Knickerbocker Bar and Grill

10/29/09

UNFRIENDLY SERVICE RUINED AN ALREADY DISAPPOINTING MEAL.

by Skhan

UNFRIENDLY SERVICE RUINED AN ALREADY DISAPPOINTING MEAL.

My boyfriend had read excellent reviews about this place and decided to take me there for my birthday. This is not the place for a special night out, the atmosphere is old and stodgy . Our waitress was unfriendly ( If I didn't know any better I would say she has a problem serving minorities ). When we asked her to store our bags while we ate dinner she placed our bags next to the bathroom on top of a dirty mop. 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.

When I mentioned to the waitress that we were a bit disappointed with the quality of our meal she shrugged her shoulders and said " everyone else here likes it, so that's too bad for you". She then proceeded to go to the other wait staff and literally pointed at our table while gossiping

If you like flavorful food and good service stay away. BEWARE OF LESS THAN FRIENDLY SERVICE.

This place might be an institution but it missed the mark. If you are looking for decent steak and good service there are plenty of other great establishments in NYC to visit.

• Pros: Unique posters on the walll
• Cons: Rude wait staff, food was all hype

09/13/09

Great neighborhood restaurant and steak house in one

by Robert in the Village

The "Knick" has been a village standard for decades able to combine a young crowd, the occasional celebrity and older village regulars comfortably. 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. The rest of the menu has been constantly improving with a new chef. Lots of good wine selections for $45 or less. Jazz on Fridays and Saturdays adds a lot

• Pros: Interesting varied menu beyond the steaks
• Cons: Can be noisy

06/04/09

Reliable and Comfortable

by CityKid

Knickerbocker is my go-to place for special occasions with small groups. The bistro is always a good bet when you want a quick bite and the regular staff are always friendly. You'll never leave hungry and the deserts and great too!

• Pros: Friendly staff, great steak!
• Cons: Having to wait when they're busy...

02/16/09

DO NOT EAT HERE!!!!!!

by awdhuwqhuiryquir

This is a true story that happened on Valentines Day. I took my daughter to Knickerbocker for dinner. We had 5:30 reservations and were seated upon arrival. That was the only part of our dinning experience that went well! Within 5 minutes of sitting down the owner started screaming at the wait staff; first about a table not being set and then about time cards. He was screaming in the middle of the dinning room?not what you want to listen to during a fine dinning experience. We both order the T-Bones and requested them ?medium.? About thirty minutes later, the steaks arrived and were served rare?.a purple center. I requested that the steaks be sent back and cooked properly. I know the difference between very rare and a nice pink medium. The owner came over to our table and accused me ( in a very loud tone) of not knowing what medium was and said that when I got my steaks back there would be no pink in the meat. The owner was so rude that my daughter started crying and I decided to leave.

Please DO NOT reward an owner that treats his customers like we were treated. He ruined a very special day with my daughter. They are many fine steaks houses in New York. Please take this one off you list of establishments to visit.

• Cons: Owner is very rude.

01/13/09

Decent Steak, Friendly Service

by Clowwwn

Came here for New Year's Eve. Prices were hiked for the night, but understandably. T-bone was pretty good, but not legendary in my opinion. Sides were delicious, including creamy spinach. The chocolate souffle was tasty. The service was very friendly and sincere, if not phony and solicitous. Overall, a good time even if the prices were too high.

• Pros: Sides, service
• Cons: Prices

11/22/08

wwwoowww

by mazzal

My rich uncle brought me here one fabulous night. I had the best dinner of my entire life. I ordered steak on top of mashed potatoes and spinach that was drizzled with a cherry sauce. On top of that was a piece of lobster (the first I'd ever had) and it was soooo scrumptious! Our server was amazing and server knew everthing about wines. I was HIGHLY impressed and satisfied. The interior is also incredibly visually stimulating. Wow.

• Pros: food,service,ambiance

11/08/08

worst steak ever

by laclar1

My husband and I love steak so we try to visit every steak restaurant in NYC. I came across Knickerbocker on the web and since we have never been there decided to try it. What a big disappointment!!!!! I had the ribeye and my husband had the T-bone-both steaks were tough and very salty. It did not feel or tasted like good aged steak. This is definitely not a place for a romantic date. It is too crowded, too noisy and also the seating are too close to each other.

• Pros: none
• Cons: spend a little extra and go to a real steak restaurant.

10/09/08

Great Service, casual but still a date spot

by cpiro

Had dinner there on a Saturday night- with my husband. 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. The wine list good- they had a nice selection on ? bottles for a decent price. I 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. Also the french fries were really tasty. My husband had the braised short ribs and LOVED them, I didn't taste but the presentation was great and it was a good size portion. This place was comfortable; tables were close but still gave you enough space. No live music when we were there- from 7-9. We even had a drink somewhere else and peaked back in around 10 and still no band. 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.

• Pros: Great Beef!
• Cons: No Live Jazz

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

by 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.

09/20/08

A juicy steak

by pizzacoke

This restaurant is one of my favorites. I recommend getting the black angus filet mignon au poivre. Tonight I thought my tastebuds were in heaven. I am considering going for brunch tomorrow, and will probably get my usual crabcakes benedict (to die for). If you're in the neighborhood, I recommend stopping in for one of the nights when there's music (never too loud). If you're making an excursion, I would say you should make a whole romantic date out of it. 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! Go home with leftovers if you have any, and thank me later. 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.