Prime House exterior

Prime House exterior

By Cheryl Mandell

Photos by Autumn Gates

 

Heading toward the gulf on Bonita Beach Road, there’s a plaza on the north side of the road among the shuttered buildings, just after Sweet Melissa’s Ice Cream Shoppe, that deserves attention. Prime House opened a mere four months before the COVID pandemic and recently grappled with Hurricane Ian, but that didn’t deter Sam Purisic and his family from creating an upscale, contemporary steakhouse that delivers everything a high-end steakhouse should – top quality steaks, seafood and seasoned service with a smile. 

Our server, Admir, the youngest Purisic son, wears his pride for the steakhouse on his sleeve, and, he’ll joke, in his belly. The Purisic sons were born in New York, while owner and patriarch Sam hails from Montenegro. The family relocated to Southwest Florida was Admir was a young child.

When asked his favorite dish on the menu, Admir named the porterhouse for two with great pride.  

“When I order the porterhouse for two, it’s really just for one,” Admir says, laughing and patting his belly.  

He speaks of the method of cooking the creamed spinach, an incredibly savory side dish, as if he was tending to a precious work of art. His knowledge of the food at Prime House extends way beyond memorizing menu items and specials of the day.

The chef at Prime House spent years at Peter Luger’s steakhouse, and the expertise is evident. The porterhouse for three was one of the best steaks we’d ever tasted. That’s a pretty bold statement, but the proof is in the regular customers who fill the seats. Speaking to several patrons, we learned that many come to Prime House several times a month to get their fill of first-class steaks, seafood and occasional Tomahawk and Wagyu market specials.

Prime House’s menu consists of classic, first-rate steakhouse fare with carefully crafted side dishes and specialties for two, three or four patrons to share. There is a three-course Prix Fixe menu from 4:30-5:30 p.m. as well as a “Create Your Own Three-Course Dinner” option. All steaks are USDA Prime, dry-aged 21 to 28 days by the experienced staff—many of whom are family.  Whether cooking in the kitchen, tending bar or serving, the Purisic sons are committed to delivering exceptional service. 

The wine list is impressive as well, with a well-rounded variety of reds and whites from California, Italy, France, South America and New Zealand. 

Prime House is open every day of the week at 4:30 p.m., and the kitchen typically closes at 9 p.m. Enjoy the modern ambiance indoors or out in the open air. The modern yet intimate setting at Prime House is the perfect place to indulge in your next mouth-watering meal.

 

OUR FAVORITES:

 

Boom Boom Shrimp

Boom Boom Shrimp

 

 

Boom Boom Shrimp — There’s definitely some “boom” in these baby shrimp. A nice jolt of heat combined with delicately fried shrimp tossed in sweet yet spicy signature sauce.

 

 

 

 

Chop Salad

Chop Salad

 

 

Chop Salad   Not your average wedge salad! Instead of the typical half-wedge of iceberg, this version is chopped, featuring onions, tomatoes, bacon and shrimp in a tasty, sweet homemade dressing topped with blue cheese crumble.

 

 

 

 

Porterhouse for Three

Porterhouse for Three

 

 

Porterhouse for Three — Have we mentioned this was one of the best steaks ever? The porterhouse was cooked to perfection and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. An instant favorite.  Pair with a premium side — we recommend creamed spinach (which we learned contains no cream at all, but rather comes from a carefully timed cooking process).

 

 

 

 

Cowboy Ribeye

Cowboy Ribeye

 

 

Cowboy Ribeye — This bone-in ribeye was streaked with gorgeous marbling and as juicy as they come, furnished with a bone that imparts enormous steak taste. The German potatoes and sauteed mushrooms make a great addition to this classic.

 

 

 

 

Surf & Turf

Surf & Turf

 

 

Surf & Turf — Prime House offers numerous options for enjoying a surf-and-turf meal. The 10-ounce prime filet mignon with lobster tail is steakhouse staple that comes highly recommended.

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Chip Cookie and Milk Cake

Chocolate Chip Cookie and Milk Cake

 

 

Chocolate Chip Cookie and Milk Cake This unique spin on cookies and milk as a cake is an absolute dream. Two cake layers are loaded with chocolate chips and vanilla wafers and are separated by a creamy layer of milk mousse. It’s the childhood treat that’s all grown up.

 

 

 

PrimeHouse

4480 Bonita Beach Road SW

Bonita Springs, Florida 34134

239.301.4949

www.primehouse1.com

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