Smith & Wollensky Introduce
In the world of New York City dining, Smith & Wollensky stands as an institution. Located in the heart of Midtown, this steakhouse isn't just a place to eat; it's an experience rooted in history and tradition. Known for its old-school charm, the restaurant has been a favorite for generations of New Yorkers and visitors alike, from business professionals to families celebrating a special occasion. The atmosphere is both historic and upscale, with a cozy and inviting feel that makes you want to linger. Smith & Wollensky is renowned for its high-quality, dry-aged steaks and classic American fare, all served in an environment that harks back to a bygone era of elegance and hospitality. It's a place where you can count on impeccable service, a timeless menu, and a vibrant energy that perfectly captures the spirit of the city.
The menu at Smith & Wollensky is a celebration of classic American steakhouse cuisine, focusing on quality and robust flavors. The main event, of course, is the steak, with a selection of USDA Prime, dry-aged cuts that are hand-cut on-premise. Options include the signature "Porterhouse for Two," a "Bone-In New York Cut Sirloin," and a "Cajun Marinated Bone-In Rib Eye," praised by a reviewer as "the star of the show." The menu also features other classics like "Filet Mignon" which can be prepared in various styles, including "Au Poivre" or "Gorgonzola Crusted." Beyond the steaks, the "American restaurant" offerings are equally impressive, with a "Raw Bar" that includes a "Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail," "Colossal Lump Crab Meat," and "Oysters." The sides are legendary, with customer reviews highlighting the "Hash Browns" and "Creamed Spinach" as perfect accompaniments. For those not in the mood for steak, there are other classic entrees like "Pan Seared Salmon," "Roasted Free Range Chicken," and "Colorado Lamb Chops." The dessert menu is also a must-try, with their "Coconut Cake" receiving high praise as a must-have. The extensive "wine list" is a significant feature, with thousands of bottles stored in a private cellar, ensuring the perfect pairing for every meal. The "great cocktails" and "great beer selection" further round out the beverage offerings.
Smith & Wollensky is located at 797 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA. This prominent address in Midtown East places it in one of the most accessible and bustling parts of the city. The location is perfect for pre-theater dining, business lunches, or celebratory dinners. While paid street parking is available, it is often challenging to find in this high-traffic area. The restaurant, however, is easily reachable via public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes within a short walking distance. The restaurant is also commended for its accessibility, with a "Wheelchair accessible entrance," "Wheelchair accessible restroom," and "Wheelchair accessible seating," ensuring that all guests can enjoy the experience without a problem. The presence of "Free parking lot" is also a notable convenience in this dense part of the city.
Smith & Wollensky provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer a complete and accommodating dining experience.
Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery: The restaurant offers a full-service dine-in experience, but also caters to the modern customer with curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, and traditional takeout, providing convenience without sacrificing quality.
Reservations: Given its popularity, the restaurant strongly recommends making "Lunch reservations" and "Dinner reservations." While it "Accepts reservations," there can still be a "Usually a wait," which is a testament to its high demand and loyal customer base.
Catering and Private Dining: The restaurant is a popular choice for "Catering" and has a "Private dining room" for special events and business functions. This service is a major highlight, as it allows guests to enjoy the Smith & Wollensky experience in an exclusive setting.
Amenities: The establishment has a "Bar onsite" where patrons can enjoy "Cocktails," "Beer," and "Wine." It also offers "Wi-Fi" for added convenience and a "Restroom" that is well-maintained.
Smith & Wollensky is known for several key features that solidify its status as a New York icon.
Quality of Steaks: The restaurant is celebrated for its "Serves local specialty" of prime, dry-aged beef, known for its "rich, even marbling." The consistent quality of the steaks is a major draw for discerning diners.
Atmosphere and Vibe: The ambiance is a mix of "Cozy," "Historic," and "Upscale," creating a unique and memorable setting. The multi-level space, with a "nicer" ground floor, provides a classic steakhouse feel.
Extensive Wine List: A notable highlight is the "Great wine list," which features a vast selection from its private cellar, with some bottles valued at thousands of dollars. This makes it a destination for wine connoisseurs.
Inclusive and Welcoming: The restaurant is "Family-friendly" and "LGBTQ+ friendly," with a "Transgender safespace," making it a welcoming environment for all. A "Kids' menu" and "High chairs" are also available, making it a viable option for families.
For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact Smith & Wollensky using the information below.
Address: 797 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA
Phone: (212) 753-1530
What makes Smith & Wollensky worth choosing is its unwavering commitment to a classic steakhouse experience. While some critics may question its value compared to other steakhouses, as one review notes, its consistent quality, rich history, and iconic status make it a must-visit. The staff's professionalism, as mentioned in a review, and the high quality of the main dishes, particularly the steaks and hash browns, are consistently praised. The ability to cater to a variety of needs, from private dining to being dog-friendly with outdoor seating, makes it a versatile destination. It is a place that feels like a club, not a tourist trap, despite its popularity. For New Yorkers seeking a piece of culinary history, a perfectly cooked prime steak, and an evening in a bustling, classic setting, Smith & Wollensky is a destination that delivers on its promise of an unforgettable meal. Its legendary status is not just about the food, but the entire dining experience, which is why it continues to be a go-to spot for those who appreciate tradition and excellence.
Smith & Wollensky Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Smith & Wollensky Photos










Smith & Wollensky Location
Smith & Wollensky Reviews
creamed spinachcoconut cakehash brownswarren buffettcajun ribeyepea soupau poivremango ice creamoyster mushroomsarrested
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Best make a reservation if possible. Seating available both on the ground and second floor. Ground floor area is nicer. Staff are as always very professional and helpful. Menu isn’t extensive but what they have they do very well. Had salad and hash brown and they were really good. Steaks are also done perfectly and while a little expensive, it’s better than any of the other steakhouses around. Well worth a visit.
July 04 · Teck BoonTo be fair this steakhouse is very much mediocre. For the price that you pay you may as well enjoy the other steakhouses in nyc as this place is not really worth your time or money. The steaks were cooked beautifully however the sides and appetizers were either unseasoned, extremely salty, or super dry. We tried so many dishes as well and they mostly all seemed to have that in common. I was expecting higher standards for this place
August 14 · kaitlyn k.Third time at S & W, First time at, from what I understand, to be the OG location. Intimate indoor seating, very brisk air conditioning and attentive staff.Arrived with a reservation so no info on walk-in seating times. Bryce Anderson and Ronnie worked in tandem to bring us the best dining experience possible.Good variety of food and drink options. Would highly recommend for special occasions or for a change of pace.
August 05 · J ProbherbsDining at Smith & Wollensky was truly an unforgettable experience. The food was outstanding from the perfectly prepared steaks to the sides, everything was amazing!What elevated the evening even further was the service. Our server, Kareem, was exceptional. He was attentive and genuinely cared about making the night special. He anticipated needs before we even asked and created a dining experience that I was unforgettable.Behind the scenes, Ryan was instrumental in helping coordinate this dinner, ensuring every detail was seamless from the very beginning. His professionalism and care set the tone for the night. Nick’s hospitality and personal attention made the entire experience unforgettable. The way he engaged with us truly made us feel like valued guests rather than just another table.This was truly and incredible dining experiences and we’ll absolutely be returning
August 24 · Mark DiazI recently had dinner at Smith & Wollensky and it was one of the best steakhouse experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt classic and welcoming, with just the right mix of elegance and comfort. The staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, which made the whole evening even more enjoyable. I started with the bacon appetizer, and it was absolutely delicious—thick-cut, smoky, and bursting with flavor. It was the perfect way to start the meal.The highlight, of course, was the Ribeye steak that I ordered rare. It was cooked exactly the way I love it, with a perfect sear on the outside and a warm, beautifully red center on the inside. The meat was incredibly tender, juicy, and full of rich, beefy flavor. You could really taste the quality of the beef—it had excellent marbling that gave every bite a buttery texture and depth of flavor that’s hard to find anywhere else. It truly melted in my mouth.What stood out to me most was how balanced the steak was: seasoned just right to enhance the natural flavor of the meat without overpowering it. It’s clear that Smith & Wollensky takes pride in using top-quality beef and preparing it with real skill. Paired with the welcoming service and classic steakhouse vibe, the entire experience was memorable from start to finish.If you’re someone who loves steak—especially cooked rare—this is the place you need to try. Smith & Wollensky delivers on every level, and I can’t wait to go back again.
August 16 · LilyAlice ST
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