If you order a steak when dining at a restaurant, your server will ask how you want it cooked. While nearly everyone has their preference, it’s less clear how healthy it is to eat certain degrees of doneness. Restaurants consider a few to be the most popular temperatures, and with a better understanding of what to order, you’ll know how comfortable you are asking for it the next time you go out to eat.

Top Steak Cooking Styles at Restaurants 

1. Rare 

Rare steak has a cool red center and cooks to 125° F. Medium rare is warm and red in the middle and reaches 135° F before being taken off the grill. While many people enjoy this level of doneness for its juicy texture, the USDA considers the internal temperature unsafe for eating. Improperly cooked meat is known to contain foodborne organisms like Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause severe stomach illness.

2. Medium

Steak cooked to medium is safe for eating, because it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145° F. This level of doneness has a warm, pink center. Cooking to medium well will give you a middle that looks slightly pink, and most Americans prefer their steak within this category. For those who usually like rare steak, try medium the next time you have lunch or dinner. If you eat at a quality restaurant, your meat will have the right combination of moisture and flavor.

3. Well Done 

Perhaps the most popular doneness with kids, well done steak is thoroughly cooked and looks brown or gray in the center. Some people think it’s not tender enough, while others rest assured that their meat is safe to consume. This grilling style is also a favorite of people who are at an increased risk of foodborne illness, such as pregnant women and older adults. If it’s not juicy enough for you, try your meat medium well the next time.

If you’re in the mood for steak, head to Grins Restaurant, a staple in Hays County, TX, since 1975. From their home cooking and friendly staff to their happy hour specials, you’re sure to have an enjoying experience and satisfying meal every time. To learn more about the restaurant’s daily drink and meal specials, call them at (512) 392-4746. Browse their food menu or place an order by visiting them online. You can also read customer lunch and dinner recommendations and explore their seasonal drinks by following them on Facebook.