Sam & Harrys

Big yet clubby, Sam & Harry's achieves an intimate feel by cleverly dividing vast space into cozy areas. The furnishings are grand and the settings welcoming. Upscale steakhouses may be cropping up like mushrooms around DC, but Sam & Harry's led the way. Downtown power lunches, romantic twosomes and office parties populate the place. Think special occasion when money is no object. Sam & Harry's claim to fame is their signature prime aged and bone-in strip steak. The rib eye with horseradish cream has more fans, though, and the grilled veal chop with roasted garlic and wild mushrooms has its own following. Lobster lovers go for broke, with the crab and shrimp stuffed specialty. Start with a dozen freshly shucked oysters or maybe wild board sausage. Share some irresistible sides like the silky creamed spinach and russet/sweet potato au gratin. Choose from an impressive wine list, and wrap things up with decadent Turtle Cake. -- Tracey E. Meloni