9 Great New York City Steakhouses

If you're looking for a classy bordello backdrop to accompany your steak, Strip House is a good choice. Dim lighting, velvety red walls and b&w pin-ups contribute to creating an unusually sexy steakhouse atmosphere. Diners with big appetites recommend starting with the Strip House's lobster bisque before digging into New York strip, rib-eye or porterhouse steaks. For side dishes (each serving 2-3) try the goose fat potatoes, black truffle creamed spinach or fire roasted asparagus.

The Strip House Essentials:

• Website: http://www.striphouse.com/

For over 100 years, Peter Luger has been serving up outstanding porterhouse steaks in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Peter Luger is just a short cab ride from Manhattan and well worth the trip. Begin your meal with the bacon or tomato and onion appetizer, always order their famous porterhouse steak for 2 medium-rare (porterhouse for 3+ tends to be less flavorful), and try the creamed spinach and potatoes alongside.

Peter Luger Steakhouse Essentials:

• Website: http://www.peterluger.com/
• They accept cash, debit cards, and checks with Photo ID, as well as their Peter Lugers Card

Considered to be one of the more affordable high-quality steakhouses, Sparks Steakhouse is also known for having an extensive and well-valued wine list. The prime sirloin steak is the most revered cut of meat, and the Roquefort dressing is also highly recommended.

Sparks Steakhouse Essentials:

• Website: http://www.sparkssteakhouse.com

In continuous operation since 1885, Keens Steakhouse offers diners a quintessential "Old-New York" experience. Well known for serving a delicious mutton chop, the steaks and sides are also top-notch.

Keens Steakhouse Essentials:

• Website: http://www.keenssteakhouse.com/

Known for offering an extensive array of Kobe steaks, this meatpacking district steakhouse embodies the typical "boys night out" steakhouse atmosphere. Their cold seafood appetizers and creamed spinach are great accompaniments to the strip steaks, as well as Wagyu beef served here.

Old Homestead Steakhouse Essentials:

• Website: http://www.theoldhomesteadsteakhouse.com/

BLT stands for Bistro Laurent Tourondel, and this famous chef has added his own flair to typical steakhouse standards at BLT Steak. Consider starting your meal with the signature foie gras appetizer. Among the highlights at this trendy steakhouse are the rib eye and hanger steaks and for sides, the onion rings, potatoes three ways and braised morels get rave reviews. All the steaks are served with your choice of accompanying sauce, including Bearnaise, horseradish and three mustard varieties.

BLT Steak Essentials:

• Website: http://bltrestaurants.com/blt-steak/new-york/

This financial district steakhouse caters largely to Wall Street business men and diners who want to experience high-quality porterhouse steaks without venturing to Peter Lugers in Brooklyn. Solid appetizer offerings and sides (creamed spinach and hash browns are most highly regarded) make this a great downtown steakhouse choice.

MarkJoseph Steakhouse Essentials:

• Website: http://www.markjosephsteakhouse.com

This midtown steak house got its start in Texas, but it's quite popular with local midtown suits and their guests. One way to save while you indulge is at Del Frisco's "Business Lunch" deal which includes salad, steak (or salmon) and dessert.

Del Frisco's Essentials:

• Website: http://www.delfriscos.com/

Best known for their t-bone steak, Knickerbocker Bar and Grill has a more family-friendly atmosphere than many steakhouses and doesn't require an expense account to pay the bill. Unlike other steakhouses, many of their entrees include side dishes. Live jazz music on Friday and Saturday nights after 9:30 p.m. is an additional feature of this old-NY steakhouse.

Knickerbocker Bar & Grill Essentials:

• Website: http://www.knickerbockerbarandgrill.com