Old Homestead Steakhouse

I knew something was amiss when the most exotic domestic beer on the list was Coors Light. In a country blessed with a fantastic array of micro-brews, this is nothing short of a travesty. So a selection from the fairly limited wine list was the go, and it was not a bad drop all things considered.

The ladies in our party were a bit overwhelmed by the size of the steaks on the menu, this is certainly not an eatery for the faint of heart. I selected the Tuna Sashimi to start, followed by the 34oz Rib Eye (yup, nearly a Kilo). The Tuna was great, though more pepper seared than sashimi, and the steak was perfectly cooked, if lacking slightly in fat.

It was the service that really let the place down. One main course arrived a full 17 minutes after the rest had been delivered and the waiter had disappeared without a trace. I understand that mistakes happen, but when they do it's better to fess up, apologise and explain the dish is on the way, not just disappear leaving the rest of us wondering whether or not we should start. Not even a free coffee was offered by way of compensation, disappointing given this place charges top dollar.

Similarly, they lost points on the basics, plates were removed before all diners were finished and not once were our wine glasses refilled, it felt more amateur cafe than fine diner.

We tipped because we had to, certainly not because we wanted to. Don't be suckered in by the hype, NYC has many better options available.

Pros: Servings are HUGE

Cons: The service and selection

Posted 10/26/09

I just had one of THE best sandwich I've ever had. I've wanted to had dinner at Old Homestead for a long time, but just haven't made it happen. However, next best thing...lunch...was very good. Order the BLT Crab Cake Sandwich with Kobe bacon! I've never had anything like it. Highly Recommended...

Pros: amazing food

Cons: slow service

Posted 10/08/09

I love the Old Homestead not just for their steaks but also for their Shrimp Cocktail. The size and flavor of their seaford platter shrimp are just out of this world. They are rthe largest I have ever been served and are just outstanding.

I recommend the bone-in filet mignon.

Pros: Great Basic Steakhouse Menu

Cons: Not Close To My Home

Posted 09/13/09

Very friendly and warm atmosphere. Hubby had the Kobe Burger and devoured only 1/2, it was massive and equal to probably 4 regular burgers. The chipotle ketchup is great...although you dont need to put anything on the burger. The lil tater tots that come on the side are by far the bestest!
I had the sesame crused ahi tuna and loveeeee it! So fresh and delicious, served over juilienned veggies.
For sde dishes we had truffle mac & cheese...which was so rich and delicious. The sweet potato wedges were just like mom made at home for Thanksgiving!

Oh and cant forget the ice cream and cheesecake to end off a great meal...decadent and yummy!

Pros: Mouthwatering Delisciousness

Cons: That we can afford to eat here more often!

Posted 08/16/09

The place looks great, the food was consistent but the service was awful. I was there several times over the summer and it appeared as if they had turned the corner on their service issues. Lets hope it was just a bad night because the location is great the the place has been wonderfully transformed physically.

Pros: very good steaks, nice renovations

Cons: so so service

Posted 03/29/09

I have been dining at Old Homestead for many years and, although the food is always first rate, the service can be a bit shoddy. On a recent visit with a large group during the holiday season I was very surprised to see that one of our favorite waiters was now employed at OH. We knew him as JC when he took care of us at Mark Joseph downtown but he jokingly advised me that at OH he is simply known as John. It was great to see him. He is a character and a truly wonderful hospitality professional. Even though he mentioned to us that he may be a casualty of staffing issues in the near future, I do hope to see him there again. OH is definitely taking a step in the right direction when it comes to service with more hires like John. See you soon JC.

Posted 01/06/09

Every year my parents give me and my siblings tickets to a Broadway show. We make our dinner stop at the Old Homestead. Last year we tried Smith & Wollensky's and we were extemely disappointed that we didn't go back to the Homestead. I will never stray again! The price for the food is worth every dollar. When you want to treat yourself to a "excellent steak dinner", Homestead is the only way to go.

Pros: Has the NYC ambience that you look for

Posted 12/03/08

This place is fabulas if your into steaks, and I mean top of the line , corn fed beef. The restraunt is very busy on the weekends and reservations are highly recommended. I've been there about four to five time and not once have I ever been dissapointed. The steaks with butter just melts in your mouth and brings you back for more. The service is always 5 star and the drinks are very good. The menu is pricey but the atmospere is from busines to casual. A good place for a high quailiity meal.

Pros: ambiance,steak

Posted 10/15/08

I went to the Old Homestead for my birthday. I had the signature 34 oz Ribeye and the thing was gigantic, easily the biggest cut of steak I've had in NYC. I ordered it medium and it was a little rare for my liking but still pretty good. My fiancee ordered the Kobe Beef Burger and we marveled at the size of it.

If you like huge portions of beef, this is your place.

I would've rated this 3.5 stars if it was an option.

Pros: Herculean portions

Cons: Nothing blew me away flavor-wise.

Posted 06/20/08

I throughly enjoyed my overall experience. My waiter was friendly and helped us choose an excellent wine, and the steaks we ordered were perfect. The side dishes were tasty and the garlic bread we started off with was delicious. Dessert was also wonderful especially when paired with a wonderful desert wine that our waiter also helped select. I have no complaints about the food or the service. It may be a bit pricey, but it's worth it!

Pros: food & service

Cons: maybe the price, but this is nyc

Posted 04/22/08

Old Homestead has to be one of the top 3 steakhouses in the city. The steaks are amazingly cooked to order and are big and juicy. The host needs to get the spoon out of his A$* and loose the attitude. Aside from that, the waiters were very professional and the service was priceless. As for many NYC Steakhouses, the price is high. However the food , service and the atmosphere all make up for it! An overall great dining experience..

Pros: Steaks, Wine List, Service, Decor

Cons: Host

Posted 10/18/07

I have been going to the Old Homestead for years. I have also tried just about every prominent steakhouse in New York. Nothing even comes close to the steaks here. Go here and prepare to be wowed !!!

Pros: everything is awesome

Cons: nothing

Posted 06/09/07

Man'O man, the waiters here weren't rude like some other reviewers have said, I found them more so to be inept at how to be an effective server -- to the point that I almost feel bad for them. They do try to "con" you into buying their garlic bread without telling you that there is an additional charge, which definitely is annoying and a altogether silly thing to do in a place where everything is so expensive. I don't really have any complaints about the steak, I ordered a porterhouse medium-rare and it came to the table rare, which for me is better than it being overcooked so it wasn't too big a deal. The outside was nicely charred and the quality of the meat was very good. The shrimp cocktail appetizer had HUGE shrimp,at 7 dollars a pop so keep that in mind when they ask you how many, if you decide to go there and order shrimp. I won't be returning to the restaurant as there are sooooooooooo many better steakhouses in NY.

Pros: Good food

Cons: Poor, unpolished service

Posted 02/21/07

I took my brother and his friend for his birthday at Old Homestead. The service was acceptable, though it was strange that our waiter did not know the specials and had to ask another guy who happened to be the 'Specials' guy. I disagree with the editorial review- there were plenty of women- we saw 2 tables for 8+ women enjoying themselves. I had a petit filet mignon 10oz and that was plenty meat for some $35 dollars; my brother had 16oz filet for $42. Seared tuna was over $30. The truth is, it was a pleasant enough evening with nothing going wrong, service is ok, ambiance was traditional steakhouse, but the actual flavor of the meat was nothing to write home about. The quality of the meat was there, but the cooking was bland and it was served with a sauce to "add flavor". Therefore, the value for money was not quite there. Go here for the traditional atmosphere; don't go here for any outstanding steaks. If you want fab steaks, go to a butcher, get great quality meats, and cook it yourself. You'd be saving tons of money.

Pros: civil waitstaff, nice traditional steak house ambiance

Cons: pricey, poor value for money

Posted 01/27/07

The portions are enourmous!!! Just wish the flavors were that big too.
I ordered the house special, Signature 36 ounce bone in Rib Eye. Good flavor, but nothing exceptional.
Medium Rare, just how any Steak lover should have it. This thing was enormous.
But clearly not USDA Prime. So that being said, I was slightly disappointed but it's not the end of the world.
The table next to me ordered the "$195 Kobe" steak. I'm pretty sure it was from the rump, the way it was cut and served, not resembling any of the 3 prime cuts.
200 bucks on a 10 oz low-end cut steak is absurd.
The saving grace were the apps and desserts. These were pretty good. Actually really good.
The garlic bread, fried calamari, chocolate cake and NY style cheesecake were all excellent.
Would I go back again? Absolutely.
It's a fantastic guy's night out first stop.

Pros: Great Appetizers and Desserts

Cons: Loud obnoxious men all over the place

Posted 01/18/07

Picked Old Homestead to celebrate my son's 18th Birthday this past Friday night with my wife and my son's girlfriend. This was my fourth time here but I had some doubt about booking a date after reading some of the other reviews especially the ones that mentioned the poor service. Friday night turned out to be perfect, starting with the greeting from the pretty hostesses and the bar maid who poured good cocktails. When it was our time to be seated we were led upsatirs to a dining room I didn't know exsisted. The room was very nice almost had the feel of a private club. Our waiter was very polite and attentive, appearing table side
at the right time througout the evening. Everything we ordered was cooked to perfection
No doubt the food is pricey but for that special occasion its a good place to celebrate.

Pros: Great steaks and sides, upstairs dining room somewhat private quiet

Cons: Expensive

Posted 11/05/06

I'm not really a big steak eater so the above title should be taken with a grain of salt from steak connoisseurs, but I was taken to this place by co-workers who wanted to indulge. I was blown away. Between the attractive hostess who greeted us at the door and the extremely friendly waiter who served us, it made the high prices worth it. I had the New York Sirloin (excellent), with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Creamed Spinach. If you've got the wallet for it, definitely make it a point to visit Old Homestead and take someone who you really want to impress. When I win the next lotto jackpot, it'll be the first place I go....but seriously, the place serves really good food.

Pros: Great steaks, attractive hostess, at least one kind waiter

Cons: very pricey

Posted 10/04/06

Although I grew up in NY, I have never heard of this place until March of 06. I was invited as part of a group and was I ever surprised. The service was top notch, the food was beyond my expectations and, the bill was reasonable considering all we ate and drank.

If you enjoy any kind of meat dish, this is the place to go whenin NYC. Make a reservation though, everyone except me seemed to know about this place.

Pros: Steak like you never had before

Cons: Limited seating

Posted 07/22/06

What can you say about the homestead? Its home for animal eaters like me. I've never been disapointed here and I know I never will. For me, its better than Luger's. But thats me. Plus, its stumbling distance from meatpacking bars. Just so many positives i don't know where to end. And I love love love the cow out front. Never take it down, ever. Even if this place becomes a shoe store in like 300 years, please keep the cow. To me, the homestead IS New York.

Pros: Everything

Cons: None

Posted 06/11/06

We have always enjoyed the quality steaks served here, however the last two visits were greatly marred by indifferent and smug service. One visit inflicted basically unavailable service with the wrong (higher priced) wine being delivered. Both were Chianti Reserva, however one was priced in the high 30s and the wrong higher priced was in the 70s. We barely examined the wine except to see the word Chianti Reserva and the correct year. We drank it and was slightly shocked when the check arrived. It took a meeting of 20 minutes to, however to their credit, remove the higher priced wine and bill us for the wine we ordered. The last visit featured a waiter who seeming couldn't care less. We had to virtually pull every bit of non-offered information from him. Enough already, leave the attitude at home and do your job man. So unnecessary and thoroughly annoying.

Pros: steaks

Cons: service, too much attitude

Posted 04/25/06

My husband and I ate at the Old Homestead and had a great experience. The service was terrific--we were not rushed at all. When the food came out we were promtly checked on, our waters were filled, and the rest of our wine poured for us. Service was great to me. But who knows, maybe we had the best server in the house. Our steaks were delicious--The rib eye and steak au poivre were devine. The kobe beef carpaccio appetizer was excellent. It's a steakhouse, so your atmosphere isn't gonna be good. But if you like steak, the Old Homestead is pretty darn good.

Pros: attentive service, wide ranging wine lis

Cons: expensive

Posted 12/31/05

The Old Homestead is my favorite NYC steakhouse, and on a visit from Michigan to NYC my sons took me there to celebrate my 70th birthday. We were a party of nine (my wife and myself, our two sons and their wives, and three grandchildren). We were seated promptly, and the waiters were pleasant and efficient. The men had beef, the women lamb or seafood, and everything was lovely. My only complaint is that my grandson and I had the steak au poivre. We requested that they be cooked medium rare, but both were medium by any definition (incuding that on the menu). Still, it was a splendid evening and it is puzzling to me that so many reviewers have had bad experiences at this historic restaurant.

Pros: quality of food, waitstaff, wine list

Cons: beef overcooked

Posted 05/31/05

I went with my boyfriend recently. He made a reservation and we came on time, but we had to wait for 45 mins to get seated. Our waiter was a joke! We asked for a wine list, again, waited for 15 mins. I had ordered a petit filet mignon for medium rare, but came in a fully cooked. Taste yuck and so disappointed! With the long wait and food, I would NOT recommend

Posted 02/27/05

In my opinion you can't do it very much different. Of course I like The Big Texan in Amarillo and Arthur Bryant in Kansas City but New York is New York and a steakhouse is a steakhouse. And The Old Homestead is as good as the others. Maybe a notch below in ambiance and flair/style, but not in food. Both guests and waiters are not as 'elegant' as some of the other competitors but the food is. It's a New York steakhouse, and it's good. Yes, fantastic oysters as well. I haven't had better in years!

Pros: Very good steaks, Excellent oysters, Nice old waiters

Cons: , Tables small, Grumpy old waiters

Posted 03/27/04

Where's the Beef? At the Old Homestead! Bigger and better than any other steakhouse. Just order your meat one level more well done than you usually do, this way you will get it the way you like. Do to the extreme thick cut of beef that they serve it tends to be under-cooked if you don't order this way. An institution not to be overlooked. All steaks are served ala-carte but a variety of sides are available and sized to match their steaks. Bring your appetites, you will not be leaving this place feeling hungry! Hope I "steer" you in the right direction.

Pros: food, nostalgia, wait staff

Cons: , no small meals, a little pricey

Posted 03/07/04

I had the pleasure of dining the "The Old Homestead" on one occasion while visiting NYC in March 2003. It is quite simply the best steakhouse I've eaten in. Everything about this restaurant is total class. The food, service, selection EVERYTHING. Having read some of the negative reviews about quality & value for money all I can say is come to Ireland where you'll be truly ripped off and you'll see how good this restaurant is.

Pros: Food, Service, Value

Cons: None, None, None

Posted 12/11/03

I have to say in all honesty the meal was good, the steak and prime ribs were made as ordered and the sides were tasty. The service left quite a bit to be desired, I was not impress at all, for the amount of money that was spent. If you pay the top end for a meal you expect "NO" demand top end in service. If you want to impress guest or yourself, stick with Luger.

Pros: Food

Cons: Service, Price

Posted 11/23/03

Old Homestead is my favorite steakhouse. I've been there many times over the past 2 years and everyone enjoys it. The waiters are very professional and attentive. The food is fantastic, aps., sidedishes and steaks all great. I took my boyfriend there for his birthday, he got the biggest single serve steak available, we each had an appetizer, i had a glass of wine and the meal cost about $110, which is good for a great NYC resturant. Definitely worth checking out.

Pros: attentive waiters, clean and classy, good value

Posted 04/29/03

The Kobe Burger is something worth doing once, but not something that knocks your socks off. The Gotham Steak on the other hand was amazing. There are a few others who throw a prime rib on the grill, but the Old Homestead really does a nice job. Our raw bar selection was good and fresh and the potatoes, spinach and mushrooms were the perfect compliment for a faboulous dinner. Old Homestead has made some new fans, we'll surely be back.

Pros: steaks, service, atmosphere

Cons: little noisy

Posted 02/02/03

My parents love steak so on there 38th wedding anniversary my husband and I planned a night out, 2 1/2 hours later we all left there very dissapointed. The porterhouse was dry, overcooked, and luke warm. On top of that we recieved our side dish about 15 minutes after we recieved our main courses. All I can say is this place is overrated and should re-evaluate call themselves a true steakhouse! This could make a meat eater go vegetarian. Sorry, these new yorkers are banning the homestead next year I'll cook the anniversary dinner.

Cons: expensive, out of the way, over-rated

Posted 01/17/03

My husband and I enjoy dining in New York and the Homestead is our favorite. Ceasar is the waiter we request every time we visit. I love a man that remembers the way I drink my martini. The dress is casual and the food is enough for four. Unlike some other steakhouses, they accept all credit cards and cash, not just their own.

Pros: close parking, availability, accessible

Posted 01/12/03

Let me first say that I dine at the Old Homestead every December. Don't ask me how this tradition started, but it continues. December 2002 was no exception. The Heavy Cut Sirloin was very good, but not the over the top best in New York like I have experienced in years past. The salads are terrible and overpriced, and are to be avoided at all costs. The Beef Carpaccio (That's raw beef, thinly sliced for you tourists) is always an outstanding appetizer. Service is hit or miss, but that's NY. I still prefer the menu and ambiance BEFORE the redo several years ago.

Posted 01/12/03

the best thickest,juicest,largest cooked to perfection prime rib.I'M 44 years old and my dad took me there in 1974 when i was 16. I haven't found a prime rib to date that compares.hats off to those brothers.

Posted 01/12/03

Until 5 years ago the Old Homestead was a piece of my family tradition. One of the buildings that house the Old Homestead belonged to my family for over 40 years. We also owned and managed a meat packing company next door. So as a youth I enjoyed many a meal at the homestead. Great to see that they are still a favorite.

Ralph Siemer

Posted 01/12/03

We stumbled upon this place walking home one night and it may be our favorite steak house in the city. Appetizers very good and good size portions, steaks were unreal! Early crowd is subdued and as the night goes on it gets a little more lively. Typical, but fair prices for a steakhouse.

Posted 01/08/03

not one week after dining at this "old" favorite im still wondering why i stuck around after i was shown the incorrect bottle of wine - 2x !!! food was average but the service really made it an evening ill never forget. i dont know when it got soo bad but the "new homestead" has been forever crossed off my list.

Posted 01/02/03

I went to the Old Homestead this past Sunday for dinner. After reading the reviews given by other citisearch users I thought the steak would be alot better. We ordered the porterhouse for two "Medium" and the inside was cold. We have been to Luger's, Ruth Chris, Sparks, Red Eye Grill, and compared to these.. I thought for the price.. it was just o.k. Although it is deceiving from the outside, the restaurant inside is very nice. The service was a little unorganized. Maybe we went on a off night, but for these prices eveything should be perfect. I don't think I will be back, there are alot of other "Great Steakhouses" in better parts of Manhattan.

Pros: Easy to get to, nice ambience

Cons: Not best area, parking, bit overpriced

Posted 12/25/02

The ambience was very romantic, Merlot Robert Sinskey 'Reserve' Napa 1997, outstanding and the Steaks magnifique! Highly recommend it!!!!
Mrs. Guerra-Orellana

Posted 12/22/02

The Old Homestead is the best when it comes to steak. Perhaps because of its location it is not known as widely as other steakhouses. But to steak connoisseurs, there are no better cuts and culinary skills than those offered by master chef Ed Gozdz.

Posted 12/03/02

This place is what you imagine a great steakhouse should be - excellent & huge amounts of cow delivered gruffly but with regard. Good wine list too - and not as obscenely expensive as some peers.

Outstanding!

Pros: steak, wine, atmosphere

Cons: cramped, health

Posted 12/03/02

The food here was fanstatic and the portions were big. The shrimp are truly HUGE!! The service was slow but the amount of food you get, plan on taking your time and enjoying it. The atmosphere is much nicer than the outside appears. The food is expensive, but worth every cent! A great place for huge appetizers and monster filet mignon!

Posted 12/03/02

I went here for lunch and it was top notch. The shrimp are truly jumbo. Atmosphere is also very nice and pleasant. The steak was cooked perfect. Nothing is worse than a steakhouse which screws up my black and blue steak. It was delicious. The cheese cake was delicious as well. I do like lemon peel with my espresso (which was not provided) but I'll let it slide because the rest of the experience was great.

Pros: Atmosphere, Extensive menu

Cons: Clams too small

Posted 11/07/02

Great food, great wine (DEFINITELY get the David Bruce Petite Syrah!) Real manly steak place- unfortunately I went with women and you sort of feel out of place. Table behind us got terrible service- they dropped a steak and it had already taken a long time coming out- ours was fine but service seems variable at best.

Specials are great and worth taking advantage of on the right noghts.

Pros: location, wine list

Cons: service, atmosphere

Posted 10/24/02

Every steak house has its forte--and the featured cut here is the Prime Rib, which is cut into a slab thick enough to support an apartment building, and runs clear with delicious juices--the medium rare cut a slice of heaven. The chopped salad is outstanding, and the lobsters rivalk what they serve up at S and W and the Palm. Often overlooked, this old standby still can do they job.

Posted 10/06/02

Old Homestead has been around forever. I live in the neighborhood and have never had a bad meal or a bad cut of beef here. Their wet and dry aged rib eye is without a doubt the best in the city. Their home fries are crispy and tasty. Yes there are other steakhouses in the city with a bigger name, but Homestead combines great service with good food and comes out a winner

Pros: great steaks, fantastic service, nice wine list

Cons: crowded

Posted 10/06/02

The only thing you get at this place is the biggest steak you've ever seen and a few days shaved off your life. People that think this place is the best obviously haven't been to any of the top steakhouses (Luger's, Morton's and Sparks). The steaks here are monstrous, but that isn't enough to substitute for the lack of flavor or the poor cuts. Save your money and spend the dough and the calories in a proper steakhouse. And the steaks in those places are huge anyway. So there's really no reason to come here unless you're looking to fatten up before you head for hogs and heifers.

Posted 08/28/02

Their steak is good, but it's not the best in NYC; it's of very good quality, but it didn't have US Prime properly dry-aged characteristics. However, prices are prime. The steak was cooked exactly as I specified (black and blue) but it lacked flavor. I've had better steaks at the Chicago Chop House, River Palm Terrace (NJ), Bobby Vans, Luger's, Keens, M. Jordan's, Gallagher's, ... Their wine list is narrow and slightly overpriced. Appetizers are pricey, but good. Cooking and environment shouldn't make The Old Homestead the best steakhouse in NYC. People must question themselves on what to look for in steak before claiming such a place has the "best" steak. I give them credit for being in business for so many years, but I'd much rather spend my hard-earned money at any of the aforementioned places before I go back to the Old Homestead.

Pros: Crab Cake

Cons: Steak Quality

Posted 08/04/02

Huge beefsteak tomatoes for appetizer, filet for main course- both excellent! Seated right away, nice service...

Posted 07/26/02