Winter always feels like the perfect opportunity to get dressed up and cozy inside a local steakhouse for a hearty meal. Luckily, in the south sound there are quite a few steakhouses right at our fingertips. Reservations are always recommended to ensure you have a spot as these places can get crowded, but not required. 

First up on the list is El Gaucho in Tacoma, which epitomizes culinary excellence with a blend of timeless charm and contemporary flair. The ambiance exudes sophistication, and creates an inviting atmosphere. El Gaucho ensures an unforgettable dining experience that won't disappoint your palate either. They proudly serve 28-day dry-aged certified angus beef tenderloin filets, and all their steaks and chops are prepared on their charcoal grill in their open exhibition style kitchen. Their Bone-In Rib Eye is a personal favorite, or their Steak El Gaucho which is an 8 oz. custom-aged filet mignon with Maine lobster medallion, asparagus and bearnaise sauce. If you're looking for something besides steak, they also have a large selection of seafood. 

El Gaucho, open 4 to 9 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, 2119 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.1510.

Sticking to Tacoma, next up on the list is Stanford's Steak. Stanford's commitment to culinary excellence is evident in its menu, proudly serving USDA Certified 1855 Black Angus Beef. Their premium cuts are served a la carte, and diners can get them Oscar style, with Scampi Prawns, or with a 4 oz. Lobster Tail. The extensive menu goes beyond steaks, offering a variety of dishes to cater to every palate, such as their Rack of Lamb, Herb-roasted Chicken, Cajun Prawn Linguine and more! With attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere, Stanford's Steak in Tacoma is not just a restaurant; it's a destination for those seeking a memorable dining experience in the heart of South Sound.

Stanford's Steak, open 3 to 9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 3 to 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday; 1502 Pacific Ave,. Tacoma, 253.352.0030.

Cuerno Bravo Steakhouse, also situated in the heart of Tacoma, emerges as a beacon of culinary delight, captivating steak enthusiasts with its incredible dishes. Cuerno Bravo is renowned for its commitment to quality, featuring a menu that showcases a blending of the old world with new flavors in a wood-fired kitchen, creating a one of a kind steakhouse experience. Their 18 oz. bone in Angus Ribeye will have your taste buds doing a serious dance and you can never go wrong with their 16 oz. Carne Asada Platter. Halibut tacos, King Salmon and Chicken Breast in house made pineapple marinade are among the non-steak offerings.

Cuerno Bravo Steakhouse, open 4 to 10 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday,616 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.328.6688.

Switching gears to the Olympia area, we recommend 1889 Prime Steakhouse. This is a newer steakhouse, opening this past August, but it's well worth it to a newcomer to the Olympia food scene. With the majority of their offerings being sourced from the Pacific Northwest, it's an incredibly fresh and quality tasting menu. Their 24 oz. Prime Porterhouse is the decadent dish you need in your life. Plus the steak add-on options always catch our eye. Sauteed mushrooms, cowboy saffron butter, cognac cream sauce, bone marrow butter, smokey steak butter and more! For those looking beyond steak, we recommend the Pork Chop or the Stuffed Portobello Mushroom.

1889 Prime Steakhouse, open 4 to 10 p.m., 406 5th Ave. SW, Olympia, 360.628.8653.