Experience: Chillingham’s Steak in Westerly

If you find yourself strolling and shopping along Westerly’s bustling High Street and in need of a place to refuel, watch for the narrow side street between Perks & Corks and Amigos, which takes the intrepid carnivorous explorer to Chillingham’s Steak, the sister property of Windjammer Surf Bar in Misquamicut.

This steakhouse offers expertly prepared meat along with fresh seafood, all set in an intimate venue with rustic-chic decor that strikes a nice balance between upscale dining and the ambiance of the American West with longhorn cow motifs arranged on the exposed brick walls. The staff only added to the exceptional experience, greeting and conversing with us like old friends and making sure we were well taken care of throughout the meal.

My friend and I began the evening with two appetizers that primed our taste buds for the phenomenal meal to come. The House Steamed Mussels, prepared with a Thai-inspired spice blend, were fresh and flavorful, with just a hint of the sea. The portion was generous, making it great for sharing. The house-made French Onion Soup was rich and decadent – and included heaps of caramelized onions and gooey cheese. Each spoonful, with a piece of bread soaked in the broth, was a savory delight.

For the main course, I was excited to dig into the six-ounce filet – from the menu section succinctly titled, “The Meats” – cooked to a satisfying medium-well, as Chillingham’s proudly recommends; anything beyond that is “sacrilegious.” The filet was tender, juicy, and had a lovely char. To complement it, I added four Grilled Colossal Shrimp, which turned out to be a standout – massive, succulent, and grilled to perfection with a satisfying snap. The House Potato Romanoff was the ideal comfort-food side, creamy with layers of cheese and soft potatoes.

Chillingham’s offers a diverse menu of entree options apart from steaks, and I’m glad I took their suggestion and tried the Wagyu Ragyu, a special of the night that was nothing short of outstanding. Pasta and tender meat sauce came together to create one of the highlights of the meal – I was tempted to order another serving to relive the experience at home. For dessert, the Apple Crisp hit the spot without being overwhelmingly sweet. Soft wedges of fruit were topped with a crisp oat crumble and just the right amount of whipped cream.

“Our goal with Chillingham’s is to be the best steakhouse in the area,” says owner Amy Trefes, and it’s clear from the quality of the food, atmosphere, and top-notch service that they are well on their way.

Chillingham’s Steak

54R High Street, Westerly

315-5737 • ChillinghamsWesterly.com