Holly,

We have the usual Morton's, Ruth's Chris .... which I think are great but you have those in Vegas as well.  I think you have a Maestro's there as well but City Hall in old town Scottsdale (Maestro's owned as well) is a great place.  

Cowboy Ciao is a great place that isn't a chain and not just a steakhouse.  They have really great food.

Good luck

J

In my experience, Mastros City Hall is the best combination of great food and lively atmosphere. Mastros Ocean Club is great as well; may also consider J&G Steakhouse (Phoenician Resort) [a bit more serene than Mastros], Elements (The Sanctuary), and Steak 44.      

Hi Holly:

My favorite is a chain called the Capital Grille. I know you have one in Vegas but the atmosphere is different in each. The one in Scottsdale off of Scottsdale rd is my favorite.

J&G is very nice with a great view and is in Phoenix.  

White Chocolate Grill in Scottsdale is my third favorite

Let me know what you try and what you think

Curious Mike

In midtown Phoenix.  It's an institution. Uou walk in through the kitchen to be greeted by the host/ess, enveloped in a darkness that conjures up images of the Rat Pack, and is perfect for a discrete conversation.  The steaks are solid and the martinis and old-fashioneds are stiff.  The crowd varies, but I have never seen anyone in shorts there.

If you want a great steak and don't mind a bit of rowdy atmosphere try the Tex-Az Grill on 16th St at Bethany Home. It is a real Texas restaurant with fabulous steaks. Enjoy your time in the valley!

Have to agree with Durant's. Its a Phoenix institution and the old school set-up is awesome. I also recommend:

Michael Dominick's (from the original owner of Mastros)
Don and Charlie's
BLT
Mastro

Central Phoenix:  Durants.  Without a doubt
N. Central Phoenix: TexAz.  Greatest Chicken Fried Steak this side of the Mountain Time Zone line
Far North Phoenix: The Keg.  (OK it's a chain, but good)
Central Scottsdale:  J&G at The Phoenician resort
North Scottsdale: Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse.  Don't wear a tie !!!  

I flew in a friend this summer, and we shared a most fantastic dinner (among many) at J&G.  Some of the most romantic/fantastic views at sunset

On Washington and to boot, it's down the block from LeGirls Cabaret

Rustlers Rooste = South Phoenix, surprising great views, slide, fun.

Are old favorites of mine.  Gotta love the huge seafood tower appetizer platters that City Hall has. I think Mastros and Ocean Club have seafood appetizer towers, too. I also like Durant's and Kincaids, just not as much. I love a decadent, juicy, rare steak. If you find a real gem, let me know. I've been craving a really good steak, too.  I try to stay away from the national chains.
 

When Jack Durant passed away he left the restaurant to his loyal employee's and  the  
atmosphere or menu hasn't changed much. Great steaks and if your a rib eye guy they're
better than any steak you'll find at any of the national chains. I've eaten at Morton's and Ruth Chris
but Durant's is still my favorite.  

 
Not far from Scottsdale and just North of down town Phoenix.
Easy cab ride after you have several of their Martini's.  
Oh and bring a date nice cozy booths for privacy

my place?

Your all awesome!

Thanks everyone for all your recommedations! I have lots of research to do before I leave Vegas and head your way!