Are you a health-conscious foodie looking for a delicious burger made with grass-fed beef? Or maybe you’re just curious about the benefits of grass-fed beef and want to try it out for yourself.
Whatever your reason, finding restaurants that serve grass-fed beef can be a challenge. But fear not, we’ve done the research for you!
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best restaurants that serve grass-fed beef near you. From fast food chains to upscale steakhouses, we’ve got you covered.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some mouth-watering options for your next meal.
What Restaurants Serve Grass Fed Beef Near Me?
If you’re looking for a fast food option, Chipotle is a great choice. Their beef is sourced from Australia and is truly grass-fed, meeting the standards set forth by the American Grassfed Association. Another fast food chain that serves grass-fed beef is Elevation Burger, which claims to use 100% organic, grass-fed, free-range beef.
For a more upscale dining experience, The Ranch Steakhouse in northwest OKC sources their beef from small producers in Chicago, Colorado, and Nebraska. While they don’t explicitly state that their beef is grass-fed, they do claim to use locally sourced ingredients.
If you’re willing to venture outside of the city, Meers Store in Meers, Oklahoma raises their own herd of longhorn cattle and serves grass-fed beef on their menu. Tucker’s also uses grass-fed beef in their burgers.
And let’s not forget about Wholly Cow Burgers in Austin, TX. This locally sourced burger joint specializes in grass-fed meat and offers a variety of delicious options on their menu.
The Benefits Of Grass-Fed Beef
Grass-fed beef has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential health benefits. Compared to grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef contains up to six times more omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits. For example, omega-3s have been shown to alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and depression, and may even help with focus and attention.
In addition, grass-fed beef is generally lower in total fat and calories than grain-fed beef, making it a healthier option for those watching their weight. It also contains higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is believed to have cancer-fighting and fat-burning properties, as well as more vitamin E, beta carotene, and vitamin C.
Recent research has also shown that grass-fed beef may be higher in nutrients normally found in plant foods, such as phytochemicals. These compounds have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including reduced inflammation and protection against chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
While grass-fed beef may have some potential health risks, such as a higher risk of parasite infection or iron overload for those prone to it, these risks can be minimized by consuming grass-fed beef in moderation and ensuring that it is properly prepared.
Fast Food Chains That Serve Grass-Fed Beef
While the fast food industry is slowly moving towards healthier, less processed ingredients, there are still few restaurants that actually use grass-fed beef to make their burgers and other dishes. However, there are a few fast food chains that serve grass-fed beef.
Chipotle is one of the most well-known fast food chains that serves grass-fed beef. Their beef comes from Australia and is truly grass-fed, meeting the standards set forth by the American Grassfed Association. According to Chipotle director Steve Ells, the cattle spend their entire lives grazing on pastures or rangelands, eating only grass or forages. The beef is raised without added hormones, antibiotics or growth promotants by ranchers committed to humane animal husbandry.
Elevation Burger is another fast food chain that claims to use 100% organic, grass-fed, free-range beef. While it’s a smaller, newer fast food franchise founded in 2002, it has grown into an international success. The beef itself comes from two ranches that are family owned and run along a strict and humane code of ethics.
BurgerFi is considered a “fast-casual” restaurant that offers grass-fed beef burgers, as well as chicken and veggie burgers and natural-beef hot dogs. Their beef is sourced from ranches that meet strict standards for quality and sustainability.
It’s important to note that while these fast food chains serve grass-fed beef, they may not be available in all locations. It’s always best to check with your local restaurant before assuming they serve grass-fed beef.
Casual Dining Restaurants That Serve Grass-Fed Beef
If you’re looking for a casual dining experience, there are several restaurants that serve grass-fed beef. Burgerville, a chain in Oregon and southwest Washington, offers antibiotic-free beef sourced from cattle raised in the Pacific Northwest. Additionally, Wells Cattle Co. in Texas is a true farm-to-table restaurant that serves pasture-raised beef with a strict diet of grass, hay, and high-fat/low-grain supplement during the winter months.
For a more laid-back atmosphere, consider visiting The Ranch House in Sachse, Texas. This family-owned restaurant serves grass-fed beef sourced from local farms and ranches. Their menu features a variety of dishes, including burgers and steaks.
Another option is The Rockwall Grille in Rockwall, Texas. They offer great steaks, ribs, and chicken, as well as a chopped steak dinner that isn’t on the menu (so be sure to ask your waiter!). Their salads are always fresh and the atmosphere is perfect for casual dining.
Upscale Steakhouses That Serve Grass-Fed Beef
If you’re in the mood for a fancy steak dinner, there are several upscale steakhouses that serve grass-fed beef. One of them is Befitting its name, Char, which serves all its beef with a hearty crust that reveals a juicy interior. Their 14-ounce, dry-aged prime strip steak is rich, firm, and full-bodied in flavor. The filet mignon is buttery and delicate. Each steak is garnished with a roasted garlic bulb. Char offers 16 sides, from sautéed or creamed spinach to anchovy-stuffed Italian hot peppers. Standouts include potato gratin blanketed in Gruyère and crisp Asiago truffle fries.
Another great option is The Butcher Shop & Grill in Houston, TX. This upscale, two-story restaurant features a first-class butcher shop on-site, with an in-house dry-aging room. They’ve perfected their very own dry-aging process – these folks know their meat! The Texas Wagyu is 100% certified organic and grass-fed-only beef, with no finishing, and served perfectly tender. On the second story, the restaurant flows out onto a beautiful, spacious rooftop-dining patio with views over downtown Houston, creating a uniquely sophisticated ambiance. They’ve placed heaters on the patio in case it gets a bit chilly.
Artango in Chicago’s Lincoln Square channels the spirit of Buenos Aires thanks to a 1920s theme, live music, tango dancing, and an array of grilled meats. The grass-fed beef ranges from short ribs to ojo de bife (heart of rib eye), and they’re served with chimichurri or oyster-malbec sauce. Steak flights are also an option for diners looking to share or sample multiple cuts.
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab may be known for its seafood, but don’t sleep on the meat at this surf & turf mecca. With locations in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C., this ritzy mini-chain trades exclusively in top-quality ingredients, be it from sea or land. All the beef hails from the Midwest and is corn-finished giving depth of flavor and a nutty finish. Menu options run the gamut from dry-aged chopped steak and a 16-ounce New York strip to bone-in rib eye and a surf & turf of filet mignon with king crab, asparagus, and Bearnaise sauce.
Lastly, for those in Miami looking for a classic steakhouse experience with grass-fed beef options, Christy’s is the place to go. With plush leather booths, dim lighting and wood-paneled walls, walking through the doors of this top-tier restaurant will take you straight back to an older, quieter and simpler time. USDA Prime, grass-fed and dry-aged beef is the only type of beef served on the menu, and the preparations are simple but delicious.
How To Cook Grass-Fed Beef At Home
Cooking grass-fed beef at home can be a bit different than cooking conventionally raised beef. Here are some tips to ensure a perfectly cooked grass-fed steak every time:
1. Lower the cooking temperature: Grass-fed beef is leaner than its grain-fed counterpart, so it’s important to cook it at a slightly lower temperature (at least 50 F) for 30-50% less time. This will prevent the meat from becoming dry and tough.
2. Use a meat thermometer: Grass-fed beef doesn’t have the same wiggle room for mistakes as conventionally raised beef, so investing in a meat thermometer is essential. The desired internal temperatures for grass-fed beef are: Rare — 120F, Medium Rare — 125F, Medium — 130F, Medium Well — 135F, and Well — 140F. To achieve the desired temperature, remove the meat from heat when it’s about 10 degrees lower than your goal temperature.
3. Start steaks at room temperature: By starting your meat at room temperature, it will take less time to reach the ideal internal temperature while cooking. This gentler cooking method will help your meat stay juicy and delicious.
4. Avoid poking or patting your meat: Poking steaks or roasts with forks or patting burgers down with spatulas lets all that delicious fat escape, giving you a less juicy end result.
5. Let your meat rest: When you’re done cooking your meat, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it. This allows time for the escaped juices to reincorporate back into the meat.