Before we begin, we would like to address what we all can agree was a daunting task....choosing steakhouses in Missouri! We are located in the Midwest and there are so many incredible places to choose from. We tried to find a good spattering of great ones throughout the state, but as usual, many amazing steakhouses were left out. We know. Feel free to share any we left out in this list and you might just see them featured in a part 2! In the meantime, here are a few to get your mouth watering...

1. Plaza III, Kansas City

Opened in 1963 and located in KC’s Country Club Plaza, Plaza III is a perfect place for fine USDA prime steak, award-winning wine options, and amazing service in a traditional and stunning atmosphere in the heart of the plaza. Live entertainment most Saturday evenings, and planning for private parties and banquets is also available. You can make reservations by calling the restaurant or online through open table.

Location: 4749 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City

Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday- 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Website: www.plazaiiikcsteakhouse.com

2. 801 Chophouse, St. Louis

This 1920’s inspired steakhouse in St. Louis’ high end suburb of Clayton is filled with leather booths, cherry wood furnishings, and wooden floors all underneath dramatically-lit architecturally styled ceilings. The restaurant features USDA prime beef, nine different creative potato offerings, dry-aged Iowa Duroc pork chops and genuine Colorado lamb. The large 32-seat oval-shaped bar offers up an extensive selection of classic cocktails, along with an award-winning wine list. The chef offers an ever-changing "fresh sheet" featuring fresh seafood options of the day. Custom private parties for up to 100 people are also available. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant or online through open table.

Location: 137 Carondelet Plz, Clayton

Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Website: www.801restaurantgroup.com/st-louis/

3. Flame Steakhouse, Springfield

Flame Steakhouse is an upscale steakhouse with an award-winning wine bar located in downtown Springfield. In addition to the restaurant, the Red Room Lounge, located directly below Flame, opens nightly at 4:00 p.m. until closing for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. You can make reservations by calling the restaurant or online.

Location: 314 W Walnut St

Hours of Operation: Monday-Tuesday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and closed on Sunday

Website: www.flamesteakhouse.com

4. Level 2 Steakhouse, Branson

Located in the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, they feature Kansas City 28-day aged Certified Hereford Beef, fresh seafood flown in twice weekly, an extensive wine list and signature cocktails. Side dishes could stand alone and include egg noodles and cheese, house cut sweet onion rings, steamed asparagus and creamed spinach. Same some room for the restaurant’s featured dessert, a delicious take on the Midwest favorite, gooey butter cake. The Kut Klub is another unique offering at Level 2. Members are allowed choose a knife to use prior to their meal from L2’s collection. Once you have dined in the restaurant five times, a knife is engraved with your name and available for your own personal use at future visits, in addition to invitations to members-only events. Complimentary valet parking is provided. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant (417-243-3433) or on the website.

Location: 200 E Main St

Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Website: www.level2steakhouse.com

5. Farraddays’s Steakhouse, Cape Girardeau

Farraddays is a classic American steak and seafood restaurant that provides refined food in a relaxed atmosphere. Located in the Isle Casino in Cape Girardeau, they also feature specialty cocktails, a selection of fine wines by the glass, and classic martinis. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant at (573) 730-7777 or online.

Location: 777 Main St, Cape Girardeau

Hours of Operation: Wednesday-Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday

Website: www.cape-girardeau.isleofcapricasinos.com/dining/farraddays.html

6. CC's City Broiler, Columbia

CC’s is well-known in Columbia for being the place to go for wood-fired prime steak and fed-ex fresh seafood for more than 20 years. Its Columbia location culminated and expanded on many years and locations of family-owned steakhouses, and has received many awards including best steak, best seafood, best service and best chef, as well as being named by Trip Advisor in 2014 as the "Best Restaurant in Columbia".

Location: 1401 Forum Blvd

Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Website: www.ccscitybroiler.com

7. Matt's Steakhouse, Rolla

Warm ambience and spacious dining rooms make Matt’s steakhouse a great place to enjoy select steaks, seafood and pasta. They also offer five private banquet rooms that can accommodate up to 350 guests. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant (573-364-1220) or on their website.

Location: 12200 Dillon Outer Drive

Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed Sunday & Monday

Website: www.mattssteakhouse.com

8. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, St. Louis

Although Flemings has several locations throughout the country, the St. Louis location is the only one in Missouri. They feature the very finest aged prime beef and an extensive wine list called "the Fleming’s 100", an award-winning wine program offering premium wine selections by the glass. They also offer special events dining for up to 70 guests in one of three dining rooms. For reservations, call the restaurant at 314-567-7610 or by visiting their website.

Location: 1855 South Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO

Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Website: www.flemingssteakhouse.com

9. Wilder's Steakhouse, Joplin

Wilder’s is housed in a 1908 building with unique architecture and has been in operation as a buffet restaurant, a burger joint, and a breakfast place, but since its 1996 change in ownership has been serving up the finest in hand cut steaks and chicken, as well as fresh fish and seafood. Wilder's has special private dining rooms available for up to 175 guests. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the restaurant (417) 623-7230.

Location: 1216 S Main St, Joplin

Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., closed on Sunday

Website: www.wildersteakhouse.com

10. Houston’s Restaurant, Kansas City

Part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group chain of 19 restaurants based in Los Angeles, Houston’s in Kansas City is the only one of its kind in Missouri. It offers upscale American casual dining with a well-stocked bar, dimly lit dining area and well portioned, delicious food. Visit their website for more information. Be prepared for up to an hour wait, or make reservations by calling (816) 561-8542 or by visiting the website.

Location: 4640 Wornall Road

Hours of Operation: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Website: www.hillstone.com

11. Tucker’s Place, Soulard, St. Louis

For over 30 years, Tucker's has been bringing top quality American cuisine and fresh-cut steaks to St. Louis. At Tucker’s, you will find quality food and service in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere along with reasonable prices. They are also known for their famous Lemon Pepper Salad Dressing, not only served and sold in all of their restaurants but also available in grocery stores and specialty shops. Tucker's Place Soulard is the original location that opened in 1982 and at that time they only served pizza. The historic building, originally a 4 family residence, has also housed a grocery store and a balloon factory and features original brickwork, rustic woodwork, and gas fireplaces

Location: 2117 S 12th Street, Soulard (Also locations at 3939 Union Road and 14282 Manchester Road)

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Sunday 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Website: www.tuckersplacestl.com

12. Jess & Jim’s Steakhouse, Kansas City

Founded in 1938, Jess and Jim's is a family owned and operated restaurant serving huge portions and a variety of choices besides just steaks. Fried chicken, barbecue, chicken fried steak, and more are available, as well as generous sides and lunch specials. They also offer carry-out via online ordering.

Location: 517 E 135th St

Hours of Operation: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Website: www.jessandjims.com

13. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, St. Louis

Ruth’s Chris is the official steakhouse of the St. Louis Rams. They feature USDA Prime steaks and fresh seafood as well as New Orleans inspired side dishes and desserts. A full bar is available offering hand crafted cocktails, local drafts and an award-winning wine list. Make a reservation by calling the restaurant at (314) 259-3200 or online.

Location: 315 Chestnut Street (another location in Clayton at 1 North Brentwood Blvd, Ste 150)

Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 4 pm. To 9 p.m.

Website: www.ruthschrisstlouis.com

14. Alexandro’s, Jefferson City

Alexandro's has been family owned and operated since 1991. Serving some of the best Greek dishes, steak, seafood, chicken and pasta in the area, they also have an extensive wine selection. Also on-site and open a little later is T.G.'s Lounge; located at the rear of the facility, it provides a place for drinks, dancing, a DJ, and karaoke. A complete menu is available on their website.

Location: 2125 Missouri Blvd

Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Website: www.alexandrosandtgs.com

15. Bourbon Street, St. Joseph

Although officially a Cajun and Creole restaurant, Bourbon Street also has great steaks. It started when Bourbon Street's owner, Suman, visited Bourbon Street in New Orleans, and decided to bring the delicious Cajun and Creole delicacies, authentic drinks, and Cajun culture and history to his home town. He is still very much involved, most nights greeting guests and supervising the kitchen. Online ordering is available.

Location: 620 Edmond Street, St. Joseph (also a location in Zona Rosa, Kansas)

Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., closed Sundays

Website: www.hellobourbonstreet.com

So, did we include your favorite?  What other places are absolute must-visits?  What about lesser known but wonderful restaurants in some of Missouri's small towns?  Share in the comments below.