establishment also takes pride in its great service, extensive wine list, and comfortable elegance.