Gallagher's

mundek

The quintessential American steakhouse 9th May 2007

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The quintessential American steakhouse, Gallagher's was opened in 1927 and has played host to many celebrities over the years (as the pictures on the walls testify) but now mostly serves tourists and theatregoers. The most amazing thing about this place is walking through the meat chiller as you enter the restaurant and the ambience in general is second to none - it really feels like you are on a movie set, without being in some hideous 'theme' restaurant, I was sure I was going to see Tony Soprano walking out of the toilets.

After some starters of Calamari and clams both my companion and I had the 16 ounce 'New York Strip' (which was incidentally invented here). Wow what a steak. Perfectly cooked, succulent and with that real 'smoked grass' flavour you only seem to get with American beef. The steak itself comes as nature intended, with no sides, so you have order them separately - I recommend the mash, which is excellent. We didn't have desert as we were both stuffed.

The service is professional and courteous, it was real pleasure to be served by obvious career waiters rather than disinterested students or aspiring actors which seems to be the norm in both NY and London. Downsides, well it is expensive (around 40USD for a steak), but not so bad if you are spending Pounds, and you really do get your moneys worth too. Highly recommended for any carnivore visiting New York.