With Father's Day on the horizon, you'll want to treat the men in your life to some quality beef, and the Triangle has steakhouses to spare.

You can't have a conversation about where to eat for a special celebration without mentioning the Angus Barn. The sprawling Raleigh landmark has defined fine dining for generations. The steaks are aged in-house so that chef's can assure they are ready right when you are. If dad likes to cook, you can get him the gift of a class with Chef Walter Royal.

Another uniquely Raleigh meal can be had at The Peddler. Choose your cut – thickness, marbling – from the flank brought to your table. The steaks are priced by the ounce but are well within reason for this level of service. They are cooked on the charcoal grill within sight to a crusty exterior and melt-in-your-mouth doneness. Every entree comes with a trip to the unlimited salad bar.

Hidden hard by Raleigh-Durham International Airport is Capital City Chophouse, an appropriately clubby atmosphere targeted to business travelers. Locals seek it out for professional servers who understand their product and allow diners time to enjoy it. The steaks are served exactly as described and the sides – sweet tea, garlic spinach and a salad too bountiful to be considered "house" – were a surprisingly delicious addition. 

At North Hills and Streets of Southpoint, Firebirds draws diners by the nose. The scent of beef over a wood-fired grill makes patio dining hard to resist. Inside, the decor is Rocky Mountain cabin, with high ceilings and the requisite sports on TV at the bar. Two generous steaks and bursting baked potatoes came in right at the $50 mark, making Firebirds a pretty thrifty option.

Outdoor dining is the way to go in Durham, too, at Metro 8, where the feeling of family pervades the Ninth Street space. The decor is simple and the service unpretentious. A year-round heated patio adds to the fun. The menu is made up of the classics – Caesar salad, filet mignon – plus the twist from Argentinean chef Francisco Pirillo.  

Of course, eating out can be expensive, especially when the celebration calls for a big hunk of beef. Cut the cost and let dad do the cooking on Father's Day with steaks that are restaurant quality from The Meat House with locations in Raleigh, Cary and Chapel Hill. Their pre-cut selection of steaks, marinated meat or poultry are ready to grill, and the butchers on staff can recommend cooking times and temperatures.