SALT LAKE CITY — Vegetarians need not apply. It's about to get real around here. The consumption of beef (it's what's for dinner) is as American as apple pie and writing long-winded articles about the consumption of beef.

Utah is not a beef-free zone by any means. We here in the Beehive State boast a long and rich heritage of all things cow. If you're looking for the best of beef around the state, here are a few locally owned, independent eateries that are sure to please your palate. Be warned; your keyboard may experience technical difficulties (you know, from all the drool).

Maddox (Brigham City)

Maddox Ranch House enjoys a rich heritage of fine family dining. Maddox is one of the only restaurants on our list that prides itself on being "family friendly" and offers $.99 meals to children on Tuesday nights. I know — kids and fine dining don't always mix but for those with kids who hate eating at McDonalds every Friday night, Maddox will be a beef of fresh air.

Maddox features a menu full of unique and mouthwatering steaks. They are famous for their bison and shrimp steaks as well as a hefty selection of the standard beef fare. Try out their fillet mignon for a truly Utah steak.

Irv Maddox opened a small diner on Main Street in Brigham City during World War II and the restaurant has been going strong ever since.

Avenues Proper (Salt Lake City)

New to the dining scene, Avenues Proper is already making waves in the dining world of Salt Lake City. The restaurant features a seasonal menu focusing on fresh and local ingredients. As far as steaks go, the chefs bring in local beef daily from around the Salt Lake area and seem to know their stuff when it comes to cooking it up right.

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Local food and tech blogger Ashley Walton recently reviewed Avenues Proper.

"I had an 8 oz grass-fed, sirloin. I never order sirloins because they're usually not tender but the chef assured me that the grass-fed, grain-finish would rock my world, and it did," Walton said.

Avenues Proper may be new but put it on your list if you want to try out fine dining without the hipster hype. Many new restaurants these days get by on atmosphere only. Avenues Proper definitely has a menu that will outlast the herds of trendy foodies roaming the streets of Salt Lake these days.

Lugano (Millcreek)

Lugano is an overall incredible dining experience. Attention to detail is standard at this Italian restaurant that features an eclectic and creative menu. I know this article is about steaks, but if you want to try a true party in your mouth, order an appetizer of torched pears and prosciutto. A.Ma. Zing.

As far as steaks go, Lugano won't let you down. Their beef is simply cooked and seasoned well. Pair the steak with a simple pasta dish (most pastas are made in-house) and top it off with something tasty from their dessert menu. Lugano is a classic for celebrating anniversaries and happy life events.

Communal (Provo)

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Communal is part of the Heirloom Restaurant Group, a trifecta of culinary offerings in the Utah County area. Their menu changes weekly, so check things out before you make reservations to see what they are offering.

The chefs at Communal pride themselves on using locally grown ingredients in all their dishes. The lettuce you eat in your salad for dinner was most likely picked that same morning.

As far as beef goes, Communal uses meat brought in from Pleasant Creek Ranch from Mount Pleasant. The steaks are served up simply and flawlessly. If you are looking for loads of salt and sides, look elsewhere. Communal is all about impeccably seasoned steaks cooked to perfection.

Rusty's Ranch House (Cedar City)

Rusty's is a Southern Utah landmark. If you like good steaks, fun western-like decor and a relaxed atmosphere, Rusty's a great place to visit. While not as formal as some of the other steakeries on our list, Rusty's offers fine dining and scrumptious menu options.

Many diners recommend trying out Rusty's skirt steak or fillet mignon. Pair it with some coconut shrimp and you can't go wrong. Rusty's portions are not for the faint of heart so consider sharing an entree if you're more of a dainty eater.

Located up Cedar Canyon just east of Cedar City, Rusty's is nestled in the woods and will not disappoint when it comes to views and atmosphere.

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