GRILL 23 & BAR

For a long time, steakhouses came in two guises: the cookie cutter, corporate-approved, gimmicky national chain; and the stuffy, wood paneled old boys' club where good posture and a cigar-scented blazer are as necessary as an appetite. But for almost 30 years, GRILL 23 & BAR has been flouting those stereotypes in favor of laidback luxury. The courteous, pro service, an extensive raw bar, a catalog of gems on its endless wine list, and, of course, deftly charred steaks that practically fall off the plate, much to carnivores' delight, are all part of the flawless equation that turns many first timers into regulars. What's more: chef Jay Murray started sourcing his beef exclusively from Brandt Ranch in California to ensure consistency long before that practice became an industry standard. Talk about a prime cut.

GRILL 23 & BAR | 161 Berkeley Street, Boston | 617.542.2255