Arnie Morton's of Chicago, with a long-standing tradition as America's premiere Chicago-style steak house, dresses to impress. Located in the heart of Beverly Hills' restaurant district on La Cienega, this place is the definition of white-linen class. The immaculate dining room is lightly decorated with old black-and-white photographs of Rat Pack-era stars, but you will not be fooled; you are most certainly still in Los Angeles.
The food looks the part as well. Try great filet mignon or the porterhouse, the joint's specialty, accompanied by giant crab legs or lobster tail. These cuts are presented to you by the waiter before you order, so you know just how big a piece of meat you're going to get. And they are big.
The service is also excellent. A very attentive staff is helpful in selecting everything from potato skins to a great bottle of wine to wash down that 16oz top sirloin. Indeed, this restaurant is exactly what you would expect of its location and price range.

However, sometimes you're looking for the unexpected, and that's where Taylor's comes in. In an out of the way location, off Normandie in Koreatown, Taylor's could be the steak house you've really been looking for but just forgot could exist because you've been lost in the many great restaurants in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Here, the trade-off is a mainstream location and presentation for an incredible atmosphere.
Step into Taylor's and be transported to the smoke-filled lounge of speak-easies past. Of course, it's still L.A., so there is no actual smoke, but you might swear otherwise. Take a seat in an over sized, leather-padded booth and order a cocktail from the bartender who looks like he's been behind the bar for three decades. The waitresses are all sweet elderly ladies who may remind you of your grandmother; that is, until you realize that your grandmother has no business being up at midnight serving steaks and chatting it up at the bar.
The cuts here live up to the ambiance: no frills, just excellent meat cooked to order and paired with baked potatoes and Cole slaw. This is classic steak at its best, and whether you go for a thick, rare filet mignon or a succulent cut of top sirloin, you will not be disappointed.
If you're looking for the quiet, oak-paneled feel straight out of a Scorcese gangster movie, Taylor's delivers. If you just want a great steak, either Arnie Morton's or Taylor's could work for you. The real choice lies in the presentation of that steak, and just what atmosphere you need for that perfect date, celebration, or business meeting.