More than just great steak!

[detroit1010]

I'm going to dinner with an old friend this weekend - he is a real meat and potatoes guy but I like something a little more interesting, not an old-fashion steakhouse (ie/Keen's). We are thinking of Craft, which I've been to once before and adored, and I have heard that their porterhouse for 2 is phenomenal, but I am still open to other suggestions. Anything else out there? Or, is the porterhouse at Craft that good?

[detroit1010]

Reporting back:

Overall, a phenomenal meal. First, the cocktail program is fantastic - I had a drink with whiskey, honey, and ginger that was terrific. Second, and most importantly, the food. The steak at Craft is towards the top of my list of best pieces of meat I've ever eaten in my life - it was incredibly flavorful and tender. We also loved the sides - roasted brussel sprouts, butterball potatoes - and desert (I mean, how can you go wrong with fresh, hot donuts). Service was friendly and professional.

In my opinion, anyone looking for a non-steakhouse meal with an outrageously good steak, Craft is your place - a near perfect meal from start to finish.

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Craft
43 E. 19th St., New York, NY 10003

[thegforceny]

My favorite non-steakhouse steak is at Morandi. Bistecca Fiorentina per due.

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Morandi
211 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10014

[nmprisons]

I think the steak for two at craft is one of the very best in the city and certainly worth the cost. Given that they also serve a variety of other wonderful sides (hen-of-the-woods mushrooms and the octopus are my personal favorites), I think that your initial inclination to give it a try is the right one.

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Craft
43 E. 19th St., New York, NY 10003

[princeofpork]

I hear the Porterhouse for 2 at Del Posto is fantastic as well. Have yet to try it.

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Del Posto
85 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10011

[drumwine]

Suggest either Porter House (in Time Warner Bldg) or BLT Prime....both fit your plea.

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Porter House New York
10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

BLT Prime
111 East 22nd Street, New York, NY 10010

[princeofpork]

Been to both and like Porter House more. Better atmosphere as well.

[kathryn]

Minetta Tavern? Balthazar? Babbo? Gotham Bar and Grill?

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/454499
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/578650
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/725688
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/514089

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Babbo
110 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10011

Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

Balthazar
80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

Gotham Bar and Grill
12 East 12th Street, New York, NY 10003

[detroit1010]

Thanks, Kathryn.

We've been to Minetta Tavern and (of course) loved it, but it is impossible to get a dinner reservation at - ditto Babbo.

I guess I'm looking for something that's on the verge of being a steakhouse, but not quite there, if that makes any sense...

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Babbo
110 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10011

Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

[kathryn]

Miners Tavern is now on OpenTable BTW. It is still difficult to get that 8pm reservation, but I don't think Craft will be that easy either at the last minute (Saturday for 2 yields only 10:30pm on OpenTable). Also MT does hold tables for walk ins.

Babbo also holds tables for walk in customers.

I think you may need to be more flexible since you're making reservations for only a few days out.

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Babbo
110 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10011

[fooder]

Gotham Bar and Grill is probably the best choice. I've heard terrific things about their steak.