The List
The 8 Best Steakhouses in New York
Newsflash – Father’s Day is on Sunday! And you know just what Dad wants – a juicy steak from one of the city’s best steakhouses. We’ve compiled our list of the city’s best chop shops below – if you’re scrambling to make a reservation take a peek. And don’t skimp on the beef, you know he deserves a prime rib for putting up with you!
A charter member of the “Zagat Hall of Fame”, this “essential” Williamsburg “beef bastion” – voted NYC’s Top Steakhouse for the 28th year in a row – is renowned for its signature “gold-standard” porterhouse, “superlative” sides and “righteous” burgers; sure, the “steaks are as aged as the waiters” (but fortunately “not as tough”) and the “too bright”, German tavern–style room is “less than exciting”, though nonetheless it’s “packed shoulder-to-shoulder every night”; “bring wads of cash” – it doesn’t accept plastic.
“Testosterone” perfumes the air at this circa-1966 chop shop near Grand Central that’s “still going strong” thanks to “big, serious” steaks, a “comprehensive wine list” and a “gent’s-club” mood; sparks fly over “average” decor and “exorbitant” pricing, but it can’t be beat for “old-school” service and serious “man-watching.”
These steakhouses supply “cooked-to-perfection” chops in “high-testosterone” settings that skew “loud” verging on “chaotic”; the Murray Hill original flaunts striking Oyster Bar–style tiles on the ceiling, but all outlets share “slick” service, “large tabs” and “businessmen” galore; P.S. the new outpost in the New York Times building opened post-Survey.
Satisfying all your “prehistoric urges”, this “edgy” Village steakhouse (now run by Steve Hanson) offers “super” chops and “sumptuous sides” in a “naughty”, “red-lit” setting mimicking an “1890s bordello”; sure, it’s “expensive”, but those in the mood to “eat big and drink big” don’t care; P.S. it recently changed hands, becoming part of Stephen Hanson’s BR Guest empire, but minimal changes are expected.
“Corporate” carnivores sharpen their teeth for “superior steaks” from a “pro staff” at this “big, bustling” Midtowner, a “power scene” with “lots of razzmatazz” and “action at the bar”; it’s “not for the faint of wallet”, unless you go for the “little-known” prix fixe deals ($32 lunch, $50 pre-theater); P.S. the roomy, more casual Rock Center offshoot opened post-Survey.
“Not your run-of-the-mill steakhouse”, this “high-energy” Gramercy chop shop dispenses “deliciously charred” meats in “modern” digs; add “a superb wine list” and “expert” service and you can imagine the “oy vey!” bill, but the “sensational popovers” alone are “worth” the outlay.
“The soul of old Gotham”, this circa-1885 Garment District meatery-cum–party site–cum–museum of Americana remains a “dark, manly” haven for “perfectly done” steaks and “fabled mutton chops”; “accommodating” waiters and some 88,000 “antique clay pipes on the ceiling” enhance the “19th-century” feel, and though prices are “Donald Trump” modern, the “cozy pub room” is cheaper.
“Hidden” just south of Grand Central, this “palace” for “steak connoisseurs” delivers “cooked-to-perfection” cuts in a “double-height” “art deco” space manned by “gracious” waiters; it’s a “refreshing” change from the “usual steakhouse” – though it’s “best” on “someone else’s expense account.”
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11 Comments
Add a new commentJan. 2012
If I had to list top three I would say:
3) Smith & Wollensky's
2) Sparks
1) Del Fresco's
I would say avoid at all costs Old Homestead. This was a terrible restaurant! The steak was too charred, the sides were not that good, the decor is very dingy, and there is only one bathroom.
If you want that old-fashioned "boys-club" type steakhouse you can't beat Smith and Wollensky's. If you are looking for something a little shi shi- you can't beat Del Frescos.
Oct. 2004
Primehouse!
There is something dated about this list. And I personally believe Strip Housegood overrated. It's good but it's number 4 just because they have pictures of naked ladies.
Keen's is highly rateno not because of the steak, but the mutton chop! It's a great restaurant, not necessarily a steakhouse. Maloney & Porcelli is also a great restaurant with excellent steak. But go there for the lobster or the pork shank. It wouldn't be right to include it on this list. The lsit of best steakhouses should be places where you go to eat steak and you don't even know whether there are other options on the menu.
Oct. 2010
Go no further than Peter Luger's. Still the best, day in day out.
Jun. 2008
Lamb at Keens is simply perfect! And the atmosphere delightful.
All offers of beef plus the Sliced Tomatoes & Onions with Luger's Own sauce at Peter Luger are mouth-watering...
Feb. 2004
Some of the steakhouses you mention are "resting on their laurels"!
Check out Club A Steakhouse on E. 58th Street (between First and Second) for a true gem. It's not your usual huge, noisy restaurant, but a cozy place with fireplaces and the best steak (and fish and vegetables) and knock-out desserts I've ever tasted. Besides that, the waiters and management are friendly and accommodating.
Mar. 2009
antiquated list. there are much better steakhouses in the city. i have eaten at most of these and dylan prime is head and shoulders above them.
Jun. 2005
dylan prime is the most overrated restaurant in the city, barely edible
May. 2010
Keens? Are you serious? Casts doubt on rest of your picks.
Jan. 2002
The Benjamin is the real "sleeper" on the list. A bit out of the way, it has great beef, warm service and impeccable raw bar items all served in a grand room. Top quality in every way and the attention to detail surpasses almost any other steakhouse on the list.
Jun. 2008
Keen"s?? A dinosaur!!
Mar. 2011
I've eaten in Keen's and it's not good.
I'm surprised you didn't mention The Old Homestead