The story
Okeechobee Steakhouse has been a fixture on Okeechobee Boulevard since 1947, when the Lewis family opened it as a drive-in on what was then a remote, wooded stretch west of downtown West Palm Beach. The original Mr. Lewis bet correctly that the city would eventually grow in that direction — and it did, right around him. In 1974, his son Curtis renamed the establishment Okeechobee Steakhouse to reflect what it had always done best. More than 76 years later, the restaurant still occupies that same original location, now run by the third generation of the Lewis family.
The steakhouse sources exclusively from the top 3% of American beef — USDA Prime — and ages and hand-cuts every steak in-house. The result is the depth of flavor and tenderness that only proper dry aging produces. The menu spans prime cut steaks, seafood, classic salads, shellfish appetizers, and house-made sides, all prepared to order and served with fresh seasonal produce. The Lewis family describes their approach as rooted in old-fashioned flavors and culinary traditions, and that consistency over decades is precisely what has kept Palm Beach County regulars coming back.
Okeechobee Steakhouse holds the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence — a distinction that recognizes restaurants offering extensive selections with significant vintage depth across multiple regions. The restaurant is notably the only establishment in Palm Beach County to have received this award. Wine director Christina Wishart oversees a list of more than 800 labels, weighted toward reds to complement the prime cuts, but with a strong showing of whites that pair well with the shellfish and seafood side of the menu. The by-the-glass selection is generous, making the program accessible whether you're ordering a weekday lunch or a full dinner.
What distinguishes this steakhouse beyond the beef and the bottles is the continuity. The Lewis family trains every staff member from the ground up, and the daily standard — impeccable service, consistent preparation — has held across seven decades. The broader Lewis hospitality group now includes a Prime Meat Market, a Prime Barbecue, and a Prime Seafood operation, but the steakhouse remains the anchor. Private parties, outdoor seating, and valet parking round out an experience that works equally well for a business lunch or a milestone celebration.
Recognition
Ambience
Location