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Keens Steakhouse
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Keens Steakhouse
8.9
A storied, wood-paneled Manhattan chophouse where the classics still land: expertly broiled steaks, the famous mutton chop, and a bar that feels built for lingering. Come for the old-school energy and big-cut steakhouse execution that holds up across decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mutton Chop, Porterhouse for Two, Lobster Bisque
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: A historic chophouse anchored by the iconic mutton chop and prime steaks.
Who should go: Steak traditionalists and first-time NYC visitors
When to visit: Weeknight early dinner to dodge the crush
What to order: Mutton chop, porterhouse for two, lobster bisque
Insider tip: Ask for the Pub Room if you want a faster, livelier meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; nearby paid garages are the practical option, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to business formal. Jackets common but not required; jeans are acceptable if polished.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively but controlled—conversation is easy at the table, louder near the bar.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait with arrival before noon; brief waits possible during peak business hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—multiple sides, salads, and vegetable plates can form a full meal.
Vegan options: Very limited; possible with sides and modifications but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steaks, seafood, and many sides are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable about accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming classic and confident. The room does some of the work for you, but it’s better for relaxed conversation than playful intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially early evenings or late nights. The bar and Pub Room are your best bets, but prime dining rooms fill fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids or teens who appreciate steakhouse dining. No kids menu, and the vibe skews adult and traditional.
Best For
Better for: Old-school steakhouse atmosphere, legendary mutton chop, and consistent execution with historic character.
Skip if: You want modern plating, lighter pricing, or a trend-driven steakhouse experience—newer spots may feel fresher or more inventive.
Keens Steakhouse
8.8
A legacy Midtown steakhouse that still functions as a power-lunch machine: fast host stand rhythm, career servers, and a menu built for decisive ordering. The famous mutton chop is the move, but the lunch-friendly cuts and sides make it easy to run a meeting without turning it into a marathon.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mutton chop, USDA Prime porterhouse, Thick-cut bacon appetizer
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A historic steakhouse built for decisive, high-stakes lunch hosting.
Who should go: Client hosts, executives, and deal lunches.
When to visit: Weekdays right at opening for fastest pacing.
What to order: Mutton chop, porterhouse, bacon appetizer.
Insider tip: Order sides family-style and split a big cut to keep timing clean.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Several nearby paid garages; street parking is difficult and time-limited on weekdays.
Dress code: Business smart to formal. Jackets common at lunch; jeans are accepted but lean dressy for client meetings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. Private conversation is possible at the table, but the room has classic steakhouse buzz.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait right at opening; 10–20 minutes during peak power-lunch window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—salads, sides, and a few vegetable-driven plates can make a meal.
Vegan options: Very limited. Possible with sides and advance planning, but not the restaurant’s strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steaks and many sides are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide safe ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for confident, conversation-forward dates than playful ones. It’s serious, classic, and intimate in a power-dining way rather than romantic whimsy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? At weekday lunch, yes—especially if you arrive at opening. Dinner and weekends strongly favor reservations unless you’re willing to wait at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older, well-behaved kids who can handle a formal setting. Not ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, authoritative business lunches with flawless steakhouse execution and career servers who understand pacing.
Skip if: You want a relaxed, modern steakhouse vibe or strong vegetarian/vegan options—choose a contemporary room or plant-forward kitchen instead.
Keens Steakhouse
8.9
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
An old-guard Midtown steakhouse built around big cuts, classic sides, and a dining room that feels like a time capsule (in the best way). The move is straightforward: order the mutton chop or a porterhouse, keep the sides traditional, and let the room do the rest. It’s a reliable “special dinner” pick that also works for early family occasions when you want the full New York steakhouse experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mutton Chop, Porterhouse for Two, Lobster Bisque
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: A classic Manhattan steakhouse anchored by the signature mutton chop.
Who should go: Families doing a special Midtown dinner
When to visit: Early dinner for easiest pacing with kids
What to order: Mutton chop, porterhouse, lobster bisque
Insider tip: Split one big cut and add two sides—best table rhythm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is extremely limited; several paid garages within 1–2 blocks are the practical option, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jackets common but not required; clean jeans are fine, sneakers less so.
Noise level: Moderate to moderately loud—conversation is easy at the table, but the room is lively during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or 10–15 minutes outside peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—classic sides, salads, and soups can form a full meal.
Vegan options: Very limited—best approached as sides-only with advance planning.
Gluten-free options: Yes—naturally gluten-free steaks, seafood, and sides; staff is accustomed to gluten-free requests, but no dedicated prep kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a confident, classic first date than a casual one—the room is impressive and serious, which sets a formal tone rather than playful.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at lunch or very early dinner, but risky on weekends; bar seating can sometimes save you if you arrive right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+). Early dinners work best; high chairs are limited, and the experience suits kids who can handle a longer, sit-down meal.
Best For
Better for: Classic New York steakhouse atmosphere, historic character, and signature cuts like the mutton chop—more tradition-forward than flashier Midtown competitors.
Skip if: You want a modern, buzzy steakhouse vibe, lighter pricing, or strong plant-based dining—newer spots will feel more relaxed and flexible.
Keens Steakhouse
8.9
A historic Garment District chophouse that still hits like a modern benchmark: deeply charred steaks, a signature mutton chop, and a room built for lingering. The best date move is classic and restrained—one big cut to share, two sides, and a martini pace that matches the wood-and-pipe club glow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mutton Chop, Porterhouse for Two, Creamed Spinach
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Old-guard NYC steakhouse craft with a true signature mutton chop.
Who should go: Couples who want classic New York steakhouse romance.
When to visit: Early dinner for the smoothest pacing and quietest room.
What to order: Mutton chop, porterhouse, creamed spinach.
Insider tip: Split one large cut and add two sides—timing lands cleaner than two mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Multiple paid parking garages within 1–2 blocks; street parking is extremely limited and unreliable after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jackets common but not required; jeans are fine if polished.
Noise level: Moderate to moderately loud—lively steakhouse energy, but still very workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may move faster.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait or 10–15 minutes outside peak business hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—several sides, salads, and a few composed non-meat plates.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with sides and modifications, but not the kitchen’s focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steaks and many sides are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide safely, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want classic New York energy and confident pacing. It’s less intimate than a small bistro, but the atmosphere does a lot of the work and conversation flows easily.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible, but not reliable at dinner. Your best shot is early evening or grabbing seats at the bar while waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids. Better for teens who appreciate steakhouse food and can handle a long, adult-paced meal.
Best For
Better for: Historic atmosphere, signature cuts like the mutton chop, and a sense of classic NYC occasion that few steakhouses can match.
Skip if: You want modern décor, lighter menus, or a quiet, ultra-intimate date—newer steakhouses or smaller dining rooms may suit you better.