11 New York Steakhouses That Are Expensive But Deliver Flavor Worth The Splurge
New York City’s steakhouse scene is built on tradition, quality, and serious attention to detail. Across the five boroughs, you’ll find restaurants that have perfected the art of serving expertly aged beef, rich sides, and classic cocktails in unforgettable settings.
These places don’t hold back, each visit is a full experience, from the service to the final bite. The price reflects the craftsmanship and reputation these steakhouses have earned over the years.
For those who appreciate a well-prepared cut of meat, these spots consistently deliver on every level.
1. Peter Luger Steak House, Brooklyn
Walking into Peter Luger feels like stepping back in time to old New York. The wooden tables and no-nonsense waiters create an atmosphere that screams tradition.
Their porterhouse steak is the star of the show, served sizzling on a hot plate with clarified butter pooling around it. Cash only policy might seem odd in our digital age, but it adds to the authentic experience.
Reservations book up weeks ahead, so plan your visit early if you want a taste of this Brooklyn legend that has been serving carnivores since 1887.
2. Keens Steakhouse, Manhattan
Over 90,000 clay pipes hang from the ceiling at Keens, each one belonging to a famous patron from the past century. Presidents, writers, and celebrities have all left their mark here.
The mutton chop is their signature dish and it’s absolutely massive. Most people think mutton sounds weird until they try this perfectly seasoned, juicy cut that converts skeptics instantly.
The historic Herald Square location has been feeding hungry New Yorkers since 1885, making it one of the oldest steakhouses still operating in the city today.
3. Porter House Bar & Grill, Manhattan
Perched on the fourth floor of the Time Warner Center, Porter House offers stunning Central Park views alongside their premium beef. Floor-to-ceiling windows turn dinner into a show, especially during sunset.
Chef Michael Lomonaco runs the kitchen with serious skill, preparing USDA Prime cuts that melt in your mouth. The bone-in ribeye gets rave reviews from regulars who keep coming back for more.
Columbus Circle location makes it perfect for pre-theater dining or a special date night when you want to impress someone with both food and scenery.
4. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Midtown Manhattan
Spread across three floors in Midtown, Del Frisco’s feels like a carnivore palace with multiple dining rooms and a buzzing energy. The space is huge but somehow still manages to feel comfortable rather than overwhelming.
Their dry-aged steaks come in cuts so thick you might need a partner to help finish them. I once tried tackling their 32-ounce ribeye solo and learned my limits quickly.
Drink selection here is absolutely insane, with over 1,400 bottles available if you want to pair your steak with something truly special from their award-winning cellar.
5. Old Homestead Steakhouse, Meatpacking District
Since 1868, Old Homestead has been grilling steaks in the same location, making it the oldest continuously operating steakhouse in America. That’s a lot of cows.
The Gotham Ribeye is their most famous offering, a massive 40-ounce monster that costs more than some people’s monthly phone bills. They also famously served a Kobe beef steak that once sold for $350, making headlines worldwide.
Family-owned for four generations, the restaurant balances history with modern touches, keeping both traditionalists and newcomers happy at their tables in trendy Meatpacking.
6. Benjamin Steakhouse Prime, Midtown Manhattan
Former Peter Luger waiters opened Benjamin Steakhouse, bringing their expertise to create something familiar yet fresh. The student became the master, so to speak.
Their dry-aged porterhouse rivals the best in the city, with a perfect char on the outside and rosy pink center. Sides are served family-style, encouraging sharing and conversation around the table.
Located in a landmarked building that once housed a bank, the restaurant maintains architectural details that add character to your meal without feeling stuffy or pretentious about it.
7. Smith & Wollensky, Midtown East
The green and white facade of Smith & Wollensky has become a Manhattan landmark since 1977. You can’t miss it walking down Third Avenue.
Their dry-aging program runs 28 days minimum, creating deeply flavorful beef with that nutty, intense taste serious steak lovers crave. The sirloin here punches way above its weight class compared to other restaurants.
Two-story space includes a more casual Wollensky’s Grill downstairs if you want the same quality beef without the full steakhouse commitment and price tag attached to it.
8. Sparks Steak House, Midtown East
Sparks gained unfortunate fame in 1985 when a mob hit happened outside its doors, but the restaurant’s reputation rests firmly on its outstanding beef. History aside, people come here for the food.
Massive portions define the menu here, with steaks arriving on plates that barely contain them. The prime sirloin and filet mignon are cooked exactly as ordered every single time.
Drink collection rivals the best in New York, with rare bottles and reasonable markups that make splurging on a nice pairing less painful than other high-end spots around town.
9. BLT Steak, Midtown Manhattan
Chef Laurent Tourondel brought French technique to American steakhouse traditions when he created BLT Steak. The result feels more refined than your typical chophouse.
Every meal starts with warm popovers and three flavored butters, which sounds simple but somehow becomes addictive. Try not to fill up before your actual steak arrives at the table.
Gruyere tater tots might sound gimmicky, but they’re actually genius and pair perfectly with their dry-aged ribeye. Sometimes fancy comfort food combinations just work better than anyone expects them to.
10. Empire Steak House, near Times Square
Despite being near the tourist chaos of Times Square, Empire Steak House maintains legitimacy among locals who know good beef. Location doesn’t always equal quality, but here it does.
Their dry-aged New York strip develops incredible flavor during the aging process, with a crust that crunches perfectly under your knife. Portions are generous without being wasteful or over-the-top silly.
The restaurant offers a pre-theater menu that lets you enjoy quality steak without missing curtain time, making it practical for Broadway-goers who refuse to sacrifice dinner quality for convenience.
11. American Cut, Tribeca
Marc Forgione’s American Cut brings a younger, hipper vibe to the steakhouse scene without sacrificing quality or tradition. The Tribeca location attracts a stylish crowd that appreciates good beef.
Bone marrow poppers are a must-order appetizer that sounds adventurous but tastes incredible, especially when spread on their crusty bread. Not your grandpa’s steakhouse starter, that’s for sure.
Japanese and American beef options let you choose your adventure, with wagyu offerings that showcase marbling so intense it looks like art on your plate before you cut into it.