If you've ever sampled out-of-this world prime rib, chances are you want it again. Renowned for its marbling fat and tender texture, prime rib is alluring, often used as a marketing tool to draw crowds to restaurants (like the Rhode Island buffet serving all-you-can-eat prime rib that customers love). But as an expert recently shared with Mashed, although an abundance of prime rib at a restaurant might sound enticing, it can actually be a sign to proceed with caution.

"A restaurant with an endless supply of red meat would raise a red flag for me," said Sam Hazen, executive chef at Palladino's Steak & Seafood. He explained high-quality prime rib should be scarce and in demand if the restaurant is working properly behind the scenes. "Usually there are very limited quantities knowing that the cut comes from a larger roast that takes hours to prepare and cook."

So if you're looking to taste the real deal, or perhaps even locate the best prime rib in your state, consider avoiding spots with excessive stock. "Unless the restaurant only serves prime rib ... an endless supply ... would be a red flag for a lower quality cut of meat or a piece that is being advertised as prime rib but is actually something else," Hazen explained.

Questions to ask your server and where to find the best prime rib

Slice of prime rib on white plate with mashed potatoes and herbs.

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When it comes to quality control for steak lovers, some experts advise not to order prime rib at a restaurant without first asking the grade. Since "prime rib" contains the word prime in its name, it can be misleading because this does not indicate its grade level. The USDA grades beef on tenderness, juiciness, and flavor, placing it in three categories: prime, choice, and select. Prime grade is sourced from a younger cow, contains the most marbling, and is the juiciest and most flavorful. Choice-grade cuts are slightly less tender with less marbling, and select grade has the least marbling, and thus, is the least flavorful. So your prime rib could be any grade.

Texas Roadhouse stands out as the place to find the best prime rib at a chain restaurant, according to internet reviewers. A Redditor said, "The consistency of Texas Roadhouse prime rib is unmatched. It's always tender, flavorful, and doesn't break the bank." Another Redditor echoed praise for the steak's affordability, saying, "This is my go-to 'cheap steak.' 100% an absolutely killer meal. On par with [$]60+ steaks." But amid the praise, a few users chimed in to say the chain's prime rib is overrated. "I don't like their prime rib seasoning," one Redditor argued. "The dupe recipes always include liquid smoke and soy, which might be the flavor combo that just doesn't work for me."