Gallagher's opened its doors in 1927, a speakeasy with a secret password and a clientele list that read like a Who's Who of Broadway. 75 years later, Gallagher's has set the standard for the real New York City steak house. USDA prime beef, dry aged in their own meat locker and grilled to perfection over hickory logs. For a real NYC steak house experience - there's nothing quite like Gallagher's.
The Scene Three wood-lined dining rooms sprawl for what seems like half a block, festooned with black-and-white photos of former sports legends, chandeliers made with thick logs and a wonderful old mahogany bar populated by an assortment of well-dressed patrons, tourists and young steak-loving guys. Diners are served by tuxedoed captains and waiters.
The Food The star of this classic American steakhouse menu is the 28-day aged beef, which is exceptionally tender and full-flavored--you can see the aging-wood locker as you walk in. Go for the generous sirloin or the porterhouse, both grilled over hickory. Double rib lamb chops are superior as well. If for some reason you arrive craving seafood, grilled swordfish is light and satisfying.The supporting cast includes steak fries, creamed spinach, tasty hash browns and strawberry shortcake.
Yes the place is old, but that is what gives it so much charm. It is a huge Giants and Yankee hang out. Food was very good, steaks were cooked perfectly. service was excellent! Wait staff definately new what they were doing and talking about!
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I eat in Manhattan steakhouses just about every month, and was at Gallagher's in November, and I was very disappointed. The steaks were good, not great. The place is old and run down, which could be part of the charm, like Keens, but it wasn't, and the waiter was indifferent and inattentive.
With a dozen great steak houses in the city, you really don't need to go to Gallaghers.
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One of New York's most famous steak houses. This is a classic old haunt of Giants and Yankees past. Waiters have been there 30 years. Always helps to give cash to get a table.
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Latest reviews by Citysearch:
(read all 51 reviews
on Citysearch)
A LOUSY PLACE FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY DINNER
By easyg1
What a major disappointment!! I wasted a hundred bucks. It was our 44th anniversary, dinner followed by "Billy Elliott." When I made reservations, I said it was our anniversary. It went ignored. I'll never go back to Gallaghers again. We were barely greeted by a maitre'd, who acted as though we were bothering him. No smile. Tried to seat us in the bar. We said, no, the back room, which was almost empty. He seemed offended. My steak was small, tough. The service was lousy. The maitre'd should be working as a bouncer at a dance club. The steaks were laughable. Stay away from this place. Fast food is preferable. Gallagher's is living off its name. By the way, "Billy Elliott" was terrific.
Pros: Wonderful old photos, theatre memorabilia Cons: Greeting, service, food.
Posted 06/08/09
Not worth the time or money
By waymorfun
Went to celebrate my birthday, wanted a steak and this place was highly recommended, never again.
I saw the waiter once, when he took the order, never came back, someone else delivered our food, if you want to call it that. He actually threw if on the table on his way by. Of course he got two of the orders mixed up but since he didn't stop we couldn't tell him. Had to go looking for someone when we needed drink refills and the bill.
Maybe the worst part of the evening was the food, they have this amazing meat locker near the front door and a big wood fired pit to cook these great pieces of meat but they ruined them. Two of the steaks were burnt on the outside, crispy, but not even warm on the inside. The one that was supposed to be medium well was bloody but at least warm. Since no one ever thought to ask us how our meal was nothing was done to fix it. We paid the bill and left with most of the food still sitting on the plates and still no one asked.
I know this is New York but this was ridicules.
Pros: Nice looking meat in the window Cons: Worst service ever
Posted 05/27/09
Excellent Meal
By SteveAC
I come to NY fairly often, and one of the places I enjoy eating at the most is Gallaghers. If you want a good meal, and and even better steak, come here, you won't go wrong.
Pros: Not enough room Cons: You mean there might have been some? I doubt it.
Posted 03/07/09
Only a tasteless hack wouldnt like this restaurant
By shootwillus
I was at Gallaghers approx 2 years ago. My friend and I walked in off the street, no reservations needed. We had never heard of the establishment before. We were lured in by the dry aged meat in the window.
The meal was fantastic. Ox bone soup was superb. I had raw oysters...ridiculously fresh. The gin martini was perfectly constructed, expert bartending. The NY strip steak was a platonic ideal. Service was fantastic.
To those persons that did not appreciate the experience or thought the food was lack luster...please contain yourselves to a local sizzler. Your opinions are truly ridiculous. From gallagher's checkered table clothes to their decor which emphasizes the history boxing and horseracing, this is truly a man's steak house.
Pros: steak, martinis, service Cons: you get what you pay for
Posted 12/15/08
AWESOME!
By Gerald58
Just what I like: Big juicy steaks, very tasty sides, served in a comfortable, relaxed dining room by a very knowledgable waitstaff. Yes, there are many NYC steakhouse but Gallagher's is always a favorite.
