Best downtown steakhouses

[LPShanet]

Going to do a downtown steakhouse outing this weekend, and wanted to hear if anyone had any recent experiences or recommendations. My usual go-to downtown is Strip House (bone in rib chop in particular), but would also consider Craftsteak, Mark Joseph and other recommendations.

I had heard that Craftsteak had come a LONG way from the bad reviews after opening, and wondered if anyone could confirm this.

(Please don't bother with midtown or outer borough ideas...I'm well aware of those and will also not be making the trip out to Luger's, etc. Below 23rd street only, please.)

[DutchMuse]

Yes, Craftsteak has indeed improved in food and service from its opening. It can still be a bit variable but on the whole, quite good.

[oakapple]

It's almost as if Steve Cuozzo read your post and then composed today's column in the Post. However, he limits himself to Financial District steakhouses, and his main complaint is that there are too many of them, in relation to other kinds of eating down there.

Anyhow, I think Craftsteak would be worth your while.

[Nathan]

the great thing about Craftsteak is that a large proportion of the Craft menu is (literally) replicated on its menu. so you can get a steak and enjoy some of Craft without the hassle

[Sneakeater]

Don't forget Wolfgang's.

[Nathan]

true...that's a darn good steak.

[LPShanet]

Thanks for all the input. Does anyone have any thoughts on the steak comparison between Craftsteak, Strip House and Wolfgang's. Also, how does the downtown Wolfgang's compare to the first outpost in quality?

[Sneakeater]

Just for steak, I'd be very surprised if Wolfgang's weren't the best. (I've never eaten in Craftsteak.)

The downtown Wolfgang's steak is indistinguishable from the uptown one's.

Edited April 16, 2008 by Sneakeater (log)

[Nathan]

steak-wise I prefer the steak at Wolfgang's (haven't been to the Striphouse).

Craftsteak blows everybody away on non-steak items of course.

[oakapple]

Thanks for all the input.  Does anyone have any thoughts on the steak comparison between Craftsteak, Strip House and Wolfgang's.  Also, how does the downtown Wolfgang's compare to the first outpost in quality?

←

At Strip House, the ribeye excels; at Wolfgang's it's the porterhouse or even (if you're dining alone) the NY Strip, which they call "Steak for One" in the Luger style.

I agree that the midtown and downtown versions of Wolfgang's are indistinguishable as far as the food is concerned, but the downtown Wolfgang's isn't as loud.

Craftsteak is in my regular steakhouse rotation for the excellence of the non-steak items, but since the opening the steak has greatly improved too.

Edited April 16, 2008 by oakapple (log)

[JohnnyH]

I had one of the most infuriating meals of the last year at Craftsteak; I feel an obligation to point you to my recap of the experience so, if you do go there, you do so with eyes open:

JohnnyH on Craftsteak

[devinl]

MarkJoseph used to be pretty reliable and good. But on my last visit in February, I thought the steak was only ok.