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Smith & Wollensky
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Smith & Wollensky
8.5
The 1977 original has evolved into a high-volume cathedral of dry-aged beef, with steaks butchered and aged on site and a deep, steak-friendly wine list. Crowds, multiple dining rooms, and an attached grill give it a bustling, clubby feel that still anchors the Midtown power-dining circuit.
Must-Try Dishes:
USDA Prime Dry-Aged Porterhouse, Bone-In Rib Eye with S&W Umami Dry Rub, Creamed Spinach
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Decades of high-volume service make this a benchmark Midtown steakhouse institution.
Who should go: Business diners and classic-steakhouse loyalists prioritizing tradition over trend.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or late dinners to dodge peak noise.
What to order: Dry-aged porterhouse, bone-in rib eye, creamed spinach.
Insider tip: Look for wine dinner specials to soften the otherwise steep check.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearby garages along 49th/50th St typically $25–$40. Street parking is scarce, especially after 5pm on weekdays.
Dress code: Business casual leaning dressy; jackets not required, dark jeans acceptable if polished.
Noise level: High during peak hours; conversation is manageable at smaller tables but tough in larger rooms.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait with a reservation; walk-ins may face 10–20 minutes depending on corporate traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — salads, sides, and a few non-steak entrées; no dedicated vegetarian section.
Vegan options: Very limited — expect only a handful of sides and salads once modified; not a vegan-focused kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Many steaks and seafood options are naturally gluten-free; staff can flag safe preparations but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for confident, high-energy dates than intimate ones. The clubby rooms, large portions, and busy service feel impressive but not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at off-peak hours or at the attached grill. For prime-time dinners, expect a wait or rely on bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome but the atmosphere skews adult and corporate. Best for older kids comfortable in upscale dining; no dedicated children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Classic dry-aged steaks, large-group business dining, and a deep wine list executed with decades of consistency.
Skip if: You want a quieter, modern steakhouse experience, lighter menus, or strong vegan/vegetarian accommodations.
Smith & Wollensky
8.6
Since 1977, this landmark green-and-white townhouse has defined the classic New York power steakhouse, with in-house dry-aging and throwback charm. Massive cuts, old-school sides and a deep wine list make it a natural fit for big-ticket birthdays, promotions and corporate celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
USDA Prime dry-aged bone-in ribeye, Prime New York sirloin with creamed spinach and hashed browns, Coconut layer cake for the table
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Iconic New York steakhouse with on-site dry-aging and clubby energy.
Who should go: Steak lovers, business groups and out-of-towners.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or power lunches; weekends are loud.
What to order: Bone-in ribeye, creamed spinach, coconut layer cake.
Insider tip: Request the original downstairs dining room for the quintessential experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearby garages on 49th/50th St run $35–$60. Street parking is scarce during business hours.
Dress code: Business casual to dressy. Collared shirts recommended; upscale denim acceptable but avoid athleisure.
Noise level: Medium-high during peak hours—business-lunch buzz and lively dinner service; conversation is possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; longer during major conventions or holidays.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait with small parties; peak corporate rush can add 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—salads, sides, and a couple of non-steak entrées; not a strong vegetarian destination.
Vegan options: Very limited—mostly salads and certain vegetable sides without butter; confirm preparation with staff.
Gluten-free options: Good flexibility—steaks are naturally GF, and many sides can be adapted; staff is accustomed to dietary requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're aiming for classic, high-end steakhouse energy. It's impressive and polished, but louder and more formal than a typical first-date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at lunch or early dinner. For prime dinner hours, walk-ins should expect bar seating or a moderate wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who enjoy steakhouse fare. Limited accommodations for very young children; no special kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Oversized USDA Prime cuts, power-lunch ambience, and vintage New York steakhouse character that rivals newer competitors.
Skip if: You want modern, veggie-forward dining or a quiet, intimate room—choose a contemporary American spot instead.
Smith & Wollensky
8.9
The original Smith & Wollensky, pouring steaks since 1977, is a quintessential New York power steakhouse where dry-aged USDA Prime cuts and old-school hospitality set the tone. Expect huge slabs of sirloin, prime rib, and porterhouse with textbook hash browns and creamed spinach in a clubby multi-room space that hums with both dealmakers and date-night couples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Porterhouse for Two, NY Cut Sirloin, Classic Prime Rib with Hash Browns
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: An iconic 1977 steak cathedral with massive dry-aged cuts and deep wine list.
Who should go: Steak lovers seeking classic New York power dinner
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for relaxed, lingering dinners
What to order: Porterhouse for Two, Classic Prime Rib, creamed spinach and hash browns
Insider tip: Book a later seating and request an upstairs or corner table for a quieter, more romantic feel away from the bar traffic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be scarce. Several paid garages sit within a 1–2 block radius (no in-house valet).
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets not required, but polished attire fits the classic steakhouse setting.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively in the main rooms; conversation is still manageable. Upstairs tables and corners trend quieter.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait with steady business crowds; reservations recommended for prime 12–1:30pm window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — salads, sides, and a few non-steak entrées can form a full meal.
Vegan options: Very limited — sides and salads may be modified, but no dedicated vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Good flexibility — many steaks and sides are naturally gluten-free; the staff is accustomed to GF requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if you're aiming for classic New York polish. The clubby ambiance, strong service, and upstairs tables help create a confident, grown-up first-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially earlier in the evening or at the bar. Peak dinner hours and weekends fill up quickly, so walk-ins may face a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older children or teens who enjoy steakhouse dining. No kids’ menu, and the atmosphere skews adult and business-focused.
Best For
Better for: Classic dry-aged cuts, power-dinner energy, and a multi-room historic setting that feels distinctly old-school New York.
Skip if: You want a modern, chef-driven steakhouse with experimental sides or a quiet, minimalist space — or if you need strong vegan options.