15 Things You Should Never Say When Ordering Steak

Welcome to our light-hearted yet practical guide to steakhouse etiquette. Whether you’re dining at a high-end restaurant or your local grill, there are certain comments better left unsaid if you want to stay on good terms with your server—and avoid raised eyebrows from the kitchen. From questionable cooking requests to amusing misunderstandings, let’s explore some of the most entertaining and educational phrases to avoid when ordering steak!

1. “Can you cook it well done, but still keep it juicy?”

Well-done steaks are typically not juicy. Asking for both juicy and well-done might confuse the chef and compromise flavor. Imagine the steak chef, with years of culinary training, faced with the paradox of making a well-done steak juicy. It’s a culinary conundrum!

This request often leads to a chuckle or two behind the kitchen doors. Chefs pride themselves on the natural juices and flavors found in less-cooked steaks. So, while it’s not impossible, it’s a bit like asking for sun-dried tomatoes that are still plump. Next time, try asking for a medium steak and experience a more flavorful delight!

2. “I want it rare… like, still mooing.”

There’s rare, and then there’s raw. Dramatic phrasing like “still mooing” can make your server cringe and may raise food safety concerns. While rare steaks are a delicacy for many, the term “still mooing” is often taken too literally by first-time steak eaters. Servers may chuckle, but in the back, chefs are wary.

Rare steaks are gently seared, creating a warm but red center. This preserves the rich, beefy flavor. But order too rare, and you might end up with a plate that resembles more of a steak tartare than a typical steak. Maintain balance and enjoy the perfect rare steak!

3. “What’s your cheapest steak?”

Budget-conscious diners, rejoice! Asking for the cheapest steak sounds more like a negotiation than an order. While budget is important, this approach can be awkward and unappreciated by servers. Instead of seeming like a thrifty detective, consider inquiring about chef recommendations.

By asking for a recommendation, you might discover a delightful steak dish that fits both your palate and wallet. Chefs and servers often know the best value-for-money options, allowing you to dine deliciously without breaking the bank. So, embrace the spirit of culinary discovery, and let the menu guide you with tasty surprises!

4. “Just surprise me.”

“Just surprise me”—a phrase filled with intrigue and spontaneity. Yet, it puts pressure on the server and kitchen. While adventurous, this request lacks direction and can lead to misaligned expectations.

Servers enjoy guiding your dining experience rather than playing a guessing game. Providing some preferences or asking for a popular pick ensures your plate is filled with a dish you’ll savor. Think of dining as a journey, where a few details help navigate the culinary landscape.

So next time, offer a hint of your taste preferences and watch the magic unfold on your plate!

5. “Do you have A1 sauce?”

In high-end steakhouses, asking for A1 sauce may be seen as an insult to the expertly crafted meat. Condiments have their place, but sometimes they overshadow the rich flavors of a perfectly cooked steak.

If you’re keen on adding a sauce, consider trying the house specialty. These sauces are often crafted to complement the unique taste profile of the steak. Chefs pour their creativity into these concoctions, aiming to enhance rather than mask flavors.

So, dare to step out of the condiment comfort zone and experience the steak as the chef intended, perhaps discovering a new favorite flavor pairing!

6. “I want it medium-rare… but with no pink.”

Medium-rare steaks are known for their warm, pink center. Requesting medium-rare without pink is contradictory and can perplex even the most seasoned chefs. This request might be met with a gentle smile from your server, as they understand the common confusion.

When you ask for this, consider the beauty of the pink center—it’s not just about hue, but about flavor and texture. Chefs work hard to perfect this balance, delivering a steak that’s juicy and tender.

Embrace the pink! It’s the hallmark of a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak, where richness and succulence meet in harmony.

7. “Can you cut it up for me before serving?”

Unless it’s a kids’ meal, most chefs prefer steaks arrive whole. Presentation is key in the culinary world, and slicing a steak before serving could disturb its visual appeal and taste.

Imagine a carefully plated steak, juices glistening, waiting to be savored. Cutting it beforehand can lead to dryness and loss of those delightful juices. While it might seem convenient, it detracts from the steakhouse experience.

So, embrace the elegance of the whole steak! Enjoy slicing through the tender meat yourself, appreciating the craft and care that went into each flavorful bite.

8. “I want a steak, but I don’t eat red meat.”

“I want a steak, but I don’t eat red meat”—a statement that’s sure to puzzle any steakhouse staff. Steaks are, by nature, red meat. However, many establishments offer alternatives like chicken or fish.

Engage with your server about available options. They might suggest a delightful grilled chicken breast or a seafood dish that satisfies your cravings without compromising your dietary choices.

So, explore the menu beyond beef. Discover how chefs artfully prepare other proteins, offering a new dining experience that’s both satisfying and aligned with your preferences!

9. “I’ll take the filet, but can you make it taste like a ribeye?”

Filet and ribeye are distinct cuts, each with unique textures and flavors. Filets are lean and tender, while ribeyes boast marbling and richness.

Requesting one to taste like the other is like asking for apples to taste like oranges. While chefs can add flavors through marinades or sauces, the inherent qualities of each cut remain. Enjoy the filet for its buttery smoothness, or savor the ribeye’s robust taste.

Embrace each cut’s uniqueness! Discover the joys of diverse steak experiences, where variety is the spice of life and each bite offers a new delight.

10. “Can I get that steak with no seasoning at all?”

Seasoning is the soul of cooking, enhancing flavor and aroma. Requesting a steak with no seasoning at all might lead to a bland experience.

Chefs meticulously select spices and herbs to complement the natural beef flavors. A pinch of salt, a dash of pepper—these elements elevate the taste profile, crafting a memorable meal.

Instead of skipping seasoning, consider asking for light seasoning or specific flavors. This way, you still enjoy the chef’s expertise while aligning with your taste preferences. Remember, a well-seasoned steak is a culinary masterpiece waiting to be enjoyed!

11. “Why is this steak so expensive?”

Pricing often reflects the cut, sourcing, and preparation. High-quality steaks come from top-grade beef, aged to perfection, offering exceptional taste and tenderness.

While price tags may surprise, they represent the craftsmanship and dedication of skilled chefs and quality ingredients. Instead of questioning, inquire about budget-friendly recommendations.

Servers can guide you to hidden gems on the menu, ensuring a delightful dining experience without overspending. Enjoy the balance between quality and value, knowing that each bite is crafted with expertise and passion.

12. “Can I get my steak in the microwave to speed things up?”

Microwaving steak is a culinary no-no! Patience is key when it comes to enjoying a perfectly cooked piece of meat. The grill and oven methods ensure even cooking, preserving juices and flavors.

While the microwave’s speed might tempt you, it can lead to uneven cooking and a rubbery texture. Embrace the slow cooking process—it’s part of the steakhouse experience, where anticipation builds with each delicious aroma.

Savor the moment! Let the chefs work their magic, knowing that the wait will be worth it, delivering a steak that’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly prepared.

13. “Do you serve steak tartare well done?”

Steak tartare is raw by definition—a delicacy enjoyed for its tender texture and rich flavor. Asking for it “well done” blurs the line between culinary art and confusion.

If raw isn’t your style, opt for a cooked dish. Steakhouses offer a variety of options, ensuring a satisfying meal for every palate.

Appreciate the art of steak tartare for its bold and unique experience. Or, explore the menu’s cooked offerings, where tradition meets taste, and each dish tells its own delicious story.

14. “What kind of vegetarian steak do you have?”

“Vegetarian steak” in a steakhouse might seem like a culinary paradox. While some restaurants offer plant-based options, they’re not traditional steaks.

Explore the menu for creative veggie dishes. Chefs craft plant-based delights with the same care as meat, using ingredients like mushrooms or legumes.

Discover the art of vegetarian cuisine in a steak-dominated world. Delight in hearty flavors and innovative dishes, showcasing that veggie options can stand tall next to their meaty counterparts, delivering satisfaction and taste.

15. “Can I bring my own steak and just have you cook it?”

Bringing your own steak to a restaurant is a major faux pas, unless it’s a special BYO-meat event. Restaurants pride themselves on their ingredients and cooking techniques.

Part of dining out is experiencing the chef’s expertise, where every cut is selected for quality and taste. Trust their skills, and savor the flavors crafted with care.

Enjoy the symphony of preparation and presentation. Allow yourself to be surprised and delighted by the chef’s offerings, knowing each dish is a testament to culinary artistry.