Brian Nagele
New York City is the cultural center of the world. When it comes to the city that never sleeps, you have the best of everything, from music to fashion to food! With it all at your fingertips, you just have to know where to look. So, grab a subway map, and let’s go!
New York City steakhouses are some of the oldest establishments, as well as some of the most cutting edge in the industry. From Washington Heights to Battery Park, it all depends on what you’re looking for. I love a good cabernet with a filet mignon, but I’ve also had the best lamb chop of my life at Peter Lugers! Check out all the 5 boroughs for the best steakhouses in New York. Go for the crisp white linens, timeless service, impressive pairings, and classy music. I’ll go over each steakhouse I recommend, so you know what to expect. From Williamsburg to TriBeCa to Midtown, get ready for the best meal of your life. Check out my list of the best steak in NYC below!
Keens Steakhouse
72 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: 212-947-3636
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Keens is located on W 36th Street and 6th Avenue in Midtown. This classic New York City steakhouse has a colorful history that began in 1885. In what was then the Herald Square Theater District, Albert Keen opened Keens Chop House. His connection to the stage made the restaurant a popular spot for actors and famous personalities like Babe Ruth and John Barrymore. As far back as 1933, Keens has been praised in the New York Times, Herald Tribune, and New York Post for its famed mutton chops. Most recently, the restaurant received the James Beard Foundation 2013 America’s Classic Award. To this day, guests rave about the mutton chops. I also recommend trying a porterhouse steak and a Keens pale ale from their pub. Come hear fun stories about Keen’s long past and enjoy some of the best steaks in NYC.
Peter Luger
178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718-387-7400
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Just off of the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn, at the corner of Broadway and Driggs Avenue is the classic Peter Luger Steakhouse. Opened in 1887, its popularity grew as the neighborhood did. After Peter Luger died in the 1950s, the place came to disrepair. It was purchased and refurbished by the Foreman family, who still runs it to this day. The Foreman’s high standards have earned Peter Luger’s a Michelin Star. They’ve also been voted No. 1 Top Steakhouse by the Zagat Guide for 30 years in a row. Guests rave about the dry-aged ribeye steak. Order it with the creamed spinach and German potatoes. Peter Luger’s Steak Sauce will be on the table and is a popular tomato-based sauce that is also sold in stores. Experience quality, old-fashioned service, and some of the best New York City steak.
Cote
16 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10010
Phone: 212-401-7986
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Across from the Flatiron Building, on W 2nd Street and 5th Avenue is Cote, the popular Korean steakhouse. Owner Simon Kim and Executive Chef David Shim have combined Korean barbeque flavors and experience with the classic elements and standards of an American Steakhouse. You’ll have some of the best steaks in NYC at Cote. Having rightfully earned a Michelin Star, they boast an impressive wine list and fun twists on classic cocktails. Cote serves USDA Prime Beef and American Wagyu. As part of the Cote experience, every table has a smokeless Shinpo grill that you can operate, or the knowledgeable waitstaff is ready to work the grill for you. I suggest ordering the Butcher’s Feast and get the Korean “Bacon” pork belly appetizer.
Gallaghers Steakhouse
228 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-586-5000
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This speakeasy-turned steakhouse opened in 1927 on Broadway and W 52nd Street in Times Square. Today, Gallaghers owner, Dean Poll, and Executive Chef Alan Ashkinaze seek to give diners a timeless steakhouse experience. Gallaghers uses unique hickory coal grills to cook their dry-aged steak for a signature flavor among the NYC steakhouses. Tourists enjoy seeing the steaks drying in Gallagher’s famous meat locker window that faces W 52nd St. Guests recommend the tomahawk steak and dirty martini with blue cheese olive. Try a refreshingly light slice of key lime pie for dessert. Know that there is a dress code stated on their website.
Porter House
10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-823-9500
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Chef, TV personality, and restaurateur Michael Lomonaco opened Porter House inside of The Time Warner Center off Columbus Circle in 2006. Modern presentations on classic steakhouse meals combined with a world-class wine selection mean you will be having some of the top steaks in Manhattan. Try the prime rib straight up, but make sure you get some of Porter House’s impeccable sides. The buttermilk onion rings and black truffle mash potatoes are two crowd favorites. Enjoy views of Columbus Circle and Central Park while you enjoy the spacious ambiance and light jazz music playing in the restaurant.
Wolfgang’s
Lipstick Building, 200 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-588-9653
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Wolfgang’s is on East 54th Street and 3rd Avenue in Midtown. This NYC steakhouse is situated in the old Vanderbilt Hotel dining room. Enjoy the cozy ambiance while you marvel at the stunning New York architecture of the vaulted tiled ceilings. Created by Wolfgang Zwiener, who was Peter Luger’s head waiter for 4 decades, Zweiner claims he has improved upon what an exceptional steakhouse is. Diners rave about the lobster mac and cheese. Wolfgang’s claim to fame is their wide selection of sides and their porterhouse for 2. Note that there is a separate lunch and dinner menu.
4 Charles Prime Rib
4 Charles St #3004, New York, NY 10014
Phone: 212-561-5992
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Charles Prime Rib is on the corner of Charles Street and Greenwich Avenue in the West Village. Established by Brendan Sodikoff, the chef and the owner of Chicago’s Hogsalt restaurant group, he’s created a gem that deserves to be on our list of the best steak in NYC. Take a step back in time at Charles Prime Rib, an old-school supper club from another era. Brass filigree lighting sets the mood while oil paintings cover walls lined in polished wood paneling and crystal chandeliers hanging from dark ceilings. The old-school vibe of Charles Prime Rib is offset by the contemporary offerings on the menu. They serve sides like elote style corn and charred broccoli with butter and lemon. Enjoy it with a bone-in filet or a cheeseburger. Try the mile-high lemon meringue, a popular dessert with diners. Check their menu for fun twists on cocktails.
Bowery Meat Company
9 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-460-5255
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In the heart of the Bowery on East 1st Street between Bowery and 2nd Avenue is the Bowery Meat Company. They call themselves a meat-centric restaurant and use the same mindset to recreate the dining experience. The mid century modern interior design makes for a relaxed but elevated NYC steakhouse experience. The staff is friendly and helpful but not intrusive. They are prepared to give advice and offer recommendations based on your taste. Before you order they show you a cutting board with all the cuts of meats displayed on it for a grand presentation. You’ll find their signature Bowery steak served with Salsa Verde on a bed of whipped potatoes or sides like blistered Shishito peppers. The house-made ricotta appetizer and Duck Lasagna are especially popular. For the best steak in NYC, try their Wagyu cuts, both American and Japanese.
Old Homestead Steakhouse
56 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Phone: 212-242-9040
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Opened in 1868, Old Homestead Steakhouse is one of the oldest of the NYC steakhouses. They’re located in the heart of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District on 9th Avenue between West 14th and West 15th Street. Look for the classic orange and white neon sign and the cow statue out front. Run by the Sherry brothers, the restaurant has been a family business for almost a century. The brothers are involved in every aspect of their work and partnered with Japan to meet USDA standards which led to the lifting of the ban on Kobe beef. At a classic like Old Homestead, go with a prime rib in au jus. The simple presentation of the meat and juices on a plate speaks for itself of the quality of what you’re getting.
Sparks Steak House
210 E 46th St, New York, NY 10017
Phone: 212-687-4855
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Sparks Steak House is in the Diamond District, on E 46th Street and 3rd Avenue. For the best steak in NYC, look for the iconic red logo with “Cetta Brothers Steak Masters” encircling the image of a cow. Inside you’ll find red walls, dishes trimmed with red filigree, and wine bottles displayed everywhere. The epitome of old-school steakhouse nostalgia, Sparks was established by Michael and Pasqual Cetta, sons of an immigrant Italian butcher. They opened Sparks in the 1960s with a passion for steak, seafood, and quality wine. Sparks has received Wine Spectator’s Grand Award for one of the most outstanding wine lists in America. Diners praise the entire seafood appetizer menu. Try their lamb chops or sirloin Steak Fromage.
American Cut
363 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212-226-4736
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You’ll find American Cut in Tribeca on Greenwich Street between Harrison Street and Franklin Street. Chef Marc Forgione has created a well-rounded, high-end experience among all of the NYC steakhouses. American cut offers up classic steakhouse plates while also utilizing creative presentations and elaborate desserts. Try their signature Pastrami Ribeye. Take them up on fun tableside preparations for everything from drinks and chop salads to entrees like their Tomahawk Chop flambé.
Delmonico’s
56 Beaver St, New York, NY 10004
Phone: 123-456-7890
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Delmonico’s has been a part of NYC history since 1827 and has since been setting standards for steakhouses worldwide. Their iconic corner building is in the Financial District at the corner of Beaver Street and South William Street. Delmonico’s does classics well, very much earning the title of the best steak in NYC. They claim to be the birthplace of the brunch classic eggs benedict, Manhattan clam chowder, the wedge salad, and baked Alaska. I recommend the creamed spinach, and fried onion topped filet. You’ll also enjoy the eye-catching presentation of baked Alaska.
Quality Meats
57 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-371-7777
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Quality Meats is one block south of Central Park on 6th Avenue and West 58th Street. They are newer among the New York City steak houses and do a wonderful job paying homage to the tradition with their modern interpretation. The restaurant design is an industrial take with butcher shop/meat locker aesthetic and elements. Find light fixtures made from old meat market weights and hooks. Tables made from slabs of white marble, lots of wood, and rot iron. On our list as some of the highest quality steak in Manhattan, Quality Meats has a high standard, sourcing all of their steaks from two New York City family butchers, Milton Abeles and Strassburger Meat. Regulars rave about the crispy potatoes appetizer and house-made ice cream.
Smith & Wollensky
797 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-753-1530
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The iconic building that is home to Smith & Wollensky is in Midtown is on East 49th Street and 4th Avenue. The story goes that their name was picked by pointing to two names in the phone book one night in 1977. They were called “A steakhouse to end all arguments” by the New York Times. Inside you’ll step back in time with timeless iron fixtures, checkered tile, a chalkboard menu, and old-school waiter jackets. Check their website for wine week, which Smith & Wollensky celebrate 3 times a year. Guests get samples of wine with lunch. This New York City steak house is known for its dry age-age prime rib, and guests love the Cajun ribeye.
St. Anselm
355 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718-384-5054
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St. Anselm is at the intersection of Havemeyer Street and Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. On our list of the best steak in New York City, St. Anselm is a hidden gem with an unassuming storefront. This is a casual steakhouse in a railroad-style building with red brick walls, black and white pictures, and wooden tables and floors. They have spacious outdoor seating in their beautiful Brooklyn backyard. The menu is full of new school dishes like grilled mixed peppers with lime, grilled sardines with pickled lotus flowers. They work well alongside the classic sides. The entire menu comes together to highlight the flavors of the hanger steak and prime rib that St. Anselm does so well.
Strip House
15 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-336-5454
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Two blocks north of Bryant Park on West 44th Street and 5th Avenue is Strip House. This New York City steak house describes itself as being a comfortable burlesque atmosphere with innovative recipes. Enjoy your meal in the cozy ambiance among red wallpapered walls lined with cushioned mirrors and framed Studio Manasse prints of burlesque girls from the 1930s. Sit at white linen tables with votives in red glass candle holders. Overhead are crystal chandeliers and red lamp shades. Strip House offers a beautiful but unassuming presentation. The lobster bisque is a popular starter that compliments the tomahawk steak with a bulb of roasted garlic. I suggest finishing with the popular 24-layer chocolate cake.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
1221 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
Phone: 212-575-5129
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Del Frisco’s is across the street from Rockefeller Center on 6th Avenue. Enjoy views of Midtown and Rockefeller Center while you enjoy dishes prepared by Executive Chef Zack Brown. The spacious multi-level restaurant offers stunning views, glowing ambiance, and sprawling wooden staircases among classic interiors. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse boasts many awards, including being the winner of the Grand Award for outstanding wine list by Wine Spectator. Guests recommend the thick-cut bacon with peppers and butter cake. The Australian wagyu earns this restaurant a place on our list of the best steak in NYC. Know that there is a strict dress code enforced.
