How the USDA Grading System Works
The United States Department of Agriculture evaluates beef carcasses based on two primary factors: the maturity of the animal and the degree of marbling in the ribeye muscle between the 12th and 13th ribs. Younger cattle with more intramuscular fat receive higher grades. The system is voluntary, meaning producers pay for the service, but it has become the industry standard for communicating quality. USDA graders are trained professionals who visually assess each carcass and assign a grade that stays with the meat through processing and distribution. This system gives consumers and restaurants a reliable benchmark for quality.
USDA Select: The Entry Level
USDA Select is the lowest grade commonly found in retail. It has slight marbling, which means the meat is leaner and can be tougher if not cooked carefully. Select beef is what you will find at most grocery stores and casual restaurants. It is perfectly safe and nutritious, but it lacks the richness and juiciness of higher grades. Select steaks benefit from marinades and careful temperature control to avoid drying out. While there is nothing wrong with Select grade beef for everyday cooking, it is not the standard you should expect when dining at a fine steakhouse where the premium experience justifies premium pricing.
USDA Choice: The Middle Ground
USDA Choice represents a significant step up from Select with moderate marbling that delivers noticeably better flavor and tenderness. About 60 percent of all graded beef falls into the Choice category, making it the most common grade at higher-end grocery stores and many restaurants. Choice steaks can be very good, particularly the upper end of the Choice spectrum which approaches Prime quality. However, there is a wide range within the Choice grade itself, from modest to moderate marbling. This variability means that not all Choice steaks deliver the same experience, which is one reason serious steakhouses opt for the consistency of Prime.
USDA Prime: The Gold Standard
USDA Prime is the highest grade assigned by the USDA and represents only about two to three percent of all beef produced in the United States. Prime beef features abundant marbling throughout, which translates to superior flavor, juiciness, and tenderness. The difference between a Prime steak and a Choice steak is immediately noticeable, especially in cuts like ribeye and NY strip where marbling plays a central role. Blu' Steakhouse in Hollywood, FL exclusively serves USDA Prime for its domestic steaks, including the Filet Mignon at $55, the NY Strip at $65, and the 32oz Tomahawk at $235.
Beyond Prime: A5 Japanese Wagyu
While USDA Prime is the top of the American grading system, Japanese Wagyu operates on an entirely different scale. The Japanese grading system uses a letter grade for yield (A, B, or C) and a number grade from 1 to 5 for meat quality, with A5 being the absolute highest. Within that system, the Beef Marbling Standard ranges from 1 to 12, and A5 Wagyu typically scores between 8 and 12. This level of marbling is so extreme that it looks like a completely different product from even the best USDA Prime. Blu' Steakhouse offers A5 Japanese Wagyu options including the Wagyu Filet at $98 and the Wagyu Tomahawk at $500.
Why Grade Matters When Dining Out
When you choose a steakhouse, the grade of beef they serve is one of the clearest indicators of their commitment to quality. A restaurant that serves USDA Prime is making a significant investment in sourcing, and that commitment extends to every aspect of the dining experience. At Blu' Steakhouse at 1900 Harrison St in Hollywood, FL, the decision to serve exclusively Prime and Wagyu reflects Chef Javi Cano's dedication to delivering the best possible product. If you want to taste the difference for yourself, reserve a table by calling 754-260-5189. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday evenings, serving Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, and all of South Florida.
Ready to Experience Blu' Steakhouse?
Open Wednesday–Saturday from 5 PM. Located at 1900 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL 33020.