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The King of Meat
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
The King of Meat
8.3
The King of Meat is a steakhouse–taqueria hybrid in Sunset Park where grilled ribeyes, tomahawks, and creative steak tacos share the menu with cocktails and bar snacks. Locals treat it as a destination for richly seasoned cuts, late-night bites, and a louder, high-energy room than a traditional white-tablecloth steakhouse.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-In Ribeye Steak (16 oz), The Dude Taco (steak, bacon, cheese, onions), Psycho Steak-Stuffed Jalapeño Taco
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Steakhouse-taqueria with serious ribeyes and over-the-top steak tacos.
Who should go: Steak lovers chasing bold flavors and late-night neighborhood energy.
When to visit: Weekends after 7pm when bar energy and kitchen peak.
What to order: Bone-in ribeye, The Dude taco, Psycho steak-stuffed jalapeño taco.
Insider tip: Start with queso fundido and share a mix of steak tacos before committing to a full ribeye.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on surrounding avenues; can be tight after 7pm, especially weekends. Allow extra time to circle.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and a clean tee are fine, but many guests lean stylish for nights out.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — upbeat bar energy makes conversation possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation after 7pm
Weekday lunch: No wait to 10 minutes typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few shareable sides and possibly a veggie taco depending on the daily menu.
Vegan options: Very limited — best for drinks and sides only.
Gluten-free options: Yes — steak cuts and some grilled items are naturally gluten-free, but clarify sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want high energy and bold vibes — it’s fun and flirty, but not ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes earlier in the evening or on weeknights. After 7pm on weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids — the loud music, bar focus, and late-night crowd make it more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Late-night steak cravings, group hangouts, shared taco-style ordering, and a party-forward atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic steakhouse dinner or a classic white-tablecloth fine-dining experience.
The King of Meat
8.3
The King of Meat is a Sunset Park steakhouse and taqueria hybrid where grilled cuts, tacos on housemade tortillas, and a tucked-away speakeasy-style bar share the same address. Low lighting, leather seating, and music make it feel more like a night out than a quick steak dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled ribeye steak, Steak tacos on housemade tortillas, Short rib birria plate
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Steakhouse energy with taco-shop flavor and a hidden-bar feel.
Who should go: Carnivore couples who like music and cocktails.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinner hours for full room and bar buzz.
What to order: Ribeye steak, birria tacos, a round of house cocktails.
Insider tip: Ask about downstairs speakeasy events or DJ nights after dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability on 5th Avenue after 6pm, easier on side streets if you circle a few blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy; jeans are fine but elevate with a nice top or jacket for the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; intimate early, energetic and music-forward late night.
Weekend wait: 45–75 min without a reservation; bar seating may open faster
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or 10–15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—grilled veggie tacos, salads, and sides can form a full meal.
Vegan options: Very limited; best to confirm oil, tortillas, and side prep before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Yes for most grilled meats and some taco fillings; corn tortillas available—confirm cross-contact sensitivity.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want high energy and chemistry. Low lighting, music, and cocktails make it flirty, but it’s not ideal for quiet, long conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early (before 7pm). Weekends almost always require a wait unless you’re flexible with bar or late seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults than kids. Early evening with older kids works, but late nights skew very grown-up with loud music and bar energy.
Best For
Better for: Late-night steak-and-taco dining with cocktails and DJ energy—more nightlife-driven than traditional steakhouses in the area.
Skip if: You want a quiet, classic steakhouse experience, family-focused dining, or a casual quick taco stop without the scene.
The King of Meat
8.4
Seafood Story is an Egyptian seafood restaurant where boat-inspired decor, glossy tile, and curated playlists turn a narrow 5th Avenue room into a date-night dining cabin. Grilled whole fish, calamari tagine, and sayadiyah rice give the menu a celebratory feel that still reads neighborhood rather than downtown. It’s a strong pick for couples or small groups who want something different for their next special dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Whole Fish with Mixed Salads, Calamari Tagine, Sayadiyah Spiced Rice
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Egyptian coastal-style seafood in a softly lit nautical room.
Who should go: Seafood-focused couples seeking something different nearby.
When to visit: Dinner hours when music and lighting feel most transportive.
What to order: Grilled fish platter, calamari tagine, sayadiyah rice.
Insider tip: Check for off-menu whole fish preparations before you order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 5th Avenue can be tight after 6pm; easier on nearby side streets but expect some circling on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — lively soundtrack and chatter, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable sides, salads, and rice-based dishes
Vegan options: Very limited — mostly sides; not ideal for a full vegan meal
Gluten-free options: Partial — grilled fish and rice dishes can be prepared gluten-free with staff guidance
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the moody lighting, unique Egyptian seafood menu, and relaxed but intimate feel make it a strong first-date conversation starter without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays and earlier evenings, but weekend dinner is unpredictable — expect a wait or arrive early to improve your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids who enjoy seafood flavors; the lighting, music, and tighter layout are geared more toward adults than small children.
Best For
Better for: More unique flavor profile, atmosphere, and whole-fish preparations than most neighborhood seafood or Mediterranean spots.
Skip if: Choose a more traditional American seafood spot or casual family restaurant if you want lighter fare, quieter dining, or broader kid-friendly options.
The King of Meat
8.7
The King of Meat is a steakhouse-taqueria and cocktail bar on 5th Avenue where ribeye steaks share the menu with steak-loaded tacos and guacamole. Low lighting, classic rock, and a long bar make it a natural choice for late-night dates that feel lively without being chaotic. Couples come for properly grilled ribeyes, stay for strong drinks, and leave talking about the steak tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Boneless Ribeye Steak (16 oz), Bone-In Ribeye Steak (16 oz), The Dude steak taco
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Steakhouse-taqueria hybrid pairing serious ribeyes with creative steak tacos.
Who should go: Couples who want fun, meat-focused dates with strong drinks.
When to visit: Evenings after 8pm for peak music and bar energy.
What to order: Boneless ribeye, bone-in ribeye, The Dude steak taco.
Insider tip: Grab bar seats for the quickest service and best view of the grill.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on 5th Avenue and nearby side streets; can be tight after 7pm, especially weekends. Most locals opt for rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual to trendy — jeans are fine, but people tend to dress up a bit for night dates.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — conversation is easy early in the evening, louder after 9pm as the bar fills up.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation after 8pm
Weekday lunch: Usually no lunch service; early weekday dinners typically 10–20 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited – guacamole, salads, sides, and a few non-meat tacos if available
Vegan options: Very limited – mostly sides like guacamole and some vegetable preparations
Gluten-free options: Yes – steaks, tacos on corn tortillas, and several sides are naturally gluten-free
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want an energetic, fun first date with drinks and shared plates. It’s less ideal if you want quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends after 8pm usually mean a bar wait or short standby for tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — the late-night vibe, bar-focused layout, and music make it best for adults rather than families.
Best For
Better for: Late-night steak dates, cocktails, and high-energy dining compared to traditional quiet steakhouses.
Skip if: Skip it if you want a formal white-tablecloth steakhouse or a calm, romantic dinner with hushed conversation.