While I love and crave salads, my partner of 26 years believes the best meal is his good old-fashioned steak and potato platter; Through the years, we’ve learned that we can both be happy, but looking for some of the Orange County restaurants that satisfy all kinds of tastes.

It’s taken a bit of effort (ever seen the prices at places that specialize in beef?), but these places pleased both meat lovers and those of us who prefer our food not to clog the arteries:

Morton’s-definitely the high end of our nights. The portions are huge. Besides the obvious, I ordered some spectacular fish. A nice touch, here you choose which piece of beef, fish or chicken you want to be prepared. Very old service. Although many were dressed very casually, the elegant blackout decor makes you feel like you have to dress up. Especially since the waiters are dressed in what appear to be tuxedos. Be sure to try their famous hash browns. Located in Irvine, reservations recommended. Also, check your principal line balance, you may need it.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Also located in Irvine. The motto here is “Home of Serious Steak”. Trust me, they’re not kidding around here. Do not go if you think it is possible to take care of your waist.

here, everything seems to come out sizzling with a dollop of butter on top. I know the story behind how single mom Ruth turned the original small restaurant into a spectacular chain and it’s quite the party! Reservations are recommended here as well.

Granville’s Steak House – This romantic and serene spot is your Anaheim home. The elegant decoration and the private area are conducive to special occasions. I know a lot of families make reservations for this place, but honestly, I’d make this a “date night” destination.

Stubrick’s – This Fullerton spot is the only one on our list that didn’t take reservations! But it was actually the most familiar and affordable. The atmosphere was, for lack of a better description, comforting. The options were plentiful and accommodating.

Trabuco Oaks – A county favorite that is literally tucked away in the back roads of Trabuco Canyon, they accept and recommend reservations. The plates are huge, the baked beans served family style in a large cast iron pot. Families flock here. Trabuco Oaks has been around for over 30 years and from what I understand, while the menu has grown and the shabby housing has become very widespread (as have the bosses who eat there frequently), the family behind it is the same. Word of warning: DO NOT WEAR A TIE! Or, if you take your chances, be prepared for someone to cut it off for you and add it to the collection that hangs from the very low ceilings throughout the restaurant. We went here with a group of 12. Maybe it was because I wasn’t too happy with my rather dry chicken or my unbearable claustrophobia from low ceilings and ties, but this really wasn’t one of my favorite meals. But then again, it was probably just me, could 30 years of loyal fans be dead wrong?

Next time you visit for dinner, come hungry and with a big steak knife.