Some dinners end with a to-go box, and in Pennsylvania that box often holds a slab of prime rib. Across the state, a handful of steakhouses take this classic cut seriously, slicing it so thick that splitting a plate starts to sound like a smart plan.
This list covers seven of them, from a casino dining room in South Philly to a tiny Pittsburgh back room that serves nothing but prime rib. You will also find a Pocono Mountains favorite, a white tablecloth spot in Harrisburg, a Lehigh Valley stop with a salad bar, an upscale Lancaster dining room, and a York grill with a popular Friday tradition.
Prices range from easygoing to special occasion, so there is a fit for date nights, family dinners, and road trip stops alike. Bring an appetite, bring a friend, and maybe bring a plan for leftovers.
1. The Prime Rib – Philadelphia Live!, Philadelphia, PA
When a restaurant names itself after one dish, it is making a promise. The Prime Rib inside Live!
Casino and Hotel at 900 Packer Ave keeps that promise front and center, with its namesake cut leading a menu of steaks and seafood.
The dining room is stylish and upscale, with a romantic, trendy look that suits anniversaries and big nights out. Live music is part of the experience, which adds a little extra polish to dinner.
Sides are a big part of the fun here. The mac and cheese pairs especially well with the prime rib, and the menu also includes Scalloped Potato Pave, a Prime Wedge Salad, Colossal Shrimp Cocktail, Signature Crab Cake, and Oysters Rockefeller.
Plan on spending $100 or more per person. Dinner runs nightly starting at 4:30 PM, closing at 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 10 PM the rest of the week.
Saturday evenings get busy, so reservations are a good idea. Tuesday nights tend to be calmer, and parking is easy with free garage and lot options plus valet.
2. Rib Room, Pittsburgh, PA
Only one kind of meat shows up on the menu at Rib Room, and that is prime rib. No ribeye, no filet, no distractions.
The setup at 649 Penn Ave in downtown Pittsburgh is small and cozy, with a speakeasy feel and an old-school steakhouse attitude. It is the sort of cool little back room that makes dinner feel like you are in on a secret.
Cuts come in sizes like the king and queen, so sharing a big one is a very real option. A mushroom accompaniment can go on top, and sides include creamed spinach, truffle fries, and lobster mac and cheese.
Wedge salads and rigatoni round out the menu for anyone at the table who wants a break from beef.
Here is the catch. Rib Room is open only Friday and Saturday from 5 to 8:30 PM, so timing matters.
Call 412-991-7900 or email reservations@richarddeshantz.com before heading over.
3. Louie’s Prime Steak House, Lake Harmony, PA
A day on the Pocono slopes or trails builds the kind of hunger that Louie’s Prime Steak House was made for. Sitting at 244 Lake Harmony Rd, it serves steaks and seafood in a warm, wood-lined room with a fireplace and art on the walls.
The prime rib here is famously thick. Even the 18-ounce cut can be more than one person can finish, and the menu goes bigger with a King Cut Prime Rib.
I would save this one for a cold weekend night. Start with French Onion Soup Au Gratin, then move on to prime rib, a 16-ounce Prime New York Strip, or Filet Mignon.
Crab stuffed shrimp and short ribs with carrots and mashed potatoes are other solid picks, and carrot cake makes a nice finish. Monthly specials keep the menu fresh for repeat visitors.
Expect $50 to $100 per person. Louie’s is closed Monday and Tuesday and opens at 4 PM the rest of the week, with free parking and reservations recommended.
4. Progress Grill, Harrisburg, PA
White linen tablecloths, efficient servers, and a menu that has not chased trends. Progress Grill at 3526 Walnut St is old-school Harrisburg dining in the best way.
The Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus is the headliner, and its size stands out even among other steakhouses. Cuts come out huge and cooked with care.
Seafood gets equal billing. The crab cakes hold their own against anything you would find down the road in Baltimore, and stuffed flounder, Clams Casino, and a Surf and Turf plate are also on the menu.
The room is unassuming and a bit dated, but clean and well kept, with a bar and a quiet, romantic mood. It is also family friendly, with high chairs and a kids’ menu.
Prices run about $30 to $70 per person, which feels fair for portions this big. Hours are Monday through Saturday starting at 4 PM, and it is closed on Sundays.
End with creme brulee and coffee if there is room left.
5. Prime Steak House, Bethlehem, PA
Need prime rib at lunchtime? Prime Steak House in Bethlehem opens at 11 AM every day of the week, which makes it one of the easiest stops on this list to fit into a schedule.
Located at 325 Stoke Park Rd in the Lehigh Valley, it keeps things relaxed. There is a salad bar, a fireplace, outdoor seating where dogs are welcome, and TVs for catching a game.
The prime rib is tender and often served with garlic butter. Pair it with grilled mushrooms, garlic mashed potatoes, and a bowl of seafood chowder for a seriously hearty plate.
Big appetites can also tackle the 24-ounce Porterhouse, a T-bone, or the Prime Sampler. Escargot, potato skins, French onion soup, and stuffed flounder show how wide the menu goes.
At around $20 to $60 per person, it is a friendly pick for families and groups. Kids’ menus, high chairs, and plenty of free parking make the whole outing simple.
6. 401 Prime, Lancaster, PA
Lancaster is better known for farm country than fine dining, but 401 Prime at 401 N Prince St shifts that picture fast. The space includes a sophisticated dining room and a sleek lounge with a romantic, old-fashioned steakhouse mood.
The prime rib arrives in a portion that typically outlasts the person ordering it. That makes it a natural candidate for sharing or for tomorrow’s lunch.
Add King Crab Mac and Cheese, Lobster Bisque, or a crab cake to build a full spread. Desserts here are a highlight, so leave a little space.
This is a special-occasion stop, with prices at $100 or more per person. Reservations are required, and there is usually a wait, so book ahead.
It is open Monday through Saturday from 4 PM, staying open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Street parking downtown can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
7. Crimson American Grill, York, PA
Friday nights in York have a beefy tradition. Crimson American Grill at 1839 S Queen St serves tender prime rib on Fridays, and it is the reason this casual spot earns a place among the bigger names.
The prices are the other draw. Most meals land around $20 to $30 per person, which makes it the friendliest budget on the list.
Inside, brick walls give it a modern pub look, and an outdoor bar and patio open things up in warmer months. Kids are welcome, with high chairs, changing tables, and a kids’ menu.
The rest of the menu covers plenty of ground. The Black N Bleu Ribeye, French onion soup, crab cakes, Seafood Trio, chicken Parmesan, and fish and chips all make appearances.
Weekday hours start at 4 PM, while Saturday and Sunday open at 11 AM with brunch. Friday evenings fill up, so a reservation helps secure that prime rib.
From South Philly to York, each of these seven spots proves that a good prime rib is meant to be big, generous, and best enjoyed with someone across the table. Save this list for your next road trip or date night.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.