What Is the Origin of Steak House Restaurants?

The American steak house has a rich history.

Today's American steak houses vary greatly in their menu options, locations, design, and cooking styles. Considered a fine, yet casual, dining experience, steakhouses are a treat for meat lovers everywhere. The origins of the steak house predate the modern cooking conveniences and technologies now found in restaurant kitchens everywhere.

Origin of "Restaurant"

The world's first restaurant opened in 18th century Paris, France and sold sheep's feet in white sauce, believed to be a health-restorative recipe, according to Food Writer Joe O'Connell for SteakPerfection.com. Before that, there were only cafes, taverns and inns for travelers to eat. The word "restaurant" is from the French word "restaurer," to restore. Unaccustomed to getting cooked meals outside of their homes, the French could suddenly get food and service in one place, making the first restaurant a novelty.

America's First Fine Dining Restaurant

Delmonico's Restaurant opened in 1827 in New York City. Owned by French brothers Giovanni and Pietro Delmonico, the cafe establishment added a French-style restaurant next door three years later, where they began serving house-cut steak between 1840 and 1850.

Restaurant Firsts

Delmonico's was the first to offer what is typically characteristic of a fine steak house, including tablecloths, private dining rooms, a separate wine list; it even allowed female diners. The restaurant refined the American menu with additions such as the Manhattan clam chowder and lobster Newburg.

Cooking Meat Outside of the Home

Some South American countries trace steak house origins to the fireside roads of local inhabitants and people who spent a lot of time outdoors, such as shepherds, according to FoodEditorials.com.

Oldest American Steak Houses Still in Business

The Palm Restaurant opened its first location in New York City in 1926. The owners, Italian immigrants, grew the restaurant into the American classic steak house chain that is now going overseas. Frank's Steak House was established in 1938 in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is said to be named after a local drunk named Frank, not the owner.

References

• SteakPerfection.com
• The Original Delmonico's
• FoodEditorials.com:The cooking style of steak