Dierdorf & Hart's Steakhouse, St. Louis

After turning in their helmets and shoulder pads, former NFL Cardinal players Dan Dierdorf and Jim Hart opened Dierdorf & Hart's Steakhouse together. Established in 1983, the restaurant pays homage to the football stars' fondness for high-quality steaks with an enduring menu of premium cuts. Executive chef Ryan Boulware ages beef for more than 21 days before directing a kitchen crew to broil the meats under intense heat for optimal flavor and tenderness. The chefs supplement their time-honored menu of tenderloins, filets, and rib eyes with hearty burgers, stacked sandwiches, and fine seafood dishes.

Diners linger over bites within the spacious leather booths of the upscale dining room, where sunlight pours onto soft-green walls and handsome wood trim. From behind an elegant center bar, bartenders dole out draft beer, fine wine, and specialty cocktails. Outside, umbrellas and tables cover an outdoor patio, where a stone fountain flows with crystal-blue water on summer days and green beer on bank holidays.