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St. Anselm
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
St. Anselm
8.4
St. Anselm is a rustic, no-frills steakhouse with a focus on quality meats and comforting sides. Their standout dishes are simple but expertly executed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Skirt Steak, Roasted Chicken, Charred Broccoli
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Offers a great selection of meats, all cooked to perfection in a cozy setting.
Who should go: Groups and couples who love great meat in a casual setting.
When to visit: Weekends for a fun, vibrant atmosphere.
What to order: Skirt Steak, Roasted Chicken, Charred Broccoli.
Insider tip: Try the roasted potatoes—they're a fan favorite.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be difficult to find, especially during peak hours. Consider using a nearby parking garage if needed.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but it's best to lean dressy for a more refined dining experience.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is easy to follow, though it can get louder during weekends when the place fills up.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45-60 min wait without a reservation, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, as the restaurant is quieter during weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are a few vegetarian-friendly dishes available, though the menu is meat-centric.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan options available, but they might not be the main focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they have gluten-free options and a separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, St. Anselm is a great spot for a first date. The cozy, rustic atmosphere sets a relaxed but intimate tone, and the food is excellent—making it a memorable experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's not recommended, especially on weekends. While weekdays may offer more flexibility, weekends can get very busy, and a reservation ensures you'll avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it's kid-friendly, especially during the daytime or early evening. However, it's more of a casual dining spot rather than a family-focused restaurant.
Best For
Better for: St. Anselm excels at providing a no-frills, high-quality steak experience with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. If you're looking for simple but expertly executed meats, it's a top choice.
Skip if: If you're seeking a more upscale or gourmet dining experience with elaborate presentations and fine-dining flair, this may not be the best fit.
St. Anselm
8.4
St. Anselm is a narrow Williamsburg grill where an open kitchen, cast-iron sides, and a famous butcher’s steak make for a lively, lower-key steak date. It feels more like a tavern than a temple, with bar seats overlooking the grill and a crowd that skews neighborhood regulars and food-obsessed couples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butcher's Steak with Shallot Butter, Ax Handle Ribeye, Pan-Fried Mashed Potatoes
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Open-grill tavern where expertly grilled steaks feel both serious and casual.
Who should go: Couples who love great steak in a buzzy, compact room.
When to visit: Early evening or late slots to avoid the peak wait crush.
What to order: Butcher’s steak, ax handle ribeye, pan-fried mashed potatoes.
Insider tip: Aim for counter seats facing the grill for the most immersive experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited after 6pm—plan on circling or using a nearby garage on Kent Ave or Berry St.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are common, no need for jackets or formal wear.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—conversation is possible but expect energetic background noise.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation during peak (7–8:30pm).
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several standout vegetable sides and salads that can make a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited — a few sides can be modified, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — all steaks are naturally gluten-free and several sides work without modification.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want lively energy without feeling formal. The open kitchen and bar seating create natural conversation starters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends. Weeknights before 6:30pm or after 9pm give you the best walk-in odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—while kids aren’t prohibited, the tight layout, bar-driven vibe, and steak-focused menu make it better for adults.
Best For
Better for: Casual, flavor-first steak dates with strong sides and a neighborhood tavern atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet, white-tablecloth steakhouse experience or full luxury service.