ZipPicks Awards
Best Steakhouse in Midtown East
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Midtown East
Best Date Night Steakhouse in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
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.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quieter, modern steakhouse experience, lighter menus, or strong vegan/vegetarian accommodations.