New York's best steakhouses
AUTHOR SANEL HUSKANOVIC / STEAK CATEGORY / PUBLISHED: NOV-17-2023
"If I look fat on TV, I'll blame you."
Ray Romano to the Peter Luger employees
Going to New York and not eating a steak is like going to Rome and not seeing the Pope. It's one of the dishes that has been improved and refined to perfection in the Big Apple, making it a must on your New York trip.
As usual, there are two big hurdles in New York. Firstly, there are numerous steakhouses, secondly it is expensive.
So that you get the most for your money, I have listed the best steaks in New York below.
our bestsellers
1. PETER LUGER
Address: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211 - $$$$ $ -My Review *****
The most famous and best steak in New York is available at Peter Luger! Everything you have heard about it is true and if not better, certainly not worse. Founded by a German immigrant and run by Americans who enjoyed eating there so much that when the Luger family wanted to close it, they bought it out and kept it going. Just as a visit to the Empire is part of a New York trip, a steak at Peter Luger is also a must.
2.4 Charles Prime Rib
Address: 3004, 4 Charles St, New York, NY 10014 - $$$$ $ -My Rating *****
I came to New York because it was more exciting to do exciting things than to have a "bedroom" or "living room." Living in this city means having unique experiences every day. 4 Charles Prime Rib is one of those experiences.
This is the kind of restaurant where you eat a hamburger as an appetizer and wash it down with a prime rib steak, a hot bowl of creamed spinach and 4 bourbons.
Which brings me to a few important points. First of all, it is impossible to get a peak time reservation here. The room is very small, there is no bar and the turnover of tables is not quick. This means that the few reservations available for the regular dinners go quickly if they are released 30 days in advance. This also means that the times you are likely to have available will be after 10:00 p.m. Some people see this as a bad thing. Not me, because you shouldn't eat prime rib at 4 Charles before 10 p.m. anyway.
3. BOHEMIAN
Address: 57 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012 - $$$$ $ -My Rating *****
I'm not good at keeping secrets. It's too much work, but I only have to keep some of it to myself. Which brings me to Bohemian. This "secret" restaurant behind the Japan Premium Beef Butcher on Bond Street has no published phone number. You have to get it from a friend who has already eaten at the restaurant, just like the original location in Japan. It's basically a marketing gimmick, and it always seems to work in New York. People like to feel like they have an insider tip.
What impressed me most about Bohemian is that it's not impressive because it's exclusive. Usually these "hidden" or "private" restaurants are a huge disappointment, like actually getting into Soho House and seeing that it's nothing but a bunch of trust fund guys and the least known Jonas Brother hanging out there. To my amazement, the food here is absolutely excellent and the surroundings deliver too. And the key to everything is simplicity. The space is small and lively and very relaxed, with sofas and lounge chairs and low tables. It's about as perfect as a date night restaurant because it's convenient. As for the food, you'd think a secret place like this would serve crazy things like blowfish sashimi or live scorpion tacos. The best thing to do is eat a whole branzino with Brussels sprouts and olives and Wagyu beef steaks from the butcher in front of the door. There's even a reasonably priced tasting menu for $55. Not bad!
Now that you know Bohemian, all you have to do is figure out how to get the phone number.
?
But pshhhh you didn't get it from me
212-388-1070
4. St. Anselm
Address: 355 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211 - $$ $$$ -My Rating ****
The year was 2011. Williamsburg was cool, its residents were called "hipsters." Anselm opened with a signature steak that cost $15.
Fast forward to today. This steak is $24, Williamsburg is not cool and mustaches are just mustaches. But St. Anselm is still one of the best places to eat a steak in New York City.
That is, if you can get in. It's a narrow room with maybe eight tables and a long row of seats overlooking the open kitchen. The room is clad in brick and wood and feels like a medieval knight in a hut in the hinterland. There are no reservations, and if you don't show up before 7 p.m., especially on weekends, you'll probably need a new dinner plan.
5. Keen's Steakhouse
Address: 72 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018 - $$$$ $ -My Rating ****
Keens is as old as New York. Open since 1885, this place is steeped in history. It's pretty much the museum of natural meat-eating history. Before it was open to the public, Keens was a hangout for members and a place for New Yorkers' most powerful, like Teddy Roosevelt and Babe Ruth. Keens has been serving quality meat for 115 years.
6. Wolfgang's
Address: 4 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016 - $$$ $$ -My Rating *****
Literally from rags to riches, Wolfgang worked as head waiter for Peter Luger for 40 years before opening the first location on Park Avenue, and today there are 10 more throughout the United States. His steaks are almost as good as those at Peter Luger but at a slightly cheaper price.
7. Minetta Tavern
Address: 4 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016 - $$$$$ -My Review *****
I can't go too often because I'd be broke and really fat, but once or twice a year it's a well-deserved treat. It's also a go-to for brunch, and if you want to head there without the hassle of making dinner reservations, just go for lunch.
The first bite will be heaven - the musky smell from dry aging translates into an earthy taste in the mouth. The crispy charred crust is to die for; rich and bold in flavor.
8. Benjamin Steakhouse
Address: 52 E 41st St, New York, NY 10017 - $$$$$ -My Review ***
This is an upscale steakhouse just a block from Grand Central. It features high ceilings, a casual bar area, and waiters all wearing bow ties. The food is pretty straightforward, and if you're looking for a perfectly cooked filet mignon roll, you'll be happy here. On the way out, stop in the entrance area and look at photos of celebrities who have eaten here before you.
9. Smith & Wollensky
View this post on InstagramSmith & Wollensky is Warren Buffett's favorite steakhouse, I prefer Peter Luger
Address: 52 E 41st St, New York, NY 10017 - $$$$$ -My Review ***
"American Psycho" and Warren Buffet's favorite steakhouse. The name comes from a telephone book from which the owners randomly picked two names.
Before you go to Smith & Wollensky, there are three things you should know. Firstly, you will spend a lot of money. Secondly, you won't be able to stay awake after eating a huge steak soaked in a fatty, buttery pool. And thirdly, you won't complain. You can't go wrong with the tenderloin (which comes in five different variations) or any of the dry-aged steaks, but the best thing about this Oldtown Midtown steakhouse is the rich and slightly funky dry prime rib. It's massive, and the juice makes it feel a lot heavier, so you should share it with someone.
10. Gallagher's Steakhouse
Address: 228 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019 - $$$ $$ -My Rating ***
Restaurateur Dean Poll has worked to uncover the history of Gallaghers, a 90-year-old steakhouse that was once a hangout for gangsters and Broadway stars.
You can't miss it, because from the street you can see the chest where the meat matures. The perfect place to stop by after or before a Broadway show .
11. Delmonico's
Address: 56 Beaver St, New York, NY 10004 - $$$ $$ -My Review *** * *
If New York had a royal family, they would hold court with Delmonico. The restaurant, which opened in 1837, is the oldest steakhouse in the city - with a few upheavals, closures and changes of ownership. It recently reopened after a three-year hiatus and manages to retain the old, old-fashioned glamor you won't find at Peter Luger (1885) or Keen's (1887), with waiters in tuxedo vests pouring wine under chandeliers that look, as if they belonged to another century.
You can also eat like they did back then: Delmonico steak, lobster Newberg, and baked Alaska are all dishes they claim to have invented, and I understand why they've remained on the menu. Dining among retired Wall Street bankers and de facto aristocrats also makes you feel like a real power player.
12. Old Homestead Steakhouse
Address: 56 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011 - $$$ $ $ -My Review *** *
Old Homestead is in the heart of the former meatpacking district, where I spent a few nights out. Old Homestead has been in the same location since it opened in 1868, making it one of the longest-running restaurants in America. I love the burger at this place but the ribeye steak here can't be beat. It's tender, has lots of flavor and goes well with the excellent garlic mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. End your meal with the Old Fashioned Sundae. The combination of walnuts, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and really good vanilla ice cream makes the visit to the scales the next day completely regrettable.