Prime 239 Steakhouse

Cape Coral is one of the most populated cities in Southwest Florida. But by many accounts, the culinary scene hasn’t quite kept up with its growth. Restaurateurs like George Lukas are changing that. He’s been part of the dining scene for decades and has struck gold with his latest business, Prime 239 Steakhouse.

Many people are surprised to find a steakhouse of this quality and value anchoring the end of a strip mall in a once sleepy area of southwest Cape Coral. Lukas and his wife, Lindsay, opened Prime 239 right around the time Hurricane Ian forced them to temporarily close.

It’s been full steam ahead ever since.

Prime 239 specializes in wet-aged USDA Prime cuts of beef. However, one of the first things you see when you walk in the front door is a dry-age beef cabinet. The house-aged meat has become so popular, a second unit is on the way.

If there is a cut of steak you want, chances are you will find it here, or Lukas will get it for you, if possible. Customer service is a big deal here. Portions range from a 6-ounce filet mignon to a 40-ounce Tomahawk ribeye and everything in between.

Steaks are seared on a flat top to sear in the juices then finished in a custom-made infrared broiler that heats up to 1,600 degrees. Seasoning is a simple blend of salt and pepper, so the flavors of the premium beef are not covered up. They shine.

The steaks are hand cut, in house. Scraps are used to make a decadent Bolognese. It’s served with pappardelle pasta for a filling entrée.

“Besides steak, we’re famous for our Bolognese with prime meat,” said Lukas. “You never get that, even in an Italian restaurant.”

Although Prime 239 steaks are simply seasoned, patrons have the option of adding a variety of sauces. They include brandy peppercorn, red wine demi-glace, several kinds of butter and more.

Speaking of butter, bread service comes with creamy dollops of premium butter as well as a specialty flavor that changes nightly.

It’s not just sauces you can put atop your steak. Talk about indulgent—add a slice of foie gras to that steak. A nod to surf and turf, buttered lobster tail or shrimp scampi can also be added. More traditional toppings include caramelized onions and madeira mushrooms.

It might be expected that a good steakhouse has a good burger and Prime 239 delivers. Theirs is a thick and juicy wagyu patty. The handheld is draped with aged white cheddar and bacon. Condiments include spicy ketchup and foie gras mustard.

Executive Chef Matt Thompson runs the kitchen. He is known for—and takes great pride in—creative specials that have taken an interesting turn. Game meats are now part of his lineup and they’ve been a huge hit. Everything from rabbit to venison and even kangaroo, not only sell, but sell out.

“I have been surprised at how Cape Coral has embraced the game program,” said Lukas. “We keep pushing the envelope.”

Australian Lamb Chops are another of Thompson’s specialties. The dish contains two so-called lollipops that have a pleasing ratio of fat to lean meat and are seasoned perfectly. It’s one of the meat dishes that comes with a side, Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts. They have a near-perfect combo of sweet and salty, and the serving size is generous.

When it comes to steaks, in the fashion of a traditional steakhouse, sides are a la carte and served family style. They are not to be missed.

Jalapeño Creamed Corn will have you asking for another order to take home. The Mushroom Risotto is earthy and creamy while the Lobster Mac and Cheese is pure decadence.

If you are more into seafood than meat, you’ll find Twin Cold Water Lobster Tails, Faroe Island Salmon and Cioppino, an Italian seafood stew. All the fish is sushi grade. Although Southwest Florida is known for grouper, you won’t find it on the menu at Prime 239.

“Everybody has grouper,” said Thompson. “I wanted to change it up and go with halibut instead.” Halibut comes with parsnip puree, sauteed baby zucchini, lemon velouté, pistachio gremolata and chive oil.

Grilled Artichokes is another dish not often found on local menus. It’s a starter that Lukas says often requires eating instructions from servers. Whole artichokes are grilled with lemon, oregano and white balsamic vinegar. Peel the leaves and dip them into a Cajun-flavored remoulade.

French Onion Soup is another signature starter. It’s savory with a thick layer of melted Gruyère cheese. The Pork Belly is not only mouthwatering perfection but also perfect for sharing. It has Korean barbecue flavoring and comes with a puree of jalapeño and sweet corn.

On the lighter side, salads include Classic Caesar, Steakhouse Wedge and The 239 with baby field greens, fresh berries, candied pecans and a Champagneraspberry vinaigrette. Dressings and marinades are all made in-house and each dish is cooked to order.

Save room for a dessert. Caramel Apple Crisp is a specialty. It comes warm with caramel cinnamon apple in a buttery crust. Topped with vanilla bean ice cream and homemade caramel sauce, there is a hint of salted caramel that makes it impossible to stop after one bite.

The Crème Brûlee is an old-school steakhouse version with creamy, rich custard and that classic crisp, caramelized sugar top. Chocolate lovers can opt for a slice of four-layer Chocolate Mousse Cake or a warm, house-made Chocolate Fudge Brownie Sundae.

The wine list boasts more than 300 bottles and is award-winning. Prime 239 also has a VIP membership and a locker program for regulars to stash their favorite bottles.

The bar is a welcoming and popular gathering spot for craft cocktails and conversation. Not only is there a signature cocktail menu, but also a seasonal menu for double the selections. Transitioning from spring to summer, look for a variety of delicious new specials along with an early dining menu.

Prime 239 offers a mix of intimate seating along with space for larger parties. Outdoor dining is available, too.

With Thompson in the kitchen, Lukas continues to push the envelope when it comes to culinary offerings.

“When I see or think of something, I sit back and think how can I make that and where can I get that,” Lukas said. “If no one can figure it out, I try it. That’s how you stand out.”

Prime 239 Steakhouse is located at 1715 Cape Coral Parkway W., Cape Coral. Reservations are encouraged. The restaurant is open for dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Seasonal dining and happy hour specials are available. Indoor and outdoor seating is available as well as space for large parties and private events. Call 239-673-8816 or visit www.prime239.com.