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Thrillist Weekend Guides

Thrillist's guide to everything you can do this weekend and this month—from hot new restaurants to art exhibits to outdoor activities.

Thrillist Weekend Guides: Everything Happening This Weekend and This Month

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Dallas

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Old Homestead Steakhouse

United States

These are New York City's most modern, forward-thinking, and even affordable steak joints that challenge the traditional idea of what a steakhouse should be.

Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist

The steakhouse is as much of an NYC icon as the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building. And whether you’re celebrating a new job, a graduation, or have a milestone anniversary, a steak dinner has long been designated as a top special occasion meal for New Yorkers and considered the ultimate reward to any great accomplishment. 
 
From time-honored classics to modern newcomers, for your next outing to enjoy premium beef cooked exquisitely, simple and seasonal sides, and great wine to pair everything with, here are the 14 best steakhouses in NYC.

The steakhouse is as much of an NYC icon as the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building. And whether you’re celebrating a new job, a graduation, or have a milestone anniversary, a steak dinner has long been designated as a top special occasion meal for New Yorkers and considered the ultimate reward to any great accomplishment.

From time-honored classics to modern newcomers, for your next outing to enjoy premium beef cooked exquisitely, simple and seasonal sides, and great wine to pair everything with, here are the 14 best steakhouses in NYC.

The steakhouse is as much of an NYC icon as the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building. And whether you’re celebrating a new job, a graduation, or have a milestone anniversary, a steak dinner has long been designated as a top special occasion meal for New Yorkers and considered the ultimate reward to any great accomplishment.From time-honored classics to modern newcomers, for your next outing to enjoy premium beef cooked exquisitely, simple and seasonal sides, and great wine to pair everything with, here are the 14 best steakhouses in NYC.

Open since 1977, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/smithwollenskynyc/?hl=en" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Smith &amp; Wollensky</a> continues to uphold its standing in NYC steakhouse lore. This institution hand-butchers and dry-ages their beef through a four-week cure entirely in-house, and many members of the wait staff have been a familiar face to guests for over 30 years. In a city with no shortage of steak offerings, a meal here remains a quintessential dining experience. Along with cuts like the Bone-In Rib Steak, NY Sirloin, and Classic Prime Rib, dig into an array of seafood, meats, and classic sides like Creamed Spinach and Onion Rings before finishing it with the signature Bourbon Pecan Sundae.

Smith & Wollensky

This two-story Italian steakhouse is perfect for going big with a decadent meal. As a part of <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/new-york/things-to-do-the-seaport-nyc" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">The Seaport neighborhood</a>’s burgeoning glow-up, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carnemare/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Carne Mare</a> debuted in 2021 and is from chef Andrew Carmellini and his NoHo Hospitality Group (Locanda Verde, Lafayette). Whether dining at the gorgeous horseshoe bar on the ground floor or working your way up the grand spiral staircase to the second floor for banquettes and views of the East River, prepare yourself for a full-throttle chophouse experience with an array of steaks, meat, Italian specialties, and dishes like <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/best-mozzarella-sticks-nyc" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Mozzarella Sticks &amp; Caviar</a> and Spicy Lobster Spaghetti.

Photo by Nicole Franzen

Carne Mare

This legendary oyster and chophouse’s origins date back to 1879, and its 2021 revival is courtesy of industry veterans Sohui Kim and Ben Schneider (the wife-and-husband duo behind <a href="https://www.goodfork.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">The Good Fork</a> and <a href="https://www.insabrooklyn.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Insa</a>), and St. John Frizell (<a href="http://www.fortdefiancebrooklyn.com/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Fort Defiance</a>). Inside <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/legendary-restaurant-gage-tollner-returns-to-brooklyn-nyc" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Gage &amp; Tollner</a>’s intimate dining room and space that stuns with Gilded Age glory, enjoy a menu of seafood platters, steaks, and much more. Pair it all with an expansive cocktail list that includes a dedicated martini section, and desserts from the award-winning Caroline Schiff. Afterwards, continue the fun upstairs at the window-less tropical-themed bar, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sunkenharborclubnyc/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Sunken Harbor Club</a>, which transports guests to the ocean floor.

Photo by Lizzie Munro

Gage & Tollner

This ode to meat by restaurateur John McDonald and Mercer Street Hospitality (Lure Fishbar, Hancock St) has attracted its initial share of celebs and acclaim since opening in 2014. And since then, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bowerymeatcompany/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Bowery Meat Company</a> is known as a prime example of the type of modern steakhouse New Yorkers need as much as the old school classics. Its Duck Lasagna has become legendary but its long list of prime cuts (including several massive steaks for two like Chateaubriand and Prime 100-Day Dry-Aged Double-Cut Strip), is as impressive as it is tasty.

Bowery Meat Company

Ever since it opened as a speakeasy in 1927, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gallaghersnyc/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Gallaghers</a> has been serving thirsty and hungry Times Square visitors and workers alike. Although it has gone through several owners and rebrandings through the years, it has remained one of Manhattan’s legendary steakhouses. Steaks here are grilled over hickory logs and whether it’s the Porterhouse, Rib Steak, Bone-In New York Sirloin, or Rib Veal Chops accompanied by Baked Clams Casino, Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp, or Jumbo Maine Lobster—it doesn’t get any more classic than this.

Gallaghers Steakhouse

This East London-based steakhouse originally founded in 2006 by co-owners and childhood friends, Huw Gott and Will Beckett, made its NYC debut in Gramercy Park in 2021. Located inside of the United Charities Building and in a space with 30-foot vaulted ceilings and mosaic flooring, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hawksmoornyc/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Hawksmoor</a> is known for their dry-aged steaks prepared over charcoal and includes signature orders like the Rib-eye or Bone-in Rib Chop with sauces like Bone Marrow Gravy, Anchovy Hollandaise, and Bayley Hazen Hollandaise. Within the craft cocktail menu, choose a drink from fun sections titled Ultimate Martinis, Second Golden Age, Hawksmoor Classics, and more.

Photo courtesy of Hawksmoor

Hawksmoor

Hawksmoor New York (Hawksmoor NYC)

A legendary NYC steakhouse, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/keenssteakhouse/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Keens</a> has been in Herald Square since 1885 and was recognized by the James Beard Foundation in 2013 with an America’s Classics Award. Famous for its Legendary Mutton Chop, the menu also includes steaks like the King’s Cut Prime Rib, Porterhouse for Two (or Three), Chateaubriand, T-Bone, and NY Sirloin. A robust raw bar, Maryland Lump Crab Cakes, and veggies like Iceberg Lettuce Wedges, Keens’s Creamed Spinach, and potatoes in five forms all helped carve out the classic steakhouse menu.

Photo courtesy of Keens Steakhouse

Keens Steakhouse

Another old timer that’s stood the test of time, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oldhomestead_steakhouse/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Old Homestead</a> has been in the Meatpacking District since 1868, making it one of the country’s oldest restaurants. Exposed brick, leather banquettes, and 13 different cuts and sizes of steak, including Japanese A5+ Wagyu, create the complete steakhouse experience. Add on the Old Homestead Caesar salad, fresh oysters, and a Colossal Crab Cake if you can squeeze anything else in.

This Brooklyn institution has been the subject of glowing reviews and no-holds-barred takedowns through the 135 years it has been open, but it’s undeniably a NYC classic and no steakhouse list is complete without it. Located just off the Williamsburg Bridge, the Porterhouse, Luger Burger, and Holy Cow Hot Fudge Sundae at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peterlugersteakhouse/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Peter Luger</a> are still must eats. Note: Credit cards aren’t accepted, so have that cash or debit card ready.

Peter Luger Steak House

Chef/partner Michael Lomonaco's <a href="https://www.instagram.com/PorterHouse_NY/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Porter House Bar and Grill</a> has been a go-to destination for prime-aged, hormone-free steaks in NYC since debuting inside The Shops at Columbus Circle in 2006. Lomonaco sources USDA prime beef from the inimitable Pat LaFrieda, who ages the steaks between 21 and 60 days. Those steaks show up in classic dishes like the Porterhouse, Cowboy Rib Steak with garlic confit and arugula, and New York Strip. The sauce selection is key here, with dips like XO Cognac Peppercorn, Cabernet shallot, and a classic Béarnaise. Go big with a side of Buttermilk Onion Rings, Black Truffle Mashed Potatoes, or Creamed Spinach Mr. Pete’s Way (aka with bacon).

Photo by Noah Fecks

Porter House

Executive chef Craig Koketsu offers a modern interpretation of familiar steakhouse dishes at this meat-centric spot with locations in the West Village and Upper East Side. At <a href="https://www.instagram.com/quality_eats/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Quality Eats</a>, off-cut steaks are showcased alongside items like Grilled Octopus with salsa verde and starters and sides like the Our Wedge salad with candied bacon and habanero dressing; Corn Creme Brulee; and Cacio e Pepe Orzo. The signature Don Amache Filet, where slices of filet mignon rest atop toast spread with chicken liver mousse, represents the kitchen’s philosophy in a single dish: top quality but underrepresented meats perfectly cooked and creatively presented.

Photo courtesy of Quality Eats

Quality Eats

The humble and intimate exposed brick and wood space at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/st.anselm_bk/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">St. Anselm</a> is welcoming and comfy, while the menu boasts new takes on comfort food of the meaty variety, with dishes like the Ax Handle Rib Eye, NY Strip, Sweet Tea Brined Bobo Chicken, and a Bourbon Brined Pork Porterhouse. Vegetables are expertly prepared with options like Pan-Fried Mash Potatoes, Broccoli with ranch, and Long Beans w/ garlic butter. For dessert, the signature Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae has brandied cherries, caramel, and cacao nibs.

St. Anselm

The Cetta brothers’ famous steakhouse has been going strong since 1966, when it originally started as a pub but soon morphed into the meat paradise it is today. Interiors at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sparkssteakhouse/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Sparks</a> are old school with dark wood, coffered ceilings, and landscape paintings adorning the walls. But once you devour the signature Prime Sirloin Steak (a larger portion for the price than other spots), complemented by a bottle from their venerable wine cellar, you’ll simply consider yourself at a stellar NYC restaurant having a great meal.

Sparks Steak House

From the team behind Chicago’s famous Au Cheval, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nycprimerib/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">4 Charles Prime Rib</a> is more supper club than classic steakhouse, which is just fine with us. The posh, clubby underground spot in the West Village with wood-paneled walls, crystal chandeliers, and brown leather chairs is always hard to nab a table at. But if you manage to do so, there are three different cuts of prime rib to choose from—English Cut, Chicago Cut, and the 4 Charles Cut—and you’ll definitely want a side of the Creamed Spinach and the Truffle Mac &amp; Cheese. And while it’s not the Au Cheval burger, the 10oz Double Wagyu Cheeseburger here is still a must-order. Plus, the Chocolate Cream Pie is a show stopper.

Photo courtesy of 4 Charles Prime Rib

4 Charles Prime Rib

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/tae-yoon" target="_blank">Tae Yoon</a> was born and raised in Queens, and is the Editor of <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/new-york" target="_blank">Thrillist New York</a>.

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/devorah-lev-tov" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Devorah Lev-Tov</a> is a contributor for Thrillist.

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

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Steak

The 14 Best Steakhouses in NYC

Best Steakhouses in NYC: Restaurants That Are Worth the Visit

As long as you don’t order it well done.

The steakhouse is as much of an NYC icon as the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building.

Old Homestead Steakhouse

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The 14 Best Steakhouses in NYC

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