While plenty of quality steakhouses grace the Phoenix area, we can’t stop thinking about Prime Steak House, located about 30 minutes south of the city. The stately restaurant resides on the 11th floor of Gila River Resorts & Casinos at Wild Horse Pass, offering diners a rooftop experience with sweeping views, made even more magical at sunset.
So, why is this restaurant still under the radar?
Why We Need to Talk About Prime Steak House
The prestigious steakhouse first opened in January 2022 and has evolved over the years from a casino restaurant into a destination for elevated dining, craft cocktails, and standout service. Executive chef Robert Moses has led the kitchen team since early 2024, coming from Parisian steakhouse Le Âme at The Global Ambassador, and Maple & Ash.
For wine lovers, Prime has a partnership with Napa’s Seven Apart winery, and together are currently on the third Cabernet vintage. This summer, the team will introduce the first Sauvignon Blanc collection. With 10 sommeliers on hand, the restaurant’s wine program has been recognized by the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Prime also offers off-the-wall additions, such as the “Take a Chance on Me.” At first, guests believe they are ordering a Smoked Old Fashioned, but when the cocktail arrives, they are invited to roll a pair of real dice from the casino floor. They choose any number between 2 to 12, and if they roll correctly the cocktail is 100% free. It’s a fun way to blend the energy of the casino with the Prime dining experience, and whether you pay or not, you still get the tasty drink.
This, and so many more reasons make for an excuse to drive the 30 minutes outside of town for one of the best dining experiences.
Eat the Menu at Prime Steak House
Let’s start with the obvious—the steaks absolutely hold their own.
If your server wants to talk you into the 32-ounce dry-aged tomahawk ($215), you should listen. The superb piece of meat comes out deeply seasoned and perfectly cooked to the preferred temperature, be that medium-rare with extra char or a perfect medium. It’s exactly what you want from a high-end steakhouse experience: rich, flavorful, and worth the splurge.
Beyond steak, start with the Lump Crab Cake ($25), a lightly-bound blue crab patty paired with preserved lemon to cut through the richness and add that citrus tang. Also order the Prime Bread Service featuring focaccia from local bakery Noble Bread and an addictive cultured butter.
Side dishes also impress and lean away from the traditional steakhouse line up. One shouldn’t pass up the Wagyu Fried Rice ($32), it’s indulgent, savory, and unforgettable. The Honey Roasted Carrots ($15) and Whipped Potatoes ($16) also add another level to the meal.
Prime isn’t just for carnivores, non-meat eaters can indulge with the Roasted Cauliflower ($28), a hearty dish laced with sumac-spiced onions, tahini, coriander, and mint. Don’t miss the Burrata ($24) either, it was one of the biggest surprises. After all, on paper, it sounds like it shouldn’t work: pickled raisins, Calabrian chili, truffle vinaigrette. In reality? It’s wildly good with a balance of sweet, tangy, and rich nuances.
The Best Dirty Martini
When your go-to cocktail is a Dirty Martini, one is bound to be picky. But in this case, Prime has the best dirty martini I’ve found in the Valley.
Made with blue cheese and olive-infused Belvedere 10, vermouth, and olive bitters, it’s ice cold, briny, and perfectly balanced. It comes with blue cheese olives and a small, unexpected piece of pork on the skewer (it’s not listed on the menu so if you don’t want it, make sure to speak up).
A Rooftop Vibe Perfect For All
You’ll want to go through the hotel lobby before you get into the elevator so you don’t miss the entrance, which adds another layer to the dining experience. First, you’re greeted with a glass of champagne when you arrive. Once inside, the vibe is a mix of polished and relaxed, and you’ll see people dressed up for a show alongside others coming straight from the casino floor. No matter the dress, everyone is invited to get down to the live DJ.
Turn Prime Steak House Into a Staycation
Not every restaurant has the advantage of being attached to a casino and hotel, and if you want to go beyond dinner you can. The resort has leaned into a Vegas-style experience with its Vegas Residency concert series, bringing in acts like The Beach Boys and Diana Ross. Between the steakhouse, live music, and casino, it feels like a mini Vegas getaway, without the bleary-eyed flight home. Plus, when you’re tired it’s easy to head “home” in the guise of Wild Horse Pass.
Visit Prime Steak House Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, playatgila.com
