Bobby Van's Introduce
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Bobby Van's, a New York institution that has been a staple of the city's fine dining scene for decades. In a city filled with steakhouses, Bobby Van's stands out for its unwavering commitment to quality, a rich history, and a classic, upscale atmosphere that feels quintessentially New York. This article will provide an in-depth look at what makes this steakhouse a premier destination for both locals and visitors. From its prime location to its extensive menu of dry-aged prime beef and fresh seafood, we will cover all the details that define the Bobby Van's experience. Whether you're planning a special occasion, an important business dinner, or simply craving a perfectly cooked steak, Bobby Van's offers a dining experience that is both exceptional and memorable.
The New York steakhouse is more than just a restaurant; it's a cultural landmark. These establishments are a testament to tradition, quality, and a certain brand of classic American luxury. Bobby Van's fits this mold perfectly, having cultivated a reputation for excellence since its founding in 1969. The restaurant is known for its ability to serve a perfect steak, but it also provides a full fine dining experience, complete with an impressive wine list, a variety of seafood options, and an atmosphere that is both cozy and sophisticated. This guide is designed to give you a factual and engaging overview of the establishment, helping you to understand its appeal from the perspective of a discerning New Yorker.
We'll explore the bar's strategic location, which is a key part of its appeal to the Midtown professional and tourist crowds. We will also delve into the services and offerings, highlighting everything from its private dining rooms to its highly-praised cocktail and wine lists. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of what makes Bobby Van's a worthwhile choice and why it continues to be a go-to spot for an exceptional meal. The reviews from real customers provide a great insight into the welcoming and attentive service, and the high quality of the food and drinks, confirming its status as a top-tier establishment.
Bobby Van's is a proud resident of 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169. This location places it in the prestigious Helmsley Building, directly across from Grand Central Terminal. This prime spot in Midtown Manhattan makes it an incredibly convenient and accessible fine dining destination. The grand and historic nature of its surroundings adds to the upscale and classic atmosphere of the restaurant itself.
Accessibility is a major highlight of this location. Being right next to Grand Central Terminal means it is a hub for all major subway lines (4, 5, 6, 7, and S) and Metro-North commuter trains. This makes it an ideal spot for an after-work dinner, a celebratory lunch, or a meeting with clients coming from a different part of the city or even from outside Manhattan. The central location also makes it a popular choice for tourists staying in nearby hotels. For those who drive, paid street parking is available, though it is often limited. The restaurant is also committed to accessibility for all guests, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, which is an important feature for a fine dining establishment.
Bobby Van's offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities that are expected from a premier steakhouse.
- Takeout and Dine-in: The restaurant provides both dine-in and takeout options, catering to different dining needs, from a full-service dinner to a quick, high-quality meal to go.
- Accepts Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended for both lunch and dinner, especially given the restaurant's popularity. This allows guests to plan their evening without the worry of long waits.
- Private Dining: For special events, business meetings, or large parties, Bobby Van's offers a private dining room, providing an exclusive and intimate setting.
- Full Bar Service: The establishment includes a full bar on-site, offering a wide array of drinks, including an award-winning wine list, great cocktails, and a selection of beers and hard liquor.
- Table Service: The dining experience is complemented by attentive and professional table service, a hallmark of fine dining.
- Catering: Bobby Van's also offers catering services for events, allowing guests to bring their high-quality food to any location.
Bobby Van's is known for several key features and highlights that solidify its reputation as a leading steakhouse in New York.
- Great Cocktails & Wine List: The bar is a highlight, praised by customers for its excellent, well-made cocktails and an extensive, award-winning wine list that pairs perfectly with the menu.
- Classic Steakhouse Cuisine: The menu focuses on steakhouse classics, particularly USDA prime, dry-aged beef. Offerings include a variety of steaks, from Sirloin and Filet Mignon to a massive Porterhouse for two or more.
- Excellent Seafood: Beyond steak, the restaurant is also a noted seafood destination, offering a wide variety of fresh seafood, from a Cold Seafood Tower and Lobster Cocktail to Swordfish and Chilean Sea Bass.
- Upscale & Cozy Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as both upscale and cozy, blending the elegance of a fine dining establishment with a welcoming and comfortable feel.
- Amenities: The restaurant provides essential amenities like an on-site bar, clean restrooms, and Wi-Fi. High chairs are also available, making it a family-friendly fine dining option.
- Inclusive Environment: The restaurant is noted for being family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender safespace, creating a welcoming environment for a diverse clientele.
- Attentive Service: Customer reviews consistently highlight the excellent and attentive service, with staff members, including managers, going out of their way to provide a great experience.
For direct inquiries or to find the location, here is the essential contact information for Bobby Van's.
Address: 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169
Phone: (212) 867-5490
What is worth choosing?
Bobby Van's is a prime choice for anyone in the New York area seeking a traditional, high-quality steakhouse experience. The most compelling reason to choose this establishment is its unwavering commitment to classic fine dining. The focus on USDA prime, dry-aged beef, cooked to perfection, is the cornerstone of its reputation. The food is not just a meal; it's a testament to a time-honored culinary tradition. The menu's variety, extending to fresh and expertly prepared seafood, ensures that there is something for every palate, even for non-steak lovers.
Beyond the food, the location and atmosphere are major selling points. Situated in the prestigious Helmsley Building on Park Avenue, it offers an elegant and sophisticated setting that feels both special and accessible due to its proximity to Grand Central Terminal. This makes it an ideal spot for a post-work gathering, a celebration, or an impressive business dinner. The reviews consistently praise the exceptional service, which adds to the overall value of the experience. The staff's attentiveness and welcoming demeanor, as noted by customers, create an atmosphere that is both professional and genuinely friendly.
The bar and wine program are also a significant draw. The fact that the bar is a popular after-work spot and is known for its excellent cocktails and award-winning wine list speaks to its quality beyond just the food. It's a place where you can enjoy a perfect drink before or after your meal. While prices are reflective of a fine dining establishment in New York, the quality of the food, the service, and the overall experience make it a worthwhile investment. In a city with countless options, Bobby Van's stands out as a reliable, classic, and high-quality choice for a truly great meal.
Bobby Van's Food & drink
Main Menu - APPETIZERS
- French Onion Soup $19.00
- Soup of the Day $20.00
- Cold Seafood Tower $42.00
(per person)
- Littleneck Clams on the Half Shell $21.00
- Blue Point Oysters on the Half Shell $26.00
- Tuna Tartar $26.00
- Sesame Tuna $27.00
- Shrimp Cocktail $28.00
- Lump Crabmeat Cocktail $30.00
- Shrimp Scampi $29.00
- Shrimp Parmesan $29.00
- Shrimp Fra Diavolo $29.00
- Lobster Cocktail $31.00
- Crab Cake $26.00
- Thick Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon $16.00
- Homemade Meatball $20.00
- Eggplant Parmesan $22.00
- Fried Calamari $20.00
- Baked Clams Oreganata $26.00
- Clams Casino $26.00
- Oysters Rockefeller $27.00
Main Menu - SALADS
- Mixed Green Salad $21.00
Tomatoes, Red Onions & Red Wine Vinaigrette topped with Gorgonzola Cheese
- Tomato and Onion $21.00
- Caesar Salad $21.00
- Goat Cheese Salad $23.00
- Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato $25.00
- Harry Salad $28.00
Chopped Shrimp, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Roasted Red Peppers, String Beans & Red Wine Vinaigrette topped with Bacon and Feta Cheese
- Classic Steakhouse Wedge $21.00
Iceberg Lettuce & Blue Cheese Dressing topped with Bacon & Fried Onions
- Tri Color Salad $22.00
Arugula, Raddicchio & Endive, Walnut Oil Vinaigrette
- Chop Chop Salad $21.00
Chopped Yellow & Red Tomatoes, Red Onions with Red Wine Vinaigrette, Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing & Dry Gorgozola Cheese
Main Menu - STEAKHOUSE CLASSICS
- Sirloin Steak $69.00
- Bone-In Rib Steak $79.00
- Porterhouse Steak for Two $69.00
- Porterhouse Steak for More $69.00
- Filet Mignon $69.00
- Petite Filet Mignon $59.00
- Lamb Chops $79.00
- Pork Chops $44.00
- Veal Chop $59.00
- Veal Parmesan $46.00
- Veal Milanese $46.00
- Chicken Milanese $43.00
- Chicken Parmesan $46.00
- Chicken Francese $42.00
- Chicken Marsala $42.00
Main Menu - SEAFOOD
All fish can be plain broiled, grilled, or prepared Cajun style
- Sea Scallops - Broiled $46.00
- Sea Scallops - Francese $46.00
- Filet of Sole - Oreganata $45.00
- Filet of Sole - Broiled $45.00
- Sesame Crusted Tuna $47.00
- Horseradish Crusted Salmon $45.00
Basil Beurre Blanc
- Chilean Sea Bass $49.00
- Swordfish - Livornaise $47.00
- Swordfish - Grilled $47.00
- Shrimp Scampi $48.00
- Shrimp Francese $48.00
- Shrimp Parmesan $48.00
- Crab Cakes $49.00
Main Menu - SIDE DISHES FOR TWO
- Broccoli $16.00
- French Fries $15.00
- Sauteed Mushrooms $16.00
- Asparagus $16.00
- Onion Rings $16.00
- Truffle Fries $17.00
- Creamed Spinach $16.00
- Mashed Potatoes $15.00
- Hash Browns $16.00
- Sauteed Spinach $16.00
- Broccoli Rabe $16.00
- String Beans $16.00
Desserts
- New York Cheese Cake
Créme Brûlée
- Carrot Cake
Pecan Pie
- Fresh Mixed Berries - Chocolate Layer Cake - Tiramisu
- Home Made Bread Pudding - Tartufo
- Ice Cream
Vanilla, Chocolate & Pistaccio
- Sorbet
Mango, Raspberry & Lime
Bobby Van's Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Private dining room
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid street parking
Bobby Van's Photos










Bobby Van's Location
Bobby Van's Reviews
food and serviceporterhousegrand centralbartenderschoolseafoodchopssolidappetizersparty
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Bobby Van’s is a solid after-work spot—perfect for drinks or dinner. The bartender was super attentive and made excellent cocktails. The food was all really good: the shrimp, steak, garlic mashed potatoes, and homemade chips hit the spot. For dessert, we had what I think was the chocolate mud cake—it tasted like a rich brownie sundae and was absolutely perfect for a sweet tooth.
July 06 · CalliHarry the manager/host was so friendly and welcoming. The bar was full. He offered a table for us to have drinks and appetizers. Now this is old school charm. We had a great time!Bobby Van’s is now our go-to spot for lunch, dinner and drinks.Thanks Harry!Food was great! The crab cake was a bit too fishy tasting.
May 21 · allminenycWe had a Morgan Stanley reunion at Bobby Vans on 54th street last week. 8/21/25. This was our third at this site. This reunion is for the employees who were at the World Trade Center on 9/11. So, it’s important for the attendees to feel comfortable and relaxed with each other and for the restaurant to seamlessly provide both food and service in a way that let us interact and enjoy each other’s company after all these years. They did that impeccably. The food is outstanding and the service was amazing. The front of the house did a wonderful job. There are many steak houses in New York, but if you’re in mid town east , definitely stop by Bobby Vans.
August 28 · Arthur ShermanEverything so good.Spotless place to go with your family or by yourself.Best Burguer I have tried in Nyc.100% recommended.
May 19 · Andre Luiz Dos Santos MarquesAmazing. Delicious. Top notch service. The best bread pudding I have ever tasted.
August 12 · Kihani Brea
More restaurants near me

407 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016, USA

50 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016, USA

Lexington Ave &, E 28th St, New York, NY 10016, USA

401 Park Ave S, New York, NY 10016, USA

28 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016, USA

44 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016, USA

116 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA

115 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA

118 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016, USA

132 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016, USA

160 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016, USA

108 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Dining Insights Posts





