Keen's or Wolfgang's?

[jianni]

I am throwing a big surprise party for my partner and can't decide between Keen's or Wolfgang's? What would you pick?

[jianni]

any thoughts on Strip House or Old Homestead?

[Sneakeater]

Both worse than Wolfgang's and Keens.

[princeofpork3]

Compltely disagree. Strip House is fantastic with the best sides in my opion. Keens is at the bottom of that list for me.

[sugartoof]

I second every word of that.

The non-meat dishes aren't an after thought, and one could make a meal off the sides alone.

[princeofpork3]

Truffle Cream Spinnach and that cream corn? Yumm

[steakrules85]

I disagree with those who are saying that Wolfgangs is better than Keens. Keens is quintessential New York and the food is truly amazing. I've been to Keens several times and they always nail a great steak dinner for me. Which is to say they always deliver on correct temperature, simple yet great sides, and terrific desserts. The one time I went to Wolfgangs, I had a good meal but they overcooked our porterhouse which is a big no no. Plus, I just can't get over the fact that theyre trying to be a carbon copy of Peter Luger without the incredible results.

Also, Strip House is terrific. Definitely better than Wolfgangs IMO. Always perfectly cooked, remarkable sides, great atmosphere. Gotta back up the Craft Rec too. Craft and Minetta Tavern turned out two of the best steaks I've ever had, pretty impressive for nonsteakhouses.

[ellenost]

Which do you prefer between Keens and Strip House?

[steakrules85]

Very hard to say. You can't go wrong with either of them. It depends on what I am looking for. I think Keens is great if you are looking for an old, quintessential New York experience unlike any other. It's atmosphere is just so unique with the pipes on the ceiling and the different rooms. I prefer the bull moose room upstairs the best. Usually, Keens is my preference in the cold winter months because it just fits the weather. Not to say that women would feel uncomfortable at Keens (they certainly would not) but I think of it more as a man's steakhouse. I usually go once a year with all my uncles and cousin's for a guys steak night out in the city.

If I am looking for something a little more modern, swanky, going out with females I'd choose Strip House. It's brighter, got red leather booths, more polished in decor, less of a "man cave" so to speak. I'd say more inventive and updated takes on sides and desserts. Best of all it is a very short walk from my apartment.

It really depends on the mood but if we are talking stricly about the food they are neck and neck and I would not have a tough time recommending either.

A few others favorites are Old Homestead (although it seems to get a lot of backlash here I think its another classic) and BLT Prime (fantastic, and you get the best free bread in the city ohhh those popovers are spectacular and scrumptious).

[foodwhisperer]

I hate Old Homestead, so skip that one. For a nice party, Keen's would be more of a private party. If you never had their mutton chops, just try it then decide if you like them or not. I've never met anyone who didn't love those mutton chops at Keen's. I am a big fan of Wolfgang's , especially the Tribeca one, but Keen's is better for a party and you can see Babe Ruth's and Teddy Rossevelt's pipes.

[pktaske]

Just visited Keens last night. Everything was good except the main meal. Steak (NYS) was tough and flavouless. I wrote them an email, which I NEVER do.

[jianni]

thank you everyone. how are their fish entrees? i will have some vegetarians at the dinner and want to make sure they enjoy their meal, too.

[Sneakeater]

I'm sure the fish is better at Keens -- and probably there's a bigger choice.

I'd think twice about taking vegetarians to either of these places. They're not for them. But Keens is probably better for them than Wolfgang's.

[kathryn]

How big is your group? Somewhere like Craft might work better if you have a mixed group of meat eaters and pescatarians.

[Sneakeater]

Brilliant

[jianni]

Thank you! I will look into Craft.

[harrison]

If you have a decent sized group, check Craft's private dining option. Just did it the other night with about 12 people for a corporate event. All family style and the Ribeye was fantastic.

[jester99]

do you like steak or prime rib/mutton more. If you want straight up steak and pretend to be at Lugers, Wolfgangs. If you want prime rib and eat a ridic amount of lamb, Keens.

[kathryn]

What matters more, atmosphere and history and private rooms, or steak and side quality?

[jianni]

steak and side quality, for sure.

[H Manning]

I think the food at Wolfgang's is better than the food at Keens.

[kathryn]

I've found the porterhouse at Wolfgang's to be better than the one at Keens. However, Keens has a lot of other items on their meat section menu that I haven't tried. I also really love the sauteed mushrooms at Wolfgang's (best version of the side I've found so far).

But if your partner loves scotch, Keens has a fantastic selection. They're also known for their seafood tower on these boards.