Final Cut Steakhouse-Charles Town, WV
There are few better meals than an excellent cut of beef, seared to a juicy and tender perfection. Steakhouses are a huge niche, and people flock to chain restaurants boasting animal horns and Texas branding. Those places are not where you want to eat a steak. Most of the time we are served an overpriced, flavorless, gray colored piece of tough and chewy flesh. If you want to experience what steak is SUPPOSED to taste like, you must enjoy a meal at Final Cut Steakhouse. The location alone can attract an audience in the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. I know what you’re thinking…a casino steakhouse is THAT good? After years of getting to know some of the best butchers and beef cuts the world has to offer, I say Final Cut easily makes our Top 10 for Prime.
In order to get to Final Cut, you must endure a trip through the casino floor. The tri-state area’s finest are at the slot machines in full gear. It’s not the best preface for a meal, but after our bellies are full and the wine is coursing through our veins, we put a $20 in the Wheel of Fortune slot machine and give ourselves one final thrill of the evening.
The restaurant is very well done and sits a few steps higher than the casino floor. You can have the dining experience without being reminded that you were in a casino. Inside, the hostess stand is directly across from the bar room, which has quite an impressive selection of wines and spirits. It is actually a separated room from the dining area, with temperature controlled wine racks kept at 66 degrees for reds and 44 degrees for whites. We’ve stopped in a few times, but are usually anxious to get to the meal. We are always greeted immediately and promptly taken to our table. We have a favorite waiter, Alex, who we request. He is everything you want on your wait staff and more. Prompt, attentive, knowledgeable, honest, polite, and his voice just makes me want more food. He makes the experience that much better. We love him.
Still or sparkling is poured and Alex greets us almost immediately. Final Cut uses a specially designed Apple iPad for their wine list. It also includes, spirits, cigars, and a little trivia about the Hollywood memorabilia around the restaurant. When Mike likes your wine list, you are doing well right off the bat. Table service is quick with a brioche that will knock your socks off and soft butter, not that you need it with the plethora of goods coming your way. Alex always has some specials to tell us about which includes his recommendation for the best steak on the menu that night. There are a few appetizers we order every time, as well as their iceberg salad. It sounds like a waste of stomach space, but we wouldn’t bother with them if they weren’t absolutely worth every bite. They have a porterhouse for two that is just killer. After a few trips trying out all the different cuts, it is now our staple entrée. Sides have varied, but we have tried all of the classic steakhouse sides and have never been disappointed. The desserts are just as delicious as the steaks, so we usually order a few favorites while enjoying a dessert wine or port. Below is a list of some of the items we have enjoyed:
Seared Ahi Tuna- cucumber, avocado, ginger, lemon, soy dressing, and wonton-the tuna color is always wondrous and it will melt in your mouth.
Prime Sliders- aged cheddar, bacon, onions, herb ketchup, seeded brioche-Mike’s favorite! We usually end up trying to split up the final bite between us because neither want to stop eating it.
Seasonal Oysters- Meyer lemon cocktail, mignonette- Alex will tell you where each are from before you order, and then point them out once they get to your table. They are fresh, the taste is pure and true for each type, and the condiments are actually quite good.
Iceberg Salad- garlic dressing, bacon, green apple, red onion, candied nuts, blue cheese-This is the best Iceberg salad you will ever eat. Can a salad be that exciting? This one is…with signature garlic dressing, sweetness of apple, and the candied nuts that throw in the ultimate crunch!
New York Strip Prime- This is real Prime beef. No fakeys. It cuts with a butter knife and melts in your mouth. You barely need to chew beef this good. The flavor just transcends on your tongue. Seasoned perfectly to the let the meat shine through.
Porterhouse Prime for Two- Once again, this what we enjoy nearly every visit. You get the best of both worlds, Filet and Strip, beautifully presented with the bone, but sliced so you only have to sit back and enjoy the show happening in your mouth.
Creamed Spinach- with gruyere to give it that extra special flavor. Impeccably seasoned so that I never know if I want a bite of my steak or my side. It’s a good problem to have.
Sweet Creamed Corn-An elevated version of our Southern favorite. The sweetness is balanced wonderfully so you don’t get tapped out after a few bites.
Truffle Mac & Cheese-We usually aren’t very gracious when it comes to our thoughts on truffle mac. We are not fans of truffle oil because the intensity can easily overpower anything within 5 yards. Final Cut does it right with shaved truffles, ditalini and rich Vermont cheddar and béchamel sauces.
Horseradish Mashed Potatoes-I think these are excellent. Creamy and full of flavor that will pair with anything you order off the menu.
Sea Salt Crusted Baked Potato-Another Mike staple. If you can bake a potato and get a crisp, salted skin, we will be returning.
Apple Doughnuts-Light, fluffy dough filled with awesome apple cinnamon filling, fresh apples, and dusted with sugar. It’s the apple pie of the steakhouse.
Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brulee- We were fortunate enough to get our hands on some authentic Tahitian vanilla beans once. The flavor and aroma are hard to beat, unless of course you add in a perfect cream with a spot on crackable top. It was a very well done brulee, indeed.
Molten Lava Cake- In the fall, you can’t beat this dessert. It’s warm and gooey center makes you feel warm and gooey all over as you enjoy it. The homemade cream on the side is just as delicious!
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