Best Steakhouse in LA

Alright, I'm thinking/hoping that this will prompt some good discussion, but I'm curious as to what people think is the best place to get a steak in Los Angeles. So far I've been to:

Mastros (owner of the crown for now. Fantastic filet)
Boa (nice atmosphere, steaks were decent)
Dakota (good fries, steak not so much that good)

Friends are threatening to go to the Lodge this weekend, but I've read nothing but bad things (with the exception of the lukewarm Los Angeles magazine review).

I guess I'm kind of a steak snob (I was raised in Calgary, which has a lot of cows), but any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Biff

Mastro's in BH. I posted same request for best steak, did all the research, Mastro's sounded best and was best. Best in LA for sure, I'll challenge anyone to a restaurant off, winner pays both bills.

The only place nearby that can touch it is LG's in Palm Desert. Both are best in the west, forget Ruths, Flemings, Mortons, they are good but just average. Had a great steak in NYC at a place called Spark's. Right on their front porch a few days before there was a gangland shooting which really added to the experience.

Do yourself a favor and don't deviate from this and go with "what I heard the most" like that English lady did who ended up at IN & Out for "best burger" and Ivy for god knows what rude celebs cutlets?

At Ivy once I asked Rob Reiner (Meathead on All in the Family)"how about those Lakers!" as we watied in the valet line. He looked at me like I just ripped one. The expression on his face should never be seen outside of a locked bathroom. He looked positively backed up. Maybe too many heavy dishes at Ivy.

Stick to the places I recommended for steak and it'll be smooth sailing all the way, in more ways than one.

I have been a big fan of Taylors in Koreatown for moderately priced steaks etc. Not too fancy but everyone I take there likes it very much. Also the Sherman Room in Van Nuys is a decent steak house, old school style.

My rank list for current best steak in L.A.:
1. Mastro's (Beverly Hills) - N.B.: Their Scottsdale location is even better!
2. Capo (Santa Monica)
3. Pacific Dining Car (Downtown location)
4. Arnie Morton's (Beverly Hills)
5. Palm (Hollywood)

Noticeably absent from my list (because they deserve it):
Ruth's Chris (Beverly Hills), Nic & Stef's (Downtown), The Palm (Downtown by Staples Center), JJ's (Pasadena)

My current favorite is Jar.

Link: http://thejar.com/index.html

to get good steak you have to start with good steak - allen bros is the top place in the us to get steaks and i know of only one place in la that gets it from them, mortons in bh - its worth a call to find out who the supplier is, I love the lodge for everything but the steaks, they are a great operation for hanging out and having a fun time, but the steaks suck and they know it. if you get the ny @ mortons and don't like it then you don't like steak - it 3"+ and 24oz, more than enough to split for 2 and actually a good deal these days @ $40 imo

Is there anyplace (traditional steakhouse or otherwise) in Southern California that serves Lobel's steaks? And does anyone know *for a fact* of any places that serve Harvey Guss steaks?

Frequently, when you go to Harvey's in the morning, you'll see some steaks wrapped with the name of a restaurant written on the package. Just can't recall which ones at the moment.

I personally really enjoy Nick & Stefs Downtown L.A.
I've had it on a couple occasions and each time it's been a really good experience. They prepare a great Caesar salad table side.

Thanks so much for all of the input. I guess at this point I'm just a little confused. When someone mentions Morton's, should I assume that it's not Arnie Morton's? Stupid steakhouses and their deceptively similar names...

Thanks again!

Arnie Morton's is used here in LA area because Arnie's kid, Peter(also co-developer of the Hard Rock Cafe chain), had opened a place called Morton's at Melrose and Robertson around 20 years ago, and light years before Morton's of Chicago arrived on the local scene where the name was already registered. In the rest of the country you will find it called Morton's.