Austin may be the only city on “island time” that isn’t actually an island. We do, however, have lakes, so I suppose that is good enough? It may also be the reason when you go into any of these incredible 5-star spots, there will, without a doubt, be someone seated at a table in flip flops and a t-shirt, while across the restaurant, a couple is dressed to the nines. That’s just Austin, and it’s never going to change. All that matters is the meat on your plate, and with that said, here is the 411.

Acre 41’s new menu includes the Texas Style filet. Photo by Jane Yun

Acre 41

Contemporary steakhouse is the perfect way to describe the ambiance of this steakhouse nestled in the warm hotel. With vinyl records playing all night, it is not your ordinary Sinatra-filled night. The culinary choices are as youthful as the music. With fun spins such as roasted bone marrow and elote street corn sides. Your steak will not be boring with eight different ways to “add the extra acre” to it. Acre 41 is a great spot to dine with friends and family. 1901 San Antonio St., Unit 130

Carve

Perry’s little sophisticated sister. Carve is a sexy date night spot without the pressure of “steakhouse” since they go by “grill,” but the second you walk in, all you see is meat, meat, meat. It is never not packed and busy with a bar full of folks wrestling for cocktails, so much so that they opened a second location. About time! Butcher’s customs cut with truffle merlot and thank me later. 2613 Perseverance Drive

Dean’s Italian Steakhouse serves the classic steak with an Italian twist. Photo by Jessica Attie

Dean’s Italian Steakhouse

Dean’s is the new kid on the block and has proved it is divine. The freshness of their homemade bread welcomes you to the restaurant with an unmistakable aroma. Whether you’re going raw bar, surf and turf style or Italian with the melt-in-your-mouth pasta and ending with ribeye, you will be remiss not to get the billionaire’s potato. Impossible to fit it all in in one try? You WILL be back speaking from experience. 110 E. 2nd St.

Jeffrey’s potterhouse steak. Photo by JustinCook

Jeffrey’s

Tucked in Clarksville since 1975, Jeffrey’s is a juxtaposed old-school steakhouse and midcentury modern style ambiance. The caviar service is one of few in the city, and the appetizers alone will take your breath away as you await the finale of the meat of the night. Mixing exotic Texas flavors and elite prime ingredients, don’t miss out on the serrano honey bacon sourdough Brussels sprouts. Jeffreys is an Austin star on our lapel of restaurants we wear proudly. 1204 W. Lynn St.

Perry’s

Of course, we all know and love Perrys. Though it isn’t unique to Austin, it is one of the best steakhouses in town and has been around since the early 2000s. There is something about that chateaubriand that keeps everybody coming back: fresh martinis, classic sides, elegant decor. Perrys is the steakhouse you can always depend on and always crave. Whether you’re doing apps and drinks or a full-on extravagant meal, you’ll leave happy. 114 W. 7th St.

Steiner Ranch Steakhouse

At Steiner, you see the gorgeous lake and enjoy a spin on ATX classics like an elevated queso or chicken fried lobster tails. A good porterhouse and some fine friends are what the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse was built on and remains to this day. A staple overlooking Lake Travis, I must insist you go at sunset. 5424 Steiner Ranch Blvd.