Council Oak Steaks & Seafood

The story

Council Oak Steaks & Seafood in Cincinnati: Wine Spectator Award-Winning Steakhouse

A Steakhouse Destination in Cincinnati

Located at 1000 Broadway Street within Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood stands as a refined destination for American steakhouse dining. The restaurant has earned a 2025 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, a mark of its carefully curated wine program. In addition, Casino Player Magazine named it Best Seafood and Best Romantic Restaurant in 2025, and OpenTable diners recognized it with a Diners’ Choice Award in 2024.

The Team Behind the Kitchen

The culinary vision is led by Executive Chef Mathew Polanka, a Cincinnati-area native whose passion for cooking began in Oxford, Ohio, where he learned alongside his father. Chef Polanka honed his skills in fine dining kitchens across Cincinnati, including Boca and Sotto, and most recently served as Executive Chef of Domo. His experience brings a steady hand to the steakhouse’s menu, focusing on quality ingredients and precise execution.

What to Expect

The menu centers on prime cuts of beef and fresh seafood, prepared with straightforward technique that lets the ingredients speak. The atmosphere is upscale yet comfortable, designed for both special occasions and relaxed evenings. Before or after dinner, the Council Oak Bar offers a selection of signature cocktails. The Oak, made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon and egg white, and the Fashioned Thyme, featuring an exclusive Hard Rock Cincinnati single barrel bourbon, are among the offerings.

Recognition and Growth

Since opening in 2020, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood has quickly become a fixture in Cincinnati’s dining scene. The Wine Spectator award reflects the restaurant’s commitment to a well-chosen wine list that complements its steakhouse fare. For those seeking a romantic dinner or a celebratory meal, this steakhouse delivers a polished experience that earns its accolades.