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Neither an old standard nor a flashy upstart, AJ Maxwell’s isn’t the first name that springs to mind when contemplating steak houses. But the pleasantly clubby restaurant has no trouble attracting diners—expense-accounts execs, third-night daters, and tourists—all looking to impress. Outsized mirrors, towering floral arrangements, and multi-layered pearlescent chandeliers are grounded by dark-wood trimmings. Portions are equally grand in scale, like the signature rib eye, with a comically foot-long bone jutting from its side. Perched atop a bed of crushed ice, oysters on the half shell with mignonette sauce and Tabasco take up most of the table. Grilled meat is clearly the raison d'être, though 11 seafood options are available, such as horseradish-crusted salmon. Because sides are a la carte, if you order just one, make it the caramelized, balsamic-glazed brussels sprouts with bacon. — Krista Garcia

Bone-in rib eye, $55; brussels sprouts with bacon and parmesan, $11