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Gage & Tollner
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Gage & Tollner
9.0
Gage & Tollner is a restored landmark oyster and chop house in Downtown Brooklyn, known for impeccably cooked steaks, seafood and a Victorian-era dining room lit by gas lamps. Locals and destination diners use it for special-occasion dinners where classic preparations and polished service matter as much as the room.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York strip steak, Dry-aged ribeye, Baked Alaska
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Historic Michelin-recognized chop house marrying landmark atmosphere with serious steaks.
Who should go: Special-occasion diners who love classic New York steakhouse style.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or weekend lunch when the room buzzes.
What to order: Oysters, New York strip or ribeye, Baked Alaska.
Insider tip: Book early and ask for a table in the main landmarked dining room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Downtown Brooklyn; nearby paid garages on Livingston and Fulton offer the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jackets not required but the room’s elegance favors polished attire.
Noise level: Moderate—lively buzz from the landmark dining room but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation; the bar fills quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though peak business lunch hours can add 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few well-executed options such as vegetable starters and composed mains; not a broad selection but quality-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited—best to call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free items (steaks, seafood, oysters) and staff knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the vintage gas-lit dining room creates a romantic, memorable setting, and polished service keeps the experience smooth and elevated.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Arrive early to request bar seating or a cancellation slot; peak times often book out entirely.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can appreciate a formal setting; no dedicated children’s menu and the vibe leans adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: Classic steakhouse craft in a historic room—ideal for celebrations where ambiance and timeless dishes matter as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-friendly steak night or a menu with extensive vegetarian and vegan selections.
Gage & Tollner
8.7
Originally opened in 1879 and revived in 2021, Gage & Tollner is a historic oyster and chop house with gas-lit mirrors, mahogany paneling, and an old-world steakhouse feel. Locals and destination diners come for classic New York dishes, martinis, and a dessert program that leans into tableside nostalgia.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters Rockefeller, Bone-in ribeye steak, Baked Alaska for two
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Restored 19th-century dining room serving classic oysters-and-steaks fine dining.
Who should go: Steak and martini lovers who appreciate historic rooms.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours when the room feels buzzy but not chaotic.
What to order: Oysters Rockefeller, bone-in ribeye, Baked Alaska dessert.
Insider tip: Plan a pre- or post-dinner cocktail upstairs at Sunken Harbor Club.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Fulton and adjacent blocks is limited; nearby paid garages along Livingston and Smith Street are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual that leans dressy; diners often opt for jackets, dresses, or elevated separates to match the historic room.
Noise level: Moderate, with a lively hum during peak dinner service but still comfortable for conversation across a table.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; without one you may face a long wait or no availability.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated quickly, though prime lunchtime can draw a short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, vegetable starters, and a few entrées accommodate vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan diners may find only a couple of suitable options, mostly in starters.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—some seafood and steak dishes can be adapted; request guidance from the staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its historic, softly lit dining room creates a memorable setting, though it feels more refined than casual first-date spots.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s unlikely during peak dinner hours; try early evenings or lunch for better walk-in chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally suited to older kids comfortable in formal dining settings; there is no dedicated children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Classic New York nostalgia, polished service, and tableside desserts that add ceremony to a night out.
Skip if: You prefer contemporary, experimental menus or need extensive vegan options.
Gage & Tollner
8.8
Gage & Tollner is a restored 19th-century oyster and chop house where gas-lit mirrors, mahogany paneling, and martinis frame throwback steakhouse classics. Destination diners use it for birthdays, promotions, and family celebrations that want serious food with a sense of old New York occasion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters Rockefeller, Dry-aged ribeye, Baked Alaska
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Historic Brooklyn chop house revived with serious steaks and oysters.
Who should go: Steak-and-martini fans planning nostalgic celebrations.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours when the room feels buzzy but polished.
What to order: Oysters Rockefeller, dry-aged ribeye, Baked Alaska dessert.
Insider tip: Pre-order a celebration cake if you’re planning a birthday dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Fulton Street and nearby blocks is limited; nearby garages on Livingston and Schermerhorn typically run $20–$35 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jackets not required, but polished attire fits the historic room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak dinner hours; conversation is still manageable at most tables.
Weekend wait: Walk-ins are rarely seated; expect fully booked service and potential waits of 45–90 minutes at the bar.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though reservations are still recommended for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but thoughtful options, including salads, vegetable sides, and occasional pasta or seasonal entrées.
Vegan options: Very limited; kitchen can accommodate with modifications but no dedicated vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Many proteins and sides are naturally gluten-free; staff is familiar with gluten sensitivities.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a classic, romantic setting with a sense of occasion—though its formality may feel intense for very casual first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but difficult during dinner; the bar occasionally seats walk-ins, but expect long waits on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids used to formal dining; no dedicated children’s menu and the ambiance skews adult and celebratory.
Best For
Better for: Historic ambiance, polished service, and classic New York steakhouse dishes that feel celebratory without being overly formal.
Skip if: You prefer extremely modern menus, need extensive vegan options, or want a quieter, more casual night out.
Gage & Tollner
8.8
A restored 19th-century chophouse with a Michelin-listed steakhouse menu, Gage & Tollner trades in towering seafood platters, big steaks, and classic cocktails under glowing chandeliers. It’s one of Downtown Brooklyn’s most atmospheric rooms for a dressed-up date, especially if you linger over dessert or head upstairs to the Sunken Harbor Club afterward.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime sirloin steak with crispy fingerlings and blue cheese sauce, Bone-in ribeye with mashed potatoes, Seafood tower with oysters and chilled shellfish
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Historic 1892 dining room serving serious steaks in a cinematic setting.
Who should go: Couples wanting classic, dressed-up Brooklyn steakhouse energy.
When to visit: Prime-time reservations around 7–8pm for full buzz.
What to order: Seafood tower, prime sirloin, a shared baked Alaska.
Insider tip: Book bar or banquette seats and plan a pre- or post-dinner drink upstairs at Sunken Harbor Club.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Downtown Brooklyn, especially after 6pm; nearby garages on Livingston and Fulton typically run $20–$30 for evening stays.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jackets and dresses fit the room, but polished jeans and a button-down are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; you can hold a date-night conversation, but there’s an energetic hum from the full dining room.
Weekend wait: Without a reservation, expect little to no availability; bar seats may open up after 8:30pm with a 45–75 minute wait.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though prime tables can fill with business diners.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of well-executed vegetarian starters and sides, plus customizable salads.
Vegan options: Limited; you may need to rely on select sides and modifications, but the kitchen is accommodating.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free-friendly entrées and raw bar items; staff is used to guiding diners through safe choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a high-impact, romantic setting that signals intention. The historic room and polished service create a standout first impression, though the formality may feel heavy for a very casual meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s difficult during peak dinner hours. Your best shot is arriving early for bar seats or checking for late cancellations; otherwise, expect a substantial wait or no availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. While well-behaved older kids could manage, the environment is tailored to adults seeking a classic chophouse experience with cocktails and celebratory energy.
Best For
Better for: Atmospheric, historic date nights with elevated service, classic steakhouse dishes, and a sense of occasion unmatched by modern competitors in the area.
Skip if: You prefer a quieter, more casual meal, lighter menus, or a budget-friendly steakhouse alternative.