Delmonico’s

Reservations: While reservations are generally available on OpenTable, I would suggest booking at least 2 weeks out for flexibility.

Experience: Delmonico’s is exactly what you expect from the oldest restaurant in New York City. A stuffy, white tablecloth, steakhouse with service catered toward corporate card dining. Our waiter seemed entirely disinterested in our experience, failing to explain the menu, adequately answer questions, or stop by and check on us. Unfortunately this is a through line that I’ve experienced at several old school steakhouses in NYC, who seem obligated to drag along subtle discrimination as part of their heritage and assuming that certain people are dining on a budget. We weren’t. What’s worse is that the old school feel was missing. Despite being in a location dating back to 1891, Delmonico’s feels like a new restaurant trying to feel old.

Food: Thankfully, the food was not as disappointing as the service. The filet mignon was well cooked and I adored the Wild Mushroom Risotto. The Yuzu Cheesecake was also a refreshing and delicious addition to an otherwise standard menu.

Who to Bring: Delmonico’s is a classic choice for a client lunch or dinner with the ‘rents. It can certainly make for an eloquent date spot if you’re trying to impress, but it doesn’t quite have the relaxing and romantic charm of a Don Angie or an Au Cheval.

What to Wear: As with all steakhouses there is an expectation to dress up. This might not be the best choice for an elevated casual look, but, as always, dress how you feel comfortable.

Clockwise from left to right: Dressed Oysters, Hand Cut French Fries with Truffle Aioli, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Interior, Yuzu Cheesecake, Filet Mignon