On paper, Daniel’s Broiler doesn’t seem that promising. It’s part of a local chain of high-end steak and seafood restaurants strategically placed in lovely locations for maximum price-gouging—there are branches on both Lakes Union and Washington. And you and the other tourists and/or cigar-smoking locals will drop more than a few bucks here: steaks and chops in the $40 to $60 range, $50+ for an Australian rock lobster tail, and the standard steakhouse insult of sky-high prices for creamed spinach.

But Daniel’s is still a better deal than many pricey steakhouses (we’re looking at you, John Howie), and they know how to serve up a great medium-rare steak. The views over either sparkling lake (the Bellevue location is in a shopping complex, so we don’t recommend choosing that one unless it’s a matter of convenience) are wonderful—you might see Mt. Rainier from the Leschi marina.

And if you’re seeking neutral ground for a potentially awkward or tense intergenerational gathering, this is a solid pick. Service is outstanding—refined without being snotty (you can declare your pitiful wine budget to the sommelier without shame)—and the high quality of the food will make this a splurge that everyone can enjoy.