The Clawson Steak House
56 S Rochester Rd
Clawson, Mich.
June 8, 2026
Metro Detroit’s newer restaurants get most of the attention, but there’s something to be said for trying out some of the region’s more seasoned establishments – like the Clawson Steak House, where my family and I recently celebrated my brother’s 40th birthday.
The restaurant, founded in 1958 and now run by Executive Chef Josh Ashby, is situated in Clawson, a small town in Oakland County between Birmingham and Royal Oak.
The Clawson Steak House vibe was old school – dim lighting, white tablecloths, lit candles, not unlike many of the steak houses I’d visited in my life. In addition to its signature steaks, the restaurant has a range of seafood, as well as cuisine that spans the globe, including Greek saganaki, Chinese potstickers and French escargot. While I did not partake in the escargot this time (I heard good things), I can definitely say the filet mignon petite potstickers were delicious, served in a browned wonton, topped with a thick, sweet and slightly spicy soy sauce. The saganaki – with the full on “opa!” flame – continued to be a family favorite. The warm, soft bread that kept arriving at the table was always welcomed.
While I don’t tend to eat a lot of red meat, I opted for the filet mignon (when in Rome) as well as chicken tortilla soup, a side salad and grilled vegetables. The steak was tender on the inside with a seared crunchy outside. It was served with a gravy-like mushroom sauce, which was good but a bit heavy for my taste. The chicken tortilla soup was another favorite, featuring bits of chicken, beans and tiny slices of tortillas in a creamy, cheesy base.
We ended our meal splitting their signature hot caramel brownie – essentially a giant ice cream sandwich with vanilla ice cream stuffed between two dense fudge brownies, topped with whipped cream and hot caramel. It was delicious and decadent and thoughtfully topped with a couple of candles. It was shared at least four ways, and was plenty for us all.
A visit to the Clawson Steak House was like a visit back in time, when dining was more formal and less rushed. The atmosphere was still friendly and approachable, with many diners dressed in jeans. If you’re looking for a classic steakhouse experience – complete with wrapped butter mints – give Clawson Steak House a try.
