The Absolute Best Steakhouses In NYC

New York City is known to have amazing restaurants. From unique holes in the walls to elaborate 5-star restaurants to everything in between — tourists and New Yorkers alike love to explore all the city has to offer when it comes to food. Although NYC is well known for pizza and bagels, the city brings its A-game when it comes to steakhouses, too.

Whether you're dining in Manhattan, Long Island City, Brooklyn, or Queens, there are incredible steakhouses that each bring their own flair to the scene. As someone who has lived in New York for close to 10 years, I've luckily gotten to eat at many of the delicious steakhouses the city has to offer. There are other ones that I know of but haven't dined at myself — so I've brought in the opinions of my trusted friends, vetted New Yorkers, to share their experiences as well.

If you have a trip to NYC coming up soon and are a lover of steak, you'll want to read this list. With so many options out there and lots of reviews from tourists crowding the Yelp and Google Maps reviews — our list is from real New Yorkers who know the best of the best.

Gallaghers is located right in the heart of the theatre district of Manhattan, steps away from Times Square. It's a great spot to go to before or after seeing a Broadway show. The restaurant originally opened in 1927 as a speakeasy by a retired Ziegfeld Follies dancer named Helen Gallagher. With its rich history and prime location, Gallaghers is a great stop for someone visiting the city or for a New Yorker who wants to explore more of the city's oldest restaurants.

It has an extensive menu with a raw bar, salads and soups, seafood, specialties, delicious sides, and, of course, steaks. With photos of famous actors and sports heroes of New York plastering the walls, elegant tablecloths, and excellent service, the ambiance matches the quality of the food. Hannah Fairman, longtime New Yorker, shared her and her husband's love for Gallaghers. "Lately we have found that the best steakhouse in the city is Gallaghers. We usually get the porterhouse for two, which has the fillet on one side and sirloin on the other. We love the smokiness and the crispy sear on the steaks at Gallaghers. Gallaghers is the only steakhouse in New York City that grills their steaks over hickory coals — and it absolutely makes a difference," she says.

If you're looking for a New York classic close to the hustle and bustle of the city with great service and steak — Gallaghers is the place to be.

La Grande Boucherie is a French steakhouse that oozes style and elegance. It has a modern yet classic ambiance, which is represented in the cocktails, the decor, and the music. There are multiple locations throughout the city. Union Square and West Village have a few locations, and they are all uniquely decorated to match the vibe of the area.

The main location is in midtown Manhattan, tucked away on West 53rd Street and 6 ½ Avenue. Normally there aren't ½ avenues, but New York City is full of surprises. This is where I dined, and let me tell you — it is one of the most beautiful restaurants that I've ever been to. There is a large, stunning bar that stretches along the length of the restaurant. Breathtaking vaulted ceilings with ornate stained-glass windows make the space feel even more grand (hence the name). There is greenery strewn throughout that makes it feel like you've left the city.

As for the food, I was more than impressed. I've been to Paris and have had steak frites at multiple Parisian restaurants. The steak frites at La Grande Boucherie tastes just like what I experienced in Paris. They were cooked perfectly, and the herb butter just made it melt flawlessly in the mouth. The french fries were also delicious, especially with the peppercorn sauce. Though it's a bit pricey, it was 100% worth every penny.

Peter Luger is one of those famous restaurants that actually lives up to the hype. Located in Brooklyn, right off of the beautiful Williamsburg Bridge, it is a very old school and classic steakhouse that was established way back in 1887. Dark wood, dim lighting, and an overall intimate setting offer great ambiance for a cozy date night.

The menu itself isn't very extensive, but that's because the restaurant knows what it does best. Along with your choice of steak, you can go for a classic side like creamed spinach or a baked potato. There are other side options and appetizer choices as well. As for the steaks, Peter Luger takes great pride in its selection and aging process. It dry-ages all of the beef at its facilities on site. You can even order your own Peter Luger USDA prime, dry-aged steak to be sent straight to your home.

Brendan Price, a New Yorker and tough self-proclaimed food critic, enjoys the overall experience at Peter Luger. He shared, "A good steakhouse knows how to make a good steak. But a great steakhouse knows what you want out of your experience when you have a steak. The atmosphere at Peter Luger is that old steakhouse vibe without being cliché. And the appetizers as well as the sides collectively complement the steak's flavor without distracting from it. All around it's an experience made for one thing: eating the meats."

Keens Steakhouse is located right near Herald Square: home of the famous Macy's, Penn Station, and Madison Square Garden. It's a great spot to visit after an event at MSG or to refuel after a long day of holiday shopping. It's another NYC classic, having been open since 1885. It was originally the center of the Herald Square Theatre District, which no longer exists. Oozing with history and class, Keens is a New York staple that you'll want to try.

Keens doesn't try to be anything that it's not. Among other swanky steakhouses throughout the city that have a modern and refined touch, Keens stays true to its roots by being a high-quality, unassuming restaurant. It has a delicious raw bar along with great appetizers and side dishes, and, of course, the steak menu is top-tier.

I loved my experience when I dined at Keens. One of the free appetizers is a crudités platter with carrots, celery, and blue cheese, which is really unique and tasty. The prime filet mignon in the mushroom sauce is deliciously decadent. I'm also a huge fan of the sides like the carrots with brown butter. I recommend going with an empty stomach because everything is so rich in flavor and filling. Dining in an older restaurant with such rich history that is matched with amazing food is an overall experience that's definitely worth having.

Taking it uptown to East Harlem, Ricardo Steakhouse is definitely a hidden gem. It was established in 2004 and has a modern, trendy, casual vibe that welcomes diners looking for a nice date night, family dinner, casual get together with friends, or even a special celebration. The menu has many options, which is great when dining with multiple people who have different preferences. There are some unique appetizers, like Angus empanadas and mini burgers. Along with the delicious oysters at the raw bar, steak menu, and tasty sides, there is also an entire pasta selection for your carb-craving friends.

When I went to Ricardo, I absolutely loved my experience. I really enjoyed the cocktail menu, which was anything but boring. I always appreciate a cocktail list with funny, unique names that draw you into trying something new. As for the food, I absolutely loved the Surf N' Turf. The filet mignon is served with a balsamic glaze that is slightly tart, creamy, and flavorful. That flavor profile matched with the grilled shrimp, which have a very fresh and clean taste.

If you're visiting New York City and want to explore all of the different neighborhoods, adding Ricardo Steakhouse to your list is the perfect excuse to see Harlem. There is rich history and a unique energy that is different from the more touristy parts of the city. You will be glad you made the trip uptown.

If you're looking to explore parts of New York City that you wouldn't normally visit and want a dining experience that is unique with great food, M. Wells is the place to go. Located in Long Island City, Queens, the bistro is somewhat of a hidden gem. From the exterior, it looks like a plain old garage. There is a small sign that says "M. Wells" with an arrow, but other than that — you'd have no idea that it was a restaurant.

The menu isn't like an ordinary steakhouse, either. It has options like frog legs provencal, fairytale eggplant, and liver mousse bahn mi. The alcohol list is also extensive. There is a cocktail list, draft beer available in bottles and cans, wine offered by the glass or bottle, and pages upon pages of liquor.

Chelsy Zurich, a Massachusetts native who has lived in Long Island City for many years, loves M. Wells. She shared that M. Wells feels like it's a speakeasy, with the exterior hiding the fact that it's really a nice steakhouse inside. She said that the steak is always delicious and loves that the menu changes often. Although M. Wells is pricey, Chelsea says that the food is worth it.

The Palm is another great steakhouse option when you are visiting Times Square for some sightseeing or a Broadway show. The Palm first opened in New York City in 1926 and was a popular place for writers, actors, and artists to enjoy a meal. Now, The Palm has locations throughout the country in places like Boston, Washington, D.C, Chicago, Nashville, and more.

In New York City, it is still seen as a theatre district staple. The service is always top tier, proving that the restaurant's philosophy to "treat guests like family, serve great food and always exceed expectations" is actually followed. I have had friends visit multiple steakhouses in the theatre district area, and they all say they have enjoyed The Palm immensely.

I loved my experience when I dined at The Palm. The restaurant is a bit quirky — there are cartoons and caricatures that fill the walls. The food, however, is much more elegant and upscale. I have a huge weakness for lobster bisque, and the one at The Palm is one of my favorites. The New York strip is cooked perfectly and has some sort of seasoning salt on top that brings out the natural flavors.

If you are willing to spend a good amount of money on a high quality steak, The Grill is the place for you. It offers a luxurious fine dining experience, a specific dress code is enforced, and reservations are highly recommended. The chophouse is meant to transport patrons back to midcentury New York, and it successfully does so with the over- the-top decor and swanky music.

The menu is thorough yet small, focusing on a few dishes per category. There is a raw bar, of course, serving caviar. The appetizers are smaller and feature dishes like Tuna Ravigote and The Seagram Crab Cake. There are a few soup and salad options as well. For entrees, you can choose chicken, lamb chops, or seafood. But, if you come to The Grill, you really should opt for a steak.

The Grill offers four types of steaks: filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, and a porterhouse for two. The lowest price is the filet, which is $82, and the porterhouse for two is priced at $285. According to Peter Collin, a New York City lawyer who has dined at The Grill often with clients, the steaks are done exquisitely well. He says that dining there feels like it is straight out of a "Succession" episode. If you've got the hankering for a fancy night out, try The Grill.

Quality Meats is located at the base of Central Park on 58th Street. With exposed brick, dim lighting, and cozy seating, it's like stepping into someone's wine cellar. It's modern and stylish, and in terms of price, it's a great mid-range option. There are delicious cocktails, caviar sliders, a raw bar, fun appetizers like grilled bacon with peanut butter and jalapeño, and a great variety of entrées, including roasted chicken and kumquats. But you're here for the steaks, which range from a hanger steak with brandied cherries to a bone-in dry aged prime sirloin to a dry-aged prime tomahawk ribsteak. The desserts, including coconut cake, carrot ice cream cake, and sticky toffee pudding, are to die for. Each plate is served with appearance in mind. It's almost like eating a meal that was prepared for a movie set.

Katherine Winter, an actress in New York City, loves to head to Quality Meats to catch up with friends. She shared, "The atmosphere is village chic — I could see the ladies of 'Sex And The City' dining over their cosmos and a delicious meal. Their steak frites are not to be missed. Perfectly cooked and [seasoned] and the best curly fries of my life."

If you want a steakhouse that won't break the bank, is delicious, and is in a great location — Quality Meats is the steakhouse for you.

212 Steakhouse is off the beaten path in both location and style. It's in Midtown East, which is a quieter but still bustling area in New York City. It has a bit of an Asian flair, with Kobe beef being one of its top menu items. 212 Steakhouse's website describes the meat as "a harmony of delicate, dignified sweet lean meat and the taste and fragrance of melt-in-your-mouth fat." We haven't seen Kobe beef offered at any other steakhouses in New York.

I've been lucky enough to dine at 212 Steakhouse. The food was presented in the most gorgeous way — but what was even better was that it tasted amazing. I actually opted for The Spicy Burger, and it was the best burger of my life. It lives rent-free in my head, and no burger will ever measure up to how good it was there. The steaks at the surrounding tables looked like they were straight out of a magazine, and all of the customers seemed like they were in heaven eating them.

Being located over on the east side, 212 Steakhouse doesn't particularly draw in many tourists or out-of-towners. Most of the diners are New Yorkers themselves and love to come to the restaurant often for a good meal. It has almost 1,800 reviews on Google Maps and 4.5 stars with many of the reviews done by local guides. Strongly recommended by New Yorkers themselves, 212 Steakhouse is one you've got to check out.

When deciding on the best steakhouses in New York City, we didn't want to just base our rankings off of online reviews. New Yorkers know which spots are truly the best around town and which spots are over-hyped. We went straight to the source –- and got honest reviews from fellow New Yorkers about which steakhouses are their personal favorites. We were pleased to see an array of restaurants recommended, and some have multiple mentions. Using their trusted recommendations, plus a peruse of the steakhouse websites and Google Maps reviews, we confidently give you our list of the absolute best steakhouses in New York City.