POV: You just got a promotion at your fancy-schmancy law firm, and the partners are taking you out to dinner.
Naturally, they suggest going to a fancy-schmancy steakhouse, because where else does the one percent dine on a Tuesday night?
While you usually go crazy for a big juicy steak, you just started your grain-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, taste-free diet.
Rest assured, there’s about to be a lot of creamed spinach and lobster mac in your future.
See Also: The 10 Most Spectacular Steak Frites In NYC
*Cue internal anxiety attack*
Would it be really weird to order the side salad?
Do martinis have carbs?
Should I say I have food poisoning?
A glass of red (ah, the irony) later, you decide to suck it up and allow yourself to indulge.
And boy, was the Porter House for Two worth it.
Keens SteakhouseView this post on Instagram
72 W 36th St, Manhattan/Website
Regarded as one of the best steakhouses in all of New York City, Keens lives up to its reputation and then some. If you’re dining at this age-old institution, you must order the Legendary Mutton Chop. Trust us on this one, they don’t call it legendary for nothing. Other standout dishes include the chilled seafood tray, roasted buttermilk chicken, and prime porterhouse for three. Yes, you heard us correctly. For three.
Warning: You better come hungry, because the portions here are absolutely massive. Diet, who?
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16 W 22nd St, Manhattan/Website
Coined as New York City’s “First Korean Steakhouse,” Cote is the temple of all things Korean BBQ–the Carbone of Spicy Rigatoni, and the Via Carota of Cacio e Pepe. While everything on the menu is top-notch, you must order the Butcher’s Feast, an omakase of meats if you will. The chef’s selection comes with premier USDA Prime and American Wagyu Beef, and the most scrumptious Korean accompaniments you ever did have. Oh, and if you’re not starting with the Korean “bacon” and “Steak & Eggs,” you’re seriously doing something wrong.
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99 E 52nd St, Manhattan/Website
Surprise, surprise! Another Major Food Group haunt makes it onto our list. And yes, this mid-century chophouse actually does live up to the hype. Anything created by the formidable trifecta (Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, Jeff Zalaznick) is truly iconic, but nothing beats the New York Strip from The Grill. Succulent, tender, and oh-so-delicious, this steak must be sent from the heavens above. And did you even dine here if you didn’t order the Prime Rib Sammie?
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797 3rd Ave, Manhattan/Website
There’s something undeniably New York about Smith and Wollensky. Maybe it’s the prime Midtown location, signature martinis, or old-school charm, but this storied spot just screams Manhattan. On top of all of that, there’s phenomenal food and an award-winning wine selection. Does it get any better? Menu favorites include the Colossal Lump crabmeat cocktail, 26oz prime rib, and roasted veal chop.
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372 Fulton St, Brooklyn/Website
Opened in 1874, Gage and Tollner is the definition of a New York City landmark. With a seafood selection just as impressive as their chops, this Brooklyn chophouse is truly the best of both worlds. If you’re dining here, you should ball out on the G&T Chilled Seafood Platter Royale, which comes with lobster, crudo, oysters, clams, and shrimp cocktail. Oh, and since we’re #extra, we obviously add the caviar. As for steak, the T-Bone Sirloin is one of our favorite cuts in all of New York.
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228 W 52nd St, Manhattan/Website
Do you know those places that just sound important? The famous Gallaghers Steakhouse is one of them. The menu is somewhat eclectic, with offerings ranging from shrimp and lobster dumplings to Manhattan clam chowder. While you can’t go wrong with anything here, our favorites are the veal chop parmesan and Filet Mignon. As for the latter, diners can choose from a wide variety of preparations, including blue cheese or bone marrow crust, or even a porcini and coffee-flavored rub.
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89 South St, Manhattan/Website
Andrew Carmellini’s Italian Chophouse is unlike any other spot on this list, and we are absolutely here for it. With sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge and food worth writing home about, Carne Mare is the ideal place to be wined and dined. After all, the melt-in-your-mouth caviar mozzarella sticks are enough to keep us coming back for more. The Wagyu cuts here are also 10/10, so be sure to order the “Bavetta” steak and the Gorgonzola-cured Striploin.
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9 E 1st St, Manhattan/Website
Most associate Bowery with its bustling nightlife and post-grads eating pizza at 2 a.m., but we’re obviously in it for the food. Everything here makes our mouth water, but it’s literally illegal to come here and not order the Kung Pao duck wings. Made with toasted peanuts, cilantro, and yuzu rang dressing, this dish is truly a culinary masterpiece. We’re also clinically obsessed with the Chuck Roll Kuroge Wagyu (their take on a steak carpaccio), and the Snake River Wagyu NY Strip.
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10 Columbus Cir, Manhattan/Website
As evident in the name, Porter House Bar & Grill serves one of the best Porterhouse steaks in town. We’re not exaggerating, we would have this dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Steak and eggs anybody? And yes, while this steak is a must-order, there is a plethora of options sure to impress even the pickiest of palettes. Other menu staples include the butter-poached lobster served (extra truffle potato puree, please!), the roasted marrow bone, and the Garganelli bolognese.
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109 E 22nd St, Manhattan/Website
If our colleagues brought us to this award-winning steakhouse, we would immediately forget about our diets. We know that sounds dramatic, but the food here is just that good. For starters, we highly recommend getting an order (or two!) of the Fried Louisiana shrimp, Carolina-spiced pork belly, and steak tartare. For mains, it’s a rite of passage to order the T-bone with roasted bone marrow, Vermont smoked bacon, and a fried egg on top. It’s like a deconstructed 4 Charles burger, but different.
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363 Greenwich St, Manhattan/Website
The downtown culinary scene is popping, and Marc Forgione’s American Cut is no exception. If you’re looking for a chophouse with an ambiance just as luxurious as the food, we’ve got you covered. Reinventing the classic tuna tartare appetizer as we know it, American Cut’s Tuna Tar Tot is truly life-changing. As for the steak, we recommend the Pastrami Ribeye (move aside Katz’s!), or the braised beef short rib. And no, they don’t make it Paleo.
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88 Ninth Ave. / Website
From Catch Hospitality Group, this lively spot spanning four approachable dining rooms serves a curated menu of the world's best cuts, alongside rich pairings like roasted brussels sprouts and twice baked potato, and an extensive wine list that will impress your whole party.
Photography by: Courtesy Getty Images
