6 New York Steakhouses Visitors Flock To & 6 That Locals Keep To Themselves
New York City and steak go hand in hand, and few places do it better. Legendary institutions have been perfecting their cuts for generations, while tucked-away neighborhood spots serve steaks that locals swear by.
The Big Apple delivers it all – grand dining rooms that attract visitors from across the globe and hidden gems where New Yorkers escape the crowds for a perfectly cooked slab of beef.
1. Peter Luger Steak House – A Brooklyn Institution Since 1887
This Williamsburg landmark has been perfecting dry-aged beef for over 130 years. They don’t accept credit cards, but they do take debit cards, checks, cash, and the Peter Luger Card, and they’re famously gruff – Peter Luger represents old-school New York at its finest.
The porterhouse for two (or more) is the undisputed star, seared to perfection and sliced tableside. Servers deliver the steak on plates tilted to pool the buttery juices – a technique copied but never matched.
Reservations require planning ahead – sometimes months for prime dinner slots. The Great Neck location offers a slightly easier alternative.
2. Keens Steakhouse – Where History Hangs From The Ceiling
Walking into Keens feels like stepping back in time. The ceilings lined with thousands of clay pipes once belonged to regular patrons like Teddy Roosevelt and Babe Ruth.
While steaks are magnificent, the legendary mutton chop steals the spotlight. This massive lamb saddle chop arrives with a crisp exterior and perfectly pink center that keeps regulars coming back decade after decade.
Located near Herald Square, Keens provides an authentic slice of old New York amid the tourist hustle of Midtown Manhattan.
3. Gallaghers Steakhouse – Broadway’s Meaty Showstopper
The glass-enclosed meat locker facing 52nd Street stops Theater District pedestrians in their tracks. Inside, prime cuts age in full view, setting the stage for what’s to come.
I first visited Gallaghers before a Broadway show twenty years ago, and the pre-theater dinner experience remains unchanged – efficient service, perfect steaks, and just enough old-world charm to feel special without being stuffy.
The New York sirloin satisfies purists while the prime rib draws those seeking something more indulgent. Either way, you’re getting beef with Broadway swagger.
4. Delmonico’s – America’s Original Fine Dining Experience
Recently reopened after a pandemic closure, this Financial District icon pioneered American restaurant culture in 1837. The name alone evokes power lunches and Wall Street celebrations.
The Steak Delmonico remains the signature order, though modern interpretations have evolved from the original cut. The restaurant balances historic reverence with contemporary touches throughout its menu.
Located on Beaver Street, Delmonico’s continues serving both tourists seeking culinary history and finance professionals sealing deals over premium beef and classic cocktails.
5. Smith & Wollensky – The Green-and-White Midtown Classic
The distinctive green-and-white facade signals you’ve arrived at a true New York institution. Inside, career waiters in white jackets navigate the bustling dining room with practiced precision.
Dry-aged USDA Prime steaks arrive with a perfectly charred crust and the restaurant’s signature simplicity. Nothing distracts from the quality of the meat – exactly as it should be.
For a more casual experience, Wollensky’s Grill next door offers the same quality beef in a less formal setting. Either way, you’re getting an authentic slice of Midtown steakhouse culture.
6. Old Homestead Steakhouse – Meatpacking District’s Elder Statesman
Standing tall since 1868, Old Homestead predates the trendy Meatpacking District by over a century. The cow sculpture outside hints at the serious beef business happening within these historic walls.
The 32-ounce Gotham rib steak satisfies even the heartiest appetites, while splurge-worthy A5 Wagyu options tempt those seeking the ultimate beef experience. Portions match the restaurant’s oversized personality.
While tourists fill many tables, the bar area often hosts locals who appreciate tradition amid the neighborhood’s constant reinvention.
7. DeStefano’s Steakhouse – Williamsburg’s Best-Kept Secret
Tucked away on a quiet Williamsburg block, DeStefano’s delivers Peter Luger-quality steaks without the tourist crowds or attitude. The intimate dining room feels like someone’s cherished family restaurant – because it is.
The porterhouse rivals its more famous neighbor, with perfectly aged beef cooked precisely to order. Regulars appreciate the neighborhood pricing for top-quality cuts that would cost significantly more in Manhattan.
On weekends, you’ll spot multi-generational Brooklyn families celebrating special occasions alongside in-the-know steak enthusiasts who prefer their beef without the fanfare.
8. St. Anselm – The Anti-Steakhouse Steakhouse
Don’t let the casual vibe fool you – St. Anselm serves some of the city’s most perfectly cooked beef. This neighborhood spot eschews steakhouse clichés for a more relaxed approach to serious meat.
The butcher’s hanger steak with garlic butter has developed a cult following. At about a third the price of traditional steakhouse cuts, it delivers more flavor than many premium options elsewhere.
My first visit involved an hour-long wait at the tiny bar, but the first bite of that perfectly charred hanger steak made me a convert. Now I just plan ahead and use Resy.
9. Christos Steak House – Astoria’s Greek-Accented Gem
Astoria locals have kept this Greek-influenced steakhouse to themselves for years. The 21-day dry-aged steaks get a Mediterranean twist with olive oil and herbs before hitting the 1,200°F broiler.
The signature porterhouse serves 2-4 people, arriving with a spectacular char that seals in juices. Greek sides like lemon potatoes complement the meat perfectly, offering a refreshing alternative to creamed spinach.
Tucked away on 23rd Avenue, Christos remains primarily filled with Queens residents celebrating special occasions with exceptional meat and warm, family-style service.
10. Jake’s Steakhouse – The Bronx’s Neighborhood Treasure
Perched at the northern edge of the Bronx, Jake’s feels worlds away from Manhattan’s expense-account steakhouses. Families gather around generous portions of USDA Prime beef in an atmosphere that’s upscale yet unpretentious.
The early evening “Sunset” menu offers exceptional value, drawing loyal neighborhood regulars. Full-sized steaks come with sides included – a refreshing departure from the à la carte approach downtown.
Riverdale locals have been keeping Jake’s relatively quiet, preferring to maintain its neighborhood charm rather than see it overrun with Manhattan day-trippers.
11. Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More – Buffalo’s Special Occasion Destination
Just minutes from the Buffalo airport, Russell’s has perfected the upstate steakhouse experience. The dining room balances elegance with approachability – white tablecloths without pretension.
The prime steaks arrive with a textbook crust and perfectly cooked centers. Regular customers often mention the consistency – their favorite cut tastes identical visit after visit, year after year.
Owner Russell Salvatore remains a local legend, often greeting guests personally. His hands-on approach ensures tourists and regulars receive equally attentive service at this Western New York institution.
12. Scotch ‘N Sirloin – Syracuse’s Time-Honored Classic
Family-owned since 1967, this Syracuse institution maintains old-school steakhouse traditions without feeling dated. The impressive whiskey collection rivals many big-city establishments, perfectly complementing their aged beef.
The prime rib stands as the signature item – slow-roasted daily and carved to order. Generous portions reflect upstate hospitality, with most diners taking home tomorrow’s lunch.
Last winter, I stopped here during a snowstorm and found the place packed with locals who wouldn’t let a little weather interfere with their steak night.
That dedication speaks volumes about the restaurant’s place in the community.