When it comes to buying steaks in bulk, Sam’s Club has plenty of mouthwatering options—but not all cuts are created equal. Some deliver restaurant-level flavor, while others leave a lot to be desired despite their price tags. After firing up the grill and taste-testing them all, here are the four best and four worst steaks you can get at Sam’s Club right now.
Best: Japanese Wagyu $199.98/2 x 10.5 oz
Imported A5 Japanese Wagyu beef, known for its intense marbling and buttery texture.
Why We Love This:
The marbling melts into the meat for an unmatched richness and umami flavor. A luxury experience for serious steak lovers.
Preparation Instructions:
Sear quickly over high heat for 1–2 minutes per side. Slice thin and serve immediately.
Versatility of Use:
Great for special occasions, date night, or gourmet steak tastings.
Worst: New York Strip Steak $13.98/lb
Classic strip steak cut with minimal marbling.
Why You Should Skip This:
Despite its popularity, this cut was tough and lacked the rich beefy flavor we expected. It dried out fast, even when cooked medium-rare.
Best: Prime Beef Strip Steak $18.98/lb
USDA Prime grade strip steak with better marbling than the standard version.
Why We Love This:
More tender and flavorful than its lower-grade counterpart. Delivers steakhouse taste without leaving home.
Preparation Instructions:
Season simply and grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
Versatility of Use:
Works well for weeknight grilling or slicing over salads and pastas.
Worst: Whole Beef Tenderloin $18.98/lb
Large whole tenderloin that requires trimming and prep.
Why You Should Skip This:
While filet is naturally tender, the whole tenderloin from Sam’s lacked flavor and came with excessive silver skin and waste. Labor-intensive and underwhelming in taste.
Best: Cowboy Ribeye $13.98/lb
Bone-in ribeye cut for bold flavor and presentation.
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Why We Love This:
Rich, juicy, and perfect for grilling purists. The bone enhances the flavor and gives it visual appeal.
Preparation Instructions:
Grill on indirect heat to medium-rare, then finish with a sear.
Versatility of Use:
Showstopper for cookouts, Father’s Day meals, or impressive dinner parties.
Worst: Brisket $4.28/lb
Full-packer brisket ideal for smoking.
Why You Should Skip This:
While affordable, the brisket can be hit or miss. We found ours tough and lacking the fat cap needed for proper smoking unless heavily trimmed and babysat.
Best: Prime Beef Ribeye $19.98/lb
USDA Prime boneless ribeye with excellent marbling.
Why We Love This:
Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for high-heat cooking. Delivers melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
Preparation Instructions:
Salt and pepper, then reverse sear or pan-fry to desired doneness.
Versatility of Use:
Great on its own or sliced thin for sandwiches and wraps.
Worst: Filet Mignon $23.98/lb (avg. 8 oz cut)
Tenderloin filet known for being soft and lean.
Why You Should Skip This:
While tender, Sam’s filet lacked flavor and had inconsistent quality. It just doesn’t justify the premium price without the wow factor.
Final Say
Sam’s Club offers serious value on premium steak cuts, especially if you know what to look for. Stick with Prime-grade ribeyes and strip steaks for the best flavor and texture. Skip lower-marbling cuts like New York strip or tenderloin unless you’re willing to do major prep. For steak lovers who crave bold, beefy bites, the right cut from Sam’s can absolutely rival a steakhouse.
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