Is it worth the hype? Yes. The formula is simple: salad, ribeye steak, baked potato, and grilled bread. The owner comes to your table with a giant slab of raw meat, you pick your ribeye size and temperature, make yourself a salad from the bountiful salad bar, and then you sit for the magic that awaits. I was expecting a good steak. I was not expecting a transcendent moment where it was just me and this gloriously marbled steak. Every perfectly cooked and well seasoned bite was better than the next. I almost forgot about the fluffy baked potato which was also great, but boy oh boy, the steak. Delicious. All the staff were super attentive; I don't think my sweet tea ever made it to half full. It was worth the hype and the hour long drive to Wilson, NC. read more

See all

Absolutely DELICIOUS! Don't let the modest exterior fool you. Best meal I've had in a while. Impeccable service and great experience! read more

Beefmastor Inn - Steakhouses Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

The Beefmastor Inn is one of those places you go to on purpose -- a local legend and destination spot for steak lovers. The inside is cozier and nicer than you'd expect from the unassuming exterior, and it has a certain old-school charm. We waited about an hour for our table (which we expected), and tailgated outside like many others. When we were called in, we were simply pointed to our table -- no greeting, no welcome -- which set the tone. We mentioned it was our first time, but instead of getting a warm explanation of how things work, the staff seemed a little annoyed that we needed the "first-timer" rundown. That was disappointing. The salad bar was a nice surprise -- good variety and the ability to use toppings from it for your baked potato was a bonus. Now, the steak: cooked exactly to order and clearly high-quality meat. But there was zero seasoning -- not even salt or pepper -- which was underwhelming given the price tag. For the two of us, one 10 oz and one 16 oz steak, the bill was just over $150 with a water and a soda, no drinks. That's steep for a no-frills experience. For comparison, we recently paid just $50 more at a barn-themed steakhouse in Raleigh that included drinks, apps, dessert, and attentive service over a relaxed two-hour meal. Bottom line: I'm glad we tried it, and the beef speaks for itself -- but the service and overall value didn't live up to the hype. Wouldn't go out of my way to return. read more

Beefmastor Inn - Slab of meat - Steakhouses Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

See all

The baked onion was good... Service was also pretty good. . read more

Beefmastor Inn - Steakhouses Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

This place will speak for itself once you eat here. This is nothing like the chain steakhouses. They literally bring a hunk of meat to your table and cut your steak directly in front of you to the size you want. I personally ordered the 12oz steak and thought it looked like a big cut. Well, that is because they are bringing you a steak that is the size you requested post cooking. Your meal comes with their salad bar, a baked potato, and bread. The service was exactly what I expected as the cook area isn't very large so it can take a bit to get your meal. The building could use some paint but overall nothing that would take away from a solid 5 star rating. read more

Beefmastor Inn - Ribeye and potato - Steakhouses Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

First things first: be prepared to spend some money. Second: do not expect fine dining. You can spend the same amount at places like Ruth's Chris, Sullivan's, or Angus Barn and get nicer décor and a more polished atmosphere. If you come to Beefmastor Inn expecting an upscale experience, you'll likely be disappointed -- and you'll probably complain about the tight seating, the long wait, the plastic tablecloths, or the iceberg lettuce. That said, Beefmastor has a charm that's hard to deny -- even if it can feel off-putting at first. The place is small and spartan. On busy nights, you will wait. You might end up seated near the bathroom. It's not intimate, and it's not glamorous. What it is, however, is the polar opposite of pretentious. Every inch of the place feels like old-school North Carolina: cinderblock walls, checkered plastic tablecloths, cottage cheese and raisins on the salad bar. The food is straightforward and unembellished. To be honest, I've had better steaks. I ordered the 10 oz., and it was a bit inconsistent -- velvety in parts, gristly in others, and slightly under-seasoned. But what I appreciated most was the feeling of stepping into a time machine. It felt like a snapshot of a different era -- before towns like Wilson faded and before chain restaurants took over every strip mall. Beefmastor Inn isn't perfect. My meal wasn't perfect. The service wasn't perfect. And it's not cheap. Still, I genuinely enjoyed the experience, and I think it's worth visiting at least once. If you have boomer family members, I can almost guarantee they'll absolutely love it. read more

Difficult review... This place is so unique and run by passionate folks. Yes it is cool to have a fixed menu and pick my own meat, but that meat was just OK. Proof that better grades of steak matters, aging matters, seasoning matters. None of that is happening here. You can buy a steak at a supermarket throw it on the grill and have a better outcome. Similarly, get a potato at Food Lion and chuck it in your oven. The salad bar however was fantastic - a throwback to potluck meals at my grandmother's church picnics. The service was amazing and the dining room was comfortable and clean. Maybe on the steak alone a tick down on stars but made up for it with novelty and the experience. You know I will likely return. read more

I knew it was a hole in the wall kind of place but thought the beef would at least be fantastic. Not even close. The beef and potato were as dry and bland as the photo looks. Salad bar was just eh as well. Bill came to over $130 for two, no alcohol. read more

Beefmastor Inn - Seasonless beef, dry baked potato - Steakhouses Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

Went here once or twice with my dad 20 or so years ago. The taste and level of service has not changed since then. I happened to be in the area today and stopped in with two others. This is a "no frills, no nonsense" locally owned and operated steak house. There is no menu, all they have is ribeye steak, baked potato, salad bar and a "baked onion" on request. They stick with what they've got because it works. This place is built and setup for great service, great tasting food and good table turnover. It is a smal place, with only 9 tables inside. The cook comes to your table with a cutting board and a whole ribeye. Their steaks start at 8 Oz and go up from there. He cuts it right at your table and then goes to grill to season and start cooking. Their salad bar may be small, but has plenty of items to make a great salad. There's no 20 foot long salad bar here with bright lights showing everything off. Your best option here, if you really are a steak eater is medium rare or medium. Anything over that, and you're wasting your and the cooks time. There were 2 servers working in tandem taking care of the customers. The service was friendly and quick. The servers aren't here to mess around. They're not here to be your friend or to flirt with anyone. They're short quick and to the point. To.those looking for the big chain, "have you dined with us before? Then welcome back" type bouncy bubbly servers, this is not your type of place, please go elsewhere for your steak needs. If you're looking for fancy dining like you get in the expensive steak houses up north and in the big cities, don't come here. Their beef is locally sourced and has been for as long as I can remember. Their beer is cold, the steaks are hot and fresh, and for what it is, it cannot get any better. Ribeye is not my cut of choice, but I'll say I ate a "10 oz" and wanted more. If you want a cheap "steak" look elsewhere. This place has something that works and it works well for them and their customers. read more

Beefmastor Inn - Panoramic view of dining room - Steakhouses Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

EXCELLENT, JUST AS WE REMEMBERED!! It's been quite a few years since our last visit and just as good! We're on a road trip and intentionally stopped here for dinner. Salad bar is super fresh, steak seasoned and cooked to perfection! Same with baked potato! Service was equally as good! Highly recommend!! read more

Awesome steak dinner with great service. Unique experience. I'll be back anytime I am in this area.

Love this quaint little place! They bring a slab of steak out and you choose your cut! They prepare it perfectly and serve with a piping hot baked potato with a stick of real butter and a slice of Texas toast! While you're waiting for your steak you get to enjoy their amazing salad bar! Absolutely a wonderful experience! It's worth the wait!! read more

1st time, everything was excellent. The ribeyes were seasoned and cooked perfectly. Salad bar had everything you could want and was extremely fresh. Not sure how ,but, tomatoes were some of the best that I've ever had on a salad bar. Staff of 3 gentlemen took excellent care of us. Small space, but after a long drive for soccer games it was nice to be seated right away. Completely understand how this is an iconic place. Well done to the ownership read more

See all

Wonderful steak in a casual setting. If you don't enjoy a good ribeye, this isn't the place for you because this is all they serve and they serve it well. The Master comes to your table with a huge slab of meat and you tell him how big of a steak you want cooking - 8oz and up! Succulent and juicy, perfectly seasoned. Served with all you can eat salad bar, bread and a baked potato, all included. Beer and wine are extra. So worth the detour! read more

See all

There's only 10 tables and they only serve one thing, but that one thing is a prime rib-eye steak ! It is so good people tailgate in the parking lot for hours for it ! Amazing read more

See all

To call this place an icon is an understatement. I worked for a bank that was hq'd in Wilson back in the day. When we had holiday parties, my pretentious manager used to groan when this place was suggested. "Oh," he'd sneer, "you mean the place where you can get a ribeye, or a RIBEYE?!" Yeah that's right, it's a steakhouse, they only serve ribeye. They bring the whole ribeye to your table and you tell them how thick you want it, and it's cooked to order. Comes with a visit to a spotless salad bar & baked potato. I revisited this spot recently so my husband could experience this incredibly simple but wonderful spot, and it did not disappoint. It's been several weeks and he's still talking about how great his meal was. read more

See all

I was so disappointed when we finally got to get seated after a 2 hour wait on February 14, 2026. First of all, we were seated for 2 at the table directly in front of the men's bathroom! There should have been a wall to partition off the view of men coming out. Secondly, they simply need to upgrade the location to accommodate more tables and to avoid the wait or make reservations available so no one has to wait 2 hours. Everything was jammed tight at the front door; the check in/check out counter, the salad bar table, the grill; all at the front door. I can understand he's been in business for 50 years but, it's time to upgrade to accommodate and avoid a 2 hr wait even though it was Valentine's Day. The steak was good but I've had better. Not worth the wait even though it was a special day. Reservations definitely recommended!! read more

Although the ambiance may be missing, nothing can beat the delicious steaks and tossed salads we were served. My husband ate all of his meal and I took home my leftovers to enjoy later. Delicious, superb and excellent come to mind when describing the food at the Beefmastor Inn. I'm definitely returning!! Oh, great service too! read more

Super small and cozy restaurant. The chef brings out a whole ribeye to the table so you can select what size cut of ribeye (the only steak they serve). A salad bar is well presented. The steak was cooked perfectly and had great flavor. It comes with a nice baked potato and bread. A whole stick of butter and sour cream is set on the table. Great food, experience and service. read more

We drove in from about an hour away and arrived at about 5:30ish on a Thursday evening. We had a party of 9 and were seated right away. They have one thing on the menu and it's Rib Eye steak. We were greeted and our drink order was taken right away. Soon thereafter the process of ordering was explained and the gentleman came over with the Rib Eye and cut each piece to order and asked how it should be cooked. We then proceeded to the salad bar which was compact but had more of a selection than a lot of other salad bars and it was kept full and fresh. After finishing our salads the steaks followed, cooked to perfection. Service was awesome as our beverages were always kept full and we were always checked on. Definitely a great experience! read more

Beefmastor Inn - Rib Eye Steak, Baked Potato, and bread. - Steakhouses Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

This place is a find. It's a small and cozy restaurant that offers an unbeatable service. If you like a good steak, this is the place. They don't have a menu but that's okay. All they serve is Ribeye baked potato and salad bar. They come to your table with a slab of Ribeye and whack off a piece of meat to your liking. The grill is in the front so if you like, you can watch them grill your steak. read more

I looked forward to going to celebrate graduating from college only to be disappointed. The owner is now cooking and the meat was so tough you had to cut it up in tiny pieces so you don't choke. First bite of the steak all you could taste was gas. I enjoyed going when the other gentleman cooked as well as the two young gentleman took care of your table. Do not recommend any more!!! Very disappointed!!! read more

We had to try the famous Beefmastor Inn after reading all of the great Yelp reviews and watching a segment on ABC11. We had dinner here with our friends last week. If you arrive right when they open, you won't have to wait (at least on a Thursday). We still wanted to tailgate though, so we played a few rounds of cornhole and had some tasty adult beverages. The space is very small, and seats less than 50 people. They only serve ribeye steak and you can select the size you want (they bring a slab to your table!), a baked potato and an all you can eat salad bar. Honestly, the salad bar was my favorite. All of the salad dressings were homemade and there were lots of toppings to choose from including homemade bacon bits! Everyone I was with LOVED their steak; but I thought the steak was just ok. It was way too fatty for my taste. We had a fun time and I think everyone should eat here at least once. read more

This is a no frills place. Don't expect a cute young server to flirt with you. They do one thing, and they do it AMAZINGLY. Everyone gets the same thing, salad bar, ribeye (in your choice of size), fresh cut at your table, baked potato and garlic texas toast. It is by far the best ribeye I've ever eaten. (If you want it cooked more than medium, don't bother, you'll complain.) Medium rare or rare is the best way, hands down. We were served quickly, the salad bar has a great selection of fresh cut toppings (despite being small), the potatoes were large and fluffy with plenty of toppings at no additional charge, and the steaks (all cooked medium-rare) were PERFECT! We left full and happy. We were served by every server in the place (I don't think that they have "sections" but all work together.) My drink never got low and we got everything we needed promptly. There are only 9 tables on the whole place, so if they are busy, expect to wait, but it's worth it! read more

Beefmastor Inn - 8oz Ribeye - Steakhouses Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

We arrived at 5:25 on a Sunday and got a table right away. As others have mentioned, there are only 10 tables. It was our first time here so we didn't really know what to expect. A man came to our table with steak and cut our 8 oz portions in front of us. We were told that it would start to be cooked as soon as we went to the salad bar. My friend and I hadn't seen each other in a while so we took some time to catch up. I love how we were never rushed. When we were ready, we sent to the salad bar. A whole stick of butter was put on the table which had us giggling. A little while later we got our steak, a baked potato and a slice of grilled bread. The steak was cooked perfectly. It was certainly a unique experience. At the end of the night our bill was $54 per person before tax and tip. We had water to drink. The only thing I didn't like is that there was no pricing anywhere to be found. Overall, it was delicious and a great local spot. read more

A different kind of take on a steak place but it works really well!! Smaller, more informal space makes for first come first serve as there are no reservations but the place was full and as soon as a table left, someone was there to fill the open table. Personal service with the chef bringing the meat to the table to slice requested size of beef. Don't come expecting fancy, come for the great food and the down to earth atmosphere - a true steak and potatoes meal. First time here and will definitely return. read more

The best one trick pony around. Best ribeye IMO I've ever had. The only decision to make is how big and how you want it cooked.

There was no wait at all. It's always simplicity at its best l. You always get what you pay for and I think the chef, service, Salad Bar, potato , etc is worth any visit. It's such a great environment and fantastic dinner! Perfectly cooked Rib eye!!!!! read more

See all

This was the most disappointing and disgusting restaurant I've ever been to. I honestly think it's below Ponderosa. As soon as we pulled in the parking lot, I already knew how bad it would be. It's like a double wide trailer. Omg, it's so bad, the decor is so tacky with cinder blocks for walls. It has a salad bar that looks like a Tupperware dealer won all her free gifts for being top seller. The steaks are thin and mostly all fat. They serve a dried up baked potato with sour cream in plastic ketchup cups. They leave a stick of margarine on the table. I ordered the smallest steak they served and it was 8 oz. The price was $58 I'm used to real steaks like Ruth Chris, Capital Grill, Sullivan's, Crawford Brothers, my Ponderosa steak arrived and it was the thinnest steak and full of fat. I literally couldn't even eat it. I will NEVER go back, even if the meal was free. The most disappointing restaurant experience I've ever had in my lifetime. read more

See all

We arrived at 4:15 on a Saturday afternoon to find a line already waiting at the door. We took the 8th of the ten tables. My dining companion and I both came for a ribeye steak, salad, baked potato and bread, which is perfect since that comprises the entire menu, with the exception of a baked onion which you can request. Tea, coffee, or water are included. There is a modest bar and bottled soft drinks are also available for extra cost. Dinner prices start at $50 for an 8oz cut. I ordered a 10oz cut and was charged $53, so it seems like each extra ounce of steak is a $1.50 additional. Overall, I thought it was a reasonable value. My steak was cooked a perfect medium as requested and served hot off the grill. While it was not the best cut of ribeye I have eaten, it was very good, mostly tender, flavorful, and had a modest but not excessive amount of fat. Many reviewers comment that the steaks are not seasoned, but that was not the case during our visit. I watched the cook (the Beef Mastor?) season each steak with a very finely ground seasoning before it was placed on the grill. Everything on the salad bar was extremely fresh. Although there was not an extensive selection of ingredients, it was kept constantly restocked and was of good quality, except the croutons which seemed to be of the grocery-store variety. My potato was perfectly baked. The accompanying bread was buttered and toasted on the grill to order. Service was simple, polite, and very attentive. Two servers worked all ten tables and they stayed very busy during our visit. The restaurant is small and modest, but that is part of its appeal. By the time we returned to our car, the parking lot was full with tailgating going in full swing and a game of cornhole ramping up in the side lot. If you are looking for a steak house along the lines of a Ruth's Chris, Sullivan's, or Perry's, Beefmastor Inn is not it. Instead, it is a perfect example of an eastern NC restaurant that provides an excellent prix-fixe meal with simple, informal, and friendly local charm. read more

A very, very fine meal. Great steak, cooked just the way I like it. Tasty baked potato and toast. And the salad bar? Lots of items...and theonly way to get fresher is to go out in the garden and pick it yourself. Friendly staff and attentive service. I highly recommend! A+++! We were on Wilson visiting family, and this will definitely be a go-to every time we come to town. read more

We definitely recommend Beefmastor. The steak was fantastic. The salad was the best. The baked potato was delicious, especially the baked onion. We will definitely go back!!! read more

I like a good steak so we decided to check it out. Luckily we were seated quickly and to my immediate right was the corner where all the steaks are cooked. I noticed a small sink under the counter that said it was for the cook only to wash his hands. The amount of dust hangers on the drain pipe from that sink and the water lines heading to the sink were more than plentiful and I never saw the cook once wash his hands at that sink. Maybe there was another that he used. The steak was good. I've gotten ribeyes at other places that were much more fatty so I was pleased with the cut of meat. The salad bar was fresh and the baked potato was.....a baked potato. What blew my mind was the bill. $100 for that meal in a tiny cinder block building? I felt taken advantage of. Beefmastor? More like rip off master. read more

This is a cozy and friendly little restaurant in Wilson. We really enjoyed the service and the staff. The food is a perfectly decent ribeye, baked potato and a salad bar. There's really not a menu. Which honestly is refreshing. It's just unfortunately overpriced. I understand there is a lot of the old school kitsch/fun factor and fierce local loyalty. They deserve accolades for that. I just hope they don't price themselves out. Everyone is struggling and inflation is a killer for both the owner and the consumer. I just think there needs to be a bit more consumer friendliness here. read more

Not going to make many friends with this review. If you go to Harris Teeter, buy a cut of ribeye, salad fixings and a potato, go home and cook it and sit at your kitchen table and eat it, that is what you get at Beefmastor. It's a gimmick that works. Don't know why but it does. They only serve ribeye, you sit in a small no atmosphere white building with checkerboard tables and tell them how many inches thick and how you want it cooked. It's not seasoned it's not fancy it's not special. But it works. So much so that there's more going on outside than inside as people drink in the lot and wait to go in. Still don't understand why this works. read more

This no-menu, hole-in-the-wall hidden gem is a North Carolina staple. You truly come just for the experience. The restaurant is a very small room, not fancy (don't dress fancy), and steak is the only thing they serve. But the experience of getting in the line, getting to your table, and choosing your cut is part of the allure. When we went on a Saturday it was one big tail gate. We arrived an hour early but still had to wait another hour before we were seen. In the mean-time, people came from all over, pulled out beach chairs, coolers, beer, games, and the parking lot was one big tail gate. The second time we arrived on a Sunday, there was no tailgating (it's the Lord's day and this is the Bible Belt after all), and we knew to arrive early to get in line. Once we were in, they come up with a slab of meat and a knife, asking how big you want your steak. I got an 8oz (the smallest). It was cooked to perfection. The potato, bread, and salad with it really fills you up. I took home leftovers. If you're not into any of the things I described above, it's not going to be a five star experience for you. If you're looking for a fancy steak place to bring your date and want to dress up, try somewhere else. This is truly for the experience and the steak is great too. read more

Beefmastor Inn - Steak, potato, and bread - Steakhouses Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

This is the best place eve. Little small hole in the wall but the food is AMAZING! Everyone that works there is friendly and you couldn't ask for better owner. This is the best steak I've ever put in my mouth. if you can't be seated right away you can sit in the parking lot and drink and everyone is enjoying themselves and you'll even find some cornhole and horse sho games being played. I wish I lived closer so I could g anytime! read more

The Beefmastor Inn is for the steak purist. No menus, no frills and no nonsense. You place your name on the list and wait outside in your car or better yet at your pre dinner tailgate. The restaurant itself is not as a big as minute but very clean. The guy comes outside and calls your name and then you are quickly seated. Drink orders are taken and then the fun starts. Another guy shows up with a large hunk of ribeye, a very sharp knife and some really great wit. He moves the knife until he arrives to the preferred thickness for each member of the party. He cuts the steaks and returns the cuts to who I assume is the Beefmaster at the grill because your steak will be cooked to absolute perfection. The steak was tender and had a great flavor. The dinner begins with a salad bar trip that has a nice selection. The steaks are served with a baked potato and slice of bread. Add the baked onion as a side. That is about the extent of the food offered at the Beefmastor Inn. You know what....who needs anything else when you going out for steak? I don't know when my family of five has had more fun at a restaurant. From the massive tailgate outside to the great humor / kind service on the inside. This is destination dining at its best. Don't go if you are in a hurry. Go with the state of mind that this is going to be a slow eastern NC evening of fellowship and great food. read more

Beefmastor Inn - Inside - Steakhouses Near Me - Wilson, North Carolina

See all

Ohhh boy, this was a very interesting evening. It's a little sus from the outside but wife was asleep and I just picked this place out of Yelp. Read like 2 previews of reviews and said, ok WTH, I don't want to keep looking. Pulled into the parking lot around 4:30pm and gave it a 2nd & 3rd thought just based on the appearance. Checked with wife and she was starving so we said ok. Walked in the place and sat down. Cook (owner?) came over with a slab of beef, mentioned it's ribeye and inquired how much? Wife chose 8 oz. I chose 12 oz. He stated it comes with a baked potato (they're huge) and all you can eat salad bar. Every item in the salad bar was fresh. Food came, saw the potato and now understood why there's a full stick of butter on the table. The steaks were great. Mine was a bit undercooked but I was too hungry to care. Wife said she couldn't taste any seasoning. She still loved the steak though and she isn't a beef person. We both just barely finished our meals. Then the bill came. Shocked is an understatement. For the 2 of us it came out to $135 (excluding tip & tax). If the food wasn't so good, I would've been furious. But this was a great meal. We will go back on a special ocassion or so. read more

We had a group dine here and we had a great time. The service was friendly and quick. The food was cooked to perfection and plenty to enjoy from the salad bar. Would definitely go back again! read more