A great meal begins with anticipation, and Keens Steakhouse delivers. There is excitement stepping through the door at Keens Steakhouse on West 36th Street. You feel like you’ve traveled back in time, way back in time, but with all of the accouterments of a modern restaurant. Keens opened in 1885 and has an interesting history. It is the only surviving establishment of the once-bustling Herald Square Theatre District. The churchwarden pipes lining the ceilings and shelves preserve the stories of this distinguished and memorable establishment’s famous denizens, including Teddy Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Babe Ruth.

The Pub

Whether you choose the dining room, pub room, or a seat at the bar, you will have a memorable gastronomic experience. Reservations are recommended for the dining room and pub room, and the bar is first come, first served. We chose to sit in the pub. Our water glasses were filled immediately, and a bowl of cold, crisp, raw vegetables, olives, and pickles arrived, followed by warm rolls and soft butter.  The cocktail menu was extensive, and the fact that the bar stocked my favorite gin, Barr Hill, was a nice surprise. In addition to a gin martini, we tried the lemon ginger mocktail, which was tart and delicious.

T-Bone

The dinner menu was exciting to explore. Of course, we planned to order steak. The question was which one and how much.

Once we decided to share a T-bone instead of getting only a filet mignon, we had to choose sides. Green beans and a baked potato were our choices.

Sizzling Steak

The timing of the service at Keens Steakhouse was comfortable; we had enough time to enjoy our cocktails before our meal was served and to be teased by the sizzling steak brought to a nearby table. A beautifully prepared T-bone steak cut into pieces for convenient sharing arrived. The steaming green beans and crisp baked potato completed our order.

The steak was cooked to our liking and perfectly seasoned. Likewise, the green beans were bright green and tasty. The baked potato was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served with sour cream and chives on the side. The dessert choices were plentiful, and we made a light choice of fresh blue and red berries.

A Guide to Beef Steak

People frequently ask about steaks and how they should be cooked. Here’s a quick guide.

What Beef Steak to Order

When navigating a menu with many types of beef steak, it can be overwhelming to know which one to choose. Here are some characteristics of common beef steak cuts to help guide your decision:

Ribeye

This steak is marbled with fat, making it juicy and flavorful. It’s a good choice for those who like a rich, beefy flavor.

Filet Mignon

This steak is known for being tender but can be less flavorful than other cuts. It’s a good choice for those who prioritize tenderness over flavor.

Sirloin

This steak is leaner than others but still has a good flavor. It’s a good choice for those who want a steak that’s not too fatty.

New York Strip

This steak is similar to a ribeye but with less marbling. It has a good balance of flavor and tenderness.

T-Bone

This steak is two steaks: a tenderloin and a strip steak. It’s a good choice for those who want the best of both worlds. Everyone has different preferences, so don’t hesitate to ask your server for recommendations or try something new. Happy dining! If you are looking for a delicious steak in a quintessential New York restaurant in midtown Manhattan, you must try Keens. Pre-theater or a meal out, Keens is an iconic NYC spot not to be missed.

At What Temperature Should Your Steak Be Prepared

Beef steaks are a popular dish worldwide known for their juicy texture, rich flavor, and nutrition. But you have to cook them correctly to bring out their best. There are four different levels of beef steak that you can cook: rare, medium-rare, medium, and well-done. Rare steak is cooked when the surface of the meat is charred, but the center remains red and tender. This level of cooking is perfect for those who love their meat, soft and juicy. Similarly, medium-rare steaks have a light pink center and are tender, while medium steaks have a warm pink color with slight firmness. These cooking levels are perfect for those who prefer their meat to be cooked thoroughly but still juicy. Finally, well-done steaks are cooked until the meat is brown and firm throughout. This way of preparing steak suits those who prefer beef without any redness. For the best result, you need slow cooking at low heat to cook well-done steak. The perfect cooking temperature of a beef steak depends on personal preference. No matter which level of steak you choose, make sure you follow the correct cooking methods.

Keens Steakhouse

72 WEST 36TH ST NEW YORK, NY 10018 212-947-3636 Readers may also enjoy our reviews of The Wilson,  Copinette, Kurant Wine Bar, and Bar Italia.