Where to go for good steak dinner in NYC
 

While I'm on my little Christmas getaway in New York I'd like to have a good steak dinner one of the nights.
Where are the best steaks in New York.
Is Ruth's Chris the place to go?

I wouldn't do any of the chain steakhouses when in NYC (Ruth's Chris or Morton's). PETER LUGER'S is always a good bet, but reservations at Christmastime will be hard to get. I've had good meals at Cite. Smith & Wollensky's is a little past it's prime, but still good. Avoid Sparks at all cost - my father and I were kept waiting for over an hour for our table - and we had a confirmed reservation - unless you are going with a regular, don't bother. I'm trying the Strip House for the first time on Thursday, so I'll come back at the end of the week and let you know what I think. I've also heard good stuff about Wolfgang's, but I haven't eaten there yet.

Thank you Bgans. I've read about Peter Luger's. Would I have a problem getting to Brooklyn at night on my own on the subway? I've not ventured out that far.
Also, I thought I'd read somewhere that the steak dinners are for 2 people. Is this true?
I'll be anxious to hear how you enjoy Wolfgang's. Have a good time.

Some of the people I work with are dedicated meat eaters, so I got to try most of the big steakhouses in NY (Ben Bensons, Peter Luger's, Ruth Chris', Smith & Wollensky, Frankie and Johnnies, Bull and Bear, etc). I have to say that my favorite is Sparks. A NY original, great steaks, great wine list, good service.

Sparks and Palm are two of the best. You can take a cab to Peter Luger..it is right over the Williamsburg Bridge and so will not cost you all that much more than taking a cab within Manhattan. You can also take the subway at night. Post House on the Upper East Side is also good...atmosphere there is a little more "refined" than in the first two places..less loud, for one thing.

Spark's - consistently good steaks and very good wine list. Can be a bit aloof with the service as noisy, expense-account clienteles are given a bit more attention.

Keen's - Very "old New York", good steaks, also popular with locals. This would be my choice if I'm not on expense account.

Strip House - decent steaks, a little cheaper than the first 2.

Knickerbocker's - I believe that this is cheaper than either of the first 3. A locals/neighborhood favorite.

Lugers - Rated by most as the best steaks in NY and boroughs. Tough to get reservations in Brooklyn, but they may be able to accomodate you in their Long Island restaurant, if you insist on Luger's.

Stay away from chains (Ruth Chris or Mortons). Besides, don't you have these at your city of origin?

Please also not that Peter Luger's is CASH ONLY. They do not take credit cards.

If you have difficulty with a reservation, they serve the same meat at lunchtime.

Getting there on the Subway is easy- it's only 1 stop into Brooklyn. However, if you have never been before it is a little tricky to find it, it is tucked under the bridge. Almost any cab driver will know where it is.

In this order:

Peter Luger

Sparks.

Is price an issue??

I can't believe that no one has mentioned Wolfgang's on Park Ave.! THE best, in my opinion.

Ben & Jacks just opened on East 44th street. The owner(s) used to Maitre'd at Peter Lugers. Menu/Atmosphere is very similar. Jimmy the bartender also used to be at Peter Lugers.

I second for Wolfgang's, the space is really neat and the steak was great. It's become one of our favorites. The Palm Too would be a strong second. Sparks is great too, with really good people watching. I think you'd enjoy any of these NY institutions!

Cite is fabulous for steak. Located on 51st between 6th and 7th Avenues. There is a great wine dinner each night too.

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Ben & Jacks just opened on East 44th street. The owner(s) used to Maitre'd at Peter Lugers. Menu/Atmosphere is very similar. Jimmy the bartender also used to be at Peter Lugers.
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This would have been the place to go to if only their steaks comes from Peter Luger's, too.

Ben & Jack's got a pretty spotty review on the New York Times... * out of ****

<i>It's unfortunate that the food at Ben &amp; Jack's strives to mimic Peter Luger's, rather than to aim higher. </i>

Oh , my goodness, I'm overwhelmed with the choices. To answer some questions, usually price would be an issue, but since I'm treating myself to a Christmas getaway, I'm willing to really spoil myself. Why not?
Yes, we have Ruth's Chris in Toronto, but I've not been there. You are right. I should try a NY original.

Thanks for all the wonderful suggesstions.

Wolfgang also used to work at Peter Luger. In my opinion, he *far* exceeds the quality at Luger. He's also received *very* favorable reviews.