Special Report: Top 100 Independents
The 100 highest-grossing independent (non-chain) restaurants in the United States had combined 2007 food-and-beverage sales of $1.53 billion, a solid if not spectacular 4.8% increase from the $1.46 billion total for last year’s Top 100 Independents.
By Staff -- Restaurants & Institutions, 4/15/2008
![]() MORE: Top 100-The Long View |
The 100 highest-grossing independent (non-chain) restaurants in the United States had combined 2007 food-and-beverage sales of $1.53 billion, a solid if not spectacular 4.8% increase from the $1.46 billion total for last year’s Top 100 Independents. This year’s total is nearly 31% greater than the Top 100’s $1.17 billion sales in 2000.
What was spectacular was the record $66.6 million in sales for top-ranked Tao Las Vegas Restaurant & Nightclub (above) in Las Vegas. Helped by the addition of its top-floor Tao Beach venue, Tao Las Vegas boosted its sales by $11.3 million (20.5%) from 2006 to 2007.
Coincidentally, $11.3 million was the minimum for inclusion in this year’s ranking. Five years ago, the restaurant that was ranked as No. 100 had sales of $8.3 million.
More than half of this year’s Top 100 restaurants are located in one of two markets: New York City is home to 32 members of this year’s list; Las Vegas is second—but continuing to close the gap—with 24 of the 100 largest. Chicago claims seven of the top restaurants; San Francisco has four.
The average dinner check for this year’s Top 100 was $64.73, a 10% increase from the $58.82 average for last year’s list.
|
|
|
| 1 | Tao Las Vegas Restaurant & Nightclub, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $66,636,546 Avg. dinner check: $70.00 Meals served: 750,000 Seats: 400 dining; 100 bar Square footage: 62,000 The buzz: Last year’s addition of the Tao Beach Club lounge atop the nightclub helped boost sales even higher. Web: taolasvegas.com |
| 2 | Tavern on the Green, New York City’07 sales: $37,636,999 Avg. dinner check: $63.36 Meals served: 531,792 Seats: 1,500 dining Square footage: 27,000 The buzz: Owner LeRoy Adventures Inc. plans to extend the Tavern brand to other cities. Web: tavernonthegreen.com |
| 3 | Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach’07 sales: $29,680,810 Avg. dinner check: $65.00 Meals served: 347,423 Seats: 450 dining; 30 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: The lunch counter Joe Weiss opened in 1913 developed into an American icon. Web: joesstonecrab.com |
| 4 | Smith & Wollensky, New York City (Third Avenue) ’07 sales: $28,702,000 Avg. dinner check: $86.00 Meals served: 394,000 Seats: 390 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: The original Smith & Wollensky restaurant wasn’t included in the sale of the chain. Web: fourthwallrestaurants.com |
| 5 | TAO Asian Bistro, New York City ’07 sales: $26,842,734 Avg. dinner check: $74.00 Meals served: 427,000 Seats: 300 dining; 35 bar Square footage: 10,500 The buzz: Since it opened in 2000, Tao has been among New York City’s hottest hot spots. Web: taorestaurant.com |
| 6 | Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington, D.C.’07 sales: $22,851,237 Avg. dinner check: $24.00 Meals served: 800,000 Seats: 430 dining; 75 bar Square footage: 18,000 The buzz: Washington, D.C.’s top- grossing restaurant celebrates its 152nd year of operation. Web: clydes.com |
| 7 | Gibsons Bar Steakhouse, Chicago ’07 sales: $20,846,253 Avg. dinner check: $35.95 Meals served: 344,404 Seats: 170 dining; 60 bar Square footage: 8,725 The buzz: An additional 60 private-dining seats generate 10% of total food-and-beverage sales. Web: gibsonssteakhouse.com |
| 8 | Fulton’s Crab House, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.’07 sales: $20,673,932 Avg. dinner check: $44.05 Meals served: 469,329 Seats: 500 dining; 40 bar Square footage: 40,064 The buzz: Watch Executive Chef Ron Cope bring in fresh stone crab at fultonsflightofthecrab.com. Web: fultonscrabhouse.com |
| 9 | SW Steakhouse, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $20,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $100.00** Meals served: 190,000** Seats: 284 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Chef David Walzog’s steakhouse lures guests with prime beef and a view of the “Lake of Dreams.” Web: wynnlasvegas.com |
| 10 | Bob Chinn’s Crab House, Wheeling, Ill.’07 sales: $20,449,151 Avg. dinner check: $35.77 Meals served: 724,678 Seats: 650 dining; 100 bar Square footage: 19,960 The buzz: Customers line up early for a table at this celebration of seafood, just as they have since 1982. Web: bobchinns.com |
| 11 | Mix, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $20,300,000** Avg. dinner check: $100.00 Meals served: 200,000** Seats: 250 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Alain Ducasse’s stylish restaurant/nightclub is in THEhotel at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Web: mandalaybay.com |
| 12 | Buddakan, New York City’07 sales: $20,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $86.00** Meals served: 235,000** Seats: 260 dining; 34 bar Square footage: 16,000 The buzz: Stephen Starr reportedly invested $10 million in this Big Apple version of his Philadelphia restaurant. Web: starr-restaurant.com |
| 13 | Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Chicago ’07 sales: $20,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $68.00** Meals served: 400,000** Seats: 293 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Stone crabs, the 22-oz. porterhouse and other menu items are available to go. Web: icon.com/joes/ |
| 14 | ‘21’ Club, New York City’07 sales: $19,877,247 Avg. dinner check: $153.60 Meals served: 156,728 Seats: 150 dining; 36 bar Square footage: 21,600 The buzz: The 86-year-old former speakeasy occupies a four-story townhouse in Manhattan. Web: 21club.com |
| 15 | Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $19,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $68.00** Meals served: 390,000** Seats: 335 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: The concept’s second location, which opened in 2004 in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Web: icon.com/joes/ |
| 16 | Sparks Steak House, New York City ’07 sales: $19,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $80.00** Meals served: 270,000** Seats: 700 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: The one-page menu isn’t fancy, but Sparks has been a top steakhouse for more than 40 years. Web: sparkssteakhouse.com |
| 17 | rumjungle, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $18,600,000** Avg. dinner check: $68.00** Meals served: 310,000** Seats: 433 total Square footage: 20,000 The buzz: Jeffrey Beers’ stunning design begins with a wall of fire and a waterfall that greet guests. Web: chinagrillmgt.com |
| 18 | Mon Ami Gabi, Las Vegas’07 sales: $18,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $64.00** Meals served: 385,000** Seats: 450 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: Chic bistro fare from Chef-partner Gabino Sotelino and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. Web: monamigabi.com |
| 19 | Blue Fin, New York City ’07 sales: $18,200,000** Avg. dinner check: $60.00** Meals served: 350,000** Seats: 400 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: The restaurant in the W Hotel Times Square serves breakfast, lunch and seafood dinners. Web: brguestrestaurants.com |
| 20 | Blue Water Grill, New York City ’07 sales: $18,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $61.00** Meals served: 310,000** Seats: 400 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Live jazz plays downstairs in the lounge; an outdoor patio is popular when the weather allows. Web: brguestrestaurants.com |
| 21 | Prime One Twelve, Miami Beach ’07 sales: $18,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $110.00** Meals served: 150,000** Seats: 138 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: Myles Chefetz’s ultra-cool steakhouse; his other venues include Nemo, Shoji Sushi and Big Pink. Web: prime112.com |
| 22 | Gibsons Bar Steakhouse, Rosemont, Ill.’07 sales: $16,289,093 Avg. dinner check: $57.15 Meals served: 269,642 Seats: 200 dining; 60 bar Square footage: 10,500 The buzz: A little larger than the original, with more (150 seats) private-dining space. Web: gibsonssteakhouse.com |
| 23 | Scoma’s Restaurant, San Francisco ’07 sales: $16,288,000 Avg. dinner check: $40.00 Meals served: 409,795 Seats: 335 dining; 40 bar Square footage: 15,354 The buzz: Scoma’s takes no reservations, so diners arrive early on Fisherman’s Wharf. Web: scomas.com |
| 24 | Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. ’07 sales: $16,273,922 Avg. dinner check: $45.30 Meals served: 624,000 Seats: 500 dining; 75 bar Square footage: 13,509 The buzz: Levy Restaurants runs this restaurant in Downtown Disney across from the Cirque du Soleil theater. Web: wolfgangpuckorlando.com |
| 25 | Prime Steakhouse, Las Vegas’07 sales: $16,200,000** Avg. dinner check: $135.00** Meals served: 138,000** Seats: 180 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Executive Chef Robert Moore runs the kitchen at Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s steakhouse. Web: jean-georges.com |
| 26 | Delmonico Steakhouse, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $15,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $80.00** Meals served: 200,000** Seats: 380 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Emeril Lagasse brings Cajun cuisine to The Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino. Web: emerils.com |
| 27 | Abe & Louie’s, Boston ’07 sales: $15,682,174 Avg. dinner check: $75.05 Meals served: 217,155 Seats: 160 dining; 22 bar Square footage: 10,300 The buzz: Back Bay Restaurant Group opened a second Abe & Louie’s steakhouse in Boca Raton, Fla. Web: abeandlouies.com |
| 28 | Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare, Las Vegas’07 sales: $15,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $90.00** Meals served: 233,000** Seats: 226 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: A 2008 Ivy Award winner created by Paul Bartolotta and Wynn Las Vegas. Web: wynnlasvegas.com |
| 29 | Junior’s, New York City (Brooklyn) ’07 sales: $15,205,588 Avg. dinner check: $22.00 Meals served: 800,000 Seats: 400 dining; 20 bar Square footage: 16,000 The buzz: Sell enough sandwiches and cheesecake and even a deli can make it into the Top 100. Web: juniorscheesecake.com |
| 30 | Rock Center Cafe, New York City ’07 sales: $15,111,578 Avg. dinner check: $39.75 Meals served: 313,025 Seats: 198 dining; 30 bar Square footage: 7,294 The buzz: Patina Restaurant Group’s stylish spot adjacent to the Rockefeller Center skating rink. Web: rockcentercafeny.com |
| 31 | Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House, Chicago’07 sales: $15,090,226 Avg. dinner check: $55.20 Meals served: 249,983 Seats: 205 dining; 65 bar Square footage: 14,050 The buzz: Initially designed to take the overflow from Gibsons, Hugo’s has developed a loyal clientele of its own. Web: hugosfrogbar.com |
| 32 | Spice Market, New York City ’07 sales: $15,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $65.00** Meals served: 230,000** Seats: 280 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Look for Jean-Georges Vongerichten to open Spice Markets in selected W hotels around the world. Web: jean-georges.com |
| 33 | China Grill, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $14,900,000** Avg. dinner check: $68.00** Meals served: 255,000** Seats: 303 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: A sixth location has opened in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., making China Grill a chain in 2008. Web: chinagrillmgt.com |
| 34 | The Four Seasons, New York City’07 sales: $14,900,000** Avg. dinner check: $120.00** Meals served: 150,000** Seats: 220 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: One of New York City’s dress-code holdouts. Jackets are required for men; ties are optional. Web: fourseasonsrestaurant.com |
| 35 | Balthazar New York City ’07 sales: $14,600,000** Avg. dinner check: $58.00** Meals served: 250,000** Seats: 180 dining; 25 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: Keith McNally’s chic flagship concept, housed in what once was a leather wholesaler’s warehouse. Web: balthazarny.com |
| 36 | Craftsteak, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $14,600,000** Avg. dinner check: $85.00** Meals served: 130,000** Seats: 320 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: the third Craftsteak opens soon in the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, Conn. Web: craftrestaurant.com |
| 37 | Gladstone’s Malibu, Los Angeles’07 sales: $14,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $25.50** Meals served: 590,000** Seats: 720 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Watch the sun set in the Pacific during Friday night “Sunset Live” festivities. Web: gladstones.com |
| 38 | Venus de Milo Restaurant, Swansea, Mass. ’07 sales: $14,485,823 Avg. dinner check: $30.00 Meals served: 500,000 Seats: 300 dining; 50 bar Square footage: 71,000 The buzz: Additional 2,150 seats for weddings and banquet account for 65% of revenues. Web: venusdemilo.com |
| 39 | RM Seafood, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $14,300,000** SEE NOTE BELOW Avg. dinner check: $105.00 Meals served: 250,000** Seats: 335 dining Square footage: 16,000 NOTE: RM Seafood has advised R&I that the sales estimate is incorrect and too high. Web: rmseafood.com |
| 40 | The Manor, West Orange, N.J. ’07 sales: $14,200,000** Avg. dinner check: $70.00** Meals served: 215,000** Seats: 1,200 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: The Knowles family’s restaurant has played host to presidents and countless weddings. Web: themanorrestaurant.com |
| 41 | Top of the World, Las Vegas’07 sales: $14,200,000** Avg. dinner check: $68.00** Meals served: 345,000** Seats: 580 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: The restaurant at the top of the Stratosphere Tower rotates for a 360-degree view of Vegas. Web: topoftheworldlv.com |
| 42 | The Milleridge Inn, Jericho, N.Y. ’07 sales: $14,135,279 Avg. dinner check: $42.00 Meals served: 334,750 Seats: 1,080 dining; 40 bar Square footage: 42,600 The buzz: Weddings, banquets and other private events account for 49% of food-and-beverage sales. Web: milleridge.com |
| 43 | Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, Frankenmuth, Mich.’07 sales: $13,532,607 Avg. dinner check: $13.75 Meals served: 984,190 Seats: 1,025 dining; 75 bar Square footage: 100,000 The buzz: The sprawling, family-run restaurant shows that a huge check average isn’t required for the Top 100. Web: zehnders.com |
| 44 | St. Elmo Steak House, Indianapolis ’07 sales: $13,449,305 Avg. dinner check: $74.08 Meals served: 181,550 Seats: 320 dining; 40 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: A more-casual sibling, Harry & Izzy’s, opened last year to accommodate the customer overflow. Web: stelmos.com |
| 45 | Grand Central Oyster, Bar & Restaurant, New York City ’07 sales: $13,300,000** Avg. dinner check: $47.00** Meals served: 385,000** Seats: 269 dining; 65 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: The raw bar offers more than two-dozen oyster varieties from around the world. Web: oysterbarny.com |
| 46 | Chops/Lobster Bar, Atlanta’07 sales: $13,200,000** Avg. dinner check: $77.00** Meals served: 174,000** Seats: 300 dining; 41 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: Buckhead Life Restaurant Group opened a second unit in Florida and is looking to expand further. Web: buckheadrestaurants.com |
| 47 | Junior’s, New York City (Manhattan) ’07 sales: $13,186,839 Avg. dinner check: $15.00 Meals served: 800,000 Seats: 200 dining; 18 bar Square footage: 7,000 The buzz: Second location for the popular deli is catching up to sales of the original in Brooklyn. Web: juniorscheesecake.com |
| 48 | Phillips Harborplace, Baltimore ’07 sales: $13,116,769 Avg. dinner check: $28.30 Meals served: 463,509 Seats: 920 dining Square footage: 18,000 The buzz: Visitors to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor find their way to Phillips; locals found it long ago. Web: phillipsseafood.com |
| 49 | Carmine’s, Atlantic City, N.J.’07 sales: $13,100,000** Avg. dinner check: $38.00** Meals served: 300,000** Seats: 480 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Sprawling, bi-level restaurant in The Quarter at The Tropicana brings iconic brand to Atlantic City. Web: carminesnyc.com |
| 50 | AquaKnox, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $13,059,158 Avg. dinner check: $94.39 Meals served: 123,000 Seats: 225 dining; 35 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: The success of E-Brands’ AquaKnox in The Venetian has spawned a second location in Atlanta. Web: e-brands.net |
| 51 | Trattoria Dell’Arte, New York City '07 sales: $12,915,795 Avg. dinner check: $54.25 Meals served: 256,520 Seats: 180 dining; 12 bar Square footage: 7,000 The buzz: Fireman Hospitality Group’s ode to the cuisine and artwork of Tuscany. Web: trattoriadellarte.com |
| 52 | Cafe Fiorello, New York City ’07 sales: $12,801,608 Avg. dinner check: $41.88 Meals served: 332,512 Seats: 210 dining; 18 bar Square footage: 5,800 The buzz: Fireman Hospitality Group’s restaurant proudly bills itself as “The longest running show on Broadway.” Web: cafefiorello.com |
| 53 | Michael Jordan’s SteakHouse, Uncasville, Conn.’07 sales: $12,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $74.00** Meals served: 210,000** Seats: 240 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Housed in the Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort; the casual 23.Sportcafe is next door. Web: michaeljordanssteakhouse.com |
| 54 | Fix Restaurant & Bar, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $12,733,323 Avg. dinner check: $83.76 Meals served: 218,647 Seats: 155 dining; 16 bar Square footage: 4,200 The buzz: The flagship concept for Las Vegas-based restaurant/lounge operator The Light Group. Web: lightgroup.com |
| 55 | Carmine’s, New York City (44th Street) ’07 sales: $12,700,000** Avg. dinner check: $36.00** Meals served: 525,000** Seats: 340 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: The larger of Alicart Restaurant Group’s two Carmine’s locations in Manhattan. Web: carminesnyc.com |
| 56 | Coffee Shop, New York City ’07 sales: $12,655,486 Avg. dinner check: $24.00 Meals served: 380,000** Seats: 225 dining; 47 bar Square footage: 6,500 The buzz: Despite the name, coffee isn’t the only drink: alcoholic beverages account for 65% of sales. Web: N/A |
| 57 | The Angus Barn, Raleigh, N.C. ’07 sales: $12,652,604 Avg. dinner check: $54.33 Meals served: 232,887 Seats: 518 dining; 149 bar Square footage: 36,000 The buzz: The family-run, family-friendly restaurant has been going strong since 1960. Web: angusbarn.com |
| 58 | Stripsteak, Las Vegas’07 sales: $12,600,000** Avg. dinner check: $110.00 Meals served: 155,000** Seats: 160 dining; 70 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: Chef-owner Michael Mina’s steakhouse has made a splash in the country’s most-competitive market. Web: michaelmina.net |
| 59 | Boulevard, San Francisco ’07 sales: $12,590,716 Avg. dinner check: $86.00 Meals served: 137,100 Seats: 120 dining; 14 bar Square footage: 5,900 The buzz: The partnership between designer Pat Kuleto and Chef Nancy Oakes hasn’t lost its appeal. Web: boulevardrestaurant.com |
| 60 | Mesa Grill, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $12,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $65.00** Meals served: 220,000** Seats: 228 dining Square footage: 8,800 The buzz: Chef Bobby Flay’s Las Vegas outpost of his New York City restaurant is a hot destination. Web: mesagrill.com |
| 61 | Ruby Foo’s, New York City (Times Square) ’07 sales: $12,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $50.00** Meals served: 200,000** Seats: 320 dining Square footage: 7,000 The buzz: The location may lure tourists but the food brings locals to this B.R. Guest concept. Web: brguestrestaurants.com |
| 62 | Shaw’s Crab House, Chicago’07 sales: $12,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $46.00** Meals served: 370,000** Seats: 380 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: Seafood is delivered fresh daily at this Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises restaurant. Web: shawscrabhouse.com |
| 63 | The Lobster House, Cape May, N.J. ’07 sales: $12,484,079 Avg. dinner check: $28.00 Meals served: 333,547 Seats: 500 dining; 24 bar Square footage: 49,445 The buzz: The place for lobster since 1936; its average check has risen only $3 in a decade. Web: thelobsterhouse.com |
| 64 | Redeye Grill, New York City ’07 sales: $12,427,404 Avg. dinner check: $61.54 Meals served: 212,802 Seats: 240 dining; 22 bar Square footage: 8,300 The buzz: Fireman Hospitality Group’s seafood-and-sushi concept adjacent to Carnegie Hall. Web: redeyegrill.com |
| 65 | Daniel Boulud Brasserie, Las Vegas’07 sales: $12,400,000** Avg. dinner check: $80.00** Meals served: 200,000** Seats: 304 Square footage: N/A The buzz: Daniel Boulud’s ultra-chic French bistro concept in the Wynn Las Vegas. Web: wynnlasvegas.com |
| 66 | Daniel, New York City ’07 sales: $12,300,000** Avg. dinner check: $115.00** Meals served: 105,000** Seats: 260 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Daniel Boulud’s latest is Bar Boulud, a wine bar that opened in New York City this year. Web: danielnyc.com |
| 67 | Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Beverly Hills, Calif. ’07 sales: $12,295,839 Avg. dinner check: $49.77 Meals served: 257,956 Seats: 450 dining; 50 bar Square footage: 20,000 The buzz: The original, opened in 1938 by Lawrence Frank and Walter Van de Kamp. Web: lawrysonline.com |
| 68 | Portland City Grill, Portland, Ore. ’07 sales: $12,220,929 Avg. dinner check: $38.39 Meals served: 345,573 Seats: 212 dining; 165 bar Square footage: 18,000 The buzz: Consistently rated as one of Portland’s best restaurants; it certainly boasts the best view. Web: portlandcitygrill.com |
| 69 | Harry Caray’s Restaurant, Chicago’07 sales: $12,210,000 Avg. dinner check: $40.00 Meals served: 485,000 Seats: 200 dining; 133 bar Square footage: 20,000 The buzz: Owner Grant DePorter has opened a third Harry Caray’s location in Lombard, Ill. Web: harrycarays.com |
| 70 | The Slanted Door, San Francisco ’07 sales: $12,200,000** Avg. dinner check: $47.00** Meals served: 275,000** Seats: 150 dining; 54 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: The Phan family’s Vietnamese restaurant relocated to the fashionable Ferry Building. Web: slanteddoor.com |
| 71 | Mike Ditka’s Restaurant, Chicago ’07 sales: $12,144,901 Avg. dinner check: $82.72 Meals served: 189,805 Seats: 80 dining; 117 bar Square footage: 13,000 The buzz: The former Bears coach has become a brand with two restaurants, wines, cigars and more. Web: mikeditkaschicago.com |
| 72 | Harris Ranch Restaurant, Coalinga, Calif.’07 sales: $12,118,795 Avg. dinner check: $20.13 Meals served: 602,049 Seats: 350 dining; 130 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: Dine in The Steakhouse, The Ranch Kitchen or the Horseshoe Bar; enjoy beef from the ranch. Web: harrisranch.com |
| 73 | Mike’s American, Springfield, Va. ’07 sales: $12,006,300 Avg. dinner check: $26.85 Meals served: 464,000 Seats: 330 dining; 30 bar Square footage: 14,000 The buzz: Great American Restaurant Group’s celebration of American cuisine. Web: greatamericanrestaurants.com |
| 74 | Asia De Cuba, New York City ’07 sales: $12,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $64.00** Meals served: 200,000** Seats: 170 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: Asian-Latin fusion food and Philippe Starck’s stunning design make for memorable dining. Web: chinagrillmgt.com |
| 75 | Park Grill, Chicago’07 sales: $12,000,000** Avg. dinner check: $40.00** Meals served: 300,000** Seats: 375 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Facing Michigan Avenue and adjacent to Millennium Park, Park Grill has an enviable location. Web: parkgrillchicago.com |
| 76 | N9NE Steakhouse, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $11,900,000** Avg. dinner check: $95.00** Meals served: 175,000** Seats: 200 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: N9NE Group has opened a third location of its steakhouse concept in Dallas. Web: n9negroup.com |
| 77 | Maloney & Porcelli, New York City’07 sales: $11,880,000 Avg. dinner check: $86.00 Meals served: 144,000 Seats: 410 total Square footage: 14,000 The buzz: One of three Top 100 operations owned by Alan Stillman’s Fourth Wall Restaurants. Web: maloneyandporcelli.com |
| 78 | China Grill, New York City ’07 sales: $11,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $65.00** Meals served: 220,000** Seats: 185 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: The flagship of Jeffrey Chodorow’s China Grill Management empire. Web: chinagrillmgt.com |
| 79 | Cliff House, San Francisco ’07 sales: $11,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $50.00** Meals served: 334,000** Seats: 186 dining; 58 bar Square footage: 25,000 The buzz: Includes two dining rooms, two lounges, an oyster bar and The Terrace Room for brunch. Web: cliffhouse.com |
| 80 | Emeril’s, Orlando’07 sales: $11,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $60.00** Meals served: 290,000** Seats: 275 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant caters to locals and visitors to Universal Studios Park. Web: emerils.com |
| 81 | Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse, Cincinnati ’07 sales: $11,800,000** Avg. dinner check: $28.00** Meals served: 512,000** Seats: 600 dining; 120 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: Ribs so popular that both of its Cincinnati locations qualify for the Top 100. Web: montgomeryinn.com |
| 82 | Del Posto Ristorante, New York City ’07 sales: $11,750,000** Avg. dinner check: $100.00** Meals served: 110,000** Seats: 120 dining; 70 bar Square footage: 24,000 The buzz: Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich opened this restaurant in the Meatpacking District in 2005. Web: delposto.com |
| 83 | Aureole, Las Vegas’07 sales: $11,700,000** Avg. dinner check: $105.00** Meals served: 110,000** Seats: 450 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Designer Adam Tihany gave Chef-owner Charlie Palmer’s restaurant a stunning look. Web: aureolelv.com |
| 84 | Morimoto, New York City ’07 sales: $11,700,000** Avg. dinner check: $110.00** Meals served: 106,000** Seats: 164 dining; 18 bar Square footage: 11,000 The buzz: Restaurateur Stephen Starr and Chef Masaharu Morimoto have won over New Yorkers. Web: starr-restaurant.com |
| 85 | Zeffirino, Las Vegas’07 sales: $11,700,000** Avg. dinner check: $69.50** Meals served: 170,000** Seats: 280 dining; 50 bar Square footage: 10,900 The buzz: The bi-level restaurant’s Italian menu and décor are perfectly suited to The Venetian. Web: zeffirinolasvegas.com |
| 86 | Eiffel Tower, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $11,600,000** Avg. dinner check: $82.00** Meals served: 190,000** Seats: 230 total Square footage: N/A The buzz: Chef Jean Joho’s restaurant is 11 stories above the Strip in the Eiffel Tower replica. Web: leye.com |
| 87 | Gotham Bar and Grill, New York City ’07 sales: $11,600,000** Avg. dinner check: $92.00** Meals served: 153,000** Seats: 175 total Square footage: 5,000 The buzz: After 24 years in charge, Chef Alfred Portale’s menus still wow New Yorkers. Web: gothambarandgrill.com |
| 88 | III Forks, Dallas’07 sales: $11,599,226 Avg. dinner check: $80.88 Meals served: 143,411 Seats: 500 dining; 25 bar Square footage: 23,000 The buzz: The cattle-country steakhouse that defined Tex-French cuisine. Web: croinc.com |
| 89 | George’s at the Cove, La Jolla, Calif. ’07 sales: $11,561,975 Avg. dinner check: $75.00 Meals served: 250,176 Seats: 180 dining; 70 bar Square footage: 10,000 The buzz: The tri-level contemporary-Californian restaurant has been remodeled and updated. Web: georgesatthecove.com |
| 90 | SkyCity at the Needle, Seattle’07 sales: $11,559,900 Avg. dinner check: $61.66 Meals served: 244,767 Seats: 260 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Work up a hunger climbing the 832 steps to the restaurant atop Seattle’s Space Needle. Web: spaceneedle.com |
| 91 | Harley-Davidson Cafe, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $11,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $32.00** Meals served: 450,000** Seats: 400 dining Square footage: 20,000 The buzz: A celebration of burgers and motorcycles that draws fans of both. Web: N/A |
| 92 | Spago, Las Vegas ’07 sales: $11,500,000** Avg. dinner check: $54.00** Meals served: 360,000** Seats: 300 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: A fourth Spago has opened in The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, in Avon, Colo. Web: wolfgangpuck.com |
| 93 | Salty’s on Alki Beach, Seattle’07 sales: $11,421,753 Avg. dinner check: $50.25 Meals served: 210,000 Seats: 279 dining; 149 bar Square footage: 22,675 The buzz: The restaurant’s 240 private-dining seats bring 21% of total revenues. Web: saltys.com |
| 94 | California Grill, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. ’07 sales: $11,400,000** Avg. dinner check: $52.32 Meals served: 226,759 Seats: 256 dining; 60 bar Square footage: 5,842 The buzz: A dining experience that rewards parents for bringing the family to Walt Disney World. Web: disneyworld.disneygo.com |
| 95 | Megu, New York City (Thomas Street)’07 sales: $11,400,000** Avg. dinner check: $95.00** Meals served: 85,000** Seats: 205 dining Square footage: N/A The buzz: Japanese restaurateur Koji Imai’s first U.S. concept; a second location already has opened. Web: megunyc.com |
| 96 | Daniel’s Broiler, Prime Steaks & Chops, Bellevue, Wash. ’07 sales: $11,396,485 Avg. dinner check: $85.30 Meals served: 93,430 Seats: 134 dining; 87 bar Square footage: 12,800 The buzz: The star performer of Schwartz Brothers Restaurants’ three Daniel’s locations. Web: schwartzbros.com |
| 97 | Quality Meats, New York City ’07 sales: $11,311,000 Avg. dinner check: $95.00 Meals served: 118,000 Seats: 138 dining Square footage: 25,000 The buzz: One of the concepts now owned by father-son restaurateurs Alan and Michael Stillman. Web: qualitymeatsnyc.com |
| 98 | Bryant Park Grill, New York City’07 sales: $11,300,000** Avg. dinner check: $47.00** Meals served: 252,000** Seats: 180 dining Square footage: 25,000 The buzz: In warm weather, this Ark Restaurants venue adds 820 outdoor seats in Bryant Park. Web: arkrestaurants.com |
| 99 | The Modern, New York City ’07 sales: $11,300,000** Avg. dinner check: $76.00** Meals served: 310,000** Seats: 240 dining; 98 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: Union Square Hospitality Group’s additional reason to visit The Museum of Modern Art. Web: themodernnyc.com |
| 100 | Montgomery Inn, Cincinnati ’07 sales: $11,300,000** Avg. dinner check: $27.50** Meals served: 500,000** Seats: 700 dining; 120 bar Square footage: N/A The buzz: The Gregory family operates the two highest-grossing rib restaurants in the United States. Web: montgomeryinn.com |



















Tavern on the Green, New York City
Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach
Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington, D.C.
Fulton’s Crab House, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Bob Chinn’s Crab House, Wheeling, Ill.
Buddakan, New York City
‘21’ Club, New York City
Mon Ami Gabi, Las Vegas
Gibsons Bar Steakhouse, Rosemont, Ill.
Prime Steakhouse, Las Vegas
Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare, Las Vegas
Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House, Chicago
The Four Seasons, New York City
Gladstone’s Malibu, Los Angeles
Top of the World, Las Vegas
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, Frankenmuth, Mich.
Chops/Lobster Bar, Atlanta
Carmine’s, Atlantic City, N.J.
Michael Jordan’s SteakHouse, Uncasville, Conn.
Stripsteak, Las Vegas
Shaw’s Crab House, Chicago
Daniel Boulud Brasserie, Las Vegas
Harry Caray’s Restaurant, Chicago
Harris Ranch Restaurant, Coalinga, Calif.
Park Grill, Chicago
Maloney & Porcelli, New York City
Emeril’s, Orlando
Aureole, Las Vegas
Zeffirino, Las Vegas
III Forks, Dallas
SkyCity at the Needle, Seattle
Salty’s on Alki Beach, Seattle
Megu, New York City (Thomas Street)
Bryant Park Grill, New York City

View All Blogs

