Alexander's Steakhouse - Pasadena

There are plenty of places in L.A. where you can easily spend $200 or more a person on steak, but the Asian-inflected cuisine, first-rate service and excellent meats (at any price) justify the expense at this Pasadena steakhouse—and distinguish it from other overpriced places around town like Gwen and CUT. Originally from the Bay Area, Alexander’s likes to push its large selection of Japanese and Australian Wagyu, but you’ll have just as fine a time with their far cheaper cuts from Nebraska and California. Dishes like the tobiko-studded fried rice and a Chinese chicken salad-inspired wedge topped with rock shrimp hit the right fusion notes, and the signature hamachi shots never fail to delight. Thoughtful service touches like complimentary cotton candy, plus a delicious cookies-and-cream soufflé, round out an extravagant, beef-centered meal here, though you can also opt for the the “omakase” tasting menu ($185), which includes A5 Wagyu and other seasonal delights.