Restaurants

(theoldhomesteadsteakhouse.com)

The Meatpacking District in New York City used to be a pretty gross place, but just like Hell’s Kitchen, it’s been gentrified.  Questionable, unsavory characters have been displaced, and replaced, with trendy young New Yorkers and tourists alike. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the Old Homestead Steakhouse. It’s been in the Meatpacking District for ages, and it’s one of the best steakhouse restaurants in NYC.

Old Homestead is one of the oldest continually open restaurants in this ever-changing city: It started in 1868, and is a designated landmark. Ulysses Grant was president when Old Homestead Steakhouse got its start! Like NYC, though, Old Homestead changes with the times. A couple of years ago, the owner opened a sidewalk cafe, Prime Burger, which has grown into an immensely popular lunch spot. Businessmen, families with young kids, and visitors to the city all tuck into some of the best upscale burgers you’ll find. Try the artisanal cheeseburger, or the farmer’s market special for a low-carb variation on the theme.

Not every variety of the burgers are available inside the Old Homestead, but this is one of the best

(theoldhomesteadsteakhouse.com)

steakhouses in NYC - it would feel wrong, somehow, not to indulge in some prime sirloin or New York Strip. Full disclosure: My husband had his bachelor party here, and despite the absence of strippers-popping-out-of-cakes (or perhaps because of), he still counts this chophouse as the best restaurant in NYC for large groups. So please pardon a little bias that may have sneaked into the review.  Part of a great restaurant, after all, are the great memories that may be distilled from time spent there.

The decor is very old-school steakhouse, with a dimmed, polished wood interior, black and white Old New York photos on the walls, and several curt waiters that seem to have arrived directly from central casting. The New York accents and apron-covered work clothes are a sight. Tourists should just enjoy this as a bit of a show: Old New York “charm” comes to life at the Old Homestead Steakhouse. But the food is also terrific (it’s not just about attitude here). The appetizers and entrees here are big – really, very generously proportioned. Food is meant to be shared here, or at least I hope so. Not only are the steaks huge, but they come with big sides too. It is a challenge not to overindulge here! Watch out for the colossal crab cake, and the garlic bread. It’s easy to fill up before the main course comes.

There is a Kobe beef burger that gets a lot of attention, but my party didn’t try it. We went right for the prime rib, New York Strip, and ribeye steak. It’s a night for red meat at Old Homestead; the tuna and raw bar are all very well and good, but the ambiance really brings out the caveman (and cavewoman) in everyone. The prime rib, by the way, is 32 oz, on the bone, and impossible for any normal human to polish off after an appetizer. We’d pass on getting the creamed spinach again, though; the texture was too mushy (even for creamed spinach). Sides we would get again include shoestring fries, mushrooms, and asparagus. They complemented our steaks perfectly.

Now, as I said before, the service was a bit gruff. If having an overly solicitous waiter (or even a moderately friendly one) is an important part of a great restaurant experience for you, try somewhere else. To experience that unqualifiable New York attitude with a terrific steak, though, The Old Homestead will serve what you want.

Old Homestead Steakhouse
56 Ninth Ave (at 14th St.)
NY NY 10011
(212) 242-9040