There are quite a few companies out there that make steel cross frames, though I am not sure how many you can put disc brakes on if that is something you are really keen on.
The Surly Cross Check is pretty well known as a great all around bike. For steel plus discs there is also the All City Macho Man Disc but that is more expensive than the others:
http://allcitycycles.com/bikes/macho_man_disc