It seems there’s no end to the beef bonanza of late. In contemporary digs, Philadelphia’s Barclay Prime (215-732-7560) presents a playful menu that includes a gussied-up Kobe beef cheesesteak. Strip House Houston (713-659-6000) serves juicy steaks and 24-layer chocolate cake with attitude — red-velvet walls and vintage photos set the atmosphere. And in Santa Monica, Lincoln Steakhouse Americana (310-828-3304) has retro gold mirrors and giant antler chandeliers, all the better to see the skinny celebs (like Ashley Judd and Lindsay Lohan) while carving your chops.
— ELAINE GLUSAC