Smith & Wollensky Steak House

07/25/09

Mediocre Service

by AHA

We decided to check out this weekend during Restaurant Week and ordered the prix fixe menu. 2 points to make: (1) We both ordered steaks but were surprised that the waiter didn't even bother to ask us how we wanted the steak (medium rare or well done, etc). (2) While I was still finishing my dessert, the cheque was thrown to our table (we didn't ask for it). Waiter didn't even bother to ask if we want coffee or tea w/ our dessert. We're fine w/ the other junior wait staff but it's the main waiter who served us who seems to have an attitude. Maybe it has to do w/ smaller tips since we have the prix fixe. There are steakhouses w/ better service out there for sure!

• Pros: Steak is fine
• Cons: Mediocre service

03/27/09

Nice to say you've been...

by lizzyred8

Being that s&w's is such a New York staple, I'm definitely not regretting eating there. That being said, better steak can definitely be found elsewhere. The staff was extremely nice (even though we didn't have reservations) and even provided us with a round of drinks on the house. We were tucked away in a little corner of the place, which added to the atmosphere and definitely insured that we had a nice meal. If you are looking for old school NY, eat here, if you are looking for a great steak, go somewhere else.

• Pros: staff, atmosphere
• Cons: food, price

12/12/08

old school staple

by lewdawg928

Leave the front restaurant to the tourists. If you want the "experience", go to the grill room (entrance on 49th). Best host in the city. Great bartenders. Amazing vibe. The Grill is a "locals" joint. To all the negative reviewers whining about price and service...take your family to Outback. Eat your bloomin onion and wallow in your mediocrity. This is a NYC institution.

• Pros: staff, ambience, grill
• Cons: getting stuck for 6 hours because it's too much fun

10/01/08

Mediocre meat and very bad service

by risky01

I treated guests who love good steaks and was so disappointed. The meat arrived over-cooked and warm not hot. The asparagus was also overcooked and even the salad was a failure. Smith and Wollensky's idea of vinaigrette was a cream sauce.

As though the food was not terrible enough, the service was even worse. They never refilled the water glasses and did not check to see if we needed anything. Ever. Most of the time, the wait staff was grouped together talking, not waiting on tables. In fact, to exit we had to step around kthe cluster of waiters.

This is an expensive restaurant and there is no excuse for such awful food and lousy service.

Never again.

09/18/08

Avoid it.

by giant777

I went for a business lunch and there was a large crawling brown insect struggling to get out of my cobb salad! The kicker was that the waiter did not seem surprised or say "this has never happened before..." He covered it with a napkin and announced to the roomful of patrons who were staring at my table, because I had yelped when I saw it, that it was...a fly. Believe me, it was not. It was the most disgusting restaurant experience of my life. I would not take a chance here again.

• Pros: reputation
• Cons: dirty

08/12/08

Absolutely average

by mecnyc

This place is just underwhelming. From the giant warehouse-room seating, to the overcrowdedness, to the average quality of the food, to the boasting of the waiter (highest volume steakhouse in the country--is this a plus?). There are many better places to have a steak in NY. Leave this one to the tourists.

05/26/08

Go to Outback instead. At least your food will taste good.

by SouthernDahlin

I took my sister and her husband here for her birthday and their anniversary. I had high expectations, and for the price, I figured it'd be a safe bet. They both ordered filet mignon. I don't eat red meat, so I had the grilled salmon instead. Completely and utterly subpar in every way imaginable. The salmon was not a great cut; it wasn't very flavorful and was very fatty. It tasted like someone bought it frozen at the grocery store and threw it on a George Foreman grill. I'm serious, it was that bad. To add insult to injury, it was unevenly cooked. For $33, it better be one of the best cuts of fish I've ever had in my life. Suffice it to say, that was NOT the case.

My sister reported that her steak was decent. My brother in law said that his wasn't bad but not great either. I'm sorry, but "decent" and "not bad but not great" doesn't cut it when you've chosen what is supposedly one of the best steakhouses in NYC. Either their cooks were having an off night, or people with no taste buds are the ones heralding this place. Regardless, I don't care to find out. I absolutely, without a doubt, will not ever return to this establishment.

• Cons: NOT a good value, food is NOT good.

05/14/08

Amazing Experience!

by cat22

A wonderful birthday celebration! After reading a few negative reviews about the customer experience at S&W, I was a bit cautious about going there, however WE had a FABULOUS time -- mostly because of the excellent service (and the porterhouse was nothing less than AMAZING) -- our waiter, Paulie D was awesome. Thank you so much for making it a special night for our friend and our service was excellent!

• Pros: Service -- Paulie D!
• Cons: Nada

12/30/07

Want a great steak Smith and Wollensky is the place.

by marionnj

Just got back home to NJ after eating at Smith and Wollensky in New York City. What a great meal. This is a really nice restaurant. The steaks were excellent and the service was fantastic. We took our times were not rushed through out meal. I like the way the vegetables were presented. There were 5 in our party and we ordered several veggies and there were more then enough for us all. Same with desserts we ordered a different dessert for each one of us to share and still brought dessert home. The prices were high put we knew that going into the restaurant and the meal was worth every penny. I highly recommend Smith and Wollensky Steak House to all.

5 very satisfied customers.

• Pros: Great Service, not rushed eating your meal
• Cons: Don't recommend small children

12/07/07

Another NYC Classic

by jklippel

WOW, I have been to a lot of Steakhouses in NYC and Smith and Wollensky has to be in the top 5. The restaurant has been around for over 30 years, so that right there says something. The place is 2 levels and seems to be always packed with Hedge fund honchos and there clients. I highly suggest having a drink at the bar before hand. The bartenders are old school and can serve a drink they way most bartender can only dream of. The bar is big and wide with a beautiful stained wood finish. The dining room is noisy and crowded, but what good Steakhouse in NYC isn't? The steaks are cooked to perfection and the waiters are all gentlemen and on top of their game. I dined with a large group when I went, and was still serviced like a king. Overall a great restaurant and a NYC favorite!

• Pros: STEAKS, food, Bar scene
• Cons: busy and loud