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Whether you are new to eating steaks or an experienced carnivore deciding which cut of steak to try can be tricky. Here is a quick steak cut guide so you can order like a pro the next time you visit Steak Loft! Connecticut’s Best Steak Restaurant Near Me

New York Strip

It might not be as tender as it’s posh cousin (the filet) or as sumptuous as the always-fatty rib eye, but the New York strip is a solid jack-of-all-trades. A bit more chew and a little less marbling means it’s less expensive, so you won’t be picking your jaw up from the floor when it comes time to pay, making this the perfect midweek dinner for when you need a pick-me-up.

Also Known As: shell steak, Kansas City steak, sirloin steak.

When to Order: This is the all-around, crowd-pleasing steak in terms of flavor, tenderness and price. You can enjoy this anytime!

Porterhouse

A porterhouse is simply a New York strip and delicate filet mignon separated by a T-shaped bone (hence it’s other nickname, the mighty T-bone). This is the one time we suggest putting away the cast iron—meat shrinks as it cooks, meaning when seared, a porterhouse surface fails to make contact with the pan as the bone begins to jut out. And since the filet side is more prone to overcooking, it can be a challenge getting the entirety of the steak to finish at the same time.

Also Known As: T-bone steak.

When to Order: If you’re an experienced steak expert or part of a couple who doesn’t like to compromise (no judgment), or if you’re exceptionally hungry and prefer to spend your paycheck on steak versus rent.

Filet Mignon

A staple of white-tablecloth steakhouses across the country, this tender muscle does barely, if any, of the heavy lifting on the cow, resulting in a soft, buttery texture that gives way in the mere presence of a steak knife. However, this cut is also nearly devoid of any fat, meaning the mild flavor has less of the lip-smacking juiciness meat eaters crave.

Also Known As: filet de boeuf, tender steak, beef tenderloin, tenderloin steak.

When to Order: The classic Valentine’s Day offering, filets are perfect for diners who are a) more concerned with tenderness rather than flavor and b) have money to spare. Filets are also well suited for anyone on a diet who just really needs a steak.

Ribeye

One of the most prized cuts of all, the rib eye comes boneless or with the rib bone still attached (in which case it’s frequently known as a cowboy steak). And while the bone might make it harder to navigate your knife and fork, gnawing on gristle and crispy fat is undoubtedly the best part of the steak-eating experience. Speaking of which, it’s that abundance of fat, both marbled within the meat and surrounding the edges via the white fat cap that makes rib eyes so intense and beefy in flavor. They’re not as meltingly soft as filets, but ribeyes have just enough of a chew to remind you why your experience as a vegan didn’t last.

Also Known As: cowboy steak, tomahawk steak, Spencer steak, Delmonico steak.

When to Order: If you’re a carnivore who wants the best beef-eating experience possible, and has a supply of Lipitor on hand.