4 Chain Restaurants Still Carving Prime Rib Tableside in 2024

For many, a perfectly prepared prime rib is a dining experience worth seeking out. But finding that consistently excellent cut – tender, flavorful, and expertly carved – can be a challenge. While tableside carving was once a common feature of upscale steakhouses, it’s become something of a rarity. Fortunately, a handful of chain restaurants are keeping the tradition alive, offering a touch of theatrical flair alongside a delicious meal. Here’s where you can still find prime rib carved fresh tableside.

Lawry’s The Prime Rib: The Gold Standard

Lawry’s The Prime Rib isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an institution. Since 1938, this chain has built its reputation around a single, star dish: roasted prime ribs of beef. The experience is distinctive – a gleaming silver cart is rolled to your table, and a skilled carver slices the prime rib right before your eyes. This tableside service transforms dinner into an event. According to recipe developer Bitty Lo of No Dash of Gluten, Lawry’s method of slow-roasting in rock salt ensures “an even cook, formidable tenderness, and a depth of flavor.”

Tam O’Shanter: A Historic Tradition

Part of the Lawry’s Family, Tam O’Shanter in Los Angeles, continues a historic English tradition by carving prime rib tableside. The restaurant offers a variety of cuts, including the popular TAM O’SHANTER CUT ($65) and the PRINCE CHARLIE CUT, an extra-thick, bone-in option for $78. Each meal is accompanied by mashed Idaho potatoes, gravy, Yorkshire pudding, freshly prepared horseradish, and a choice of creamed spinach or creamed corn. You can view their full dinner menu here.

Five Crowns: Charming Tableside Service

Also under the Lawry’s Family umbrella, Five Crowns, located in Corona Del Mar, California, provides a charming tableside roast service. They offer nine different prime rib options, all prepared using a method passed down through four generations. Each cut comes with au jus, Yorkshire pudding, whipped cream horseradish, and your choice of sides. The Crown Cut is a traditional favorite at $65, while the California Cut, designed for lighter appetites, is available for $51.

Gandy Dancer: Weekend Prime Rib Special

Gandy Dancer, an Ann Arbor, Michigan restaurant part of the Landry’s restaurant group, features a Slow Roasted Prime Rib as a weekend special. Available Fridays after 3:30 PM and all day Saturday and Sunday, it’s served with smashed redskins, au jus, and horseradish sour cream. As they shared on Facebook, “The weekends are for sliced to order prime rib! It’s slow roasted, melt in your mouth goodness.”

The resurgence of tableside prime rib carving offers diners a unique and memorable experience. It’s a nod to a bygone era of fine dining, where presentation and personalized service were paramount. If you’re looking to elevate your next prime rib meal, these four chain restaurants provide a welcome return to tradition.