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Category: Steakhouses [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Meatpacking District, Chelsea14th St-8th Ave (A, C, E, L)
"One from Puerto Rico; one Tejano; and one from Oklahoma (but lived in rural Sweden for a few months). Add Smörgs Chef. Result, three very…" read more »
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I don't know why this has anything less than 5 stars, but seriously I had an outstanding experience at Craftsteak saturday night. Let me preface this with, I was born and raised in Texas and I know my steak.
They start you off with fresh brioche bread and a bean and bacon dish with toasted bread crisps, yum. I had the Wagyu Strip Steak and it was cooked to perfection. We also tried the potatoes au gratin and the brussel sprouts with bacon which were delicious as well. For dessert we chose the pumpkin soufflee; I couldn't have asked for a better meal. I love food like this; simple food with amazing flavors, no fuss and prepared to perfection.
The interior is beautiful, modern, and large, very high ceilings, cool light fixtures and a great view. Its a good place to go if you're looking for a large space for a group, otherwise its just a perfect excuse to go enjoy great food with anyone. The service was impeccable, at one point I dropped my knife and it barely even grazed the floor and there was already a waiter there to remove it and replace it for me.
Love it.
I'm torn here between 4 and 5. The service and setting were excellent, and grass fed beef was indeed superb.
Something that I nearly missed was that any steak could be ordered "au poivre", though considering the provenance of some of the finer cuts, I would rather experience them as "naturally" as possible. The philosophy here is ultra-fine elements, prepared skillfully and honestly. It holds up.
If I want au poivre, I think I would go elsewhere. Unless otherwise specified, each order comes with three precious little gravy boats: one salsa verde, one bearnaise, one "steak sauce" which is something between a pan sauce and a demi-glace. All good.
The jerusalem artichoke was my favorite side, but they well all very good. WIne list was suitably impressive and wine service was proper. NIce list of cocktails.
Great ambiance, food and service. The service is friendly and quick, not stuffy at all. The vibe is classy and relaxing - it really welcomes a comfortable night out. Truly a great spot for a date or a group.
The food is the highlight. A surprisingly varied menu for a steakhouse. Meat and vegetables are simple and flavorful.
Last night was my 2nd dinner at craftsteak this month and maybe my 5th time at either craftsteak or craft this year. I'm giving it 3 stars, only in relation to the other 4 and 5 star ratings. craftsteak isn't perfect, nor is it nearly as good as craft in overall experience. I think this contrast is important, so, I'll be discussing craftsteak in contextual relation to craft as well as in relation to other similarly priced restaurants. Is 3 stars an accurate rating? We'll see. If craftsteak goes out of business, we should call my middle-of-the-road rating accurate. I'd be just as satisfied giving it 4 stars on the merits of the food alone, but craftsteak deserves a little criticism and dissent for its own good, not that I think this restaurant is ever going to improve.
The main problem with craftsteak is the service in relation to other similarly priced restaurants. Craftsteak doesn't hold a candle to craft proper, and I just can't let this go. The two times I've been to craftsteak, I couldn't help thinking that having craft in the name is a disservice to the real restaurant across town. There are undertones of Nihilism and disdain for service at craftsteak, beginning at reception, carrying over at the bar, continuing in the dining room, and ending after passing by reception on the way out. I'm not talking about glaring problems, I'm talking about little details, micro gestures and omissions. Other similarly priced restaurants nail these details; craftsteak fails.
The food is solid. It's not quite as New American spot-on as craft, but it's solid. The steak is well seasoned, cooked properly, and stands apart from many other high end steak houses in that it's not overly charred. The side dishes are a bit more cacophonous than I'd ideally like. For example, I could do with a brussels sprouts dish that tastes of brussels sprouts rather than bacon and shallots. I could do with a mixed mushroom dish that's a bit less chaotic. I'd like to differentiate between mushroom varieties on the dish. Nonetheless, the food tastes good. The chicken tastes good, too! I've tasted chicken, turkey, sirloin and ribeye at craftsteak and they're all good. Is good food good enough? Not in New York City, not at this price point.
To be fair, the service seems a bit like other steak houses I've been to. It's borderline gruff at all points. Details aren't respected. Service's knowledge of the menu is phony. The bar tender has no clue what's up in the dining room. The men running the dining room have the exuberance of guys manning a sinking ship. The place has this vibe of wanting to court men who aren't paying with their own money. Craftsteak feels corporate in a time when corporate exuberance isn't rampant. If this place were called simply "steak" I'd give it 4 stars. I like this in-between quality better than I like Peter Luger, for example. I'm no fan of the expensive tough-guy steakhouse. But this place has "craft" in the name. That should mean something, start to finish.
This is not a foodie's restaurant. If a drug rep, your agent or your broker invites you here for steak, you're going to eat good food. Enjoy it. But if you're paying for it directly, go to craft. Let this second rate craft-fame-milker go the way other in-it-for-the-money brand extensions. When craftsteak inevitably closes, craft proper will be better served. I'm not going back on my own dime, and I haven't been invited to a fancy, sit-down, business dinner all year.
As a student I am always looking out for the meal deals, especially when visiting the city. I had been meaning to try the "Half Steak" at Craft Steak ever since reading about it in Departures magazine. The article said that for 16$ you get a bone in rib-eye with fries served in an iron skillet. The only catch to this, said the article is you must consume this steak in the bar area, not the main dining room. Not a problem for me, I often prefer to eat in the bar area. The other day I had to spend a few hours in the city alone so it figured to be the perfect opportunity to sit at the bar since telling a host "table for one" makes me cringe inside. The location is easy to find across the street from the Chelsea Market, famous 24 hour food bazaar - almost on the West Side Highway - so if be prepared to walk from the nearest Subway or valet the car. Upon entering Craft Steak I was greeted by a very friendly and courteous hostess, it was around opening time and they were not yet busy. The bar area which I believe they refer to as the "half-steak" lounge is very spacious and well appointed. The bartender was similarly courteous and professional with that New York precision that some people feel is cold but and distant, but I tend to admire being a bartender myself. I knew exactly what I wanted Half Steak and a Plymouth-tonic. Having plymouth gin is my barometer for a well stocked bar and here we had no exception. The steak came out as described in the article but with one caveat, it was pre-sliced on the bone. Often time I have noticed that precutting a steak can lead to temperature disparity, as the smaller pieces tend to continue to cook, especially if the food sits under a heat lamp for any period of time. Such was not the case- a rare steak was ordered and a rare steak appeared, succulent and tender. The fries were awesome too as was the béarnaise sauce which I asked for last minute but it came out soon after my steak. This is an outstanding value when you consider the steaks in the main dining room were all going for around $50 -$100. Each steak on the menu lists the farm it is sourced from and the type of feed given to the steer - that looked pretty dope, as did the raw bar. The bottem line is chef/owner Tom Colicchio has his stuff together. If you like steak and live in the city or just visit, do yourself a favor and try this place, there is no way you will be disappointed for $16
Proprietor/Chef: Tom Colicchio
***3.5 stars
.Friday evening dinner.
The space & decor is stunning. I feel like I'm in a Chicago bar, minus the cigar smoke, with comfy leather sofas, high ceilings and candle dim lights. Beautiful beige and browns, with slick city modern nuances. Even with the seven us .. there was ample space between us, made for a not so intimate feel, but no matter, the sight alone was worth the distance between.
The service left something to be desired. He was utterly slow and was barely there to service us. And when asked about the various types of oysters, I couldn't hear a goddamn word he said.
The food...ahhhhh the food. The most memorable were definitely the oysters. They were superbly fresh and so many frickin' varieties to choose from it made my mouth melt. The seafood overall was good....including the massive seafood platter. Tasty.
My actual entree, salmon, was sub par. I took the waiter's suggestion and had my salmon cooked medium. Bad choice. I came to the realization that I will never EVER have my salmon cooked medium again. Needless to say I was pretty disappointed. Everything else was good...but everything else was pretty much veggies.....
Will I be back? I love Tom Colicchio so chances are, hell yes I will.
I should preface this by saying I've never been to any of the other contenders for top steakhouses. The finest steakhouse next on my list would be a Morton's.
That being said, I still have taste buds that work as well as the next guy, and this was - by far - the best steak I have ever tasted. I ordered the grass fed ribeye medium rare on the waiter's recommendation, and I was not disappointed. It was prepared and served perfectly.
The atmosphere was elegant without being overbearing, the service was impeccable, and the drinks were stiff. The price tag is an obvious distraction, but if you're going out for a treat you won't be disappointed to splurge a little here.
The steak is always a little bigger than it actually sounds (a pleasant surprise), so don't go too crazy with the appetizers and sides. Still, I indulged in a half-dozen Welfleet Oysters (they have a wide selection), and would recommend those as readily as the steak itself.
A steakhouse done right. New York through and through.
The space is lovely, and the food was delicious but the service was surprisingly deficient. The waiter would not take the appetizer order without the entree order (rules! and it was 10pm, not 8) and they asked to clear our plates when we had barely started dinner....literally 15 minutes after our (very expensive) steaks had been served. With wine, the bill approached $500 for two people. Seriously, 15 minutes? If we were in a hurry, I would have grabbed a burger. A $50 steak is a luxury and not one that you throw back in 15 minutes.
Now, for the food...
Ignore the bread, it's unremarkable.
Definitely, definitely do the Waygu tartare. It was the highlight of the evening.
The hamachi was good, not great.
The filet was good and cooked precisely, but somehow it lacked flavor. Fortunately, the sauces served with the steaks were SO good that I had trouble deciding between them. Now, before you get too judgmental about putting sauce on steak, I'll tell you that I typically don't opt for sauce.
The grass-fed beef was unbelievably lean. It was a unique treat, and I'm glad I tried it. That said, it won't tempt me again in the future, but that's because I love filet.
We chose the assorted mushrooms and the brussel sprouts sides which were unique and flavorful enough to support the Craft brand. I'm thinking of going back just for the sides. They were THAT good.
This is a beautiful steakhouse! VEry high end, and although I loved the grass fed steaks, the phenomenal desserts, their serving everything in Staub dishes, I feel the ambiance is very set for business dinners and not too personal and soft.
Food: 10/10
Ambiance: 4/10 for personal dinners! 10/10: for business dinners (which I dont go for ever)!
Price: Very pricey - I dont know how much steaks should cost, but these cows and buffaloes are hand massaged, something I cannot afford for myself! So if i wanna eat a pampered cow steak, I guess I have to pay that kind of money!
I went with a business group a few weeks ago and we were seated promptly and professionally. I had the Prime NY Strip steak aged 42 days. A great cut of meat cooked to perfection. The waiter was very knowledgeable, friendly and unpretentious. Also had the Beer Braised Pork Belly and the Lobster & Ricotta Double Ravioli with Corn and Chorizo-Braised Tomatoes. The only disappointment were the Hen of the Woods Mushrooms. The mushrooms were cooked too much where they were somewhat charred. When I visited the Craftsteak in Las Vegas the Hen of the Woods Mushrooms were perfection and stuck in my memory more than any other part of the meal because the flavor was so distinctive. I was disappointed in the same selection at Craftsteak NY. With a good Syrah wine, selected and tasted from suggestions given us by our waiter, it was a fine meal. Chocolate Soufflé and espresso capped it.
The restaurant itself is beautiful, modern, comfortable but again not pretentious. I love the view of the huge display of oysters on ice up at what looks like a 60 degree angle. I also like the large virtical glass wine rack display.
I recommend this restaurant and also the Craftsteak in Las Vegas inside the MGM Grand.
Next time I think I will sample some Wagyu Beef.
Cons:
Pricey a bit, depending if you want drinks.
Pros:
Kind of the best food I've ever tasted and I am a traveler, I've been to Cuba and all over. Really really great food, the service is NOT bad, the architecture is fucking beautiful.
Overall:
I am glad this place is kind of a gem....not THAT known yet. However I am sure it'll be out "there" soon. It's a mix between southern yummy and a very good chef. I love you CS
Return Rate:
Yes, I've been back more than 4 times.
A review of Halfsteak:
Poor Service. Great food.
Brought my friends burger out a good 15 minutes before our steaks came out. Really? Really?
Had the fried oysters app. Pretty good. Not too memorable, but nice coleslaw touch on top. Grade: B Price 6.5
Halfsteak with fries. Pretty great. Not an amazing cut of meat, but very flavorable and well cooked. Make sure to ask for the steaksauce. Dont know why they didn't bring it out to begin with but again this Halfsteak=1/3rd of regular service apparently.
The steaksauce made it. Really complemented the meat well and the fries were delicious. B+ Price:14.5
Desert was Cherry Bread Pudding. Rich and flavorful. Price: 4.5
Total 26.5 Grade B+ Service. F.
If i wasn't that impressed with the food and the decor I would be giving it a lower rating. However, the food is worth a visit and the inside is really beautiful, even the halfsteak area.
Nice touch at the end was pastries from the pastry chef on the way out.
Came here on a Friday night and came away with mixed feelings, I think it deserves a 3.5, but slanted more towards 3 in the end.
First the good, the restaurant space itself is awesome, there were three of us and we were seated in a large corner booth. The beef selection was never ending, and they had a huge choice of sides and appetizers.
We got oysters, pork belly, and Wagyu tartare for appetizers. All were great, I'm note a huge fan of oysters, but even the oysters were great. If I had to rank them, I'd go with the Wagyu tartare first, then oysters, then pork belly.
I got the corn fed ribeye for my steak. The steak itself had too much fat on it unfortunately. I didn't feel that the steak itself had as much flavor as some other places do, but it came with very good sauces.
For sides we got the eggplant, corn gratin, and the yukon gold puree. The corn gratin was incredible, definitely the best side. The yukon gold puree was good, just like mashed potatoes, and the eggplant was just flat out not good.
For dessert I tried the cheesecake sundae. It was good, but nothing special and I expected something better from a place like this.
Overall, for 3 people we spent nearly $400. At those prices, every dish should be very good, and to have eggplant that was actually bad, and a steak that had a little too much fat, stops this place from getting 4 stars.
Went here for a birthday dinner with a few friends... the food was nothing memorable.. I was pretty disappointed after reading all the reviews and being super excited to try it that the food was just nothing special. The best thing on the menu was the yummy rolls and the monkey bread deessert!!! DEeElicious!!!! Other than that,,,we were all pretty disappointed with this place. won't be coming back...
Nice place.. not worth it. Doubt I'll be back before it closes down, Apps are ok.. my bone marrow was really under cooked.. came bloody and raw! Its not suppose to be over cooked.. but raw.. had to send it back. Steaks are ok....nothing special.. drinks are ok. Overall, Craftsteak tries .. but misses on most. Take a pass here.
We're foodies AND fans of "Top Chef", so a visit to Tom Colicchio's CraftSteak was near-mandatory on our last trip to NYC. Totally off the beaten-path in the meat-packing district, I thought that this place had better be spectacular because I was giving up a dinner at Peter Luger for it. It didn't disappoint, but it did. I wanted to see Chef Colicchio and ask him how he'd rate our meal had it been served to him on Top Chef. It certainly wouldn't have won him any challenges... but it was a solid try, too.
So while I'll dog on the place a bit, I do have to say that it's not without merit. But the NYC steak competition is some of the fiercest in the nation and Tom has had his flank steak handed to him.
For starters, we ordered the wagyu steak tartare and the tomato salad. Both were fine, but neither shined on the order of Michelin stars or Zagat 25+'s. The tomatoes -- ordered in late July -- tasted as bland as store bought winter varieties, rather than the heirloom flavor bursts that they should have been in mid-summer. The steak tartare served with a poached egg lacked deft butchery and had chewy parts and some connective tissue... not things you want when eating raw meat.
To rescue our meal, we were shocked and awed by the main course! Thank god! Taking note of the giant steaks (and the giant price tags on said steaks) on tables nearby, we stuffed any shame and split the Wagyu skirt steak. It was a new level of steak! Totally different than Peter Luger, this was buttery soft and flavorful like foi gras. Thankfully, we ordered a side of carrots and a potato rosti. The baby carrots tasted like they were deep fried (awesome) but the caramelization enhanced the flavor and begged to be tried at home. The rosti had potential, but was nearly room temperature by the time it reached our table, even though it was in a iron skillet.
For dessert, our chocolate souffle was wholely devoured. The coffee creme anglaise led an entirely new aspect to the dish that must bring compliments to the chef. Our crumb donuts with blueberry compote and cream cheese ice cream were hit and miss. While the donuts were forgetable (the wife says "too crunchy"), the tiny blueberry compote was warm, sweet, and perfectly gooey. And why don't we see cream cheese ice cream nationwide? This was the stuff of genius.
So if you can't stop yourself from notching your foodie belt by hitting Colicchio's signature restaurant, be ready for some greatness and some disappointment... and bring your American Express because you'll need the limit. If you're thinking far enough in advance and can hit Brooklyn, I'd recommend hitting the old standby, Peter Luger.
Tentatively no.1 on my list of NYC steakhouses http://www.yelp.com/li....
Cows like grass. I like cows. Therefore, I like grass-fed cows. They taste real good. Especially when they are still bleeding and seasoned to perfection by master craftsmen of Craftsteak.
I am a big fan of steak houses and I think that Craftsteak has a perfect balance of what I'm looking for. I love steak, but I don't always love the ostentatious "male dominating" steakhouse vibe. Instead, I prefer something that is elegant and has a cool, refreshing air. This is what I found at Craftsteak.
I have been twice--the first time for some drinks and light bites from the bar menu. I split a few items with friends and these bar items are all delicious--and really inexpensive (given the location). The next time I was there on a date and had a second wonderful experience. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly and the steak I got, the flat iron, was not huge and served simply, cooked perfectly. It was very flavorful and I loved the side of onion rings.
I love the wine "cellar" that they have on display in the center of the restaurant and really enjoyed the refined yet comfortable decor. I would strongly recommend this place for a nice carnivorous date, dinner with your parents, or business dinner. Lovely restaurant and dining experience, albeit a bit pricey, though completely justified in my eyes.
My main complaint is the steaks come out pre-cut. What I am 2 years old and need a little help from mommy? Not if I am dropping at least $50 for a piece of meat. That aside the meal was great.
This was a special occasion for us, this place is certainly not an everyday place (although halfsteak could be......), it is what you expect from a fine dining establishment; everyone from the hostess to the bus boys were fantastic. Every aspect of the restaurant was thought out and presented well.
I am a sucker for bread, and the miniature cast iron pan that comes out with piping hot carbohydrate concoction, topped with salt is a very nice way to start a meal.
Each day the menu is updated with the 'catch of the day' of meat, ranging from corn fed, grass fed, Waygu and of course Kobe (really expensive really fast!!). Steaks were cooked correctly, and they might be salty for some, but I thought it was the right amount to bring out the natural, almost game flavor from some of the more naturally raised cows. The selection of mushrooms is amusing and delicious, it is not often you see the selection like this in a steak house.
The service is top notch, absolutely fantastic.
Unfortunately it does not rank among the top of my NYC steak houses, but somewhere in the middle. It is worth a trip to chose a variety of meat though, I could imagine a wonderful 'meat flight night'...
The restrooms are immaculate private stalls, clean and stocked as one would expect with a restaurant of this caliber, 5 Flushes.
I'd gladly give this 6 stars if i could, since I had a virtually perfect dinner at Craftsteak last night. Quick Summary-- food- amazing, ambiance-amazing, service- amazing. I even loved the bathrooms. I also had the benefit of dining with people who really know how to enjoy a great restaurant, which made everything more delicious and more fun. So i recommend going with the right people to get the full experience.
Where to begin? I visited Craft because i've been learning a bit about organic food, grass fed and corn fed cows, and I've been looking to improve the quality of the food i've been eating wherever possible, so as long as dinner wasnt awful, i was going to be happy to have the option of eating organic Grass Fed steak. But Craftsteak really blew me away. Everything was outstanding by any standard.
First of all, the ambiance. A lot of yelpers complained about the decor but I found the environment to be just perfect. We had a gorgeous view through enormous windows (so rare in ny!) of the sun setting with an orange glow over the hudson which complemented the retromodern/ semi industrial interior. High ceilings, great color, and the space fit the exterior environment as well. So well planned! We sat in a beautiful round banquette table, which was luxuriously spacious-- again a rare treat in New York. One of my friends remarked that just sitting in the restaurant completely changed his mood after leaving work, and I have to agree.
Appetizers-- we tried the pork belly (which seems to be a craftsteak favorite) foie gras, and bone marrow. All outstanding but the bone marrow stood out the most. This is a MUST ORDER!! Pork Belly was perfect, and loved the foie gras as well. All the apps looked great, and I could easily have ordered the Waygu tartare or the octopus or several others; there's always next time.
Oooh almost forgot the parker rolls, served fresh and hot and perfect! Save room for these. Mmmmmm.
On to the steaks. We ordered four different ones to try the different regions. Two grass fed rib-eyes (one from MT, and one from OR) a corn fed ribeye and a corn fed NY Strip. They come served cooked to perfection, and presliced in a cast iron dish. Some people hate that, we all loved it, keeping the steak in the pan and removing slice by slice when we were ready to eat it also made for easier sharing. Everyone loved their individual steaks but i think we all ultimately decided the grass fed were the best. Clean tasting, great texture, perfectly seasoned-- im hooked!!!
The french fries were outstanding!!!!! The artichoke side dish was unlike anything i've ever tasted and not to be missed, and even the onion rings were unique and delicious.
But after all that, you'd think-- who could eat more? But we were so glad we decided to share some desserts. The creme brulee was good but fairly typical. The homemade donuts were outstanding. But the show stopper of the night...and quite possibly the best dessert we've ever tasted...was the monkeybread with creme freche. I dont even know how to describe it. Dont worry about what it is-- JUST TAKE MY ADVICE AND ORDER IT!!!!
OK have I babbled enough? Conclusion-- gorgeous space. Incredibly spacious. Very comfortable seating. Great service. Exceptional food. Exceptional night. (cliff notes of my favorites- bone marrow, grass fed ribeye, fries/artichoke, monkeybreads). AMAZING!!!!
This place is getting three stars given the lower-than-expected ratio of quality to price. For the money they charge, the meal should be better.
First the Clos Mimi '05 at $55: not a bad wine, but I'd had a much tastier bottle at Moran's down the street for $40. That I didn't find the wine tasty, after already downing 1/3 of a bottle an hour earlier, speaks even less for it.
8 oz Filet Mignon: Asked for medium rare and got medium. For $40, I expect them to get this right! Moreover, they served the steak carved into three pieces. This is really annoying. I suppose they do this to check the meat while cooking, but if so, all the more reason not to overcook. Secondly, the carve-up means that the juices escape from the middle. I'd like to discover the steak myself and they lose points for this. I suppose steak snobs might find fault with my reasoning, but other than porterhouse steaks at Luger's, etc., I've never seen service like this and certainly not for an 8 oz filet.
Sides: the brussels sprouts were awesome. The mixed mushrooms ($16) were excellent. The onion rings were good, but I've rarely had bad onion rings in my life.
Final tally: 3 people: $227 before tip. Pretty pricey for what you get. Good service, but I'd expect nothing less. For this price, I think the experience at Lugers or Quality Meats (or even Wolfgang's) is equal or better. Of course, you can't beat the decor of this place. It is just massive and very impressive (exposed steel girders, etc.), but you do have to trek to 10th avenue to enjoy the interior design, so it's a tossup.
I am only reviewing their 'HalfCraft' (or was it HalfSteak?) menu, which has no doubt popped up in the window for these recessionary times ...
With salads at $7.50, steak and fries for $14, ribs for $9 at this luxe Hudsonview establishment I was expecting a simplified, albeit superbly executed menu.
Instead, we got the worst of all possible permutations of what you can do with modest price and ingredients - a tiny roasted beet and mesclun salad the diameter of a drinks coaster was an utter rip off, a tiny plate of ribs were burned beyond carcinogenic belief, and an impressive-on-arrival steak and fries turned out to be a nasty, tough and fatty off cut with greasy fries.
A 'nice price' menu, in my book, is the perfect opportunity to strut your stuff, to entice newbies to come back for more, including your full price menu.
This fancy establishment just chose to be cheap and nasty. I've worked front and back of house and at the cutting board in all kinds of restaurants and I call this a dumb and smug move. I'm not going back no matter how good their steaks are. My only recommendation is that they re-think their derision for "voucher people" and "cheapskates" or change the menu title to "HalfAssed".
Craftsteak now has "Halfsteak" on Wednesday, where they have half a steak, small plates, half pints of beer, half cocktails and sandwiches all under $15. I had the Wagyu nachos and the meatball, gnocchi and smoked mozzarella casserole. I loved the nachos but wasn't a big fan of the casserole - sauce was a little too thick and more like tomato paste. I was surprised however, after two small plates I felt pretty full. Still, I went for dessert and enjoyed my oatmeal cookie cinnamon ice cream sandwich.
I was pleased with my dining experience, even though I wasn't a big fan of the gnocchi dish. Several people I've told about CraftSteak asked if the meal was out of our price range. For $26 (including tip), I left feeling completely stuffed - and drank a half pint of a "classier" beer, as well as enjoyed dessert - so a much better deal than some of the mediocre meals I had during Restaurant Week. According to our waiter, Halfsteak will be offered indefinitely, so if interested in trying the meal, we encourage you to call before you go. If you do decide to go, from our experience it makes the most sense to go with a bigger group. If we had a group of three to four, we would have definitely had the opportunity to try several more dishes without feeling too full.
I went there in April with a friend while I was visiting NY. It was suggested we go there by a friend. My friend got the filet mignon which he thought was to die for. I had short ribs which were way too rich for my taste. An on-the-house appetizer of chick peas with other ingredients was delicious.
The decor of the place is beautiful. I would definitely go there again, but would try something different. Love this new area it is locataed in. The last time I was in that area (16 or so years ago) it was swarming with prostitutes and some really bad looking ones at that!
I was invited to the Bravo TV awards, and was able to meet Tom Colicchio. My nerves got the best of me and I blurted out "Thank you! Thank you for the best piece of meat I have ever had!"
REALLY? I digress.
The atmosphere is cold, and damp. I could take clients, but can't imagine being romanced here. The service was spot on. Our waiter was so attentive, and knowledgeable about pairings and the menu of cows to choose from. The oyster selection was extensive, but not as intense as the meat. We had to ask the waiter what the flavor difference would be. We felt like we could write a research report after the detailed speech he gave.
Knowing all about Tom C.'s love for mushrooms, we had to try his assorted side, and were extremely satisfied with the array. He also created a puree of butternut squash that had a hint of cinnamon and a pound of butter (delicious).
Our waiter kept bringing us tasters in between each course, and brought us a scone to take home for breakfast (it could have been because we were 2 women eating in a male dominated restaurant).
I couldn't tell you which steak to order, because it is all about preference and taste. What I can tell you is whatever you order, it will be cooked to perfection! This place needs a makeover (warmer feeling) and I wouldn't eat steak anywhere else.
About a month later, I received a letter from Tom Colicchio thanking me for coming (which I am sure is sent to anyone who leaves comments), but it was a nice touch.
I went to Craftsteak at the Foxwoods casino with my wife expecting top notch food and service based on Tom Coliccios rep. Servers were well trained and informative if not a bit over bearing. The gratis cast iron skillet full of yeast rolls were under cooked, doughy and otherwise unremarkable. We started with a $21 app. of crab fondue which was rife with crab meat and butter but salty. As the night went on we realized the chef seems to have a heavy hand with salt across the board. All menu items are ala carte. I ordered the corn fed 16 oz NY shell steak for $46 and was dissapointed that it came pre-sliced. It was tasty and cooked a perfect med rare. My wife had the trout entree which was two pieces of skin on trout fillet stacked on top of and set askew of each other resembling two scouring pads. The trout was heavily over salted which was also true of the $15 side dish of chanterelle mushrooms and the bok choy. The best side dish was a potato rosti which was basically a thick potato pancake. In this economy I don't think the dollar to value ratio was satisfactory. Based on this meal I would say Chef Tom Colliccio....Pack your knives and go!
"Half Steak" done "half ass" is how my friends described it...
ok so service was still of a high quality standard at Craftsteak however once we were seated it wasn't much more attentiveness after that.
most of us ordered the steak and fries deal for 14 bucks... really awesome deal... but then i got my steak. it literally was a good piece of meat chopped in half... some got bigger pieces than others... i got shafted with the bone... but i guess that was a good thing cuz it was relatively juicier than if i just got a lump of meat thrown at me...
it was so tough and chewy i swear i felt my teeth getting sore near the end... i looked forward to the fat in the steak cuz the rest of it was so dang dry... the sauce was definitely nice cuz otherwise i would have started dipping the steak in the ketchup... the fries were super salty and crispy which i guess balances things out..
i even mentioned to the waiter that it was overcooked and he asked if i wanted another one and i said no but he didn't do anything else to really make up for it or seem apologetic that it was overcooked...
sigh... my fav steak places still not in ny!!!
oh the chicken pate was runny smooth but man the pita chips were totally way too crispy i was afraid it would break my teeth biting into it...
Okay, the 'Halfsteak; burger is a super upgraded version of a Big Mac, and this is a GOOD thing! Two patties, two slices of cheese, finely chopped onions, lettuce, and pickles, and as one of my friends said as she bit into one of the accompanying fries, "These are better than McD's!" (don't front: salty McD's fries hit the spot after drinking!)
Oh, and the nachos were really good as well; I love when whole beans (vs. re-fried) are used. I recommend ordering the nachos as an appetizer vs. entree.
When Halfsteak first opened, they had a red velvet cupcake on the menu, but what happened?! No-mo cupcakes :(
Stopped by recently post a wonderful concert experience at Hiro Ballroom with signora caldo . It was around 10 and the front room started to clear out to our benefit as a window side table became available within minutes of arrival. Ok nice...
The aesthetics are in line for what you'd expect from a restaurant with the Craft restaurant pedigree, must mention however that flat screen tv SUCK unless in a sports bar or my living room...what the fuck ?? Who comes here to watch a game in between bites of grass smoking/fed wagyu beef....anyhow no biggie.
We had the oyster shooters, great , the mac n cheese appetizer, also molto buono, and two halfsteak burgers and fries....don't tell the cardiologist it was all on point and delish....A grade
Let me start off by saying that I was incredibly disappointed in this place. Not only was the steak incredibly disappointing, but so was the service.
I'll start with the steak. I ordered the porterhouse medium rare and was initially impressed that they served the bone marrow alongside the steak, but that momentary excitement was quickly dashed as I noticed that the steak came pre-cut. What am I, 6?!?! Why would you pre-cut a steak?!?!?! Not only does that let out the moisture and flavor, but it takes away the fun of actually carving up your own steak. That part aside, the steak was severely lacking in flavor, which is probably why they served it with 4 different sauces. I'm sorry, but I came here for the steak, not the steak sauces. The spinach gratin was a saving grace for the meal though. It was absolutely delicious, as was the bread that they initially served.
As for the service, I expected more from a high-end restaurant. Our waitress checked in with us just once throughout the entire meal after taking our order. Additionally, our bread and pate was taken away without even asking us if we were done or if we wanted more. I thought that was kind of rude and they should at least ask if we were done instead of just assuming that we were. Beyond that, they cleared our table from behind us. Maybe it's just a personal thing, but I'd prefer it if my plates weren't taken away from the table from behind and over my head.
All in all, this was a completely poor steak experience and doesn't even compare to Ruth's Chris steak/service or even Houston's.
This place was GREAT. I went for it and had the wagyu filet. It was easily the best steak I've ever had (at that price, it better have been). My wife's steak was pretty good, but it was pretty hard to compare. Our lobster tortellini and sweet potatoes were really good. I also had a phenomenal apple cider sorbet.
The decor was very modern and the service was adequate. The drink I ordered, a "Fat Manhattan" was easily the strongest drink I've ever tasted (I'm a lightweight, so take that with a grain of salt).
The best part of the diner was when we left. They gave us a white chocolate and raspberry scone for "breakfast tomorrow". It was truly delicious when we had it the next morning. Overall, this place was great.
Went here last weekend specifically to try the grass-fed beef, and also because I thought it would have a nice ambiance for a nice night out with my wife during the holidays.
The funny thing about this place was that compared to other steakhouses, the non-steak dishes were all superb; however, the steak itself was not the menu's highlight. We got a selection of oysters for an appetizer, which were absolutely fantastic. We also got sides of a bacon, butternut squash and chestnut risotto, and the Swiss chard, both of which were done to perfection. The much raved about pork belly, octopus, and sweetbread appetizers all sounded great, but I didn't want such rich foods before steak.
Unfortunately, the steak was good but not great. No specific complaints, but I've had better at Peter Luger's and Sparks. Also, worst of all, the waiter messed up my order and brought me the corn-fed rib-eye instead of the grass-fed, undoing part of the whole point of going there in the first place. He joked that I could come back, but at an eye-popping bill of $350 for two people (no dessert, one appetizer!), I don't think so.
In sum, it seems to be a topnotch non-steak restaurant, and a fine but overpriced steakhouse.
So good, so good! My favorite was the carpaccio appetizer, I literally started laughing out loud during the first bite because it was THAT GOOD. The meat may very well have been butter that they colored pink; it was so soft and just melted away on your tongue.
Four stars because at one point we waited 20 minutes between courses, from the moment we put our forks down to the moment we picked them up again. Maybe they had to re-do something? Even if that were the case, we would've preferred being informed. Better to know we're waiting for quality instead of thinking we were forgotten.
I ate here last summer and had posted this review to another site... Now I'm posting it here for y'all to enjoy. :-)
I really had a wonderful experience at Craftsteak! My date and I shared the heirloom tomato salad (made with butter lettuce, bacon, the freshest tomatoes possible, and a drizzle of vinaigrette). It was excellent! Then I had the grass-fed filet mignon, and we shared sides of swiss chard, mixed wild mushrooms, and potato puree. Everything was so perfectly(!) seasoned. I'm really shocked at the reviews below that call the food "oily" or "salty." Not at all! The food was light and absolutely delicious. For dessert, I had the raspberry souffle served with a lemon verbena sauce on the side, and it was big and exquisite! One of the best desserts I've ever had! I seriously can't wait to go back to this restaurant. Our server was professional and very nice, the room was spacious and quiet enough that I didn't have to shout for my date to hear me, the decor was modern yet relaxed, and as I said before I LOVED the food! Can't wait to go back! :-)
I'm partial to this place because I can walk to it. That said, it's almost perfect. Great steak, sleek setting, etc.
It's not the chest-beating steakhouse that you're dad expects, just an FYI. Also be warned that the menu runs from typically high steakhouse prices to sheer obscenity. This is worth mentioning if you are planning to take a date and intend to foot the bill as they will surely be curious to taste the highest-grade cut of Wagyu Beef.
It's $102, served ala carte. Hence, not the best place to take a dinner whore.
My gal was in the mood for some beef. She said a hamburger would do, but when she wants to EAT, I don't mind splurging a little. After yelping for way too long, I decided on Craftsteak. My experience was mixed.
The service was GREAT. We got there early (6:30-ish) so it wasn't crowded at all. From the time we sat down 'til we left, we were taken very well care of. My only real gripe is that I didn't really love my steak -- and it was recommended by my server. Oh well...
The food was... okay. Actually, the salads, the sides, and the desserts were quite good, maybe even approaching greatness. But we came for steak, and it was not even close. Hers was the better, a $50 10 oz. filet cooked medium. Pretty good actually, but I've had better. Mine was a $56 New York Strip aged for 48 days cooked rare plus. Not so good. I mean... I ate it, but my gal hit the nail on the head when she said it tasted like pork. I like a good marble, but this thing was FAT-TY, and not in a good way. I also don't love a gray steak, and this one was. Just cuz I want it almost rare doesn't mean I don't want it cooked on the outside. I'm not talking Black and Blue here, just a little color to hold in the juices. Alas... worst $60 steak I've had in awhile. No, worst $60 steak I've had ever.
All that said, I would probably go back to Craftsteak. I did sit right across from a Victoria's Secret model (Adriana Lima) who I'm quite sure was pouting because I was with another woman. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the gnocchi. It was some of the best I've ever had.
Oh so delicious!!!
It's a great space (large, roomy, classy, trendy) for a night out, especially with a group. The food and service were good.
The warm, freshly-baked rolls look better than they taste.
The Peruvian octopus appetizer was delicious. It's chunks of octopus, potatoes and chorizo tossed in a baby arugula salad. Very crispy, tender, smoky and flavorful.
I would recommend the braised short rib if you're looking for a cheaper and somewhat milder alternative to a red-blooded steak. This was done just as well as at Craft - a meltingly-tender hunk of boneless short rib braised and served up in a cast iron cocotte with just a slick of sweet, sticky jus and some baby root vegetables.
Of course, their steaks were all quite good although I did hear of some complaints of too much gristle among some of the people in my party. The fillet was very well-received. Steaks are all served with a tasting of sauces that you could request for free refills - bearnaise, horse radish sauce, home-made steak sauce and chimichurri sauce.
Of the sides that we tried, I definitely recommend the mixed mushrooms and the creamed spinach. The mushrooms were very nicely sauteed so that they are a little bit crispy. The spinach is not your typical overly creamy spinach, it's a little bit on the drier side and sprinkled with a dusting of breadcrumbs on top and very tasty. The onion rings are impressive as they are huge and hearty slices of onions. The potato puree is quite delicious but it is also just exactly that, pureed potatoes. The potato rosti reminded me too much of hash browns.
Desserts were quite decadent too. Their portion size were big. The monkey bread was my favorite - a rendition of sticky buns with a very very buttery bread topped with a sticky glaze of nuts and served with a very rich dipping sauce of cream. The donut holes were also yummy and were served with chocolate sauce, cranberry compote and custard. The cookies came as a rather large plate of mixed mini cookies that were great for sharing and also rather tasty.
Overall, I enjoyed myself here. It's a great place to take visitors looking for a fancy steakhouse experience. The food was good and service was decent. I would definitely come back again.
Even though Tom never cooks anything on Top Chef, I had to see for myself why he feels the need to diss everyone on the show. Man, did he come through! I get it now. . .
From the Parker House rolls to the monkey bread for dessert, I was impressed by the service, presentation, and quality of the food. I had the mixed lettuces salad, braised short ribs, and the mushroom mix. I can't forget about the Pureed Yukon gold potatoes - they were life changing. I mean, you could have scooped it into a waffle cone, and been just as happy as I was mixing it with the short ribs.
Anyway, you should go. Also, you can get dinner in the bar area, so don't feel like you have to get a reservation for the dining room. You also get access to their kobe sliders and other gourmet bar food.
For being THE place in NY, I expected over the moon service and food but alas, that is not what I experienced. My meal was incorrect not once but twice! And at the end of my meal, I was not just charged incorrectly once but you guessed it, TWICE!
However, I can imagine how delicious the food would have been by the end of my final round and it was good. But I was just over the whole atmosphere by then that I would have felt the same way about a frozen dinner!
Was early for a reservation at Morimoto's (across the street) so a friend and I stopped in here for a drink to pass some time.
Things were just opening up and we were the first patrons of the night. The atmosphere is definitely upscale, and while I felt under-dressed I certainly didn't detect any disdain or attitude from the staff.
The bar stools are top notch formed wood - or something that looks like it! The drink menu had some twists on familiar recipes like a margarita with jalapeno extract!
While I didn't get a look at the menu, their bar selection was reasonably priced for the area and contained rare bottles that average restaurants wouldn't stock. PLUS they carry Victory brews which gives them an automatic A+ from me:)
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