Hungry for a Steak in Orange County, CA? Grab a Menu at One of These Favorites

While I love and crave salads, my mate of 26 years thinks the best meal is your good old-fashioned steak and potato plate-through the years, we've learned that we can both be happy but seeking out some of Orange County's restaurants that cater to all kinds of tastes.

It has taken some effort (ever see the prices at venues that specialize is beef?), but these places pleased both meat-lovers and those of us who prefer our fare to be non-artery clogging:

Morton's-definitely the highest end of our evenings. The portions are huge. Besides the obvious, I ordered some spectacular fish. A nice touch, here you pick out what piece of beef, fish or chicken you want prepared. Service very old-school. Even though many dressed very casually, the darkened elegant decor makes you feel as if you should dress up. Especially since the wait staff is dressed in what appeared to be tuxedos. Do not miss trying their famous hash browns. Located in Irvine, reservations are recommended. Also, check out the balance on your equity line-you might need it.

Ruth's Chris Steak House-Also located in Irvine. The motto here is "Home of the Serious Steak". Believe me, they are not joking around here. Do not go if you think it's possible to watch your waistline here-everything seems to come out sizzling with a scoop of butter on the top. I know the story behind how Ruth, a single mother, turned the original small restaurant into a spectacular chain and it's quite a fete! Reservations are recommended here as well.

Granville's Steak House-This romantic, serene spot makes it's home in Anaheim. The elegant decor and private area are conducive for special occasions. I know many families make reservations for this spot, but honestly, I'd make this a "date night" destination.

Stubrick's-This Fullerton spot is the only one on our list that didn't take reservations! But it was actually the one that was the most family friendly and affordable. The atmosphere was, for lack of a better description-comforting. Choices were plentiful and accommodating.

Trabuco Oaks-A county favorite that's tucked away in literally the back roads of Trabuco Canyon, they do take and recommend reservations. The plates are huge, baked beans are served family style in a big cast iron crock. Families flock here. Trabuco Oaks has been around for over 30 years and from what I understand, while the menu has grown and the ramshackle housing spreadout a might (much like the patrons who eat there frequently), the family behind it is the same. Word of warning: DO NOT WEAR A TIE!!! Or, if you risk it, be prepared for someone to snip it right off of you and add it to the collection that hangs down from the very low ceilings throughout the restaurant. We went here with a party of 12. Maybe it was because I wasn't really happy with my rather dry chicken or my encringing claustrophobia from the low ceilings and ties, but this really wasn't one of my favorite meals. But again, it was probably just me-could 30 years of loyal followers be entirely wrong?

Next time you visit at dinner time-come hungry and with a big steak knife.