Tenderloins are the cookies of the beef world. They're selfish, ideal for one patron to consume in just a few mouthfuls. But larger steaks, such as porterhouses and rib eyes, are like layer cakes: generous, indulgent, and meant to be shared.
Because these cuts usually cost more than filets, we've ranked eight of the most munificent steaks in Miami according to price per ounce. Here's where to score the best deals on some serious cuts of beef.
Bone-in rib eye, AKA côte de bœuf, cowboy steak, tomahawk rib eye
2. The Cypress Room, 34-ounce côte de bœuf for $139 ($4.09 per ounce)
Sure, it's pricey. But this steak comes from one of Miami's best kitchens. Plus, the classy restaurant removes the fat and spinalis -- the heavily marbled muscle surrounding the ribeye -- from each steak. That means you get more of what you really want: Frenched bone-in rib eyes that have been dry-aged for a whopping 35 days.
1. Gotham Steak, 50-ounce tomahawk rib eye for $150 ($3 per ounce)
A deal at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach? Indeed, it may be hard to believe -- especially coming from a place that offers a $2,000 dinner for two. But it's true: Gotham Steak's colossal tomahawk is the most affordable of its kind. Just don't forget to validate your eye-popping valet ticket on the way out.
Porterhouse, which is essentially a T-bone ― part tenderloin, part strip ― but with a heftier tenderloin component
6. Wolfgang's Steakhouse, 32-ounce porterhouse for $93.90 ($2.93 per ounce)
This downtown spot broils stunning dry-aged steaks in a 1,600-degree oven. Sure, its sides and salads could still use some work. But the quality of their meat is what you came for, anyway. And that comes as no surprise: Wolfgang's is owned by the former head waiter at Peter Luger, the most iconic steak house in New York.
5. Bourbon Steak, 32-ounce porterhouse for $89 ($2.78 per ounce)
This Michael Mina restaurant at Turnberry Isle in Aventura cooks its rich meats over a burning-hot wood grill. The porterhouse isn't dry-aged. (Although their 18-ounce $75 ribeye is.) But that doesn't change too much; this big steak is still worth driving for.
4. Red the Steakhouse, 48-ounce porterhouse for $129 ($2.69 per ounce)
Perhaps you're feeling a tad wimpy, and 48-ounces of tenderloin, bone, and strip sound like a bit much. Don't fret! This South Beach joint offers a petite 24-ounce version as well. That works, because all of Red the Steakhouse's cuts are aged certified Angus beef.
3. Tosca, 40-ounce porterhouse for $95 ($2.38 per ounce)
There was a time, not long ago, when Tosca proffered bistecca alla fiorentina -- a dry-aged, 36-ounce porterhouse for $120. But during the summer, the restaurant only serves its regular cut. Tosca prides itself on being fancy though, so it serves its hefty steak on a wooden board alongside a choice of exotic salts year-round.
2. BLT Steak, 40-ounce porterhouse for $90 ($2.25 per ounce)
At South Beach's BLT Steak, order your porterhouse "blue". That means it's red and cold on the inside (!). The restaurant broils its steaks at 1,700 degrees and finishes them with a healthy dollop of herbed butter. All cuts here are USDA Prime or Certified Angus.
1. Prime One Twelve, 48-ounce porterhouse for $98 ($2.04 per ounce)
Ah, Prime One Twelve -- a ritzy spot better known for its celebrity sightings than its bargains on steak. Steer clear from the Japanese A5 Kobe, which costs $35 per ounce. (There's a 2-ounce minimum, so don't try to be a smart ass.) Stick to the porterhouse. When it comes to that cut, this SoFi mainstay delivers quite a deal.
Follow Emily on Twitter @EmilyCodik.
Follow Short Order on Facebook, on Twitter @Short_Order, and Instagram @ShortOrder.
