Steak Showdown: Nashville vs. Los Angeles – Who Really Owns the Sizzle?

Gary Dempsey
May 27
5 min read

When people think of great steakhouse cities, Los Angeles often leads the conversation. After all, it's a city full of celebrity chefs, big budgets, and a vibrant dining scene. But what if I told you that Nashville is holding its own—and then some—when it comes to steakhouse culture? That’s right: Music City is hitting all the right notes, not just on stage but also on the plate.

I asked ChatGPT to compare ten of the top steakhouses in Nashville with ten in Los Angeles. What I discovered is that Nashville’s steakhouse scene is rich with flavor, personality, and even a few surprises. If you think you need a passport to LA to find world-class steak, think again.

Let’s dive into a sizzling side-by-side comparison.

1. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse (Nashville) vs. Mastro’s Steakhouse (Beverly Hills)

Jeff Ruby’s: 300 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219 – ~0.5 miles from downtown
Mastro’s: 246 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 – ~9 miles from downtown LA

Jeff Ruby’s is Nashville’s glitzy, jazz-filled answer to fine dining. Known for its theatrical atmosphere and impeccable service, the menu includes Jeff Ruby’s Signature Filet, the show-stopping Seafood Tower, and the decadent Mac & Cheese with Lobster. Over in Beverly Hills, Mastro’s is equally extravagant with favorites like the Bone-In Ribeye, Alaskan King Crab Legs, and the crowd-favorite Butter Cake. Both are where you dress to impress—and leave incredibly full.

2. Bourbon Steak (Nashville) vs. BOA Steakhouse (West Hollywood)

Bourbon Steak: 201 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 – ~0.7 miles from downtown
BOA Steakhouse: 9200 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 – ~10 miles from downtown LA

Perched atop the JW Marriott, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina serves elevated classics like the Snake River Farms Filet, Duck Fat Fries with three dipping sauces, and seasonal craft cocktails. BOA Steakhouse is a Sunset Strip staple known for its Dry-Aged New York Strip, Truffle Mashed Potatoes, and trendy celebrity clientele. Both venues deliver the full luxury experience—with sky-high views or star-studded sightings.

3. Kayne Prime (Nashville) vs. CUT by Wolfgang Puck (Beverly Hills)

Kayne Prime: 1103 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203 – ~1 mile from downtown
CUT: 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 – ~10 miles from downtown LA

Kayne Prime is a modern steakhouse that pushes the boundaries. Highlights include the Wagyu Filet, Creamed Corn Brûlée, and the infamous House Bacon with Maple Cotton Candy. CUT, Wolfgang Puck’s flagship, is equally avant-garde with selections like the Kagoshima A5 Wagyu, Bone Marrow Flan, and hand-crafted cocktails. These aren’t your granddad’s steakhouses—they’re culinary performance art.

4. Oak Steakhouse (Nashville) vs. Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant (Hollywood)

Oak Steakhouse: 801 Clark Pl, Nashville, TN 37203 – ~1 mile from downtown
Gwen: 6600 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 – ~7 miles from downtown

Oak Steakhouse blends Southern hospitality with high-end steak cuts. Don’t miss the Dry-Aged Delmonico, Pimento Cheese Potato Gratin, and Smoked Bone Marrow. Gwen, run by chef Curtis Stone, combines a European-style butcher shop with fine dining. Their Tasting Menu, Bone-In Ribeye, and Charcuterie Boards make it a standout. If you love a steakhouse with a story, both deliver on narrative and flavor.

5. Sperry’s (Belle Meade, Nashville) vs. Pacific Dining Car (Downtown LA)

Sperry’s: 5109 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 – ~7 miles from downtown
Pacific Dining Car: 1310 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017 – ~2 miles from downtown

Sperry’s is an old-school favorite with dark wood interiors and tableside service. Signature dishes include the Prime Rib, Bananas Foster, and French Onion Soup. Pacific Dining Car, a 24-hour LA institution (pre-pandemic), was famous for its Porterhouse, Crab Cakes, and retro-luxury dining car ambiance. Though Pacific has scaled back, both offer a nostalgic, throwback vibe.

6. Deacon’s New South (Nashville) vs. Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse (Downtown LA)

Deacon’s: 401 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219 – ~0.2 miles from downtown
Nick & Stef’s: 330 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90071 – ~1 mile from downtown

Deacon’s brings Southern flair to classic cuts. Try the Dry-Aged Ribeye, Collard Green Caesar, and Smoked Old Fashioned. Nick & Stef’s, just steps from LA’s business district, is known for its Bone-In Filet, Truffle Mac & Cheese, and polished power-lunch energy. If you’re dining downtown, these are the local legends.

7. The Southern Steak & Oyster (Nashville) vs. The Arthur J (Manhattan Beach)

The Southern: 150 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201 – ~0.4 miles from downtown
The Arthur J: 903 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 – ~20 miles from downtown LA

The Southern offers a surf-and-turf spin on steakhouse culture. Don’t miss the Lamb Lollipops, Filet with Sweet Potato Purée, and raw bar selections. The Arthur J, a cozy-chic spot in Manhattan Beach, excels with its Filet Medallions, Beef Wellington, and inventive appetizers. Southern spice meets beachside refinement.

8. Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse (Nashville) vs. Taylor’s Steakhouse (Koreatown, LA)

Jimmy Kelly’s: 217 Louise Ave, Nashville, TN 37203 – ~2 miles from downtown
Taylor’s Steakhouse: 3361 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005 – ~4 miles from downtown

Jimmy Kelly’s is steeped in tradition—operating since 1934 in a historic mansion. Try the Filet Mignon, Shrimp Cocktail, and Twice-Baked Potato. Taylor’s has been an LA staple since 1953, known for its Prime Rib, Martinis, and red leather booths. Both exude vintage charm with steakhouse soul.

9. STK Nashville vs. STK Los Angeles (Westwood)

STK Nashville: 700 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 – ~1 mile from downtown
STK LA: 930 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 – ~12 miles from downtown

Part steakhouse, part nightlife venue—STK brings the party. In Nashville, enjoy the Cowgirl Ribeye, Lil' BRGs, and a lively DJ-led atmosphere. The LA outpost features similar flair with Wagyu Skirt Steak, Tater Tots with Caviar, and a see-and-be-seen crowd. Come for the steak, stay for the selfies.

10. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille (Nashville) vs. Lawry’s The Prime Rib (Beverly Hills)

Perry’s: 5028 Aspen Grove Dr, Franklin, TN 37067 – ~17 miles from downtown Nashville
Lawry’s: 100 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 – ~10 miles from downtown LA

Perry’s, located in Franklin, is famous for its 7-Finger-High Pork Chop, Filet Perry, and Crab-Topped Asparagus. On Fridays, their pork chop lunch is a local favorite. Lawry’s is a temple of prime rib, complete with spinning salads, silver carts, and white-glove service. It’s theatrical, traditional, and timeless.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Sleep on Nashville

While LA’s steakhouse scene gets the glamour, Nashville is no side dish. From historic haunts to chef-driven concepts, Music City offers diverse, bold, and crave-worthy options that rival any foodie hotspot. In fact, the amount of variety and quality in Nashville’s steakhouse selection might surprise you.

So whether you’re in Brentwood or Beverly Hills, Music Row or Melrose, one thing’s for sure: if you’re hungry for steak, you’re not missing out in Music City.

Just bring your appetite—and maybe stretchy pants.

Which steakhouse matchup would you try first? Let us know below or tag a fellow foodie who needs this guide.