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Frankie & Johnnie's Steakhouse
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Frankie & Johnnie's Steakhouse
8.0
A long‑time Hell’s Kitchen steakhouse (since 1926) offering familiar, well‑executed steaks and a warm, welcoming vibe. Solid for a reliable mid‑price steak night without fuss, especially for regulars and longtime Manhattan locals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime NY Strip, Porterhouse, Caesar Salad Tableside
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Decades‑old neighborhood steakhouse with steady, no‑frills quality.
Who should go: Locals wanting reliable steak without premium prices.
When to visit: Dinner any day, fairly early works best.
What to order: Prime NY Strip, Porterhouse, Caesar Salad.
Insider tip: Go mid‑week to avoid crowds and get faster service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking available for $12, but street parking can be difficult after 6pm, especially in the Theater District.
Dress code: Smart casual – jeans are acceptable but lean towards dressier attire for a more polished look.
Noise level: Moderate – conversations are easy to follow, but it can get a bit lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, expect higher wait times on weekends, especially pre-theater hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, as lunch hours are quieter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – there are several vegetarian-friendly options, including salads and side dishes.
Vegan options: Limited – there are 2-3 vegan options, but the menu is steakhouse-centric.
Gluten-free options: Yes – they offer gluten-free options, and they take care to prepare them in a separate area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's a solid choice for a first date. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with no pretension, making it ideal for a comfortable and enjoyable meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It depends on the time of day. During busy dinner hours or weekends, it’s advisable to make a reservation. However, if you're flexible with timing, a table may be available, especially during the early evening or weekdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it's a family-friendly spot. Kids are welcome, and the menu offers dishes that are easy for younger palates. The cozy atmosphere makes it a great choice for dining with children.
Best For
Better for: Frankie & Johnnie's excels in providing a reliable, mid-priced steak experience in a low-key, neighborhood setting. It's perfect for those looking for a no-frills steak night with great comfort food.
Skip if: Skip it if you're looking for a trendy, upscale steakhouse with modern twists or a cutting-edge dining experience. If you're seeking a fine dining experience, there are other places in Manhattan that offer a more contemporary ambiance.
Frankie & Johnnie's Steakhouse
8.2
A classic New York steakhouse with old‑world charm and reliably solid cuts — good for a no‑frills steak night near the Theater District. It delivers on traditional steakhouse expectations without pretense. The vintage‑era vibe pairs well with hearty portions and consistent service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Porterhouse Steak, Creamed Spinach, Baked Potato
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old‑school steakhouse tradition near Broadway theaters.
Who should go: Meat lovers or pre‑show diners wanting classic steak.
When to visit: Dinner or late dinner after shows.
What to order: Porterhouse steak, creamed spinach, baked potato.
Insider tip: Request a booth away from the main dining room for quieter meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be challenging after 6pm. Valet parking is offered for $20.
Dress code: Smart casual – jeans are fine, but leaning towards dressy is recommended for the full experience.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation is easy to follow, but can get lively during peak times.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30-45 minute wait without a reservation, especially pre-theater or post-show.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but reservations are recommended for lunch meetings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – there are a few vegetarian-friendly options like salads, roasted vegetables, and pasta.
Vegan options: Limited – there are a couple of vegan options, but not a full menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – they offer gluten-free options, and there’s a dedicated prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the classic New York steakhouse vibe is both charming and sophisticated, offering an intimate yet relaxed atmosphere. It's ideal for those looking to make a good impression with traditional comfort food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but highly recommended to book ahead, especially on weekends or before/after theater shows. Walk-ins can expect longer wait times without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – the portions are large and there's a family-friendly atmosphere. However, the restaurant is more suited for older children or teens due to the quieter, more mature setting.
Best For
Better for: Frankie & Johnnie's is great for a no-fuss, classic steakhouse experience with a cozy, vintage ambiance. It’s ideal for those looking for reliable, hearty steaks near Broadway without the excess glitz of more modern steakhouses.
Skip if: Skip if you're looking for contemporary twists on steak or if you prefer a vibrant, modern atmosphere with sleek décor.
Frankie & Johnnie's Steakhouse
7.8
A storied steakhouse rooted in 1926 that delivers straightforward classic cuts and cozy leather‑booth seating near Theatre District — good for traditional date dinners without flash. The heritage and long‑standing reputation create a sense of old‑NY charm, though interior and décor lean more modest than glam. Ideal for couples who appreciate history and unpretentious steak over loud ambiance or showy presentation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone‑In Rib Eye, Prime Strip Steak, Classic Sides (Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach)
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Legacy 1926 steakhouse offering no‑frills, classic cuts near Theatre District.
Who should go: Couples seeking old‑school steakhouse with history.
When to visit: Dinner, especially off‑peak weekdays.
What to order: Bone‑in rib eye, strip steak, classic sides.
Insider tip: Request a corner booth for quiet, intimate seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $18, limited street parking. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Dress code: Smart casual, jeans are acceptable but lean towards dressy for a polished feel.
Noise level: Moderate – can hear your date easily, especially in quieter booths.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – limited vegetarian options including sides like mashed potatoes and salads.
Vegan options: Limited – 2-3 options, mainly salads and sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes – separate prep area to ensure gluten-free dishes are safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – perfect for couples who enjoy a relaxed, old-school steakhouse vibe without flashy distractions. The cozy booths create a comfortable setting for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's possible, but the wait can be long, especially on weekends. It's recommended to make a reservation to avoid waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? While not a dedicated family spot, older children (12+) may enjoy the classic steakhouse atmosphere. The ambiance is quiet, so it may not be ideal for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Frankie & Johnnie’s excels at offering a classic, no-frills steakhouse experience with a long-established reputation, making it ideal for date nights or business lunches seeking history over showy ambiance.
Skip if: If you're looking for a trendy or modern steakhouse with bold décor and a louder, more energetic atmosphere, you may prefer alternatives like Keens or Quality Meats.