Knickerbocker Bar and Grill

An atmospheric steakhouse and saloon that's been popular with locals for over three decades.

(212) 228-8490

33 University Pl (9th Street)
New York, NY 10003 40.732009 -73.994409

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Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Downtown

knickerbockerbarandgrill.com

Years in business

Established in 1977

Hours:

Tue-Thu 12pm-1am

Fri-Sat 12pm-2am

Sun-Mon 12pm-12am

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 7.26.11

Category:

Bars & Pubs, Restaurants, Catering, Taverns

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Late Night Dining, Romantic Dining, Celeb Hangout, Brunch, Lunch Spot, Group Dining, Live Music, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene

General Info:

Open 7 Days

Cuisine:

Steakhouse, Traditional American

Notable Chef:

Luis Gonzalez

Editor's Tips

Email Business

What People Are Saying About Knickerbocker Bar and Grill

The Owner

Knickerbocker Bar and Grill

Owner

Knickerbocker Bar & Grill, located in the heart of Greenwich village, is a neighborhood favorite. Established in 1977, its popularity has grown over the years, due to its moderate prices, large portions and wonderful creations from Chef Derrick VanDuzer (Formerly of Judson Grille and District).Knickerbocker is known for its great Jazz and its 28 oz. T- Bone Steaks, and is a favorite among many celebrities. In recent articles, F. Murray Abraham and Ben Stiller mentioned it as among their favorite. Other frequent celebrities include Chris Noth, Jane Curtain, Alec Baldwin, Susan Sarandon and…

Provided by CityGrid

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Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

In Short – The turn-of-the-century posters, shiny brass railings, wood paneling and a 100-year-old marble bar make visitors half-expect to see bartenders sporting garters and handlebar moustaches. Especially known for its T-bone steaks (served with creamed spinach and mashed potatoes for the relatively affordable price of $39), the restaurant serves a broad menu that includes pasta, ribs, seafood and giant, decadent desserts, like towering hot fudge sundaes or the made-to-order chocolate souffle for two, made with Valhrona Chocolate and served with chocolate sauce and whipped cream.

Editor's Tips

When to Go:
Come for live jazz every Friday and Saturday night from 9:45pm.
Where to Sit:
The lounge area in front features a snacky, more casual menu with bites like the Cuban sandwich, chicken wings, salads and thin-crust pizza.
When to Go:
Come for live jazz every Friday and Saturday night starting at 9:45pm.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “This place was comfortable; tables were close but still gave you enough space.”
  2. “The ambience is a homey neighborhood restaurant that is cool without trying to be trendy.”
  3. “It was kind of a let down since that was one of the reasons we wanted to try Knickerbockers, but all in all I would definitely recommend for a casual but still nice date spot- It's just cozy and good and the service was excellent.”
  4. “love the coziness, camaraderie and ambiance of eating at the bar, and the Knick is hands down the best dining-at-the bar place in this town.”
dessert
89.58000183105469% positive
  1. “highly recommend the smoked salmon and caesar's salad, as well as caviar pie!”
  2. “Came recommended to us, but we found the food to be so-so, the service good, but we were told we could not order desert since the table we were at had a reservation waiting.”
  3. “Also their chocolate souffle is not bad at all.”
  4. “We ordered the Crispy Rock Shrimp app- which was amazing and big enough for us to split easily (and I'm an eater), the crab cake was just ok- but still good.”
  5. “If it wasnt bad manners I wouldve picked up my chocolate souffle and licked the bottom clean.”
  6. “The food was absolutely incredible with highllights being a steak house favorite; creamed spinach with nutmeg and you MUST try the chocolate souffle.”
  7. “The chocolate souffle was tasty.”
  8. “Oh- important to know- at the Knickerbocker, you should order the chocolate souffle for two, but make sure to do it at the beginning of the meal, so they can time it properly.”
drinks
88.88999938964844% positive
  1. “Their drinks are great from bloody marys to martinis-they really know how it should be made.”
  2. “during dinner i left to go to the restroom and the bus boy just happend to spill a full glass of red wine all over the table, my chair, and my lamb skin gucci bag.”
  3. “Go to La Petite Coquette down the block, buy some pretty lingerie, then go to the Knickerbocker and get a meal and some wine which will certainly seal the deal!”
  4. “also good seafood try the grilled halibut, the appetizers are awesome too if you just want to hang out in the bar.”
  5. “love the coziness, camaraderie and ambiance of eating at the bar, and the Knick is hands down the best dining-at-the bar place in this town.”
  6. “Two yummy starters, two bottles of wine and two execrable entrees later ('medium rare' steak burned outside, gray within, INEDIBLE ribs so packed with gristle that they were -a lifetime first-) we thanked the waitress, paid the bill (not including the rib”
  7. “was intrigued by a "laquer duck" entree which turned out to be a combination of duck breast done in a wine sauce with a wonderful vanilla flavor.”
  8. “Our server was amazing and server knew everthing about wines.”
  9. “Lots of good wine selections for $45 or less.”
food quality
91.23000144958496% positive
  1. “It did not feel or tasted like good aged steak.”
  2. “Great neighborhood restaurant and steak house in one”
  3. “Oh- important to know- at the Knickerbocker, you should order the chocolate souffle for two, but make sure to do it at the beginning of the meal, so they can time it properly.”
  4. “Added perk is you're not limited to steak house side dishes, so you can get a superb caesar salad, many other choices to go with your steak.”
  5. “The food was mediocre- and overpriced for quality and the level of the resaurant.”
  6. “If you like flavorful food and good service stay away.”
  7. “Came recommended to us, but we found the food to be so-so, the service good, but we were told we could not order desert since the table we were at had a reservation waiting.”
  8. “Sides were delicious, including creamy spinach.”
  9. “Also the french fries were really tasty.”
  10. “The steaks taste as good as the hamburgers which are phenomenal.”
  11. “We ordered the Crispy Rock Shrimp app- which was amazing and big enough for us to split easily (and I'm an eater), the crab cake was just ok- but still good.”
  12. “Last night, I had the most delicious pork chops.”
  13. “The garlic mash potatoes are excellent as well, makes my mouth water just typing about this now.”
  14. “If you are looking for decent steak and good service there are plenty of other great establishments in NYC to visit.”
  15. “The food is superb and you shouldnt go if you want a quick/cheap meal.”
  16. “Accompanied by variety of wonderful potatoes and creamed spinach.”
  17. “Sounds strange but it was a surprisingly tasty delight!”
  18. “Everything on the menu is just right and one of the best steaks in town.”
  19. “the ceasar salad was amazing.”
  20. “Go to La Petite Coquette down the block, buy some pretty lingerie, then go to the Knickerbocker and get a meal and some wine which will certainly seal the deal!”
  21. “also good seafood try the grilled halibut, the appetizers are awesome too if you just want to hang out in the bar.”
  22. “Two twentysomethings treated a friend who is leaving the working world for law school to a nice meal.”
  23. “was intrigued by a "laquer duck" entree which turned out to be a combination of duck breast done in a wine sauce with a wonderful vanilla flavor.”
  24. “It's T-Bone steaks (order one for two) are as good as the top steak houses in New York, and about half the price.”
  25. “there's great live jazz there as well-- and though i haven't had the steaks, many a people have complimented them for their great t-bones.”
  26. “The chocolate souffle was tasty.”
  27. “highly recommend the smoked salmon and caesar's salad, as well as caviar pie!”
  28. “like their whole menu and recently discovered their Kobe burger, its heavenly.”
  29. “The kitchen may have been having an off day, but everything we ordered from the stale bread, the tasteless salmon croquettes, to the chewy T bone steak was bland.”
  30. “Their French toast is highly recommended but you cannot go wrong with any menu selection.”
  31. “during dinner i left to go to the restroom and the bus boy just happend to spill a full glass of red wine all over the table, my chair, and my lamb skin gucci bag.”
  32. “great jazz that never disappoints and great steaks and side dishes.”
  33. “The famous T-bone steak is also quite a taste.”
  34. “Even though its not cheap, the food is just incredible.”
  35. “Two yummy starters, two bottles of wine and two execrable entrees later ('medium rare' steak burned outside, gray within, INEDIBLE ribs so packed with gristle that they were -a lifetime first-) we thanked the waitress, paid the bill (not including the rib”
  36. “The food was absolutely incredible with highllights being a steak house favorite; creamed spinach with nutmeg and you MUST try the chocolate souffle.”
  37. “My husband and I love steak so we try to visit every steak restaurant in NYC.”
  38. “ordered the Black Angus Burger and it was the best burger I've ever had- it was huge, cooked perfectly, and had a salad basically on top.”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “The selection is extreamly wide and the service is very polite and friendly”
  2. “Accompanied by variety of wonderful potatoes and creamed spinach.”
  3. “If you like shortribs (and I'm the type of person who will ALWAYS order them if they're on the menu) they are not to be missed here.”
  4. “Their French toast is highly recommended but you cannot go wrong with any menu selection.”
  5. “like their whole menu and recently discovered their Kobe burger, its heavenly.”
  6. “Lots of good wine selections for $45 or less.”
  7. “Added perk is you're not limited to steak house side dishes, so you can get a superb caesar salad, many other choices to go with your steak.”
  8. “Everything on the menu is just right and one of the best steaks in town.”
  9. “Having grown up in this neighborhood, I have searched high and low for the best brunch menu and have fallen in love with Knickerbocker.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “Once the diners have pretty much cleared out however, it can be a great place to enjoy some gret mucic without the usual pressure to keep drinking in order to keep your table.”
  2. “love the coziness, camaraderie and ambiance of eating at the bar, and the Knick is hands down the best dining-at-the bar place in this town.”
service
74.07000064849854% positive
  1. “Two yummy starters, two bottles of wine and two execrable entrees later ('medium rare' steak burned outside, gray within, INEDIBLE ribs so packed with gristle that they were -a lifetime first-) we thanked the waitress, paid the bill (not including the rib”
  2. “Our server was amazing and server knew everthing about wines.”
  3. “The bistro is always a good bet when you want a quick bite and the regular staff are always friendly.”
  4. “Excellent service for each visit.”
  5. “If you like flavorful food and good service stay away.”
  6. “It was kind of a let down since that was one of the reasons we wanted to try Knickerbockers, but all in all I would definitely recommend for a casual but still nice date spot- It's just cozy and good and the service was excellent.”
  7. “The service is great, the prices are very fair, and the restaurant is a throw back to old gentlemen's clubs.”
  8. “Came recommended to us, but we found the food to be so-so, the service good, but we were told we could not order desert since the table we were at had a reservation waiting.”
  9. “there's great live jazz there as well-- and though i haven't had the steaks, many a people have complimented them for their great t-bones.”
  10. “Terrible service!”
  11. “If you are looking for decent steak and good service there are plenty of other great establishments in NYC to visit.”
  12. “Atmosphere was family friendly and service was good - we made reservations and were seated immediately.”
  13. “The owner was so rude that my daughter started crying and I decided to leave.”
  14. “The service was very friendly and sincere, if not phony and solicitous.”
  15. “the staff is friendly-- not overly nice or attentive but the souffle and live music make up for it all.”
  16. “The selection is extreamly wide and the service is very polite and friendly”
  17. “The concierge (who called himself "the manager") was rude and disrespectful.”
  18. “Our dinner took over two hours because of the slow service.”
value
81.82000160217285% positive
  1. “The food was mediocre- and overpriced for quality and the level of the resaurant.”
  2. “Two yummy starters, two bottles of wine and two execrable entrees later ('medium rare' steak burned outside, gray within, INEDIBLE ribs so packed with gristle that they were -a lifetime first-) we thanked the waitress, paid the bill (not including the rib”
  3. “It's T-Bone steaks (order one for two) are as good as the top steak houses in New York, and about half the price.”
  4. “prices are reasonable.”
  5. “ordered the Black Angus Burger and it was the best burger I've ever had- it was huge, cooked perfectly, and had a salad basically on top.”
  6. “Even though its not cheap, the food is just incredible.”
  7. “The food is superb and you shouldnt go if you want a quick/cheap meal.”
  8. “The service is great, the prices are very fair, and the restaurant is a throw back to old gentlemen's clubs.”
  9. “Trust me, it's a huge difference.”
  10. “bottles for a decent price.”
  11. “If you 're going in a group don't order the bigger portions-1) too difficult to have it cooked the way you want it 2) the bigger the portion, the smaller each person will get.”
wait time
50.0% positive
  1. “Service was a bit slow, but we didn't mind as we had the music to listen to.”
  2. “The food is superb and you shouldnt go if you want a quick/cheap meal.”
  3. “Our dinner took over two hours because of the slow service.”
  4. “The bistro is always a good bet when you want a quick bite and the regular staff are always friendly.”
1 Star Rating: Poor

01/01/12

11 year old girl's opinion

by Susan Weeks at Citysearch

Hello fellow New yorkers. I am an 11 year old girl who has gone to knickerbocker so many times before but the most recent time I went was a disaster... My mother, Grandmother, and I went to knickerbocker recently. We had a horrible time. First of all there was a long line of people and we had reservations My grandmother could hardly stand up anymore (she is old and diabetic) so we asked for a seat. Other people that came into the restaurant after us had already been seated. We asked the owner for a table and he exploded into a fit of yelling and all we did was ask politely for a table. My Mother felt very insulted and like any other person would do she told him we were never coming back. His reply back was "What do i care". We then left feeling very sorry for anybody who has ever had to deal with him. We also left with mad empty stomachs.

1 Star Rating: Poor

12/18/11

What once was good....

by stellamusic at Citysearch

Sadly Knickerbocker was once a community restaurant . Now it is a tourist trap. It is loud, has unfriendly service and barely adequate food at expensive prices. This is a restaurant that caters to tourists and lives on a reputation that at best once was. As banks and CVS take over our beautiful city this restaurant too has lost its appeal and has became drab lacikng in personality and quality. The owner of Knickerbocker is a strange dude. He is mean and surly. I am sure if you go to this restaurant you will not be satisfied. DO NOT GO TO KNICKERBOCKER BAR AND GRILL!!!!!

1 Star Rating: Poor

10/16/11

Super Rude Staff

by Olek at Citysearch

The headwaiter used F-WORDS on customers - CAN YOU BELIEVED IT? It happened on October 15, 2011 at 8:40 pm in front of four friends of mine! I have been living in New York for 15 years but can't remember anything like this!

4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/06/11

Great food and environment!

by glamorousme at Citysearch

I went with high expectations, and am pleased to report that they were indeed met! Great food!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/31/10

Great Food and Cheerful Atmosphere

by Emmalou at Citysearch

While visiting New York, our son took us to this restaurant because we were all hungry for steaks. The waitress was up-beat and efficient and made us feel at home. She answered all our questions and served hot delicious food in timely manner.

We will definitely return there when we visit our son next time. The sweet potatoes were especially good and the steaks done to perfection.

The service was delivered with cheer and a great attitude.

The Details on Knickerbocker Bar and Grill

Place Categories:

  • great tbone steak
  • great live jazz
  • like flavorful food
  • comfortable diningatthe bar place
  • great experience
  • both order tbones
  • unobtrusive live dinner music
  • already disappointing meal
  • favorite homey neighborhood restaurant
  • always friendly regular staff
  • tasty chocolate souffle
  • slow service
  • big crispy rock shrimp app
  • best brunch menu
  • rude concierge
  • recommended highly
  • wonderful creamed spinach
  • beautiful cherrywood tables
  • excellent atmosphere
  • wonderful garlic mash potatoes
  • overpriced food
  • like whole menu
  • good service
  • superb ceasar salad
  • decent price

Message from Knickerbocker Bar and Grill

  • Weekend Brunch.
  • Live Jazz
  • Steakhouse

Knickerbocker Bar & Grill, located in the heart of Greenwich village, is a neighborhood favorite. Established in 1977, its popularity has grown over the years, due to its moderate prices, large portions and wonderful creations from Chef Derrick VanDuzer (Formerly of Judson Grille and District).

Knickerbocker is known for its great Jazz and its 28 oz. T- Bone Steaks, and is a favorite among many celebrities. In recent articles, F. Murray Abraham and Ben Stiller mentioned it as among their favorite. Other frequent celebrities include Chris Noth, Jane Curtain, Alec Baldwin, Susan Sarandon and Paul Sorvino.

Knickerbocker Bar and Grill