Prime Quarter Steak House brings people together for all occasions

For more than 30 years, it’s been the place to celebrate a special occasion, an anniversary, and a moment together with family and friends. Prime Quarter Steak House is the destination for a great meal with a personal touch. The restaurant invites diners to select and grill their choice of USDA Choice steak or fresh seafood. Diners can also select the salad and baked potato bars to customize their sides.

Prime Quarter was voted Best Steak and Best Salad Bar.

Owner Al Sanger launched his first Prime Quarter restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1986. He knew of other restaurants offering the same concept, but Sanger said he made it his own.

“I took the concept and ran a little harder,” Sanger said.

As part of a program to promote economic development in Princeton, Sanger was invited to the site of a former restaurant. Thanks to the wonderful warmth and welcome from the Princeton community, Sanger decided to launch an Illinois location.

Today, 33 years later, it continues to welcome locals as well as visitors who travel more than an hour to enjoy the food and experience.

“Princeton is, and has been, a delightful community to be a part of these past 30 years,” Sanger said.

The opportunity for diners to have an active part in selecting their specific cut of meat and how it is prepared over the grill creates a special dining experience. Sanger said diners will enjoy a beverage while grilling their steak and Texas Toast over massive live charcoal grills, chatting with others, and making new friends in a relaxed environment.

“The concept lends itself to a party atmosphere where customers are able to talk, laugh, and socialize with one another,” Sanger said.

To prepare for the evening dinner crowd, staff meticulously hand-cut each USDA Choice steak or selection of seafood. The menu remains simple, allowing each guest to customize their selected entrée.

Of course, diners can opt to have staff prepare their meal, but Sanger said the opportunity to get up and enjoy conversation at the grill enhances the dining experience.

Guests can indulge in hand-crafted cocktails from the full-service bar and enjoy a varied selection of appetizers and desserts.

The restaurant’s successful endurance through three decades is attributable to more than great food and a delightful dining experience. Sanger said he’s been tremendously fortunate to have incredible staffing.

“An excellent staff is paramount,” Sanger said. “That’s what’s kept the Prime Quarter Princeton location such a unique business endeavor and has contributed to its successful operation these many years. We’ve had a lot of fun with it and look forward to many more years of providing excellent food and fond memories.”